09:21 29-01-2026

Toyota C-HR electric: sporty EV with 338 hp and 290-mile range

Toyota's new C-HR EV starts at $37,000, offering 338 hp, 0-60 mph in 5 seconds, and 290-mile range. A sporty electric crossover for performance-focused drivers.

Toyota has brought back the C-HR to its lineup, but contrary to expectations, the focus isn't on affordability but on performance. The new electric compact starts at a minimum of $37,000, which is notably higher than predicted and puts it in direct competition with larger, longer-range electric crossovers. However, with its power and driving dynamics, the C-HR aims to compete in the category of electric hot hatches.

Pricing and Positioning

The base SE version costs $37,000, while the XSE is priced at $39,000, excluding delivery fees. This places it significantly above mass-market budget EVs like the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model Y Standard. Instead, Toyota has opted for a contrasting strategy: positioning the C-HR not as a cheap electric crossover but as a fast, sporty urban EV. The new C-HR comes standard with dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a combined output of 338 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around five seconds. It offers a range of 290 miles, with charging from 10% to 80% taking about half an hour.

Comparison with Competitors

The C-HR finds itself in a mixed pricing field, where it sits alongside the affordable Leaf and the more premium Volvo EX30. Its Subaru twin, the Uncharted, is cheaper but weaker in its base version. The Model Y Standard offers more interior space and range but falls noticeably short in acceleration. Overall, Toyota is deliberately positioning the C-HR in the zone of sporty electric compact crossovers rather than budget mass-market models.

Toyota's Strategy: Emotion Over Minimalism

The brand is consistently developing fast and spirited electrified vehicles, from the RAV4 GR Sport to the new bZ family. While the bZ4X was somewhat dull, the new C-HR and bZ Woodland demonstrate that Toyota is ready to compete on performance. Outputs of 338–375 horsepower are rare in this segment, and this focus on sportiness signals a shift in the brand's direction as mass electrification takes hold.