The Toyota C-HR was always known for its bold and unique styling, but that might have been about it. Discontinued in 2022, the C-HR suffered from a sluggish and noisy powertrain, minimal passenger space, and an uncomfortable ride. Even its best feature, the exterior styling, caused blind spots while driving.
However, Toyota is changing all of that with the reintroduction of the C-HR for 2026. Now fully electric, the C-HR combines its unique styling with more horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, and a host of convenient tech features.
Available in two trim levels, the SE and XSE, we will cover the standard features below and whether making the jump to the XSE is worth the money.
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Single-speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
Robust electrified powertrain
Four levels of regenerative braking
The 2026 Toyota C-HR employs a pair of front and rear electric motors (one at each axle) for an all-wheel drive system that produces a combined 338 horsepower. Torque output varies between the electric motors, with the front one rated at 198 lb-ft. of torque and the rear one at 125 lb-ft. of torque.
Toyota estimates the zero to 60 time at 4.9 seconds. The four levels of regenerative braking power, meanwhile, are controlled through the steering wheel paddle shifters.
The table below shows the EPA-estimated driving ranges. The standard 20-inch wheels and additional factory equipment of the XSE is the most logical explanation for the difference in range.
|
Trim Level |
Total Range |
|
SE |
287 miles |
|
XSE |
273 miles |
Charging times
Every 2026 C-HR has a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port for Level 3 DC fast-charging via the Tesla Supercharger network. According to Toyota, the 2026 C-HR will go from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions when connected to a DC fast charger.
An 11-kW AC charger for Level 1 and Level 2 home charging is also standard, along with a dual-voltage (120V/240V) charging cable.
Like the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, the C-HR features a battery preconditioning system that helps the battery reach the “Goldilocks” temperature zone. Essentially, the 2026 C-HR can warm or cool the battery before arriving at a charging station in order to ensure the fastest possible charging speed once plugged in. The battery preconditioning system is one of the features of Toyota’s Drive Connect services, which is offered as complimentary for three years.
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Interior tech features
Connected services offered for a trial period
Inside, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system is front and center, which comprises a 14-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. XSE models have the option for a JBL system with nine speakers, including an eight-channel 800-watt amplifier and a nine-inch subwoofer.
A variety of Toyota Connected Services are offered for a trial period after the purchase of a 2026 C-HR, including Drive Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Safety Connect.
Drive and Wi-Fi Connect
Drive Connect includes the battery preconditioning system mentioned above, along with an intelligent assistant that responds to voice commands following a “hey Toyota” prompt. Drivers can use voice commands to control the cloud navigation or adjust the audio and climate settings.
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi Connect can pair with an Apple Music and Amazon Music subscription for on-demand streaming while also turning the C-HR into a rolling hotspot.
Safety Connect
Safety Connect includes an emergency assistance (SOS) button, stolen vehicle locator, and 24/7 roadside assistance. The 2026 C-HR also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes active safety features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.
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Trim level comparison
SE is well-equipped
The 2026 Toyota C-HR is available in two trim levels, SE and XSE. Starting MSRP, with the $1,450 destination charge, is $38,450 for the SE and $40,450 for the XSE. Here is a summary of the standard equipment for each.
- Blind spot monitor.
- Power rear liftgate.
- Rain-sensing wipers.
- Low-profile roof rails.
- 18-inch wheels with black inserts.
- Panoramic view monitor (XSE only).
- Two front wireless Qi phone chargers.
- Heated front seats and steering wheel.
- 20-inch gunmetal style wheels (XSE only).
- Frontand rear parking assist with automatic braking.
- Four USB-Type C ports (one front media, one front 15W, two rear 60W combined).
New exterior paint colors include Overcast, which resembles a regal-looking gray, and Tandoori, which resembles a performance-oriented red. Two-tone options are available for the XSE, including the pairing of Tandoori, Cement, or Wind Chill Pearl with a Midnight Black Metallic roof.
To summarize, here is what you gain by going with the XSE for $2,000 additional:
- Upgraded Wheels: The gunmetal 20-inch wheels are more stylish.
- Paint Choices: Exclusive two-tone paint options for a more customized look.
- Enhanced Visibility: Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree overhead view for safer parking and maneuvering.
On paper, the XSE is worth the $2,000 upgrade as it’s only a modest jump to gain features that enhance both safety and style. However, because the SE is already so well-equipped, it likely remains the stronger value play for budget-conscious buyers.
