C-HR Goes Electric

The C-HR Update

The realm of electric vehicles is becoming familiar ground, yet not every company has mastered its intricacies. Leading the hybrid market for years, Toyota is taking its fully electric ambitions seriously with the latest C-HR model. This compact SUV embodies a fresh and more aggressive aesthetic compared to its predecessor. It’s not just a facelift but a complete reinvention, showcasing capabilities that outshine even Toyota’s sporty GR86.

Performance

All U.S. versions of the Toyota C-HR are set to feature dual electric motors, pushing out an impressive 338 horsepower. This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds. While European markets will offer variants with single motors delivering 165 hp and 221 hp, these options won’t be crossing the Atlantic to U.S. dealerships.

Comparatively, the C-HR doesn’t attempt to rival performance-specific electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or the Kia EV6 GT, which touts a similar pitch in power but is generally marked by distinct high-performance credentials.

Premium Aspirations

As announced, the evolution from bZ4X to merely bZ is indicative of Toyota’s streamlined approach in electrics, but the C-HR is broadening this vision more assertively. By benchmarking itself against both standard and premium peers, Toyota insists that the C-HR now holds its ground in the premium segment. Daisuke Ido, the chief engineer behind the bZ and C-HR, stresses the brand’s ambition to position this model as more of a premium SUV. Not only is it about under-the-hood prowess with enhanced motor power, but also about plush appeal both inside and out.

Driving Experience

The 338-hp powertrain ensures enough grunt to satisfy thrill-seekers while graveling under a cloak of refinement thanks to its smart suspension and drive train calibration. It’s comparable to the more established but larger competitors like the Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD. This doesn’t just make it a swift commuter car; the agility it offers suggests a desire to bridge the gap between sporty ambitions and practicality. Chad Moore, from Toyota, puts it succinctly by noting this C-HR is both sportier and more fun compared to its previous iteration.

Overall, this is a balanced act by Toyota—a sophisticated sync of power, efficiency, and upscaled design that could redefine compact electric SUVs. While some might say it’s late to the party, the C-HR seems ready to catch the eye of those who prioritize a blend of punchy performance and everyday usability.