The C-HR is back and it’s electric. I loved driving it on the winding canyon roads of Ojai, California!
2026 TOYOTA C-HR IS HERE
Friend of the site Connie Peters drives the 2026 Toyota C-HR.
Take a look at the video or transcript below to see what she thinks.
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A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
[Image: Video Thumbnail]
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This transcript is a hands-on first-drive overview of the new 2026 Toyota C-HR EV, presented by automotive journalist Connie Peters.
Main Highlights
The reviewer drives the new C-HR through canyon roads near Ojai, California, emphasizing that the vehicle is:
- Quick
- Fun to drive
- Comfortable
- Tech-focused
- Premium-feeling for its size and price point
She repeatedly highlights how enjoyable EV instant torque makes the driving experience.
Performance & Powertrain
The 2026 C-HR EV features:
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive
- 338 horsepower
- 0–60 mph in 4.9 seconds
- Up to 287 miles (465 km) of range
The reviewer says the compact SUV feels lively and sporty on winding roads.
Exterior Design
The design is described as:
- Sleek
- Coupe-like
- Sportback-inspired
- Modern and sporty
Notable exterior details include:
- New “Tanduri” paint color
- 20-inch wheels on the top XSE trim
- Black badging
- Fastback rear styling
- Slim roof rails
The reviewer especially praises the rear-end styling and overall proportions.
Cargo & Practicality
The C-HR offers:
- Flat-folding 60/40 rear seats
- Adjustable cargo floor system
- Rear household-style 120V outlet
- Spacious rear hatch area
There is no front trunk (“frunk”), which the reviewer checks for explicitly.
The car also uses the new Tesla-style NACS charging port but includes an adapter for CCS/DC fast charging compatibility.
Interior & Technology
A major focus of the review is the interior technology and comfort.
Highlighted features include:
- Massive 14-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Dual wireless phone chargers
- 360-degree camera system
- Toyota’s “see-through” parking visualization
- Heated seats and steering wheel
- Panoramic fixed glass roof
- JBL 9-speaker premium audio
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
The reviewer repeatedly says the interior feels more premium than expected for a compact SUV.
Comfort & Family Usability
The host praises:
- Comfortable suede/SoftTex seats
- Memory seating on the driver’s seat
- Flat rear floor
- Rear heated seats
- Child-seat friendliness
- Good rear-seat room despite coupe styling
She notes the vehicle would work well for families sharing one vehicle.
Overall Impression
The overall tone is very positive. The reviewer describes the 2026 C-HR EV as:
- Sporty
- Efficient
- Quick
- High-tech
- Premium-feeling
- Fun to drive
She concludes that the vehicle delivers a surprisingly upscale experience for a compact electric crossover and encourages viewers to test-drive EVs if they haven’t already.
