Toyota’s All-Electric C-HR: A New Era for Compact SUVs
Toyota is making a bold move into the electric vehicle market with its revamped C-HR compact SUV. The new model boasts dual electric motors producing 338 horsepower, allowing it to hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds – a feat that leaves even Toyota’s own GR86 sports car in the dust.
The C-HR’s transformation is more than just a redesign; it’s a complete reboot. Toyota benchmarked the SUV against both mainstream and premium rivals, and according to Daisuke Ido, chief engineer for Toyota’s bZ and C-HR programs, the new model now belongs in the premium group. “During benchmarking, we brought some of the competitors into two groups – the normal, let’s say daily use cars, and the premium cars,” Ido explained. “Now, we are in the premium group. The new numbers are more powerful. More power is more appealing.”
Chad Moore, marketing manager for the bZ and C-HR lineup, echoed this sentiment, stating that Toyota is positioning the C-HR as “more sporty and fun to drive” compared to its predecessor. The company has also made significant upgrades to the interior and exterior, making it “much more premium” overall.
While the C-HR won’t be available in the US in single-motor configurations (165 hp and 221 hp versions will be sold in Europe), the dual-motor US model promises exciting performance. It’s worth noting that the C-HR isn’t an outright performance car like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Kia EV6 GT, but it compares favorably to the EV6 GT-Line AWD, which delivers 320 hp and similar acceleration.
As Toyota continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings, the all-new C-HR represents a significant step forward. With its impressive performance, premium features, and sporty design, this compact SUV is poised to make a lasting impact in the EV market.
