Toyota C-HR nameplate resurrected as EV; 2026 Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ gain range, updates to be more competitive
Toyota Motor Corp. showed journalists the next steps in its electric vehicle strategy in Brussels, resurrecting a familiar nameplate as an EV and making significant midcycle changes to the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.
The Toyota brand is widely expected to add a second electric vehicle to its U.S. lineup, a two-row that will slot below the bZ4X crossover. While Toyota Motor North America has not confirmed that the C-HR+ will be sold in the U.S., it is expected to be added early next year, in part to give the automaker another nameplate to sell in order to meet tough Advanced Clean Car II sales regulations in six states that go into effect with the 2026 model year.
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The Toyota brand has majorly retooled its sole U.S. electric vehicle with new styling and interior features, as well as a new battery and an energy management strategy to boost its range. As part of the midcycle freshening, Toyota is including improved e-axles aimed at increasing power delivery. It also restyled the bZ4X's front fascia and reworked its instrument panel and center console, making a 14-inch digital infotainment display standard across all models.
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Lexus will introduce its first production application of steer-by-wire technology in the upper trims of the electric RZ crossover for the 2026 model year, accompanying battery system changes that promise to improve its range.
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Tom's Guide
3 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Hisense U8QG vs Hisense U8N: Which Mini-LED TV wins?
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While they don't exactly match the performance of some of the best OLED TVs, these Hisense flagships do have some incredible metrics to consider, but it's worth taking a look at which among them might prove the better buy for your next TV upgrade. Hisense U8N Hisense U8QG Sizes 55", 65", 75", 85" 55", 65", 75", 85", 100" Ports 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 3x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C Resolution 3,840 x 2,160p 3,840 x 2,160p Refresh rate 144Hz 165Hz HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Smart TV software Google TV Google TV ATSC 3.0 support? Yes Yes Processor Hi-View Engine Pro Hi-View Engine Pro Given that they are both flagship Hisense Mini-LED TVs launched just a year apart, you can expect to see very similar design elements on both sets. Above is the rear of the U8QG, which boasts two subwoofers at the top and a slew of ports on its right. Interestingly, the USB-C video output is positioned closer to the front of the screen, making it a little easier to charge devices and connect to nearby PCs if you're into that sort of thing. One thing that immediately stands out, especially considering the side profile of the U8N below, is the bulkiness of the 2025 TV. It has heft and requires at least two people to set it up, with its 65-inch model weighing just under 53 pounds. Both the U8N and U8QG utilize a pedestal-style stand, which varies in size depending on the TV. It connects to the panel with relative ease, but there's no real way of changing the orientation higher or lower, which makes it a little tough to slot in an accompanying soundbar if needed. Not that you need one when it comes to the U8QG, as it sports a 4.1.2-channel speaker with a 72W output. This will also vary depending on the size you get, but a 20W subwoofer is quite the all-around audio system that stands against the competition. Meanwhile, the U8N has just a 2.1.2 audio system on a 50W output, but it does still have a 20W subwoofer. This will meet the demands of most users, as it boasts serious sound, but you will be missing out on a wider surround sound profile. Unlike the U8QG, which has just three HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB-C video output, the U8N comes equipped with just two HDMI 2.1 and two HDMI 2.0. While the USB-C is nice for PC gamers or those who may want to charge devices close to the TV, it feels a bit too niche to subtract from a whole row of HDMI ports. A more interesting addition might have been an HDMI 2.2 port, but we may have to wait until next year before we see that on most TVs. All that being said, I think it's safe to give the U8QG a big thumbs up for this section. While it's bulkier and does miss out on an HDMI port, I think most users would be willing to give that up in favor of increased audio performance. 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