Latest news with #ToyotaC-HR+
Motor Trend
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Toyota bZ First Look: Is a Little Better Good Enough?
Late to the game and short on redeeming qualities, the Toyota bZ4X has been a tough sell in the U.S. next to better options from Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and pretty much every other company that builds a compact electric SUV. The revised 2026 Toyota bZ aims to fix that through subtle improvements to nearly all aspects of the vehicle, from range and charging to interior features and exterior design. Toyota is also taking this opportunity to drop the '4X' in the old model's name. Calling the new car bZ probably won't shed the outgoing car's baggage, but it signals that Toyota has thankfully abandoned plans to brand every EV with an alphanumeric that starts with bZ (an abbreviation of 'Beyond Zero'). The company's next EV, the 2026 Toyota C-HR+, instead dredges up a different jumble of letters that has (some) historical precedence and maybe even a sliver of name recognition. Going Further Quicker or the Same Distance Slower The big news is that the bZ's maximum range rating jumps 25 percent to 314 miles over the bZ4X's best of 252 miles. Notably, that extra reach is squeezed out through small tweaks rather than packing a bunch of additional energy into the battery. The larger of the bZ's two packs is only marginally larger at 74.7 kWh of energy capacity compared to 71.4 kWh in today's front-drive models and 72.8 kWh in all-wheel drive trims. New permanent-magnet motors make more efficient use of that energy thanks to silicon carbide semiconductors while also delivering improved performance. Most front-drive bZs make 221 horsepower, a 20-hp gain, while all-wheel-drive models surge from 214 to 338 hp. With all that giddy-up on board, we expect the quickest models to drop more than a second from the 0-60-mph dash, stopping the clock right around 4.5 seconds. We're a bit shocked that Toyota Motor North America has also chosen to introduce a new base model. As far as we know, no one ever asked for a slower bZ4X with a smaller battery, and yet the front-wheel-drive 2026 Toyota bZ XLE generates just 168 hp and uses a 57.7-kWh battery. Curiously, Toyota says the XLE will earn an EPA range of 236 miles, somehow—almost inexplicably—matching the range of the front-drive 2025 bZ4X Limited with that 71.4-kWh battery. How is that possible? If we had to wager a guess at what's going on with the new range ratings, we'd bet there are bigger changes to the numbers Toyota isn't sharing. While most of the auto industry advertises usable battery capacity, Toyota lists total capacity. It seems likely that the 2026 bZ leaves less energy in reserve than the old bZ4X, allowing significantly more energy to be used for driving the car down the road. The model lineup, range estimates, and power ratings for the 2026 Toyota bZ are as follows: Prepare for Better Charging More than range, the bZ4X's greatest shortcoming has been its lousy DC fast-charging. Unfortunately, the 2026 bZ's peak DC charging speed doesn't increase beyond the current car's ho-hum 150 kW. Toyota is still promising faster public charging, though, thanks to a new battery preconditioning feature. When activated, it uses coolant to either warm or cool the battery to an ideal temperature for charging. Drivers can turn on preconditioning manually or set it so that the car automatically prepares the battery whenever a DC fast-charging station is set as destination. There's also a new route planner integrated into the navigation system to help drivers plan their charging stops on long road trips. Toyota can even tout the 2026 bZ as an early adopter of the Tesla-designed NACS port, which will allow owners to plug into the majority of Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. Plug & Charge capability means the car can initiate charging and handle payment without needing the driver to fuss with a phone app or swipe a credit card. The bZ can also refuel faster at home thanks to an upgrade from 7-kW to 11-kW AC charging. Design Tweaks Inside and Out A new fascia with thinner running lights strengthens the familial relationship with the Toyota Camry and Prius, but it's the available body-colored-matched cladding that gives the bZ a real glow up. When painted to blend in with the rest of the car, the chunky plastic trim disappears into the rest of the body work. Unfortunately, the high-contrast black finish is still standard on some models, which calls attention to the front fenders that look like they've been installed backwards. Interior revisions include a new dashboard with a larger 14.0-inch touchscreen across the lineup. Compared to the outgoing bZ4X's 12.3-inch screen, though, the new screen won't feel significantly larger because the current car's capacitive climate controls have been relocated into the display, where they take up the lower third of the screen. A revised center console provides space for two wireless phone chargers and moves the gear selector back toward the armrest. Toyota also says the cabin will be more refined than it already is thanks to improved sound insulation and tweaked suspension. The bZ's steering wheel sprouts a pair of paddles for adjusting regenerative braking and there's a 1,500-watt AC outlet for powering household electronics. Limited trims gain an eight-way power passenger seat, driver memory function, and a digital rearview mirror. Is a Little Better Good Enough? The 2026 Toyota bZ will reach U.S. dealers in the second half of 2025. With longer range, faster charging, more power, a more attractive face, and a more refined interior, there's little doubt that it will be a better EV than the bZ4X that came before it. But the competition isn't standing still. The question that remains is whether Toyota has done enough to push the bZ ahead relative to the alternatives. We'll wait to drive it and run it through our test regimen before we take a stance on that. This story was originally published in March 2025 with global market details, but has since been updated to reflect U.S.-specific battery sizes, range estimates, photos, and more.
ArabGT
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
2026 Toyota C-HR+ is Smaller Than bZ4X and Stronger Than GR Supra
Toyota expands its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the 2026 Toyota C-HR+, marking its entry into the compact EV segment. Positioned below the 2025 Toyota bZ4X, this latest addition serves as a strategic move to cater to a growing demand for smaller, urban-friendly electric crossovers. Many may recall the Toyota C-HR, a distinctive small SUV that debuted in 2016. It was previously tested extensively by Arab GT, and now, Toyota has introduced a fully electric version named C-HR+. This new model is primarily targeted at the European market, with potential availability in other regions. 2026 Toyota C-HR+ Dimensions Length: 4,520 mm 4,520 mm Wheelbase: 2,750 mm 2,750 mm Trunk Capacity: 416 liters Market Positioning and Target Audience Segment and Competitive Landscape As a compact electric crossover, the C-HR+ is aimed at urban commuters and younger buyers looking for an efficient, agile, and affordable EV. It competes directly with models like the Honda HR-V EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and MG 4, particularly in Europe and China, where demand for small electric vehicles is high. Technology and Platform Architecture and Battery Capabilities Built on Toyota's e-TNGA platform, shared with the bZ4X, the C-HR+ benefits from cost efficiencies and increased production flexibility. Toyota offers two battery options for the vehicle: 57.7 kWh (standard battery) 77 kWh (larger capacity for extended range) Charging options include: Level 2 AC chargers (11 kW or 22 kW) (11 kW or 22 kW) DC fast charging with a peak of 150 kW A battery pre-conditioning system optimizes charging performance in extreme temperatures, and an available heat pump enhances overall efficiency. According to WLTP standards, the vehicle offers a maximum range of 600 km (373 miles) on a full charge. Interior Features Inside, the 2026 Toyota C-HR+ comes with a digital instrument cluster positioned atop the dashboard, along with a large 14-inch touchscreen that integrates climate controls. While some physical buttons remain for key functions, the infotainment system still dominates much of the interface. Additional conveniences include: Dual wireless charging pads Rear climate control Panoramic sunroof Performance and Powertrain Options The C-HR+ is offered in both single-motor and dual-motor configurations: Front-Wheel Drive (Single Motor) 165 hp with the 57.7 kWh battery 221 hp when equipped with the 77 kWh battery All-Wheel Drive (Dual Motor) 338 hp , exclusively paired with the 77 kWh battery This makes the C-HR+ Toyota's most powerful European model, aside from the GR Supra Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds Toyota's Electrification Strategy Transition from Hybrid to Electric Toyota is broadening its approach, moving beyond hybrids like the Prius to establish a more balanced electric and hybrid portfolio. This shift aligns with evolving regulations and consumer expectations. Global Compliance and Market Adaptation By launching the 2026 Toyota C-HR+, Toyota: Addresses stringent emissions regulations , such as Europe's 2035 combustion engine ban , such as Leverages China's EV incentives to strengthen its presence in key markets Opportunities and Challenges Toyota's electric expansion brings both opportunities and obstacles: Supply chain management : Ensuring battery production scalability and affordability : Ensuring battery production scalability and affordability Brand perception: Reducing criticism over Toyota's late adoption of EVs while emphasizing its expertise in hybrid technology The 2026 Toyota C-HR+ reinforces Toyota's commitment to electrification, strategically filling a gap in the compact EV market. By utilizing its e-TNGA platform and expanding its electric offerings, Toyota aims to secure a larger share of the growing urban electric vehicle sector, all while upholding its legacy of reliability and innovation.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota likely to bring 2nd EV to U.S. lineup in 2026 with compact C-HR+
BRUSSELS — 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. And it will have a familiar name. The 2026 Toyota C-HR+ is a coupe-styled crossover that was primarily designed for Europe, where it is expected to go on sale this year. It was revealed to journalists here this month. 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 to meet tough Advanced Clean Car II sales regulations in six states that go into effect with the 2026 model year. Built on the automaker's e-TNGA dedicated battery-electric vehicle platform, it's unclear whether the specifications for the C-HR+ that would be sold in the U.S. will be the same as the European version. There, the C-HR+ will be offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a 57.7 kilowatt-hour or 77 kWh battery pack. Sign up for our daily First Shift morning newscast email for a quick video to start your day. Toyota discontinued the C-HR in the U.S. after the 2022 model year, when it was replaced with the Corolla Cross. In the U.S., the C-HR was available only in fwd and equipped with a 144-hp 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Sales in the U.S. reached 42,936 in 2020, but by 2022 had dwindled to just 12,141. Sales were hampered by its small size and lack of an awd version — drawbacks rectified by the larger and more diverse U.S.-built Corolla Cross. The two-row C-HR+ EV hatchback has much of the C-HR's styling cues, including its aggressive stance and coupelike sloping C-pillar and rear. However, it is about 5 inches longer than the previous gasoline-powered version, with a much longer wheelbase for a better ride and handling. As a result of the size difference and its electric powertrain, the C-HR+ has a much larger cabin than its combustion-powered predecessor. 'The dedicated platform gave us a lot of freedom, but we knew from the start that we wanted to bring all of the passion, emotion and success from the [combustion] C-HR to the BEV space,' Masaya Uchiyama, Toyota's chief engineer for electric vehicles, told journalists here. The two cars 'share the same DNA, but under the skin, the architecture is entirely different.' Toyota is expected to announce pricing and U.S. specs for the C-HR+ this year. When it becomes available to Toyota dealers in the U.S., it would give them another EV to sell alongside the bZ4X, which is getting a mid-cycle refresh to add range and better battery management, among other changes. The C-HR+ would theoretically make it somewhat less difficult for Toyota to meet the ACC II regulation set to go into effect in California and five other states this year, which mandates that automakers achieve at least a 35 percent sales threshold in each state for zero-emission vehicles. Toyota and its dealers have been lobbying Congress, the Trump administration and states to at least postpone — if not kill — the ACC II mandate, saying it is far ahead of where consumer demand for EVs is. So far, those lobbying efforts have not been successful. Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
View Photos of the Toyota C-HR+
Read the Full Story Toyota is giving the C-HR nameplate the EV treatment. Called the C-HR+, the electric subcompact crossover offers two battery packs and multiple power outputs, including a 337-hp option. The Toyota C-HR+ has an assertive appearance and features Toyota's distinctive daytime running lights. Measuring 178.0 inches long, the C-HR+ is over six inches shorter than the bZ4X, which it shares a platform with. The C-HR+ offers two battery sizes, with estimated usable capacities of 51.9 and 69.3 kWh. The C-HR+ has an interior that features a dash with horizontal lines, ambient lighting, and a high-mounted gauge cluster. Toyota's infotainment system runs through a 14.0-inch touchscreen that includes a volume knob and physical HVAC controls. The center console is designed with smartphones in mind, as it has two spots to wirelessly charge them. The C-HR+ is offered with a JBL sound system, as indicated by the tweeter speaker on the front roof pillar. Toyota says the C-HR+ has about 15 cubic feet of space to store stuff behind the back seats. Here's a closer look at the C-HR EV's distinctive lighting elements, which are similar to other Toyota models. Despite a dramatically sloped rear roofline, Toyota says it doesn't compromise rear-seat headroom in the C-HR+. The version shown here is for the European market, and it's unclear if the Toyota C-HR+ will be sold in the United States. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
