2026 Toyota C-HR is here
The C-HR is back and it’s electric. I loved driving it on the winding canyon roads of Ojai, California!
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.
The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.
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.
Connie Peters is an automotive video creator and journalist covering all types of cars and trucks for the past ten years in suburban Vancouver.
More by Connie Peters, TTAC Creator
Comments
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Well look at the, reader comments are being deleted.
Connie's a "TTAC Creator?" So, she swallows first and then spits?
20" wheels? Good grief that's what's on my FS BOF SUV. Hopefully you can get something that makes more sense on the other trims.
2026 Toyota C-HR is here. It's electric.
So nobody cares.
She needs a tan.
Pretty girls should not have to drive a 4 door ANYTHING! - where's the Celica, let alone an affordable one? A very very pretty girl in my office had a Celica, went over to a MLB ballpark in the 1980s, met a famous player, & they got married! Divorced now - of course - he's out of shape & old.
Stellantis Guy looked up and saw a woman once. Then I got back to installing chrome engine accessories. My car has significant body damage but very high ignition voltages.