Meet Toyota’s new EV: Is the C-HR+ the affordable electric SUV we’ve been waiting for?

It’s finally here. Toyota unveiled its newest EV, the C-HR+, a surprisingly stylish electric SUV. The smaller SUV will sit below the bZ4X and offer more range, a sleek new look, and faster charging. With an expected lower price tag, the Toyota C-HR+ could just be the affordable electric SUV we’ve been waiting for.

Toyota unveils the new C-HR+ as an EV

Remember Toyota’s compact C-HR? It’s back and better than ever. Toyota discontinued it in the US in 2022, replacing it with the more efficient Corolla Cross hybrid and first electric SUV, the bZ4X.

Toyota is reviving the name as it revamps its EV lineup. At its annual product strategy event last week, Toyota showcased an array of new EVs that are coming soon, including the new C-HR+.

The electric C-HR already looks like a massive upgrade over the discontinued gas model. Its clean, modern look is similar to Toyota’s other updated vehicles, such as the Corolla, Crown, and Prius. It will be available in both front and all-wheel drive configurations.

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With two battery options, 57.7 kWh and 77 kWh, the C-HR+ EV has a WLTP driving range of up to 372 miles (600 km).

Outside of its GR performance models, the AWD version will be Toyota’s most powerful vehicle in Europe. With up to 343 horsepower (252 kW), it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.2 seconds.

The FWD model with the 57.7 kWh battery packs 167 horsepower (123 kW) while the larger 77 kWh battery delivers 224 horsepower (165 kW).

Inside, Toyota claims its new electric SUV is a “class above” with an extended wheelbase providing an open, welcoming feel. The C-HR+ features a standard 14″ infotainment with dedicated EV routing.

Toyota loaded it with its latest connectivity and safety tech, including Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems.

Safety features like a Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive High-Beam headlights, and a Parking Support Brake are now standard. Higher trims gain Park Assist and a Panoramic View Monitor.

Although official specs will be revealed closer to launch, Toyota said the electric SUV can achieve DC fast charging speeds of up to 150 kW. The company finally added a battery preconditioning feature for better performance.

At 4,520 mm (178″) long, the C-HR+ EV version is slightly longer than the previous gas model. It’s also a bit shorter than the Toyota RAV4.

Toyota will launch the electric SUV later this year in select European markets, with a full rollout in Europe scheduled for 2026. For those in the US, we’ll have to wait for the official word, but if it does arrive, which would likely be in 2026, the C-HR+ would sit below the bZ4X.

With the 2025 bZ4X starting at $37,070, we could see Toyota’s smaller electric SUV start in the $30,000 range. At that, it could be a true competitor in the US.

How do you feel about Toyota’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one in the US for around $30,000 to $35,000?