2026 Toyota C-HR review: XSE AWD EV Tested
This 2026 Toyota C-HR review looks at the all-electric XSE AWD, a compact crossover now sold in Canadian dealerships. It shares its e-TNGA platform, 77 kWh battery, and motors with the Toyota BZ. However, it is 170 mm shorter and only about 25 kg lighter.
Power and driving in the 2026 Toyota C-HR review
The front-wheel-drive SE uses one motor with 221 horsepower. It needs more than seven seconds to reach 100 km/h. In contrast, the XSE and XSE Premium AWD models use dual motors with 328 hp. Toyota says those versions reach 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.
It feels quicker than those numbers suggest. In addition, it handles better than a typical Toyota family hatch. The ride stays comfortable on rough Ontario roads. As a result, the C-HR feels sporty without losing everyday comfort.
Range and charging
The C-HR uses the same 77 kWh lithium-ion pack as the BZ, with 72 kWh usable. Official NRCan range for the tested XSE Premium is 438 km. However, a 125 km/h highway test returned about 320 km, or 22.5 kWh/100 km.
Toyota says a 10% to 80% DC charge takes 28 minutes and peaks at 150 kW. Independent data points closer to 35 minutes and an average near 87 kW. The car still holds above 100 kW from about 9% to 48% state of charge. Therefore, a 15-minute stop can add a useful chunk of range.
The system runs on a 385-volt architecture, so it is not as fast as some 800-volt rivals. Toyota also limits charge speed to protect battery life. Still, the C-HR has a NACS port and automatic battery preconditioning when a fast charger is set in navigation.
Cabin and price
The interior is a clear step up. Materials feel richer, the seats look sharp, and a 14-inch landscape screen is well organized. Cargo space is tighter than the larger BZ, so it is better as a daily commuter than a long-trip hauler.
Canadian pricing starts at about $44,895 for the SE and rises to about $49,945 for higher AWD trims. That puts the C-HR in rebate-friendly territory for many buyers.
The 2026 Toyota C-HR review shows a compact EV that is pleasant to drive and well finished. Highway range and charging speed are only average, so it is not the best road-trip EV. Even so, it should suit drivers who want Toyota reliability, all-wheel drive, and a sportier compact EV for city and suburban use.
For more compact EV coverage, see NextEV and our EV reviews.
