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Toyota C‑HR EV review: small SUV with big power

Ars Technica •
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Toyota rolls another electric SUV into the U.S. lineup with the C‑HR, the brand’s smallest EV offering. At a base price of $37,000, it arrives only with a twin‑motor all‑wheel‑drive that delivers 338 hp from a 74.7 kWh pack. The model sits 6.7 inches shorter than the bZ4X but matches its width, targeting buyers who found the larger crossover too bulky.

Inside, the C‑HR borrows the bZ4X cockpit: a 14‑inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a cluster of single‑function plastic buttons. Rear‑seat space shrinks by 3.9 inches compared with the gas‑powered predecessor, and the optional panoramic roof trims a bit of headroom. Only one 15‑W USB‑C port sits in the back, while the front enjoys two 60‑W ports and heated seats in the XSE trim.

Real‑world efficiency landed at 3.8 mi/kWh, translating to an estimated 149‑mile range on a 72 % charge, far below the EPA‑rated 273 miles with 20‑inch wheels. A 150 kW NACS fast charger tops out at 80 % in roughly 30 minutes, but the port’s placement behind the front wheel arch can complicate Tesla Supercharger use. Overall, the C‑HR feels sportier than practical, offering brisk acceleration but limited cargo versatility.