► Toyota’s newest EV is a Plus
► C-HR+ runs on e-TNGA platform
► Will launch in UK at end of 2025
Toyota’s latest electric car is a C-HR – now with a Plus.
The new Toyota C-HR+ is designed to be a proper sibling to the brand’s design-over-functionality crossover that, up to now, has only been available as a hybrid.
And yet, despite the name that links it so closely to one of Toyota’s most successful models, it’s entirely different underneath. Add to the fact Toyota claims this is ‘an all-new model in its own right.’ Hmm.
So, is it separate – or is it a C-HR?
The name says it’s a C-HR – and is seemingly part of Toyota’s new strategy to drop the ‘bZ’ nonsense of its EVs and give its electric cars ‘more familiar’ names.
But everything else says it’s more closely tied to the latest bZ4X. The design, for example, brings the C-HR+ closer to looking more like a bZ4X Coupe than a C-HR. But its footprint is around 400mm shorter than it, keeping it within the rough C-segment size. Think of it as a rival to the Volvo C40 or Skoda Enyaq Coupe. The design also makes us come to the conclusion that, disappointingly, this is the production version of the rather rakish Sport Crossover concept. Bummer.
Andrea Carlucci, Toyota Europe’s vice president and head of product planning, says the C-HR+ is ‘a very much evolved and matured C-HR,’ when it comes to design. ‘I think, particularly when you look at the C-pillar, there is some strong DNA.’
Inside, it’s also closely linked to the bZ4X in that the overall ambience is quite open and airy compared to the C-HR’s cocooning and cosy cockpit. We had a chance to get up close with the C-HR+ and, more than anything else, we were impressed with the quality of materials used. The seats feature a super soft yet tough-feeling upholstery, and everywhere you touch or were to rest on has a padded texture to it. Toyota claims 416 litres of boot space – around 40 larger than the hybrid C-HR.
The infotainment is Toyota and Lexus’ latest screen, with a glossy finish to the 14-inch display itself is fitted with a few welcome physical dials for volume and climate. The drivers’ instruments are set far back – again, like the bZ4X – and Toyota claims a high level of tech as standard. We’ll know more when the car launches later in 2025.
Any performance specs?
The C-HR+ runs on Toyota’s one-size-fits-all e-TNGA global architecture – just like the bZ4X – and Toyota has confirmed two powertrain options for the C-HR+.
The 165bhp base model is front-wheel drive and comes with a 57.7kWh battery pack, with a 335bhp upper version launching with a 77kWh battery and all-wheel drive. Toyota is targeting a maximum 373-mile range for the C-HR+ in general; you’ll have to hang on for more detailed range specs.
The brand also claims the C-HR+ can be charged at 11kW AC standard, or 22kW AC optional – and up to 150 kW via fast DC chargers.
When can I get one?
Toyota says the C-HR+ will launch in the UK and in European markets from late 2025. We expect the C-HR+ to be priced from around £36k
