UK Drive: Has Toyota finally cracked EVs with the new C-HR+?

What is it?

You wouldn’t exactly say Toyota has been quick off the mark when it comes to EVs. While rival brands have led the way with electric cars, Toyota has seemingly been more focussed on developing its excellent hybrid models. Thing is, though, Toyota isn’t immune to the gradual switch over to pure-electric cars, and its recent first efforts haven’t really moved the dial.

While the recently updated bZ4X SUV is now on par with rivals, the first incarnation was hard to recommend, and the new Urban Cruiser has too many flaws that can’t be ignored. Perhaps with this new C-HR+ it’s a case of third time lucky?

What’s new?

It would be reasonable to assume the CH-R+ is just the regular C-HR – which comes in full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises – but with an electric powertrain. However, that’s not the case. For some quite unfathomable reason Toyota has decided to make the C-HR+ related to the C-HR in name only. It’s actually based on the updated bZ4X, so you could think of the C-HR+ as that car’s baby brother – sort of like how the Skoda Elroq is the smaller version of the Enyaq.

What’s under the bonnet?

Here comes another quirk – the C-HR+ has a larger battery pack than the bZ4X. Design and Excel versions of the C-HR+ use a new 77kWh (72kWh useable) battery, compared to the bZ4X’s 73kWh pack, which is mated to a single 218bhp front-mounted electric motor, giving a range of 378 miles or 350 miles when 20-inch wheels are fitted. There is a smaller pack on offer – the 57.7kWh is only available on the entry-level Icon model, and promises a range of 284 miles – that’s around 10 more miles than the same battery in the bZ4X. It’s hooked up to a 165bhp motor.

All cars get a maximum DC rapid charging speed of 150kW, and although other European markets get a twin-motor 338bhp version, this won’t be offered in the UK.

What’s it like to drive?

Being based on the bZ4X, the C-HR+ has a strong starting point. It’s a pretty engaging and enjoyable car to drive, with very positive and accurate steering (which is controlled through a round wheel, not an in-vogue square affair), and the firm ride gives a sporty feel. Thankfully, the ride comfort is never harsh and the suspension does an excellent job of taking the edge off bumps and potholes, but there is plenty of tyre noise at times. The 218bhp electric motor is nicely responsive, and the three-stage regenerative braking is well calibrated.

When the bZ4X first launched we criticised it for poor efficiency, but Toyota pretty much rectified this with the 2026 facelift. The C-HR+ goes one stage further – on a warm spring day and on a route that consisted of city roads and fast A-roads but mostly motorways, I averaged 4.2 miles per kWh, giving a real-world range of 302 miles, which is pretty good and up to electric SUV class standards.

How does it look?

At a quick glance the C-HR+ looks similar to the regular C-HR, but park them side by side and the differences are quite startling. The normal car is arguably more of the style-wannabe, especially with its more aggressive arched rear tailgate and bi-tone body colour options. But, with its big round wheel arches and little ducktail spoiler, the C-HR+ is still a handsome coupe-styled SUV.

What’s it like inside?

It’s on the inside where the mini-me vibes really kick in. If you’ve spent any time in the updated bZ4X then you will recognise the very horizontal design to the dashboard, the high-set driver’s display, and large touchscreen. It’s all well put together, as you’d expect from a Toyota, but with a solely grey colour scheme it does feel a bit austere. The touchscreen is intuitive and has some physical knobs and buttons to make it a breeze to use on the move, while the interior space is pretty good. A high floor does eat into passenger space in the back, but it’s not too bad, and the 452-litre boot is good, even if it is beaten by the Skoda Elroq.

What’s the spec like?

There are three versions to choose from: Icon, Design and Excel. Only the £34,495 Icon comes with the smaller battery, and gets 18-inch wheels, a 14-inch infotainment screen, two wireless smartphone chargers, and a heated steering wheel. Design, at £37,650, gets the larger battery plus an electric tailgate and rear privacy glass. Range-topping Excel, at £41,650, adds 20-inch wheels, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic suede and leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera, JBL premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.

However, you can deduct £1,500 off all those prices as the C-HR+ is eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant, bringing the price range to £32,995, £36,150 and £40,150.

Verdict

The C-HR+ is by far and away the best EV Toyota has made to date, but more than that it’s a serious rival for the likes of the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3. It’s engaging to drive, comfortable, reasonably practical and pretty efficient, ticking most boxes that buyers are looking for. The C-HR+ doesn’t set any new standards in the small electric SUV class, but shows the mighty Japanese brand has finally caught up with its rivals in the EV space.