Tested: 2026 Toyota C-HR Has EV Hustle, Lacks Dynamic Delight

Toyota’s chucking 338 horsepower into a crossover smaller than a Corolla Cross – and while it’ll hit 100km/h quicker than your average GTI, it still feels… a bit kak on the twisties. Seriously. You’re looking at a whole new C-HR, a proper electric vehicle, and it's a bit of a head-scratcher. Is this the future of Toyota in Mzansi, or just another befok attempt to chase the EV trend? Let's dive in, bru. ## So, What's the Deal with This New C-HR? Ten years ago, you were probably scrolling TikTok, and Toyota was showing off a pretty basic C-HR at the Geneva auto show. A lot’s changed since then. TikTok’s a global obsession, and the C-HR? Well, it’s still compact, but now it's promising a lekker combination of sharp looks, a decent interior, and a powerful electric heart. It's related to the bZ and bZ Woodland, but smaller – 3.9 inches shorter wheelbase, and 6.7 inches shorter overall than the bZ. Toyota’s positioning it as the fun one, the little rascal of the EV lineup. And let’s be honest, we need a bit of fun in this load shedding-ridden country, right? ## Power Play: 338 Horses in a Compact Package – Does It Deliver? This isn't your granddad's Corolla. Toyota’s gone full electric, slapping a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup under the bonnet that churns out 338 horsepower. That’s enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.4 seconds. That’s quicker than most GTIs you'll see cruising Sandton. It weighs in at 4447 pounds, so it's not exactly light, but it feels quick in the real world. They even tested it against the Subaru Solterra – neck and neck, apparently. It’ll take 7.2 seconds to hit 80 mph, so overtaking isn't a problem. Enough grunt to get you past that slow driver on the N1 without a sweat. ## Range Anxiety: How Far Will It *Actually* Go on a Single Charge? Okay, let's talk range. Toyota claims 287 miles on a single charge for the base SE spec, but the XSE trim, with its bigger 20-inch wheels, dips to 273 miles. Sounds alright, doesn’t it? But the real-world test results are a bit…underwhelming. The XSE managed a measly 230 miles in their 75-mph highway range test. That's 20 miles *worse* than a Nissan Leaf, which already has a lower EPA range of 259 miles. Jislaaik. Imagine planning a road trip from Joburg to Durban and having to stop halfway for a charge. Not ideal. It does have a NACS port, thankfully, and can charge at up to 150 kilowatts on a DC fast-charger. They managed to get it from 10 to 90 percent in 32 minutes, which isn’t terrible. Plus, it comes with both a 120-/240-volt charging cable and a NACS-to-CCS adapter. ## Inside the 'Yota: Is the Cabin Befok or Just Okay? Stepping inside, the cabin is similar to the bZ and bZ Woodland. You've got a 14.0-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and plenty of physical controls – which, let’s be real, is a good thing. No one wants to fumble through endless menus while trying to adjust the volume. The XSE model gets a premium vibe with suede inserts and SofTex faux-leather, but the hard plastic on the door panels is a bit of a letdown. Rear legroom is decent, but the sloping roofline and flat seat cushions might not be ideal for taller passengers. At least you get heated rear seats on the XSE, along with HVAC vents and USB-C ports. Practicality isn’t totally forgotten – you get 60 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. ## Handling Like a Boss? Not Quite... Here’s where things get a little tricky. While the powertrain is peppy, the handling… isn’t exactly inspiring. The steering is accurate, but lacks feedback. There's a decent amount of body roll (8.0 inches of ground clearance doesn’t help), and the tires can lose grip pretty easily – it only managed 0.82 g on the skidpad. Look, most people aren’t going to be pushing their C-HR to its limits, but it's not a driver’s car. It prioritizes comfort and a quiet ride over outright handling. It's more suited to cruising the Durban beachfront than tackling Franschhoek Pass. ## Rands and Sense: Is the C-HR Worth the US$40,595 Price Tag? Let’s talk money. The SE starts at US$38,595, and the XSE clocks in at US$40,595. That’s… not cheap. It's less expensive than some rivals, and it does offer more power and range. But the larger bZ, with the same powertrain, can be had for a few thousand dollars more. Considering the exchange rate, we're looking at a significant investment here in South Africa. You could buy a seriously kitted-out Hilux for that kind of money. Or a bakkie *and* a generator for the load shedding. ## The Verdict: Should You Trade Your Bakkie for This EV? The 2026 Toyota C-HR is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It’s quick, comfortable, and packed with tech. But it's not a sports car. It's a comfortable, practical EV that prioritizes everyday usability over driving excitement. It's a solid option, but the range isn't stellar, and the handling is a bit underwhelming. For the 25-35 braai boet, it’s a stylish and tech-laden option if you're willing to pay the premium. For the 35-50 business bru, it's a decent EV, but you need to carefully consider if the price justifies the benefits, especially when weighed against more practical options. So, is it worth trading in your bakkie? Probably not. Not yet, anyway. But what if Toyota brought the GR-Sport treatment to the C-HR? Would *that* be a befok machine worth considering?