The first time I saw the original Toyota C-HR back in 2016, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Was it a hatchback on stilts? A coupe-SUV hybrid? Whatever it was, Toyota’s diamond-cut oddball definitely stood out in a sea of increasingly homogeneous crossovers.
Now, eight years and one generation later, Toyota has not only doubled down on the C-HR’s distinctive design language but has taken a significant leap forward by introducing a fully electric version of its style-focused crossover. And if my recent preview experience is anything to go by, the 2025 Toyota C-HR Electric represents one of the Japanese giant’s most compelling entries into the EV space yet.
Making a Statement
Standing in Toyota’s Sydney preview center on a rainy Tuesday morning, the new C-HR Electric immediately commands attention. The design team has clearly embraced the freedom that electric architecture provides, further exaggerating the coupe-like silhouette that defined the original model. The front end features an illuminated Toyota badge centered on a sleek, largely sealed grille section – a departure from the gaping, angular front of its predecessor.
“We wanted something that announces itself as electric without screaming it,” explains Mark Richardson, Toyota Australia’s product planning manager, who’s showing me around the vehicle. “Too many EVs look like science projects. The C-HR Electric should feel special but still be recognizably a Toyota.”
Running my hand along the sharply creased door panels, I notice how the bi-tone paint treatment – a Supersonic Red body with a black roof on this display model – emphasizes the vehicle’s plunging roofline and enhances its visual drama. The C-shaped LED daytime running lights wrap dramatically around the front corners, creating a signature look that’s instantly recognizable, day or night.
At the rear, the full-width light bar connects redesigned LED taillights, while a subtle roof spoiler extends from the sloping rear glass. It’s a look that remains polarizing, certainly, but far more cohesive and purposeful than many of its competitors in the increasingly crowded electric crossover segment.
Range and Performance: The Numbers That Matter
Moving beyond aesthetics, the real story of the C-HR Electric lies in what Toyota has achieved with the powertrain. The vehicle will be offered in two configurations when it arrives in Australia in mid-2025: a single-motor front-wheel-drive version delivering 150kW and 310Nm of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant pumping out a combined 192kW and 425Nm.
Most impressively, Toyota claims a WLTP range of up to 600km for the front-wheel-drive model equipped with the larger 64kWh battery pack – a figure that would immediately place it among the most efficient vehicles in its class if it holds up in real-world conditions.
“Range anxiety remains the number one concern for Australian buyers considering an EV,” Richardson notes, as we pop the nearly invisible charging port door located on the vehicle’s left front fender. “We’ve prioritized efficiency and usable range over headline-grabbing acceleration figures.”
That’s not to say the C-HR Electric is slow. Toyota claims the dual-motor version will hit 100km/h in around 7.3 seconds – brisk enough to make merging onto motorways or overtaking a breeze, without venturing into unnecessary performance car territory.
The charging capabilities are similarly well-judged for real-world use. The C-HR Electric can accept DC fast charging at rates up to 150kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes on compatible chargers. For home charging, an 11kW onboard charger comes standard, allowing for complete overnight charging on a properly installed wallbox.
Inside: Practical Luxury with a Conscience
Climbing into the driver’s seat reveals an interior that strikes a pleasant balance between futuristic EV aesthetics and familiar Toyota ergonomics. The dashboard features twin digital displays – a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen – housed in a single curved panel that gently wraps toward the driver.
Physical climate controls remain (hallelujah!), bucking the frustrating trend of burying these frequently-used functions in touchscreen menus. The center console floats above a storage area, creating a sense of space while providing practical storage solutions.
What impressed me most, however, was Toyota’s comprehensive approach to sustainable materials. The seats in the preview vehicle featured a premium fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, while door panels and dashboard elements incorporated materials derived from plant sources.
“We’re moving beyond the idea that ‘eco-friendly’ means compromising on quality or feel,” says Richardson, inviting me to run my fingers across what looks like premium leather but is actually an innovative bio-based material. “These surfaces need to stand up to years of use in harsh Australian conditions while meeting our sustainability targets.”
Rear passenger space remains adequate rather than generous – a concession to the C-HR’s style-focused roofline – but clever packaging of the battery pack beneath the floor means there’s no intrusion into the cabin space compared to the hybrid version. The boot offers 390 liters of capacity, which, while not class-leading, should handle weekly shopping or weekend luggage with reasonable ease.
Tech and Connectivity: Finally Up to Speed
If there’s one area where Toyota has traditionally lagged behind its competitors, it’s in-car technology. The good news is that the C-HR Electric represents a significant step forward for the brand in this department.
The new infotainment system finally feels contemporary, with crisp graphics, responsive touch inputs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A configurable home screen allows users to prioritize their most-used functions, while voice control that actually works (most of the time) provides a safer way to adjust settings while driving.
Over-the-air update capability means the system can be continuously improved throughout the vehicle’s life – addressing a long-standing frustration with previous Toyota models that were essentially frozen in technological time from the moment they left the dealership.
The comprehensive safety suite includes all the expected features: autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Seven airbags come standard across the range.
A stand-out feature is the advanced parking assistant, which can handle parallel and perpendicular parking scenarios with minimal driver input – particularly useful given the C-HR’s somewhat compromised rear visibility.
On the Road: Promising First Impressions
Though my time with the C-HR Electric was limited to a static preview, Toyota provided limited driving impressions from preliminary testing of European-specification vehicles in controlled conditions.
“The lower center of gravity compared to the hybrid version makes a noticeable difference in handling,” explains Toyota Australia’s vehicle dynamics engineer Paul Diamandis, who recently returned from a development drive program in Europe. “We’ve been able to tune the suspension to be both more compliant over bumps and more composed through corners.”
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system apparently offers impressive traction on slippery surfaces, with Toyota’s experience in developing hybrid AWD systems evident in the smooth, predictable power delivery.
One area where Toyota claims significant improvement over competitors is in regenerative braking feel. “We’ve worked extensively on the transition between regenerative and friction braking,” Diamandis says. “It should feel natural and predictable regardless of how hard you’re slowing down.”
Several drive modes will be available, adjusting throttle response, steering weight, and regenerative braking strength to suit different driving scenarios and preferences. An interesting addition is a selectable sound generator that can be adjusted from nearly silent operation to a subtle futuristic hum.
Australian Specifications and Pricing
Toyota Australia remains tight-lipped about exact specification levels and pricing, but Richardson hinted that the local range would likely comprise two battery options and potentially three trim levels when the C-HR Electric arrives next year.
“We’re aiming to be competitive with key rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG4,” he suggests, indicating that the entry-level model might start around the $55,000 mark, before on-road costs. Higher-spec versions with the larger battery and AWD would likely push closer to $70,000.
All models are expected to come with Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, with the battery covered by a separate eight-year, 160,000km warranty – slightly less than some competitors who offer 10-year battery coverage, but backed by Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability.
Service intervals will likely be set at 12 months/15,000km, with Toyota expected to offer capped-price servicing packages – though EV maintenance requirements are significantly reduced compared to conventional vehicles.
Challenges and Competition
Despite its impressive package, the C-HR Electric faces significant challenges in the Australian market. Charging infrastructure, while improving, remains insufficient in many areas, particularly for apartment dwellers or those planning regional travel.
Then there’s the competition. The EV market is evolving rapidly, with new Chinese entrants offering compelling packages at aggressive price points. Established players like Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen continue to refine their offerings, while Tesla maintains strong brand appeal despite increasing competition.
Richardson acknowledges these challenges but believes Toyota’s approach offers unique advantages. “We’re not first to market with EVs, which means we’ve been able to learn from others’ mistakes,” he says. “The C-HR Electric benefits from Toyota’s obsessive approach to reliability testing and our deep understanding of Australian conditions.”
He also points to Toyota’s extensive dealer network as a significant advantage for regional buyers concerned about service support – a valid consideration for those outside major metropolitan areas.
The Bigger Picture: Toyota’s Electric Transition
The C-HR Electric represents an important step in Toyota’s sometimes criticized approach to electrification. Long a champion of hybrid technology – which continues to sell in record numbers in Australia – the company has appeared hesitant to fully embrace battery-electric vehicles.
This perception is something Toyota Australia is keen to address. “We believe in a multi-pathway approach to carbon reduction,” Richardson explains. “Hybrids continue to offer an excellent solution for many customers, but as infrastructure improves and technology advances, BEVs like the C-HR Electric will play an increasingly important role in our lineup.”
The C-HR Electric joins the bZ4X in Toyota’s Australian EV stable, with several more models expected to follow in the coming years. This staged approach reflects Toyota’s characteristically cautious strategy – prioritizing reliability and real-world usability over being first to market.
A Serious Contender
Based on this preliminary look, the 2025 Toyota C-HR Electric has the potential to be a game-changer for the brand’s electric aspirations in Australia. It combines Toyota’s reputation for quality with genuinely competitive range figures, distinctive styling, and a thoughtfully designed package.
For urban dwellers with home charging capabilities, it could represent the perfect entry point into EV ownership – backed by Toyota’s dealer network and reputation for building vehicles that stand the test of time.
Whether it can overcome broader market challenges around charging infrastructure and consumer hesitancy toward EVs remains to be seen. But one thing seems certain: this is no half-hearted attempt. Toyota has created an electric vehicle that deserves to be taken seriously, even in Australia’s challenging and still-developing EV landscape.
The 2025 Toyota C-HR Electric is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms around mid-2025, with final specifications and pricing to be announced closer to launch. If the production version delivers on the promise shown by this preview model, Toyota may finally have an EV that can convert even the most committed hybrid loyalists.
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