Anticipation was high for a $30,000 electric vehicle from Toyota, with the 2026 C-HR set to fit the bill. However, while Toyota offers an EV in that price range, the C-HR itself surpasses initial expectations.
Is a $30,000 Toyota EV a Reality?
The C-HR, once a budget-friendly SUV in its gasoline form, is making a comeback as an electric model. Market expectations pegged its price between $30,000 and $35,000, set to be a more affordable option than the bZ series. Yet, the reality is different with the 2026 C-HR priced at $37,000, exceeding the bZ’s starting price of $34,900.
Despite sharing its platform with the bZ, the C-HR is 6.7 inches shorter and has a smaller wheelbase. The higher cost might be attributed to its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) feature, whereas the 2026 bZ offers both AWD and front-wheel drive (FWD) options.
The base model of the 2026 bZ XLE starts under $35,000 equipped with FWD. Opting for AWD increases the price by $5,000, making it pricier than the C-HR.
The rebranded bZ series, formerly bZ4X, now includes upgrades in both design and performance. The 2026 bZ offers a range of up to 314 miles in the XLE FWD Plus model with a 74.7 kWh battery, a revamped aesthetic, and compatibility with Tesla Superchargers.
The 2026 C-HR is equipped solely with a 74.7 kWh battery, delivering up to 290 miles of range. Meanwhile, the 2026 bZ XLE FWD with a 57.7 kWh battery provides a 236-mile range.
Both models boast a modernized interior featuring Toyota’s latest multimedia system with a 14-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. According to CarsDirect, even with AWD, the 2026 bZ might still be the more economical choice. Financing for the 2026 C-HR is set at 8.61% for a 72-month term and 8.22% for 60 months.
In contrast, Toyota offers 0% financing on the 2026 bZ for up to 72 months, coupled with a $6,000 cash bonus. This incentive can reduce the bZ’s starting price to below $30,000 with a $5,000 customer cash bonus.
2026 Toyota bZ trim
| Battery | Range | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE FWD | 57.7 kWh | 236 miles | $34,900 |
| XLE FWD Plus | 74.7 kWh | 314 miles | $37,900 |
| XLE AWD | 74.7 kWh | 288 miles | $39,900 |
| Limited FWD | 74.7 kWh | 299 miles | $43,300 |
| Limited AWD | 74.7 kWh | 278 miles | $45,300 |
The C-HR will be available in SE and XSE trims, beginning at $37,000. The XSE variant adds features such as 20-inch gunmetal-finished wheels, SofTex and synthetic suede-trimmed seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic view monitor.
For those desiring a larger, more rugged option, the 2026 bZ Woodland is priced at $45,300.
As Toyota introduces the new C-HR and bZ Woodland, they are offering significant deals on the 2026 bZ, including leases starting at $289 per month and 0% APR financing with a $6,000 bonus. Find deals on the 2026 Toyota bZ near you.
Original Story at electrek.co