The 2027 Toyota C-HR returns for its second year as a fully electric compact SUV, and the XSE AWD I drove may be the most interesting version in the lineup. I recently spent time with the C-HR XSE during the Drive Revolution media event in Vancouver, Washington. Unlike the original gas-powered C-HR previously sold in the U.S., this new generation is a dual-motor battery-electric vehicle with standard all-wheel drive, much more power and a far more premium interior.
Every 2027 C-HR uses dual electric motors producing 338 combined horsepower along with standard electronic all-wheel drive. Toyota estimates zero to 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds, which makes this considerably quicker than its compact crossover proportions might suggest. A 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery supplies the power, while steering-wheel paddles allow the driver to adjust regenerative braking.
If the 2027 Toyota C-HR is on your shopping list, compare current dealer pricing and local offers at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com before choosing between the SE and XSE. With only two trims and a relatively small price difference between them, the deal available in your area could make the decision much easier.
Range is where the trim choice becomes interesting. The C-HR SE with 18-inch wheels is rated at approximately 287 miles of driving range, while this XSE with 20-inch wheels is rated at around 273 miles. Moving up to the XSE therefore costs you about 14 miles of rated range. That is not necessarily a deal breaker, but buyers who prioritize maximum distance between charges should understand the tradeoff.
Charging capability should work well for everyday use. The C-HR comes with a native NACS charging port, giving owners access to compatible Tesla Superchargers and other public charging networks. Toyota says DC fast charging can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions. An 11-kW onboard AC charger, battery preconditioning and a dual-voltage charging cable also add flexibility for home and public charging.
Inside, every C-HR comes standard with a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two wireless phone chargers and multiple USB-C ports. The XSE upgrades the cabin with SofTex and synthetic-suede seating, an eight-way power passenger seat, driver-seat memory, a Panoramic View Monitor and additional driver-assistance technology. An available fixed panoramic glass roof also gives the cabin a more upscale feel.
Despite the coupe-like roofline, the C-HR still offers useful everyday cargo space. There are approximately 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and as much as 59.5 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. That gives it more practicality than its sporty shape might suggest, although taller rear-seat passengers should still spend some time in the back before deciding whether the sloping roofline works for them.
The trim decision is relatively straightforward. The 2027 C-HR SE starts at about $37,080, while the XSE starts at roughly $39,080 before destination. For around $2,000 more, the XSE adds the larger 20-inch wheels, upgraded seating materials, power passenger seat, memory functionality and additional camera and driver-assistance features. The main compromise is the slightly lower driving range.
If you are shopping the C-HR, I would also compare it with other compact electric crossovers, as well as Toyota’s own bZ lineup. The C-HR takes a different approach from the more adventure-oriented bZ Woodland. It emphasizes sporty styling, a lower and more road-focused stance, 338 horsepower and quick acceleration rather than extra ground clearance and towing capability.
Watch my 2027 Toyota C-HR XSE AWD video below:
The bottom line is that the 2027 Toyota C-HR XSE AWD makes a strong case for buyers who want a smaller electric SUV with standard AWD, quick acceleration and plenty of technology without moving too far beyond $40,000 before destination. The SE gives you slightly more range and saves some money, while the XSE adds enough comfort and technology to make the upgrade appealing. Before you buy, compare current dealer pricing and local offers at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com to see whether the C-HR XSE or the less expensive SE gives you the better value in your area.
