The C-HR+ could eventually come to North America.
Will we see a different name on the Toyota bZ4X in 2026?
The Lexuz RZ will be sportier in 2026.
Toyota was in Brussels, Belgium, to showcase the continuation of its electric chapter, with announcements for its two current crossovers, the Toyota bZ4X and the luxury version of this same vehicle, the Lexus RZ. Both models are entitled to a few new features or adjustments for the 2026 model year, but it’s the presentation of the – or resurrection – of the C-HR name that is the focus of this unveiling on European soil.
Toyota has finally lifted the veil on the production version of the bZ Compact SUV concept unveiled in 2022, but for the factory model, it’s the C-HR name that’s making a comeback, or rather C-HR+, because with the “plus”, the urban crossover switches to 100% electric mode. Available in two configurations (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), the C-HR+ also comes with two lithium-ion battery options, the basic one offering a capacity of 57.7 kWh and an estimated range of 455 km, while the optional 77 kWh battery boosts range to 600 km.
The new C-HR+, which is scheduled to go on sale in Europe later in 2025, is not yet planned for the North American market. However, Toyota has not ruled out the possibility of seeing it appear on this side of the Atlantic, as the new variant is larger than the first of the name, which, let’s not forget, was not a resounding success here.
Still, the new C-HR+ is more mature in its exterior approach, with a hint of Lexus at the rear with its LED “lightbar”. As for the interior, it’s reminiscent of the bZ4X, with a large screen in the middle, a muscular center console and another information screen perched at the base of the windshield. We’ll see in the coming weeks whether Toyota really intends to expand its electric vehicle line-up in North America. Let’s bet that the tariff war between Canada and the USA will have its effects on its potential arrival.
And the bZ4X?
Despite its lacklustre success, the Toyota bZ4X is back in Europe. Will it be back under this name in Canada in 2026? Whatever its name, the electric crossover will still be part of the local strategy. For the coming year, however, the vehicle gets a new front bumper, more sculpted than the current model, while the black-painted fender contours remain on the vehicle. Unsurprisingly, the wheel design is also new.
Inside, the essentials of the dashboard have been retained, as have the two screens, but the design of the instrument panel has been renewed, as has that of the center console, which houses two wireless charging pads for smart devices. In Europe, the bZ4X is offered with two batteries, one of 57.7 kWh and a second of 73.1 kWh. Thanks to a more efficient eAxle axle, range will be improved by around 70 km. What’s more, battery preconditioning is finally available, which should translate into faster charging times, even in cold weather. Toyota’s engineers have also worked on suspension and ride comfort. It now remains to be seen whether all these improvements will be on the agenda for the Toyota bZ4X 2026.
Meanwhile at Lexus
The bZ4X’s plusher cousin, the Lexus RZ, is also being revised for the 2026 model year, and for the latter there are numerous improvements, even if the vehicle retains its familiar silhouette. The exterior is new, however, with the addition of a sportier variant called the RZ 550e F Sport, which benefits from more powerful electric motors on both axles. As a result, the RZ can deliver a total power output of 300 kW (or 402 hp). And that’s not all, as engineers have also found a way to incorporate a manual gearbox feel on board, with corresponding sounds and “jerks” typical of combustion-powered cars. As for this new yoke steering wheel, it is certainly the most important modification to the interior.
The electrical system has also been redesigned for the 2026 model year, which also means improved range and shorter recharging times. The Lexus RZ is also the first to be equipped with steer-by-wire steering and an improved version of DIRECT4 all-wheel drive.
The first examples of the 2026 model year are expected to be available later this year.
