First things first: the Toyota C-HR+ and the Toyota C-HR are two very different cars. Same name, yes, but that's about where the similarities end. While the C-HR carries on as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the C-HR+ is a completely fresh electric SUV built on a new platform with a new powertrain. Think of it as Toyota's proper statement in the family EV space, and it arrives with some genuinely impressive credentials.

Performance

Toyota has given the C-HR+ three distinct powertrain options, so there's something for most types of driver. The base model runs a single front-mounted motor with 167hp and a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds, which is more than adequate for everyday driving. Move up to the long-range front-wheel-drive version and power climbs to 224hp, bringing that sprint time down to 7.3 seconds.

At the top of the range sits the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model, which is a different beast entirely. With a combined 343hp and 439Nm of torque, it covers 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds. That's quick by any measure, not just for a family SUV.

On the road, the C-HR+ is genuinely comfortable to drive. It soaks up bumps well, stays pretty quiet at motorway speeds thanks to its aerodynamic shape, and handles tidily when you need it to. It's not trying to be a performance car, and it doesn't need to be.

Range and Charging

Two battery options are available: a 57.7kWh unit and a larger 77kWh pack, with usable capacities of 54kWh and 72kWh respectively. Worth noting that Toyota Ireland has confirmed only the larger battery will be offered here, so the range figures that matter most for Irish buyers start at 563km on 20-inch wheels and go up to 609km on 18-inch wheels with the single-motor setup. The AWD version offers 505-546km depending on wheel size.

Those are strong numbers, and Toyota has done the sensible thing by including both battery pre-conditioning and a heat pump as standard, which helps maintain efficiency in colder weather, something Irish drivers will appreciate.

DC rapid charging tops out at 150kW, which is a touch behind some rivals, but gets you from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes, which is perfectly workable on a longer trip. AC charging is 11kW as standard, with 22kW available on higher trims. On a typical 7.4kW home charger, expect the large battery to take just over ten hours for a full charge.

Design and Interior

The C-HR+ sits neatly in Toyota's lineup between the smaller C-HR and the larger bZ4X, and it looks the part. It's a sleek, curved design with a full-width light strip across the rear and the brand's signature hammerhead daytime running lights up front. It has real road presence without being showy about it.

Inside, build quality is solid throughout and everything is well laid out. The main screen is a 14-inch touchscreen for infotainment, paired with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster on top of the dashboard. There's 64-colour ambient lighting, twin wireless charging pads on higher trims, plenty of USB ports, and an optional nine-speaker 800W JBL audio system for those who take their road trip soundtrack seriously.

The one mild criticism is that the interior colour palette is rather muted, with lots of grey and dark grey tones that make the cabin feel a little understated. A few more colour options on the trim and surfaces would go a long way. Boot space comes in at 416 litres, which is decent and practical, if not class-leading.

Cost

Pricing in Ireland starts at €41,355 for the Sport trim and rises to €51,035 for the top-spec Premiere. Every model comes with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, cruise control, and the dual-screen setup as standard. Higher trims add the wireless charging pads and upgraded audio.

Toyota's warranty package is one of the strongest in the segment: five years and 100,000km on the car, eight years on the battery guaranteed to retain at least 70% capacity, and if you bring it in for its annual health check each year, that battery cover extends to ten years or one million kilometres. That's a serious commitment.

Verdict

The Toyota C-HR+ won't blow your mind, but it doesn't need to. It's a well-rounded, comfortable, and capable electric SUV with strong range, a solid warranty, and the Toyota badge that so many Irish buyers trust. It does what it sets out to do very well, and in a segment full of compelling options, that counts for a lot. Expect to see plenty of these on Irish roads.