Toyota Motor unveils electric 2026 C‑HR coupe‑SUV; Olympic skier's "L" gesture sparks debate

Plano debut: Toyota reintroduces C‑HR as electric coupe‑SUV

Coupe‑SUV blends sporty design, AWD performance and everyday utility

Toyota Motor Corp unveils the 2026 C‑HR as a battery‑electric compact SUV aimed at broadening its U.S. EV lineup, debuting in Plano, Texas. The model returns with a coupe‑like roofline and a wide, athletic stance while keeping practical cargo space and an interior that includes premium soft‑touch materials, customizable ambient lighting and a 14‑inch touchscreen. Toyota positions the design to deliver eye‑catching road presence without sacrificing day‑to‑day usability.

Under the hood the C‑HR ships standard with dual electric motors and all‑wheel drive, producing a combined 338 horsepower and an EPA‑estimated 0–60 mph time of about 4.9 seconds. A 74.7 kWh battery provides an EPA‑estimated range of 287 miles on the SE trim, and DC fast charging capability takes the pack from roughly 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The vehicle adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port to access high‑speed chargers across the country.

Toyota prices the 2026 C‑HR at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price beginning at $37,000, excluding processing and dealer handling fees, and schedules U.S. dealer deliveries for March 2026. The compact SUV offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.5 cubic feet with 60/40‑split fold‑flat rear seats, and joins Toyota’s expanding BEV family alongside revised bZ models and the new bZ Woodland as the company seeks to broaden consumer choices in the compact electric SUV segment.

Olympic skier’s reaction draws headlines

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, American freeskier Hunter Hess responds to public criticism from former President Donald Trump by flashing an “L” signal after a halfpipe qualifying run, an action captured by photographers and reported by The Associated Press. Hess tells reporters he is “not going to let controversy…get in my way,” while saying he loves the United States despite “mixed emotions” about competing.

The episode sparks debate about athletes’ right to personal expression versus expectations of national representation, with outlets including Fox News and AP amplifying the clash and commentators dissecting the moment during Olympic coverage.