The Toyota C-HR may be getting the axe in America, but the Japanese automaker still has plans for the nameplate internationally. The C-HR never quite caught on in the United States, so the Corolla Cross has replaced it as the only Toyota subcompact SUV offered in the United States. The brand is breathing new life into the C-HR nameplate overseas by offering a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the SUV in Europe. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Toyota C-HR PHEV.

Is the 2023 Toyota C-HR plug-in hybrid only?

The Toyota C-HR nameplate lives on in Europe, and its new model year shares the same futuristic aesthetic with other Toyota models like the Prius and bZ4X. In fact, the 2023 C-HR strongly resembles the bZ4X.

The C-HR will be a hybrid and plug-in hybrid-only model. The 2023 Toyota C-HR PHEV makes 223 horsepower. It can go from 0-60 miles per hour in about 7.4 seconds. The plug-in hybrid has 41 miles of electric-only driving range.

Why isn’t the Toyota C-HR PHEV coming to America?

The main reason America isn’t getting the Toyota C-HR PHEV is a lack of demand for the C-HR nameplate. Since it arrived in 2016, the C-HR hasn’t gotten the warmest reception from consumers. Its exterior design and performance specs didn’t seem to resonate with drivers. It is criticized for its slow acceleration, lack of cabin space, and minimal cargo space. The discontinued model was also more expensive than more popular subcompact SUVs like the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona.

Another huge reason why the C-HR PHEV isn’t coming to America is because of how consumers have received Toyota’s electrified options. The Toyota bZ4X, the brand’s small electric SUV, has faded into the background while other competitors have thrived. Contrarily, the Tesla Model Y is shining as the most popular SUV on the market.

Other small electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E have garnered more attention than the Toyota bZ4X. Toyota’s EV hasn’t made the splash that the brand expected, which could have contributed to the decision to make the C-HR PHEV a European exclusive. Americans may not get to experience the new C-HR, but Toyota hasn’t left U.S. drivers empty-handed.

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross replacing the C-HR?

The Toyota Corolla Cross is essentially a crossover version of one of the most popular small cars of all time: the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla has been in production since 1966. It’s praised for its reliability, standard features, and excellent gas mileage. Drivers have high hopes for the Corolla Cross because it could embody the same traits as its namesake.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is the ideal sedan alternative for folks that enjoy the Corolla but need more space. Additionally, it’s already getting plenty of love from consumers. Best of all, Toyota is releasing a hybrid option with more power and better fuel economy. We may not get the C-HR Hybrid or PHEV, but the Corolla Cross nameplate is a worthy replacement in the subcompact SUV vehicle segment.