Toyota Canada is strengthening its position as the industry's only full-line automaker this year with a significant expansion of its zero-emission vehicle selection. To put its strategy to the test, the company invited Canadian automotive journalists from coast to coast to an Unplug and Drive event, offering an opportunity to experience the 2026 lineup of all-new battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Toyota's Multi-Pathway Approach to Electrification
Toyota's multi-pathway approach provides Canadians with 21 electrified models in a variety of powertrains. By the end of the year, Toyota will offer four unique battery-electric vehicle options for sale across Canada. The company has sold more than 35 million electrified vehicles globally and remains the number one seller of electrified vehicles in Canada.
Unplug and Drive Event in Quebec
The Unplug and Drive event took place from June 2 to 5 in Quebec, Canada's number one market for Toyota zero-emission vehicle sales, accounting for more than one-third of Toyota BEV and PHEV vehicles sold in the country so far in 2026. This endorsement from Quebec drivers has contributed to Toyota Canada's strong electrified vehicle sales this year. To date, Toyota hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric models have accounted for 64 percent of the brand's total sales in Canada.
“Our strategy has always been to offer Canadians the right products, at the right time,” said Steve Pilkey, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Toyota Canada Inc. “When it comes to electrification, our multi-pathway approach provides our customers with the power of choice. This has allowed us to put more than 660,000 electrified Toyota vehicles on the road in Canada to date. And by the end of this year, Canadians will be able to choose from 21 electrified Toyota models – including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and four battery-electric options – to satisfy a variety of needs and lifestyles, backed by Toyota's reputation for quality, reliability and safety.”
Toyota's History of Electrification
Toyota has been a pioneer and industry leader in vehicle electrification and technology over the past three decades. The experimental all-electric RAV4 EV in 1996 paved the way for the introduction of Toyota's first hybrid electric vehicle – the Toyota Prius – in 1997, and first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – the Prius PHV – in 2012. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime was later introduced in 2021, while the debut of Toyota's first global battery-electric vehicle – the bZ4X – came in 2023.
Vehicles Tested at the Event
To demonstrate the diversity of Toyota's zero-emission vehicle lineup, journalists at the Unplug and Drive event put five models to the test, ranging from urban-savvy sedans and compact crossovers to adventure-ready SUVs:
- 2026 Toyota C-HR – an all-new, sporty BEV featuring bold design, fun-to-drive performance, and surprising spaciousness and versatility. As Toyota's new entry-level BEV, Canadians can choose from three value-packed grades, with a starting MSRP of $44,900. In Canada, the C-HR is available as a front-wheel-drive model to maximize range – offering up to 496 km, or all-wheel-drive options that emphasize power with up to 338 net horsepower.
- 2026 bZ – details not provided.
- bZ Woodland – details not provided.
- RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid – details not provided.
- Prius Plug-in Hybrid – details not provided.
Automotive journalists got to Unplug and Drive these models earlier this month in Quebec.
