While most automakers use the term PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to designate their plug-in hybrid models, some, like Toyota, have opted for a bit more creativity. Unfortunately, the Japanese manufacturer has decided to change its approach. The Prius and RAV4 plug-in hybrids will lose the Prime designation for 2025.
The Japanese automaker has decided to simplify and standardize things, which should, in theory, make the purchasing process easier for customers who may not be familiar with Toyota’s naming conventions. From now on, plug-in hybrid models will carry the PHEV badge. Traditional hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, will simply be labeled HEV.
Why?
In theory, this doesn’t change much for the models that previously carried the Prime label. Additionally, I don’t believe this is necessarily a marketing issue since Prime models have always been very popular at Toyota. The most logical explanation for this decision is that Toyota was one of the first automakers to offer plug-in hybrid vehicles. At the time, it made sense to want to stand out with a different name. Today, the PHEV label is standard and here to stay, which is why Toyota has simply decided to adopt it.
Prius PHEV
Apart from its new name, there won’t be any changes for the Prius plug-in hybrid. It will retain the same mechanics, featuring a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a total output of 220 horsepower. It can also travel between 64 and 72 kilometers on a full charge, depending on the version chosen.
RAV4 PHEV
As for Toyota’s SUV, it is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and several electric motors for a total output of 302 horsepower. The model is also capable of covering a distance of 68 kilometers in 100% electric mode on a full charge. This is slightly above average, which is one of the reasons why the RAV4 plug-in hybrid is so popular in my opinion. We don’t expect major changes for the 2025 model since Toyota is already preparing the arrival of a new generation in 2026.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
