- Toyota is getting rid of the word “Prime” in its RAV4 and Prius PHEV model names
- The new trim name? A simple ‘Plug-In Hybrid’ has been ushered in as the suffix of choice
- It’s just a changing of badges, though—the actual powertrains underhood remain unaltered
In a bid to simplify its model names – or maybe to lend a hand to someone’s cousin in the car-badging business – Toyota is dropping the “Prime” trim suffix from its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. Instead, its PHEVs will simply be called “Plug-In Hybrid” models, starting with the 2025 model year.
As you may know, until now, variants of the RAV4 and Prius with this type of electrified powertrain were called the RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime; now, they’ll be called RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and Prius Plug-In Hybrid, respectively. The vehicles will also wear a PHEV badge on their rumps, announcing the electrification type to all who care to notice.
Why is Toyota making this move? Simplicity in marketing, most likely. Sales staff will no longer need to explain what “Prime” means in a Toyota showroom; instead, most shoppers will pretty quickly be able to figure out to what “Plug-In Hybrid” refers. And in case any of our readers do not, well, a PHEV employs both a gasoline-powered engine and a stout battery-driven electric motor (or two, or three) for its means of propulsion.
This permits a measure of all-electric driving, generally around 60 kilometres or so when conditions are right, but also makes long-range road trips not a problem, thanks to that internal-combustion mill. For many shoppers in Canada, it’s the right blend of “normal” and electrified propulsion; overall spend on energy (fuel and electricity, that is) is kept in check while range anxiety is done away with, as is the need to lean on generally unreliable public charging stations.
“Many Canadians already appreciate the advanced power, driving fun, and remarkable efficiency of Toyota’s flagship plug-in hybrid vehicles — and with a slight change of name, we’re ready to help even more drivers embrace PHEVs as they seek to live more sustainable lives,” said Cyril Dimitris, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc.
Despite the name change, what’s under the hood is unaltered. For 2025, the Prius PHEV pairs a 2.0L gasser with its hybrid system to net 220 horsepower and about 70 clicks of gas-free driving. Meanwhile, the 2025 RAV4 PHEV musters an impressive 302 ponies from its 2.5L gasoline-fuelled engine and hybrid guts, able to operate in electric-only mode for about 65 km in the right conditions; combined with a full tank of gasoline, total range knocks on four figures.
Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on Instagram ,Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.