Prime No More: Say Hello to Prius PHEV and RAV4 PHEV
With the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 on the way for the 2026 model year, the current RAV4 is essentially unchanged for 2025. Exceptions include some new body colours and new logos.
You see, the RAV4 Hybrid will now sport an “HEV” badge, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid variant will receive a “PHEV” badge. As a matter of fact, the latter is dropping the “Prime” moniker and will now go by the name “RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.”
- Also: 2024 Toyota Prius Prime: Positively Exotic and Efficient
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The PHEV powertrain combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors to generate 302 horsepower. It also delivers up to 68 km of zero-emission range according to the official NRC rating—even more in ideal conditions. At home, the battery fully charges in as little as 2.5 hours with a 240V outlet. Those are just a few reasons why so many people turn to the RAV4 Prime, er, Plug-in Hybrid.
A similar change applies to the Prius, incidentally. For 2025, the Prius Prime will be called “Prius Plug-in Hybrid” and decorated with a “PHEV” badge on the trunk.
Here, the system is built around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a single motor that work together to produce 220 horsepower. EV range is officially rated at 72 km in base SE trim and 64 km in XSE trim.
The 2025 models will go on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
