Toyota has announced model year updates for two of its popular plug-in hybrid models, the RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime. Only for 2025, they will no longer sport the ‘Prime’ suffix on their tailgates, with the Japanese automaker changing their names to RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and Prius Plug-In Hybrid, respectively. What’s the reason behind this?
Well, the Tokyo-based brand claims that renaming both models will “help consumers more easily identify the powertrain choices among RAV4 [and Prius] models.” This makes sense, as the Prime nameplate could be seen as misleading; conventional Toyota hybrids simply go by ‘Hybrid’ which is easy to understand for customers who may not be clued up. CarBuzz has contacted Toyota USA to find out additional information regarding the new model names and will update the article once we receive a reply.
Electrified Powerplants Remain Unchanged
Aside from the name change, both models soldier on with minimal (or zero) revisions. In the case of the 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, the crossover retains its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. In total, the Plug-In Hybrid produces an impressive combined output of 302 horsepower. As a result, this seemingly innocuous SUV can sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. More importantly, the 18.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides a claimed all-electric range of 42 miles.
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It’s much the same with the Prius, with the powertrain carrying over unchanged. As a reminder, the svelte-looking compact gains motivation from a 2.0-liter engine and electric motors, for combined power outputs of 220 hp. Other changes for both models pertain to the Toyota logos on the front and rear fascias. For 2025, neither vehicle will contain the blue ‘halo’ effect applied to MY2024 and older Prime models.
Updated RAV4 Is Around The Corner
It’s not surprising to see Toyota has kept revisions for both models to a minimum. The Prius Prime is relatively new, having been first introduced in the US for the 2023 model year. As for the RAV4, the best-selling passenger car in the country (and one of Toyota’s best-selling hybrids) debuted for MY2019 and has received minor revisions over the years to keep it competitive.
However, reports suggest that a significant RAV4 overhaul is coming, and there’s a possibility it will arrive as a hybrid-only model, much like the new Camry. Toyota has not revealed full pricing for either model but notes the 2025 Toyota RAV4 will have a starting price of $43,865 (excluding destination) for the entry-level SE trim.
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