We all know the Toyota lineup has something for everyone. There's no better example than how many different types of powertrains and engines are available across the various Toyota models. You can find plenty of conventional gas-powered engines at your favorite Toyota dealer near Bennington, along with some exciting hybrids that provide great performance and remarkable fuel efficiency. If you're interested in something closer to an electric vehicle but with a gas-powered engine that you know you can count on for a long time, you should check out Toyota's plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and what they offer. For the 2025 model year, Toyota is changing a few things on these two exciting models while also giving you fantastic performance and terrific features that will enhance your driving experience for a long time. Let's check them out, and you'll see what we mean.
No More Prime Models
One important thing we should note before we dig into the specifics of Toyota's PHEV lineup is a major change for 2025. Both models we'll look at are just as impressive as last year, but Toyota is changing their names. Before now, Toyota used the word "Prime" in their model names to indicate ones that featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain. They've decided that they didn't communicate things quite as well as they wanted, however, so Prime has been dropped in favor of simply including "Plug-in Hybrid" in the model names to make what you're looking at very clear. In addition to the change in the model name, PHEV badging can be found on these models to differentiate them from other Toyota hybrids. While there are no more Toyota Prime vehicles, you'll find that their benefits have folded into and been enhanced by this next generation of Toyota hybrids.
The 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
When it comes to hybrid vehicles, few names in the auto industry have as much prestige or recognition as the Prius, which has been one of the leading options for many years. With the Prius, Toyota has repeatedly proven that a hybrid vehicle can be fun to drive, beautifully designed, and decked out with impressive features for drivers to enjoy. Hybrids might be seen as just as worthwhile as models with conventional engines today, but that was not always the case—the Prius is a big part of why things have changed.
The 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid features an impressive 2.0L engine paired with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, providing 220 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. This is a small car, so there is plenty of power to ensure it's incredibly fun to drive around Bennington each day. With its plug-in design and advanced engineering, this Prius gets an estimated 40 miles of all-electric range from a full charge without touching the gas tank. Using a combination of the battery-powered motor and conventional engine, you get an estimated 52 MPG of combined fuel efficiency, letting you go a long time between stops for gas.
Three trims are available for the 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid model: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium, letting you get the kind of features and advanced technology you want. You have a variety of exterior colors available to ensure you have a gorgeous car parked in your driveway, including Midnight Black Metallic and Wind Chill Pearl. Toyota provides 17-inch wheels on the starting SE model, while the two XSE options feature larger 19-inch wheels for a bolder stance that speaks to the impressive power packed under the hood. Every model even comes with Toyota's Traffic Jam Assist technology, which can let the Prius handle gas, braking, and steering when under speeds of 25 mph to make stop-and-go traffic less stressful.
Inside the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, you'll find a gorgeous interior that surrounds you with sophisticated elegance and great tech features. The SE features an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display, fabric seating with six-way adjustable front seats, and a Smart Key system to quickly get going. Looking at the XSE, you get a number of upgrades, including an eight-way adjustable driver's seat that's heated, SofTex-trimmed seating, and more. Going up to the XSE Premium takes things even further with a gorgeous 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an eight-speaker JBL Premium sound system, and heated and ventilated front seats. You can't go wrong with these models, though the XSE Premium certainly lives up to its name.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
If you prefer an SUV rather than a sedan but still want fantastic PHEV engineering and performance, then the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the way to go. Power and precise handling are front and center with this model thanks to an impressive 2.5L four-cylinder engine combined with a pair of electric motors that deliver 302 hp. You get Electronic On-Demand all-wheel drive (AWD) with the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, which adjusts to different driving conditions beautifully and ensures you're always in control when behind the wheel. This impressive power lets this SUV go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds while still giving you all the functionality you'd expect, including more than 33 cu.ft. of rear cargo space.
Of course, going fast while enjoying your time driving around Bennington isn't all you get with this model; its plug-in hybrid design means you can also go an estimated 42 miles in all-electric mode with a full charge. Also, when using the battery-powered motors and gas tank, you get an estimated 38 MPG of combined fuel efficiency with the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, ensuring you can enjoy yourself and take care of everything you need with a few stops for gas. With eight inches of ground clearance and fantastic features inside and out, this RAV4 is incredibly fun to drive. Plus it's available in SE and XSE grades for you to choose from.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid SE features 18-inch wheels with black exterior accents, a black diamond-patterned grille, and silver and chrome details for an added touch of style. Inside, you'll find an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen up front and a seven-inch Multi-Information Display for you as the driver. Heated front seats are standard, which are perfect for cold winter mornings, plus you get an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment for added comfort. A leather-trimmed steering wheel with red stitching, height-adjustable power liftgate, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also all standard.
If you move up to the XSE grade, then you get several upgrades to enjoy, starting with exclusive, stunning 19-inch two-tone wheels that go beautifully with the available two-tone exterior paint schemes, letting you combine colors like Supersonic Red with a black roof. You'll also find vertical LED front accent lights on the XSE grade. Inside, this model features SofTex-trimmed seats with sporty red stitching and fabric inserts, plus a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters. The stars of the show, however, are the 10.5-inch Multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, not to mention the JBL sound system that's perfect for enjoying your time on the road.
Toyota PHEVs Are Perfect for Bennington Drivers
Whether you're more interested in the Prius or the RAV4, one thing that's true is that these PHEV models are fantastic for making the most of your drive each day. These are amazing vehicles for your daily commute, picking up kids from school, enjoying days off, and everything else you want from your ride. The incredible performance, remarkable fuel efficiency, and ability to go dozens of miles without touching the gas tank all come together beautifully to ensure these two vehicles are something special. Plug-in hybrids are the perfect option if you're wondering how well an all-electric vehicle might work with your lifestyle but are not ready to commit fully to one just yet. All you have to do now is decide which of these two vehicles best meets your needs, then come take one for a test drive to feel what it offers.