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The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a historic model for the brand. The plug-in hybrid small SUV is a gamechanger because it brings something to the table that the RAV4 never had before: power. PHEV powertrain systems can add a massive power boost and increase a vehicle’s driving range thanks to electric motors. The RAV4 Prime is getting plenty of attention. Is Toyota working on a Toyota Highlander prime?

The Toyota Highlander’s future is unknown

A white Toyota Highlander midsize SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that is best-known for outlasting many of its rivals. The Highlander is extremely reliable. It can easily last for up to 250,000 miles whenit’s taken care of.

Toyota’s midsize SUV has plenty to offer, but it exists in one of the most competitive vehicle segments. The Kia Telluride has dominated its vehicle segment in recent years. Other South Korean models like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Palisade, and Hyundai Santa Fe offer great value as well.

As great as the Highlander is, it isn’t at the top of its segment. According to Cars.com, the Highlander has been on its current generation for four years. It should be up for a redesign in a year or two. So, we can expect some serious changes to the nameplate soon.

A new generation Highlander could introduce a Highlander Prime option that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Thus far, there are other midsize PHEV options on the market, like the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Since Toyota is a pioneer in hybrid technology, a Highlander Prime wouldn’t be a huge surprise for some consumers. After all, the Highlander Hybrid is a great option in Toyota’s lineup. A Toyota Highlander Prime could provide plenty of value to consumers as well.

The Toyota Grand Highlander proves that Toyota means business

A blue 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander midsize SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Toyota Grand Highalder | Toyota

Toyota isn’t a company that shies away from competition, even if competitors have more impressive specs or standard features. The Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row version of the Highlander designed to compete with bigger midsize SUVs like the popular Kia Telluride.

The arrival of the Toyota Grand Highlander proves that Toyota can be adaptable and learn new tricks to stick with the times. If we don’t get a Highlander Prime, a Grand Highlander Prime could be on the way.

Toyota isn’t afraid to innovative, and it already has two PHEV options in its lineup, along with plenty of hybrid options. The brand has many standard hybrid options as well.

Do drivers want a Toyota Highlander Prime?

A blue 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid midsize hybrid SUV is parked.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Toyota

A Toyota Highlander Prime would essentially be a more powerful Highlander Hybrid that can be charged. It will be more expensive than the Highalnder Hybrid, but if Toyota does offer the PHEV, plenty of drivers will jump on the opportunity to get one. A new Highlander PHEV could also potentially qualify for a federal electric vehicle tax incentive.

Many Toyota fans would love a Highlander Prime because of the quickness from electric motors and the convenience of having an EV mode.

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