Japanese newspaper Yomiuri is reporting that Toyota may be deep in development of a Prius SUV, according to the AP. The SUV could be in addition to the Prius Wagon rumored since the Toyota Hybrid X Concept was put on display at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
During that show, the automaker suggested the possibility of a Prius Wagon hitting market in 2011 or 2012. As Green Car Advisor points out, although Toyota does not market a wagon in North America, they do in other parts of the world. These models could serve as the base for a new hybrid. They also suggest the possibility of rebranding the Lexus RX 400h as the Prius SUV.
If released, we would expect that Toyota would include regenerative brakes, and a solar roof option. Plug-in versions could be in the works as well. No word yet if the company would use the nickel-hydrogen battery pack seen on the standard Prius, or the Lithium-ion battery used on the plug-in model
Toyota officials remained tight-lipped on the topic, but the upcoming shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Geneva could all be perfect settings for a debut.
