The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid continues to be available at a lower starting price than the regular Prius thanks to an ongoing discount that has been extended into August.

Toyota Canada has offered the discount on the Prius PHEV since early 2026 and that offer has been extended until Aug. 31.

The customer incentive offers an after-tax discount of $5,000 on the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

An after-tax discount of $5,000 is equivalent to a before-tax discount of $4,425 in provinces with a sales tax rate of 13 per cent.

Typically, the PHEV version costs around $2,000 more than the regular Prius, but the discount flips the script.

A regular 2026 Prius, with a self-charging hybrid powertrain, starts at around $41,531 (MSRP of $38,465 plus estimated fees and levies), while the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid (formerly Prius Prime) normally starts around $43,216 (MSRP of $40,150). Once you subtract $4,425, that gets you a starting price of $38,791, dealer fees and levies included.

On top of that, the plug-in hybrid version qualifies for Canada’s Electric Vehicle Affordability Program rebate of up to $2,500 on eligible plug-in hybrid vehicles. Certain conditions must be met to qualify. The EVAP rebate is also applied after tax, which is the equivalent of a before-tax rebate of $2,212 in provinces with a 13 per cent tax rate.

Between Toyota Canada’s customer incentive and the federal government’s rebate, the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid can be had for as little as $36,579 in August.

That’s nearly $5,000 cheaper than the regular Prius.

What’s the difference between regular and PHEV Priuses?

If you’re confused about what the difference is between the Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, let us explain.

Parked side by side, you won’t notice a difference between the two cars, unless you’re close enough to read the badge on the back that points out its either the Prius with a HEV (hybrid-electric vehicle) or the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which, obviously, has the PHEV powertrain.

The two cars also have different trim levels so check with the automaker to make sure the version you’re shopping for has all the features you desire.

The regular Prius is powered by Toyota’s fifth-generation self-charging hybrid system. It has a 2-litre four-cylinder engine mated with a motor-generator system for a total system output of 196 hp. The car has a city-highway combined fuel efficiency rating of 4.8 L/100 km.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid has a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2-litre engine and an electric motor-generator system producing a total of 220 hp. It has a larger battery than the regular Prius and it can be plugged in at an outlet to charge, giving the PHEV version an estimated electric-only driving range of 72 kilometres. If plug-in charging is not available, the car operates like a regular hybrid model. The base model has an estimated fuel efficiency of 1.8Le/100 km.

Based on Natural Resources Canada’s fuel consumption guide, the regular Prius should cost Canadian drivers $1,440 in fuel costs per year. A base model Prius Plug-in Hybrid, on the other hand, should set drivers back $808 in fuel and electricity costs per year.

For full model details and discount terms and conditions, visit the Toyota Canada website.

---