REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works

Exactly how the Prius name might shift from defining the world's most famous hybrid to its own sub-brand – "Not!" – or moniker for other Toyota hybirds – "Yes!" – has been a source of interest for quite some time. The latest bit of speculation comes from the Yomiuri newspaper in Japan (via Green Car Advisor) and says that Toyota is considering building a Prius sport wagon or a Prius SUV about 12 months from now, maybe using lithium-ion batteries (despite Toyota's public pronouncements). Toyota officials, however, would not comment to the Yomiuri about the report.

As we saw with the Hybrid X (above) unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, Toyota has been thinking about a Prius wagon for a while. Green Car Advisor speculates that the the Venza could be a good candidate for the production wagon, while any of Toyota's JDM wagons could also make the transition to hybrids here. As for a Prius SUV? Tone down the Lexus RX 400h and there you go.

[Source: Yomiuri via Green Car Advisor]