Online Tire Recommendations

Hi Moshe,

I think the Hankook Optimo H727 would be my choice for a true 4-season tire too.

If you read the Consumer Reports' tests carefully, the Hankook Optimo H727 is really Consumer Reports' HIGHEST rated tire for real 4-season use.

It rates higher on snow and ice than the well-regarded (but much more expensive) Nokian WRg2. In fact, it astoundingly rates as well or higher on snow and ice than most of the winter tires tested by Consumer Reports.

Since the Consumer Reports tire tests came out in November 2009, several/many PriusChatters have gotten the Hankook Optimo H727, and have reported positively on them. (Do a search to read their reviews.)

Note, however, that the Hankook Optimo H727 does not come in the Touring OEM size of 195/55R16 (very few non-runflat tires come in that size).

But it does come in the 205/55R16 size, which is the size I would get if I needed replacement tires for a Touring Prius.

You might lose 1-2 mpg because of the wider than OEM treadwidth, but I think that's a small price to pay for improved handling and braking that a wider treadwidth promises.

AFAIK, the least expensive place to get the Hankook Optimo H727 is Gripston.com. The last time I checked, Gripston.com sold them for about $400 for four (with free shipping and no tax) in the 205/55R16 size. You should be able to find a local tire installer to install and balance the tires for you for $15-$25 per tire.

Note that when I ordered tires from TireRack.com, its site listed approved installers in my area and their installation prices. I chose among the $15 per tire installers, and had TireRack.com drop-ship the tires directly to the tire installer. I don't know if Gripston.com provides a similar service, but you can check.

Good luck.

EDIT: Here's a link to Gripston.com showing the Hankook Optimo H727 in the 205/55R16 size for $101.69 per tire (free shipping and no tax), plus there's a $30 rebate if you buy four:

http://www.gripston.com/search?q=205/55/16#1006123

 

I have had great luck with the Goodyear comfort tread's,

over 150,000 miles on on three Prius's 2002, 2005 and 2009, tom

 

Here is something that you might consider:

Falken ZE-912, 205/55/16 for $77 at vulcantire.com

Best,
- Alex