Noise, ride and mileage: V vs. other packages

I test drove a IV and bought a V sight unseen. The IV didn't ride like a Lexus, so it isn't like you're going to sacrifice a Lexus-like ride. Also, many hypermilers hyperinflate the tires in order to maximize fuel economy, which defeats the purpose of smoother/quieter ride with the 15" wheels.

EPA rules allow the same estimate to be used across the board if the same engine is used, within a certain range of weight. European's EU rules don't and therefore show a 1.8 mpg hit for the 17" wheel Prius compared to the lower tiers. However, someone who drives a II-IV inefficiently is going to suffer worse miles to the gallon than if you drive a V with the goal of maximizing mileage. I keep hearing from II-IV owners who get 37 mpg whereas I consistently average 50 mpg computerized (not actual).

 

As an owner of a V, I can tell you that I get very similar mileage in both cars. Possibly 1-2 miles different. If you read through some of the threads here you will find the primary reasons for the moderate decrease in economy are related to the increased 'unsprung wieght' of the 17" rims versus the 15" rims, and the increased contact area with the road.

The Sprung/Unsprung wieght difference is about 100 pounds, and there are some rather technical descriptions posted regarding it. You should google it too, to get a full grasp of it and it's effects.

As for my second point, the lower profiles tires themselves are also a factor. As you mentioned, they generate slightly more road noise (which is energy in the form of soundwaves ultimately robbing you of some forward momentum). Additionally, they wider contact area with the road means slightly more rolling resistance, thus eating energy.

That said, it is possible to increase your mileage slightly by inflating your tires to 43front and 42 rear. BY doing so, I have brought up my average economy from 52 to 54 mpg, for a 45 mile round-trip commute throughout metropolitan Chicago. When I've had it in the shop, and use a Prius II through IV, I can get about the same mileage, but with normal inflation and 15" tires. I suspect that I raised the pressure in those, as other have done on the forum, I would be able to get 1-3 mpg better than I do now.

 

Before buying, I test drove a model V and a IV, and got a V. I've been driving cars with 18" wheels and low profile tires for a long time, so the ride of the V didn't seem harsh to me, but the big difference is the better road feel & handling, and more direct steering, of the V.

I didn't notice any difference in road noise--but keep in mind these cars are not exactly quite inside, regardless of model.

Regarding gas mileage, the UK specs show the 17" wheel cars getting 2.4% lower MPG than 15" cars, so you're talking about a 1 MPG difference--a rounding error.

 

I brought my Prius V w/AT package back in May of 2009. I agree that it is noisy. It needs to have some type of noise barrier install on the Prius V to get the noise level down to a acceptable level. It rides smooth thou. I get around 32.6 to 35.1 mpg just around town and some freeway driving. Maybe 10 miles of driving on the freeway in a week. I paid $38,000 USD out of the door. In 2009 when I brought my Prius V, they were in such a demand, that no one in my area offer a discount on them. I paid sticker price plus tax, lic, etc. That came to $38,000 USD out of the door price. I am happy with the Prius V thou and I would buy a Prius again in the future.

 

Also consider that the heavier 17" wheel will make the car accelerate slower and the tires will cost more to replace. Tough choice between handling and looks vs. MPG, noise, ride, acceleration and maintenance costs. Low profile tires expose more the wheel to scuffs while parking and pot holes. My previous car had 18" wheels and I had to
be very careful with them. They looked awesome and was worth it but the car was a sports sedan. For me, the 15" wheels on the Prius that is all about MPG made more sense.

 

Actually not for this one, as all Vs are fitted with tires that feature raised rim protector, in contrast to II-IVs that have none. I've yet to see a thread from a V owner that scuffed up while parking.

 

For me, the V was well worth it...i would do it again in an instant.

 

I consider myself a careful "parker". But the raised sidewall edge (which is also very attractive IMO - I have Toyos 17") has saved my front wheels at least 5 times the last year. Cutting into/out of parking near a curb - "What was that scrubbing noise?". Yep, misjudged a bit - but each of my rims are showroom fresh. Twice, I would have sworn I scraped a wheel, but surprised and happy the rubber saved the metal. Phew.

Sidelight - the '10 is my first hybrid/Prius. I would not have bought the car if it wasn't for the V model. Looks and feels quite sporty. Not dorky.

 

Does the 17" Michelin not have the sidewall rim protector?? Damn, i was going to replace the Toyos with the Michelin when the time comes.

 

Well, i searched Toyo's website and cannot find our tires. They had other ultra-high performance tires that don't seem like they would be quiet nor have low rolling resistance. So, Michelin may be the only choice (if i had to buy a tire now). Otherwise, we would be stuck going to Toyota dealerships to get our Toyos, which means that we might as well enter the dealership butt first readying to be screwed big time!

 

The OEM Michelin Pilot HX MXM4? Given that both Bridgestone Turanza EL400 and Toyo Proxes A20 have the rim protector, I'd be surprised if the Michelin doesn't.

 

Nope, according to pics on the net, the Michelin does NOT have the rim protector! And the Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 does not either!

 

What pictures? Whether or not it has rim protector really depends on the size, even within the same tire model. For example, the Turanza 225/40-R18 will have it whereas the 255/40-R18 does not. You can't depend on the hi-res photo on Tirerack to check if it has a rim protector because it's size-dependent.

 

Oh, i see...hope you're right....

If i were to get tires today, then i will likely get the Ecopia...with Michelin being #2.

 

Just checked my Michelins and they look like they have rim protectors.

 

Excellent!! Thanks. Good, now, i have two choices to choose from just in case i have a flat tire (non-repairable) or when my OEMs wear out.

BTW, how do you like the Michelins?? Smooth? Quiet?

 

I thought the same until it happened to me. The raised rim protectors might help if you gently approach a curb nearly parallel with it. However shortly after getting our V I turned into an end parking spot with a low (half height or less) curb and heard the sickening sound of metal on concrete. The scuff was only at the very edge of the rim and fairly short but quite deep.

Bottom line: They are nice to have but certainly don't trust them to save you in all but the mildest situations.

 

Yes, if you turn into a curb at an angle with a sufficient high force, the rim protector will bend and not protect against curb damage. It's definitely meant to protect against standard rubbing and carelessness like in DeanFL's case. You also have to be careful with the low-hanging front bumper as it's also very easy to scrub the side of it while parking (and there's a Prius up the street from me with such a damage).

My comment was directed toward the poster who claimed that low-profile tires automatically expose the wheels to scuffs while parking. That may or may not be true depending on whether they have rim protector.