Wheel/tire experts...17" vs 16"

YES

YES
I am running 16" in the winter and the OEM 17" in the other three seasons.
16" = equal better ride, higher MPGs, and cheaper tires
17" = equal better looks
If the Prius got 100 MPG and it looked like a Pontiac Aztec, no one would buy it.
Small differences are big deals to us car guys. :car:

 

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You would normally expect a smoother ride from a "taller" tire. Taller means a higher aspect ratio. Likewise you would normally expect better gas mileage from a narrower tire. These are generalizations that are not based on real world experience with the V.

 

16's lighter = better power to weight ratio, that improves take offs, slow downs, & MPG. Air pressure in either tire will stiffen up the ride or soften up the ride. Since were at it why not use the Stock Prius 15" wheel? Lighter yet and available unlike the 16's & 17's. I have 3 sets of the touring 16's and they get lower MPG due to extra weight v the 15's.

 

1) 15" wheels are not going to fit on the V due to the larger rear disc brakes

2) I only drove on the 17” wheels for a couple weeks before the winter switch, did not notice a MPG or ride change when I put on the 16” winter shoes.

 

I would just keep whatever the factory put on.

Again the 16" has a little better performance and the 17" has a little better looks. If I drove 25k+ miles a year I could recommend 16" wheels. Under 25k doesn't matter, go with the fancy wheels.