Aftermarket Wheels

Have u tried here: Gen III aftermarket wheel thread...post your pictures | PriusChat

 

You're going to lose 3-6mpg no matter which wheels and tires you chose. If that's enough to scare you then spend more time researching. There is tons of information on the subject. Try using a google search with Priuschat.com in the beginning.

 

There is a mpg loss even with the OEM 17" wheels. We estimate the loss to be about 2-3mpg WITH THE OEM TIRES. Once you swap those tires out you will lose another 1-2mpg or more depending on the tire.

Because Toyota chose such a fuel efficient OE 17" tire, the difference between the 15s and 17s is only a few mpg at most. Unfortunately, the OE 17s are garbage in all other respects and they are very expensive so it doesn't make sense to purchase them again. There is no way around the loss. You gotta pay to play.

 

Are you talking about OEM 15" or OEM 17"? Either way, F8L will have an accurate answer for you (because he's done them both)

 

Damn. Re-reading the OP again I now realize he never said he wanted larger wheels.

If you stick with 15s to maximize fuel economy then stick with a wheel that is less than 16lbs, 42-45mm offset, 6" wide but 7" is doable, 5x100 bolt pattern. Use the Energy Saver A/S tire (195/65/15). Look at the Drag and Motegi wheels for less weight and low cost.

 

He's our resident wheel & tire expert.

 

Nah. I'm just addicted to tires.

 

You're welcome!

Use the interactive programs at TireRack.com and DiscountTire to see what various wheels will look like on your car. It may help you narrow down your choices. A 40mm offset wheel will work in the event you find one you like. I only state the 42-45mm range as best of fuel economy but even a 38mm will work if you simply gotta have the wheel. Stick to a 6"-7" wheel though.

 

No, you really cannot go too light unless you are crazy rich. Most readily available wheels are no less than 9lbs each. The OE 15" wheel is approx. 16lbs. The average affordable wheel is 12-14lbs.

The other option is to buy a set of Plug In Prius wheels. They are a little heavier than OE but they are aerodynamic and look nicer. Another good choice is the Motegi SP10 or Drag DR34?

You can use your OE tires on any of these wheels. Then upgrade to the Energy Saver A/S tire when those wear out. That is the most economical thing to do.

 

Check in with me in a few weeks and I'll let you know how my new setup effects mpg's. 16 x 7 Drag DR9 wheels (16.5 lbs) and 205/50R16 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires. I think that wheel comes in 15 x 6 as well. I'm on my first tank of gas so I can't give "real" mpg #s yet. So far, I'm getting about the same (47 to 50 mpg). Good Luck!

 

I think if the temps and driving style don't change that much, I think consumption will be the same because the weight of the wheel is almost the same as the OEM wheel. However, it looks way way better than stock!

 

Just weighed my stock 17" rim with stock Michelin Pilot MXM4 215/45R17; it came in at: 44.86 lb. Did 2 lifts, which were very close, and averaged the results. Tirerack says the tire (new) would be 22 lb. Deducting that, the rim comes in at 22.86 lb. Considering the tires are a bit worn, I'd say:

Stock 17" rim weight = 23 lb.

This was the scale I used:



Lee Valley Tools - Important Announcement

(When you lift, you just hold steady for a bit, then it beeps and locks the reading.)

 

After 6 fill ups, I'm averaging 47 mpg. However, the weather has been very cold here in north east TN and I'm sure the mpg's will get better when it warms up. My best guess is that the MPG difference between stock wheels and tires and mine are less than 2 mpg. Check back in the summer months and I will post my results again.