Hi folks! Is it possible to put 15" wheels on Prius V to get the ride more smooth? Or to put on 16" wheels 205/65 R16 instead of 205/60 R16?
You're messing with final drive ratios, which isn't a good thing. The rolling circumference needs to stay the same. As to whether you'll improve the ride, I'd say probably not. If you want to go to the stock 16" wheel, stick with the stock tire size as well.
The brand of tire will make a ride difference. Try some Michelins but also maintain an energy saving tire. michelin link
A wheel for the v has a different bolt pattern ( 5 by 114) than a wheel for the liftback, (5 by 100) so the wheels do not interchange. Wheel Products - Discount Tire Direct The stock Yokohamas on my v are 814 rev per mile tires, so a Michelin Defender in 205/65 15 would keep the speedometer and odometer honest, as it is 816 revs per mile. Michelin Defender
Thank you guys for fast response! Okay, who can tell me the difference between ride on 16" and ride on 17" wheels on Toyota Prius V? Mine are the 17" and the road noise around 80 MPH is annoying and the ride is firm. What I want to do is to make sound insulation of the car and put other wheels if it does make sense. I"ll be glad to hear suggestions from you. Thank you for reading this, drive safely!
Well, you are right bout the ratios but the quality of ride is solely depends on how much rubber and air you have between the wheels and asphalt...
Tires can reduce road noise also...believe me when I say there is a difference. You will never have a Lexus and you should make sure the air pressure is at spec (door jam) and not over for ride quality. 17" Michelins
How long have you had your Prius v 5? Sorry, but I must ask, how much 80 mph driving do you actually do? You asked for suggestions. The model 5 has the premium 17" wheels for a better look. Can't imagine paying for a model 5, and wanting to remove the factory wheels for 15" or 16" "other" wheels. In the world of wheels, 17" wheels aren't considered excessive, considering they come standard on some Prius models. I put 17" Prius Persona wheels on my 2012 PIP. I don't buy the negative hype synonymous and perpetuated regarding 17" wheels on a Prius, other than a small reduction in fuel mileage. I have no issues with road noise or ride quality. My suggestion, keep what you have at no additional cost, scrap the sound insulation(?), and enjoy the factory look.
I drive my Prius V for 6 month, and in general this is great car. The only 3 improvements I'd like to do are 1. Reduce road noise - by installing something like Dynamat 2. Change wheel for 16" 3. Car seats vintilation - currently I reside in Florida and its too hot to ride on SofTex seat - my back is always wet
Given the final drive ratio is to be the same, the 17" will have a stiffer sidewall than the 16". I'll bet someone with 16's would like to trade with you. (The 16s look nice without the factory hubcaps but with center caps available lots of places including eBay.) Tire pressure matters on ride and noise. It is a trade off against mileage. Is the v a noisy car? Yes. Do Dynamats help. Yes. Is it worth it? Maybe someone who has done them can chime in. I'll bet there is no true DIY substitute for factory attention and weight devoted to NVH which the v didn't get. Seat ventilation is usually only in the seat bottom which isn't helping your back wet issue. How about trying a towel to see if terry cloth covers would help. What color is the car? What color are the seats? Where do you park it?
The car is Blizzard Pearl, interior is Biege, garage kept or I park it in shade - but the material of seats without any dots is just like plastic bag to your back. I ordered mysel ventilated car seat cover by Viotek - it is 140$ and in one week I"ll tell you how it works. Definitely I want to trade for 16" wheels.
hello, Michael like i said earlierim very interested in trading my 16" wheels and tires with your 17"s.. let me know?! Thanks, Andy
