Difference 15" vs. 17"

The Persona has the exact suspension components as standard Prius. The major differences in the Persona are the 17" black chrome wheels and interior trim pieces, Softex black seat with red stitching, badge and only come in 3 colors depending on the model year. I replaced my stock springs with Plus springs and that definitely improved handling.

In regards to the ride differences between the 17 and 18 you noted, a lot has to do with the model of the tire. Perhaps they were run flats as well where the side walls are very stiff.

 

We test drove a (3rd gen) 15" model, then a day or two later the 17" that we bought. I felt more at ease in the second car when cornering, not sure, might have been that the second drive was daylight, or getting more used to the car. This got me speculating there might be some steering tweaks on 17" models, really not sure though.

 

After all this is Prius we are talking about and Toyota has tried desperately to give you that 2 or 3 mpg extra with eco grade etc. then you go along and get 17 inch wheels saying 2mpg sacrifice is fine because it looks better. At the same time, some others claim looks don't matter much for a Prius. Most buyers get their priorities mixed up and even worse, the folks Toyota HQ in each region don't seem to get it either. The last time I commented on this, I didn't see a single moderator here speak for smaller wheels indicating that even top fans themselves are confused. The result is if you wan't to go with smaller wheels, only some entry grades will be possible, that's usually the case here in the UK.

 

In addition to different rim, width and aspect ratio, the models designed for 17" rims had a completely different steering system and probably a different tire model as well.

Any of these things can substantially affect the feel of the car on the road.

 

Where did you get this information from?

 

Thanks but I was looking something official from Toyota or actual part differences. I can't imagine they go through the trouble to do that. The Prius has an electric power steering assist instead of hydraulic so my assumption would be is they changed the software to compensate for the 17" wheels.

 

Yes, well said, and I agree.

Would add.. tread wear is 600 for tires fitted on 17" wheels. Should wear like iron.

Tread wear is 300 for tires fitted on 15" wheels.
(exception:340 for tires on Level 2 Eco)

My guess..... a softer compound is used in
LRR tires to lower hysteresis loss.

 

You are correct, there is a different part number for 17" wheel versus the 15 or 16". Though the steering input is required, this doesn't really have a change in how the car handles. It may change the input feel though but at higher speeds, I would think the power assist is minimal. .

 

My specific comment related to the Gen 3 as that is what people were using as a base for comparison. A clue shows up on the Toyota website in the differences in turning circle 33.5ft vs 35.4 ft and in 2009 when the Gen 3 was introduced Toyota made a big deal of the different steering mechanism with fewer turns lock to lock on the models with 17" wheels .There was a lot of talk about it at the time in Prius Chat including info from Toyota.

I'm less sure about the Gen 4 but I see the same difference in turning circle between the models intended for 15" wheels and those intended for 17" wheels.

I can't see how it would affect lateral acceleration either but I think that when people comment on steering in relation to handling, they are talking about how responsive the car is when you move the wheel and how much feedback you feel through the steering wheel. As the 17" steering requires far less turning from lock to lock, the car will generally respond much more to small movements of the steering wheel and presumably feel more responsive because of this

 

Just echoing some others when it comes to 15" vs 17".
Bigger/lower profile tires will increase handling. But it will also increase road noise, stiffness (bumpier ride), and fuel consumption.

I used to go for bigger tires b/c they just look sexy. Nowadays i opt for the smaller tire for the comfort, economy, and yes - cheaper to replace for sure. The new suspension on the 2016 Prius do handle decently though so may be enough to make up for the smaller tire if you're used to older Prius. I find the driving fun "enough" with the 15" (and bumping to Power Mode).

 

We test drove the 3 Touring prior to getting the non-touring with tech package. The 17" wheels and low profile tires make for a harsher ride and a noticeably louder cabin due to road noise. My guess is that you could possibly mitigage this when you replace the tires. However, we like how quiet the 15" were and went with that. Absolutely love the car. Can't believe that I actually like a Prius enough to buy one. My normal DD is a twin-turbo V6 F150....this is a completely foreign experience.

 

I think we can ALL agree the the 17" tires on the Touring models look better and may likely handle better on the curves, but to me the biggest disadvantage is the FULL EXTRA TWO FEET added to the turn circle! I mean one of the things that I truly LOVE about my 2010 Prius III is the fantastic turn radius. With the 17" wheels, it's just another mid-size car with great gas mileage. To me it's not worth loosing that turn radius just for looks and lets face it... we don't buy the Prius for looks or cornering prowess. Just my 2 cents.

 

It also depends on the tires. I'd say my winter tires actually handle better on pavement than my all seasons, for my Plug-in Prius. My all seasons are Goodyear Eagle LS-2 P195/65R15 89S, but my winters are Michelin X-Ice Xi3 P195/65R15 95T XL. The tires are the same size and both are on OEM alloy rims (stock Prius rims with the all-season tires and my old 2004 Prius rims with the winter tires). The Goodyears are lower midrange "performance" touring tires, but the Michelins are higher end with a high load rating and a reinforced sidewall on top of that.

The Goodyears are very comfy but make the car float like a boat more whereas the Michelin winter tires give better control with a somewhat harsher ride. But it's actually not harsh. It's decently comfortable, but with better handling, a happy medium. I think when it comes time to get rid of the Goodyears, I'll try to go with somewhat stiffer all-seasons tires, or at least something better rated for handling. I don't need new rims but if I had needed new ones I would have been tempted to go to 16" for summer handling, partially because it's hard to find all season tires that are as stiff as my winter tires.

 

Simple go for 205/55/r 16 .

 

I was reading this review in the UK stating the CO2 was lower on 15" tires did not know this or ever heard of this?

Toyota Prius 2016 Road Test | Road Tests | Honest John

 

Kinda a tangent but there was a thread that someone was looking for a ABS unit and the unit on the Touring was not the same as the standard version. I mean different part number. Would be kinda trippy if there was some chart noting the difference between same year Touring models vs Unwashed Masses Standard/Base models....I know I had to type that in..lol!

 

I just learned that in England they measure tailpipe CO2.

Guess what?

The emissions for the 17" Wheels is about 10% higher.

This triggers a special congestion tax for the 17" tire version.

I got snookered.

 

I am surprised because the diameter of either the 15" vs 17" is usually the same because the sidewall of the tire is decreased on the 17" to maintain the correct speedometer reading.