Michelin Energy Saver A/S Those have worked great for my driving, which includes daily winter commutes in Minnesota.
You drive in Minnesota regularly? I am moving to Michigan soon and I'm guessing the winter there is pretty much the same as Minnesota. Typical snow and ice. How do you like driving the energy savers in the snow? Any close calls like skidding or accidents?
The Michelin Energysaver A/S is simply the best tire I've had for MPG's. It is only average (as most all seasons)in the snow. My preferred winter gear is 4 snows. It is simply amazing the transformation that takes place by installing snows. I have FAR greater confidence and ability to drive in snow! It is a must for anyone who regularly deals with snowfall. It takes the worry out of my driving- period. Joel
You didn't really say "best" for what reason. If it's fuel economy, get an LRR like the Michelin Energy Savers or the stock Bridgestone Ecopia EP20. (EP22? I forget). The Prius also had Yokohama Avid S33 as factory tires too. For all-weather performance, Nokian WR range (currently, it's WRG3). For ride comfort, Goodyear Assurance ComforTred.
Best means for every reason. Fuel economy. Performance. Handling. Comfort. Grip. Everything. That's why I am asking for the best!
The "best" in So Cal would probably the "worst" in Fairbanks Alaska.... Just saying. It's all relative... Since you don't list your location we cannot help further for "your" best.
Well hopefully at least one of those above would help! But yeah like BP said, location would help. There really isn't one that's best for both Fairbanks and San Antonio.
It goes without saying that the best winter tires are winter tires. As far as A/S you can look at TireRack.com to see ratings for Ice/snow/rain traction. Continental True Contacts are pretty good there for Gen2. If John says Mich EnergySaver A/S is good enough, that's a pretty strong endorsement from one of our most expert and cold climate members. But I think you'll see the ratings for ice/snow testing is not quite as good as less high MPG tires FWIW. What matters is real world not some tests.
I had Goodyear assurance triple treads on my '09 Prius for 7 yrs- disappointed in the noise and the Milage took a small hit but they were great for stability, stopping, and worked surprisingly well in snow / slush / rain in CO and NW WA. Changed them immediately after buying the 09 as snow performance was a major complaint of the then stock tires in this forum.
Kal Tire in Canada also sell Nordman WR, which look to be rebranded Nokian WRG2. A bit cheaper. Their mpg is a bit down I'd suspect.
I believe each tire has it compromises with pluses and minuses. But there is nothing worse than finding out you've just chopped off 5 miles per gallon because of the new tires you've just bought. MPG is one of the main reasons we buy and love the Prius. The Michelin Energy has been the best tire for that. For me It has worn evenly and continues to run quietly as they are reaching the latter part of their lives. The Nokian are an excellent choice and probably provide superior grip, but the impact on mileage is unknown. My 09 tends to have an over active traction control that almost stops the tires from turning if your stopped in deep snow. I think I've read that the '16 has a switch to turn off traction control which may allow your to dig/spin your way out of a spot. The '09 does not; and so for me living in the country with drifted side roads and a farm driveway up hill, the snow tire is the ultimate transformation to snow trooper. I did drive my '09 a number of years with a/s tires and was able to get around adequately (albeit with far less confidence). All of the comparisons are people's opinions and it is hard to find side by side comparison. He is a slightly dated comparison for tires tested on a '09 Prius (side by side) that may give you some insight to their strengths from Tire Rack. They also have customer rating on most of the available tires for all condition including snow. Go to Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels and search tires for your car.
Yeah there is no way I'd drive year 'round on a quasi-snow tire, to avoid swapping to true snows. The WRG2 in my experience, lopped at least 10% of my mpg, compared to regular Bridgestone Ecopia EP20. Plus I think they'll wear fast in summer heat.
Don.t know if available in U.S but the new Michelin Cross Cilmates are a v good compromise in the U.K. Impressive reviews and ride v well on my Gen2. Haven't had them in winter conditions yet. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Continental TrueContact As Rated by Consumer Reports and Tire Rack for. Haven't gotten them but i will when the time comes.