Bridgestone Ecopia EP20 or EP422 plus for 2010 Prius?

On my 2014, I replaced the EP20 which came with the car with EP422 Plus. The new tires are a marked improvement. They are quieter and seem to ride more smoothly though the latter may be as a result of more tread than the worn EP 20s. I didn't note any change in mileage. In the winter I run snow tires, but I don't think snow will be an issue for you in San Francisco.

 

I suspect going from worn out EP422 Plus to new of the same, you'd also notice a smoother/quieter ride. Hard to say.

I'd go for the Ecopia EP20, mainly because: Bridgestone is playing silly beggars with the EP422 Plus: there's a Mexican, US and Japanese itteration, each with different tread and wear index. The sun doesn't rise and set on the EP20, but they're a known quantity, come in one size only, and have very dependable LRR.

 

Most recently our son had a set of EP20 on his Civic. I would describe them as "uneventful". They're not long lasting, I'd say middling? They're good tracking. Do get noisy as they age. Good LRR. A menace in snow once tread is below maybe 6/32".

 

I have these from Discounttiredirect and am really happy with them, better mileage than the Michelin Defenders that I had before. 90,000 tire, same as the Defenders that only got 60,000

Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

 

I think you pegged it there. It's about compromise and what's important to you. Also.....

If they are getting the same fuel mileage from new EP422's as a worn set as EP20's that's a big difference. Worn tires are at their most efficient point, and new tires are at their least efficient point. So that may translate in to a good bit better mileage on the EP422's as they wear.

 

I talked to Bridgestone technical support today, and they said that the EP20 is the lowest rolling resistant tire. The EP422 or 422 plus is next in line. They also said that the "expected" wear on the EP20 was 65,000 but that it did not come with a mileage guarantee. The 422 comes with a mileage guarantee. I believe it was 70,000 but please don't hold me to that. It's 9 PM and between work and the teenagers I'm about done for the night.

 

Normally, mileage is a pro rated warranty based upon use. I'll give an example, but these are fake numbers for easy match...

Say:

100,000 tire, got 80,000 miles. You would be entitled to 20% of the purchase price of the first tire, off of the purchase of a new tire. You would normally have to purchase a new tire, there would be no money given back, and proof of proper maintenance would be required. If the tires are worn evenly proof may not be required, but the warranty would also be void if the tires had alignment wear.

 

On a personal note. I put the Ecopia tires on my other non hybrid cars and suv, and they do get better mileage. Not substantial, but a couple miles a gallon.

 

Yep.

 

wliangy, my information below may help you.

My vehicle: Prius 2010 G3, original tires Ecopia EP20.
At 67190 km, changed to Ecopia EP422 at Costco.
At Bridgestonetire.ca website, no km warranty stated for the EP422 but my Costco invoice states 105,000km warranty.
At Bridgestonetire.ca website, EP422 Plus warranty is 115,000km. There is not much of a difference between these two models.

I am still using the EP422 at about 150,000km and expect it to last another 5-6000km.
In summary, the EP20 lasted about 68,000km vs. the expected 88,000km from EP422 (ie. 30% better than the OEM EP20.)
I probably won't expect the EP422 Plus will last the mileage as Bridgestone claims.
The road noise of the EP422 is definitely lower than the EP20, not by too much though.
Gas consumption-wise, I'd say EP422 is slightly better than the EP20 but not significant to claim a victory. Road feel and handling are about the same on both tires.

No information on the EP422Plus. Wishing someone else can post their experience if they are using the EP422 Plus.