W rated tires for a Prius V?

In that section and profile (215/45R17 or 215/50R17), you won't find much but "sports car" or high speed touring car tires, so the "W" is warranted for the anticipated market, not so much for the v Five.

 

Generally, 45s will be fine, though somewhat lower load rating, and check the tire diameter/circumference/revs per mile to assess percent speedometer indicated/actual variance.

 

Zogg, I use Discount Tire and put new Pirelli's on my 2013 V Five about a year ago. Discount will let you drop down one rating category. The Pirelli's were V rated, rather than W.

 

They might mount them if you carry the wheels in and put them on yourself. It's all about liability.

 

I would stick with the stock size, 215/50R17: 215/45R17 would be a reduction in outside diameter for the Prius v, basically changing your gearing, throwing the odometer off a bit.

 

Or you could go to 225/45R17...

 

Walk away from costco, go anywhere else

 

Don't cheap out on your tires you put everyone else's safety on the road at risk.
These cars are heavy on the abs, traction control nanny alone. Combine that with the tire patch being super skinny to maximize fuel economy up aba keep unsprung weight down... You are asking for a crash taking away traction from the car... Ie less braking and turning grip when you need it... Like before you rear end someone

That said the speed rating was made by idiots at the dot, tires that are made to go that speed often aren't dot legal. Standardized testing doesn't apply often in real life but it is there to keep tire manufacturers from selling scary cheap plastic tires. If you tire guy will mount them wider is better. Taller and your speedo being marginally slow is not a big deal either. Just look at a gps one time while you are on the highway to see how much off you are

If you are poor folk like me I suggest sumitomo htr po2 from tire rack. They are a great balance of cost and handling... They might make some more cabin noise but definitely worth it for the added safety.

 

Zogg, can I get an update on your new Vogue Signature tires? Are you happy with them? How has it affected the cabin road noise and MPG? I'm shopping for new 17" tires and had the same issue at Costco with them not able to mount anything lower than the w speed rating.

 

Appreciate the update. Hope your MPG improves after the tires are broken.

 

Comparing worn tires to new is a false comparison. Have never seen someone claim their new selection was better than worn out old set. You have to justify the wisdom of your selection.

I like the apples to apples comparisons as well an anecdotes from folks with lots of miles to see how they are after a few years.

 

Yeah new tires, even of the same, will invariably be quieter/smoother, and grip better. mpg improvements as a tire breaks-in: maybe not so much.

 

Look on the bright side... If they're 'HRR' tires, they will never last 60,000 miles, so your MPG-related losses will be lower, but you'll have replacement tire needs sooner, and the cost/mile higher...

 

Just put 400 miles on a set of new Continental Pure Contact eco/LRR 225/50R17 load range 98V tires at 42psiF/40psiR, after replacing OEM Toyos due to sidewall cuts.

The Contis carve better in the corners, have a nicer ride quality, are quieter, track just as true. Far better hydroplaning resistance (expected at new tire tread depth). Jury is out on mpg hit. First 400 miles appeared to be right at 41mpg based on tank refill, compared with lifetime average 42mpg.

 

But wasn't that 400 miles done in winter in NY? And not the most benign winter either.