10th Gen Accord Hybrid Engine/Trans

Without diving too deeply into Accord specs, the difference in wheels is enough. Larger wheels add weight at the worse possible spot on a car. This is why the Camry hybrid SE/XSE/XLE has a lower rating than the LE.

There could also be some extra weight from added features. So swapping on the smaller trim wheels may not get all of the improvement, but it will get most. You can also look for wheels that are lighter than the factory ones. And don't forget to check the tire weights; that varies between models of the same size.

 

The wheels are smaller, but the factory tire size has a taller side wall than the ones on the larger wheel. In the end, the diameter and circumference of each wheel and tire combo is essentially the same.

 

I’ve read that other Accord Hybrid drivers have downsized to the standard 17” wheels and achieved better fuel economy numbers.

Anyone change out hybrid wheels? Will 19" wheels effect mpg or speedometer?

 

About half the participants in that discussion are under the (misguided) impression that going from 19" to 17" rims will reduce tire OD by 2", or drop the car an inch::

So I will bring my car to dealer to have them recalibrate the speedometer to match the new size

How much of a difference in ground clearance would moving from 17s to 19s make?

 

Post

Post 44 from the Accord thread reads:

You should be find downsizing from 19" wheels to 17" wheels as long as you maintain the same overall wheel diameter. That means that you shouldn't go with the 17" OEM tire size that Honda uses on other Accord models.

The OEM tire size for the Accord's 17" wheel and tire package is 225/50R17- which will have a diameter of 657mm
The OEM tire size for the Accord's 19" wheel and tire package is 235/40R19- which will have a diameter of 671mm

That's not a huge difference- and it's certainly safe to go with the 225/50/R17 size if that's what you get... just beware that the 17" wheels will be 2% smaller- so your odometer and speedometer might be a little off.

As always, YMMV.

 

The response seems to be that 17s will get better fuel economy than 19s as well as a more comfortable ride. The type of tire matters as well, of course, whether it is low friction or not. The stock 17 wheels are designed for better air flow than non-hybrid specific wheels so that probably helps as well.

 

Ideally you should stick with the stock OD, juggling tire width and sidewalk height to achieve that, or as close as practical. Unless you intentionally want to change it that is.

 

2% is within legal margin of error of 2.5% for a speedometer. With going to 17" means your speedometer will be reading high, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Criteria:

close to stock OD

your preference