Issues with changing wheels on a Prime XSE from 19" to 17"

The "aero" impacts of the 17" wheel covers are a factor but the rotation weight of the 17 vs 19" are different in that bulk of rotation weight of the 17" rims are 1" closer to the centre, which is the largest factor in range and mileage for the prime. All things equal, the physics says (8.5/9.5) 11.8% more torque is required to rotate the 17" vs 19", which is somewhat validated by the range difference (39/44) 12.8%. I just replaced my stock 17" and the weight, with covers are just over 19lbs, which are reasonably light for rims. I just replaced my SE rims with aftermarkets that weigh about the same as the OEMs. There are many 17" aftermarket rims that are 24-29lbs. These may yield worst gas mileage than the OEM 19", so you have to be careful to not just decide based on appearance. Car is just a couple weeks old, so don't have any comparative numbers but subjectively, looks much better than the stock covers.

 

I bought after market 16" wheels for my dedicated winter tires. Same height as the OEM 19's
Significantly less weight on the 16's, those OEM 19's are heavy

 

Jo mo, isn't it the other way around, that "11.8% more torque is required to rotate the 19" vs the 17"..." (because the 19" are heavier wheels), or am I missing something here? [But then, I never did very well in physics class. ]

 

I can confirm that Prius 2023 speedometer is calibrated with 17 inch wheels. I have seen this with an habitual long distance that I was used to do with a Prius 2005. I have confirmed it with Apple Plan. 19 inch wheel circumference is theoretically 1.9% higher than 17 inch. Since MPG is function of distance, display of 1.9% less efficiency can be directly explained by this false calculation. 1.9% could get higher because of 17 inch tire greater flexion that reduces diameter of the wheel and then its practical circumference.

 

It doesn't matter the wheel size if with the tire it's the same circumference

 

They're using wheel/tire synonymously. 1.9% is the difference between 195/50R19 and 195/60R17.

 

You are right, excuse my dyslexia, I interchanged the 2. I am a cyclist and we pay a lot to reduce the Rotational weight with carbon wheels. The 16" are even lighter but you have to go to a taller sidewall. Softer ride, less handling but unsure of any clearance issues.

 

For anyone with an XLE/Limited, I just ordered these 17” tires and wheels to replace the 19”:

BRIDGESTONE ECOPIA EP422 PLUS SL (195/60R-17 - same size as the LE)

Borbet Type W wheels 17x7 5x114.3 +40 offset - 19lbs

Both from Tire Rack (I can’t post links as I’m a new member here). The wheels are back ordered by ~3 weeks. Will report back on any MPG difference once I get them. TBH I think the 19” look ridiculous, the 17” look better to me and any MPG boost realized will be a bonus.

 

Just out of curiosity, are those rims the same width as the stock 17" rims? I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to replacing rims and properly matching them to tires.

 

They're a half inch wider than stock.

Stock = 6.5"
Borbet = 7.0"

 

I’m a total novice, too lol. Hammersmith is correct, they’re slightly larger but it should be compatible with the 195/60R17 (LE size) tires. Although, haven’t tested this in practice yet, still waiting to receive and install them.

 

Yeah, they'll be fine. 205mm is the best match for a 7.0" wheel, but you can easily go 10mm up or down and be just fine. You can even go +/-20mm, but that's stretching it a bit. Just note that it will be a tiny bit easier to curb rash your wheels with 195/7.0 vs. 195/6.5.

I use this site to check combinations: Rim & Tire Size Calculator. Custom Offsets - Wheel-Size.com

 

Hey guys. Can you please tell me what kind of fitment issues I’d have with a wheel of these specs?


18x8 / 5x114.3 / Offset +44

I’d really like to get some Volk or Advan wheels. Thanks!

 

You can check out these two posts both having 8" or 8.5" inch wide wheels.

1. PhoS
2. pendragon

Both of those cases of wheel and tire replacement maintain the OEM tire + wheel diameter of 26.7".

 

Thank you very much!

 

Regarding Toyota adjusting the speed difference based on changing tires, “The Car Nut” (former Toyota Technician & YouTube Influencer) indicates Toyota has a scanning tool that can make minor recalibrations on the car’s speedometer.,

 

I ended up buying some 18x8 +40 wheels and 225/50–18 tires. According to the fitment calculator, I believe it would fit fine, but I am lowered on R&R springs. Seems like it will be close. Install next week. Fingers crossed.

 

This is not accurate. The key is to find an equivalent tire size. I just updated my wheels from 19 to 17 primarily to get more tire availability and to move a bit away from low profile tires. The best size in the 17 inch range was 225/55R/17 with the key bring getting a 17 inch tire/wheel of the same circumference as the 19 inch wheel. I now have a nice quiet ride and more grip on the corners. The likely MPH being lowered has not been measured. It is not a huge issue for me. And most important, the speedometer was dead on with the 17 inch downsize.

 

Looks nice. Picking up my new 17's with tires tomorrow. I wanted more tire options as well and if I get a blow out I won't be SOL in the middle of nowhere trying to get a tire for the 19's

 

Just mounted my 17's from Enkei with 225/55/17 Conti's