Better Tires for the Touring model?

I believe that the Touring Edition only made up about 5% of the Priuses sold in the US 2006-2009. So you can't expect that there'd be as much stuff here on the Touring tires.

That said, there's still quite bit (use the google or advance search features), including: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/37637-touring-edition-tire-upgrade.html

Your problem will be that there are not a large variety of tires available in the Touring OEM size of 195/55R16. Therefore, it seems that most Touring owners go up to the more popular size of 205/55R16, or if they stick with the OEM size of 195/55R16 it seems that the Falken Ziex ZE-912 is a popular choice. OnlineTires.com sells them for $77 each plus shipping: ZIEX ZE-912 - OnlineTires.com

 

5% was the percentage I read someone post a while ago. Don't know for sure if it's true or not. It certainly seems true to me based on my Prius sightings on the street.

And I can tell you, that the percentage of people wanting the Touring Edition was A LOT higher (including me). Especially among people in the know. The handling and braking on the Gen II Standard Prius, quite frankly, SUCKS. That's why there are so many handling mods and people seeking handling mods for the Standard Prius. And when Consumer Reports tested the Touring Edition, it also highlighted the Touring's much improved handling and braking over the Standard Prius.

 

I wouldn't say the Gen II Prius is a great handler or breaker by any means, but part of that is due to the terrible stock Goodyear Integrity tires.

 

Check Tire Rack. Potenza's are highly rated for all season. I went with the Ecopia's for Summer only.

 

If you have any form of inclement winter weather, I strongly suggest the Nokian WG2 for the Touring. After 6k or so on 07 Touring, they are as different as night and day from the bridgestones - all for the better. Winter driving becomes a non-issue as long as the snows is not too deep. They ride quieter and seem equally as competent in wet weather, although not quite Tripletread territory for the deep water as it were.(previously owned a Forester with the goodyears). Too boot they are also a low rolling resistence tire with "eco-friendly" construction.