OEM 17" vs Plus Package 17" Wheels

Hi d2mini, I spoke with the dealer and he told me that while the driving will sharpen and the car will handle better, we can expect an one or two miles drop in MPG. I recommend that if you upgrade that you use some ECO tires. They are a little more expensive, but usually make up a little for the loss. The Prius plus package uses 215/45 17 with +40 offset. I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

P.S: I would be interested in buying your OEM 17's when you do upgrade. Just send me a PM when you do. Thanks!

 

I doubt it. You won't see a 2 mpg drop going from factory 17" to Plus 17".

 

Yeah, the dealer was probably talking about going from OEM 15" to OEM 17" wheels.

 

Yes! sorry for the confusion. The dealer said OEM 15 to OEM 17. I have 15's and can't stand them. Comfortable ride, but not great looking. Thanks all.

 

The factory 17's and the PLUS 17's are both 17x7" wheels, the PLUS wheels are forged so they are lighter. PLUS wheels weigh 20.1lbs each where as the factory 17's weigh 24lbs each.

As far as drop in fuel economy, expect up to a loss of 10-12% with 17's. Sounds high, but it's accurate.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the MPG loss with the PLUS wheels. I just came back from a mini-road trip to Vancouver BC and averaged 48mpg going 70-75mph the whole time. This is with 4 adults, A/C and plenty of luggage in the trunk. I actually lowered the PSI on my non-LRR tires to 36/34 for a comfier ride too.

When it's just my wife and I in the car, 50mpg is easily attainable.

 

The Five 17" wheel (non-PPP) has an offset of 50mm. The OE 15" wheel has an offset of 45mm.

This could cause the tire to intrude into the airstream going past the wheel well and stick out further than the wheel spats. This could cause a loss in mpg vs. the more aerodynamic and "tucked" Five 17" wheels.

A bad choice in tire will likely have the largest impact on mpg.

 

Guys...quit bashing things when you have no experience with.

I have run both tires, along with Seattle and the loss is barely 1-2 mpg. Most people who are interested in the bigger rims, know the changes they will experiece and go with it. The handling is great, the look is even better.

Be different, dont be that jerk of a guy who complains about everything and comes on here and spits lies.

 

BTW, have you swapped to a set of 15" wheels with LRR tires and measured the difference in a controlled manner?

 

Fatal...

Yes, I had the stock Prius 15" tires on for a week. They were from a new Prius model 2. I drive the same each week to and from work. Slight changes in traffic do occur. The ride was a hair smoother, but the handling on the freeway on and off ramps was horrible, it just pushed in the turns. Both tires are LRR.

The 18's I have on now are not LRR and I do see a difference of 4mpg per tank now. But I am ok with that. I just came from a Tahoe with 14mpg.

 

Fatal...

My comments are now towards you. I respect your opinion, and I know you test things thoroughly.

I just get tired of the elitist Prius owners who come on here and post there BS in each thread. Why would they post in a custom wheel thread when they know they dont like them.

 

I hear ya, brother.

The 15" tires on the GenII were even worse. I swear the GenIII with 15" tires is 10x better in terms of handling and stability. 17s and 18s are a HUGE improvement in handling!

I respect your opinion too. I thought I remembered you running 15s at one point but I couldn't remember what the mpg difference was. I am relying on you and a couple of my other SoCal homies to provide the data for the different size wheels since I cannot find the damned lug nut key to install my old 17s from my GenII and do my own testing. Probably a good thing too or else I may never go back to the 15s that are so comfy.

 

I lost a lug key back in the day as well. Americas Tire had a wrench to take the lock off...but I did have to buy new locks.

 

I sold my old car to a co-worker so I'll check her glove box first. If all else fails I'll hit up America's Tire. Thanks!

 

I'm glad this thread is nice n peachy again . I agree there are a few PC members who just rant away and provide absolutely no value. I wish there was a way to hide their posts but oh well. Luckily those members have been pretty quiet lately.

 

what are some eco tires? .. im upgrading my 15s to 17s and the tires i cant find on tire rack and discount tire .. i was thinking about having to settle on hakook v12 tires