I can't decide which one would be best. I am stuck between Michelin Primacy MXM4 and the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. I am looking at MPG, road noise/comfort and handling somewhat. also tell me which size is the best. 205/50R17 or 215/45R17
Ecopia EP422 in 215/45/17. I prefer the 205/50/17 but unless you adjust mpg calculations you will think you are getting worse fuel economy than the 215/45/17. So if you don't want to think about it go with the smaller tire. The Continental ContiProContact is also a good buy because it is nearly $200 cheaper than the EP422 and $214 cheaper than the MXM4 right now. Fuel economy should be close to the MXM4 but less than the EP422. They should also last longer than the MXM4. If fuel economy wasn't your highest priority then I would say spend the money on the MXM4. Still, I'm satisfied with my Ecopias.
I will jump in here but realize, I am a complete novice at this...so keep that in mind . I just switched from the OE 15" to the 17" wheels (new IV with sunroof so it is kind of heavy now) and put on Yokohama YK580s, 215/45/17. The same guy I have used at DiscountTire for 10 years did some research and recommended these based on all the factors I gave him. The ride is very good and they are quiet. Handling vs. the OE 15" is unbelievably better-wow!. I don't know about mileage yet other than I did two very long "downhill rolls" vs. the OE ones and compared-seemed quite similar. I do expect mileage will drop though due to the size...just don't have enough experience to comment. The tires do look great and are super quiet. Hope that at least helps in some way.
sure. We just returned from visiting family for a luncheon (a distance drive away) and it showed 44.8mpg going there and 51.8 on the way back. I am going to be watching out of curiosity. If I stay in those ranges-I am happy!
I have 17's on mine, my best tank was 54.5 mostly hwy, but averaging just under 51 overall since I've purchased it.
Doesn't changing tire size from the OEMs originally provided void the vehicle warranty, e.g., claimed handling issues in the event of an accident? Separately, the OEMs on my 2010 Prius IV seem like light duty, which is find for my driving (only 17K miles so far). I am uneasy about my Prius in the snow; it is just barely adequate; biggest problem is not traction but rather the very low air dam below the front bumper, which acts like a little plow and could get torn off. Which tire is best for modest-moderate snow? (I would never use the car in heavy snow.).
It couldn't void your warranty with the sizes in question. For winter use it's better to stick with OEM size or slightly larger. That's why I wouldn't recommend the 215/45/17. That tire size is smaller than the 195/65/15.
Yes but the 205/50/17 is slightly larger than the OE 15". So that is a better choice where ground clearance and wheel well gap is concerned. IMO the 215/45/17 looks rather silly on a stock height Prius.
I can't find Michelin Primacy MXM4 in "205/50R17" will "215/50R17" work? If they work how bad would the mpg hit or gain be?
They don't make that tire in that size. I would recommend the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus or the Ecopia EP422. The Serenity Plus will be better overall but mpg is better on the Ecopia. Im happy enough with mine. If I cared more about handling I would definitely go with the Serenity Plus or the PureContact.
Would this work out I found the MXM4 here at tire rack. They are size 215/50R17s Michelin Primacy MXM4 Would that work out?
215/45R17 is stock size on the 17" rims. Our Canadian "Touring" model came with those. In winter (have them on now) I switch to snows in 195/65R15 and don't really notice a difference, though it's true that 17" is slightly smaller OD. I think it amounts to about 1%. F8L, reading between the lines in your posting #2, it would seem the EP422 bests the MXM4 for rolling resistance. Good to know.
Yes. The Ep422 is better for fuel efficiency. TireRack.com tested the MXM4 and the Goodyear Assurance ComforTread got better fuel efficiency. It is my belief that the MXM4 is not terrible for efficiency but it is not great either. That is why I recommend other tires for max efficiency and when ultimate traction or comfort is not required. It's an amazing tire but not the most efficient.
Costco is running the $70 rebate on the Bridgestone tires right now plus another $30 off installation. At those prices it is tough to beat the EP422 or Turanza Serenity Plus.
