Michelin Primacy MXV4: Best Size Choice?

Neither of those tires are very fuel efficient. The MXV4 is a much better tire overall than the H727 but expect a mpg hit vs. the OE tires. If handling is not a huge concern I would recommend staying with the OE size and use the Ecopia EP422. You'll maintain high mpg and comfort with an affordable tire. As a bonus the EP422 has great snow traction for an all-season tire.

 

For fuel economy I would try to stick with the lowest speed rating. It seems like the higher you go the worse fuel economy you get. You don't need anything higher than a T in my opinion but H is acceptable. V should only be used if you are going with a 17" tire.

 

You're going to take a 3-4mpg hit with the other tires. The EP422 is better in snow than the MXV4 and offers better mpg than both of the other tires. CR ranked the EP422 low because of it's poor handling. The H727 handles poorly too. You have to decide which traits are more important to you.

 

Close to it. Not all LRR tires are very fuel efficient. The Critic lost quite a bit when he put the MXV4 tires on his GenIII. They are a very good tire but I don't think they are very fuel efficient. If you don't mind a mpg hit I'd say go for it. They are a much better tire than the H727 and the Ecopia.

Highway noise with the Ecopia is good as is the MXV4.

 

Do yourself a favor and checkout tirerack.com for owner surveys and test results on various tires. Based on owner surveys and Tirerack test results (link below), I went with Michelin Energy Saver for my wife's 2008 Prius Touring. I would recommend sticking with the OEM speed rating because tires with lower speed ratings have softer sidewalls and handling/steering response will suffer. Been there, done that!

Tire Test Results : When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green

 

They don't make that tire in the size he needs. The Energy Saver A/S is my favorite tire for efficiency and comfort. It's not made in enough sizes and it is not the greatest in snow/ice.

 

Yes. There was some discussion over this about 4 years ago. There was something not all alignment racks could handle. If the shop doesn't want to work on your car there's probably a pretty good reason behind it.

 

If that is installed then it reasonable but not great. Unfortunately the only one running a discount on them right now is Costco.

 

Yes. Unless you have a friend with membership in there and charge his a/c and you pay him back.
But later during the tire service,they need to see your membership card unless you op out the following : flat,rotation or balance... services.

 

Local tire place quoted me $110 per tire yesterday on the Ecopia +$14 mouting/balancing.

Another place quoted me $140 out the door.

 

The Michelin Energy Saver is available in P195/55R16, but as a Summer tire and not A/S. This was not an issue for me since I live in So. Calif.

2008 Toyota Prius Touring Tires | Michelin Tires

 

Good point.