17" wheels vs 15" wheels. bisco thinks 17" may ride better. Actually the opposite. They are heavier, so ride rougher. Also shorter sidewall, which absorbs some of the "bumps" when larger. They also give more frictional loss, so slightly poorer mileage. Finally, it is slightly easier to damage the wheels, as the hard wheel is closer to "objects", such as curbs or rocks. Now the pluses. They do give more traction, with the "same" tyres installed, as they are a bit wider. The car handles better because sidewall flex is lower. People seem to like "large looking" wheel/tyre combos, so they are perceived as looking "better" (they are actually almost the same overall diameter).
Look through this summary of the levels, shows the differences: Visual Tables of Gen4 Package Combinations | PriusChat I think if you want a higher level, without a sunroof (moonroof, or whatever they call it), then you'd want Touring. It also has 17" rims, and the rubber strip on top of rear bumper. When we bought our 2010 the 15" with dorky wheel covers were a complete turn-off, and I didn't like or want sunroof, so Touring it was. The 17" rims looked much better. Now, with in gloss black with silver plastic inserts, methinks not so much. Be careful, one of the Touring levels has the temp spare, the other not. All in all a dogs breakfast.
No moonroof or HUD available on the Touring. You can always add 17" wheels/tires on the 4, I did this on my 2012 and was able to have the moonroof. Let me see if I can find a photo or 2 in my library. Here is a photo of my 2012 Prius Four with moonroof and 17's.
according to toyota there isnt a difference in F/E but really it comes down to the cosmetic differences in the 17" alloy... fog lamps...the small suspension changes and the blue contrast stitching... if you dont care for a moonroof or HUD and you find everything else appealing then the Touring is for you!
Hey thanks y'all! The main thing I want is the fake leather seats, moonroof, and upgraded audio. Somewhere (Edmunds?) I got the impression that the upgraded audio was only available on the T trim which as noted doesn't have the moonroof option. So, I was thinking if I had to choose I would want the upgraded audio and would have to get a T. The chart here (thanks!) suggests I can get the moonroof and the upgraded audio on the standard 4. That would be with the ATP and PCP packages? (Why is moonroof "advanded technology"?) . I have a 2010 4 with moonroof and fake leather seats and some sort of JBL audio that sounds pretty good. With the 2015 I'm mainly looking for a better, quieter ride, improved fuel economy, and updated nav/audio electronics. Sounds like a 2015 with ATP and PCP will get all that? Thanks again.
There is a difference between the LE and XLE Camry hybrids. Some markets will list different F/E figures for different wheel sizes, but the EPA allows a one size fits all approach for the window stickers here. With the Prius Eco, Toyota already has a best case set of numbers without getting into separate ratings for the regular and touring models. Larger wheels negatively affecting mpg assumes that the rest of the equipment is the same. If there is another difference, like NiMH to Li-ion, that improves efficiency, then the negative and positive can cancel each other.
