Newbie. 2012 Hybrid Charcoal Grey -want to put black rims on it

All the sensors that measure speed and MPG are calibrated to standard wheel size... If you buy bigger wheels, your odometer, speed etc. will be less accurate and your MPG will drop in expensive ways. Maybe look elsewhere for mods that will look nice without diminishing the great gas mileage you're getting?

 

Worser MPGs
Louder road noise
Odomoter and speedometer will be off
ABS less effective
Accelerated wear and tear to suspensions

The good part is that you can run over potholes like a champ and drive offensively to be the first car at the next red light intersection

 

first off, welcome to PriusChat, glad you're here!

1) 17" isn't that absurd. I have 17s for my summer set (xxr 530s) and 17s for my winter set (frs with blizzaks). consider browsing a wheel thread to give you more ideas like this one here: Gen III aftermarket wheel thread...post your pictures | PriusChat

2) I think black looks better with blizzard pearl prius's. for ours, I feel gunmetal wheels are more our style. but if you want to go black, try this cheaper option, and Plasti-Dip it for a matte black look. 2013 Scion FRS Wheels | PriusChat
YES, its not to the standards of the elite CA prius mod-scene, but out here from NJ to IL.. it wasn't a bad start.

3) I dont know CA, but I know @sfv41901 and Team Hybrid Pit can help you with your info and monkey wrench projects.

3#2) The Hub Centric Ring will change and will need to be adapted properly so you have an even tire wear. Try and get a stainless steel hub ring instead of a plastic one. Then use an online calculator to judge your fender clearance as well which measures the width and offset difference.

4) CA legal window tints, de-chrome and/or de-badge exterior labels, side-airbag friendly seat covers, and weathertech mats. For more ideas, get a notepad and browse this thread here (WARNING: it will nurture a bad and expensive journey): What did you do to ur Gen III Prius today???? | Page 826 | PriusChat
you can also checkout my journey of modding in my forum sig below. I have not updated it in 2 years, but i feel it would be a good stepping stone for what you would be interested in.

 

If I was you and my main objective was to retain the best possible MPG and also make the car look like "homey" as you call it this is what I would do.

18 inch forged te37 in bronze (nor black)

You get the look plus retain most of ur mpg because the wheels are light weight

 

Your rims look amazing! Did you have to do anything to be able to fit the 18inch rims and tires on? I'm thinking about getting these but currently have a 15" setup... Would greatly appreciate any advice you have!

 

Just spent the last 45 minutes viewing your mod page! Awesome job! You keep your ride pretty clean also for a midwesterner. I have family in Evanston and their cars are always dirty due to the weather and worn out roads. Anyway, love your car!

 

My 2009 Gen II (Touring package, Magnetic Gray) came with the OEM 16" alloy wheels plus ugly trim/covers. Here's a pic of them sans covers and like so many other things they're prettier nekkid! (…they came painted in that nice gray)

 

I’m on jdm Toyota Prius G’s. These are OEM wheels from Toyota and are 18s. I’m lowered on H&R springs and have 25mm spacers on the rear wheels.

If you want a little more rubber, and if you can find them, Toyota offered forged 17” wheels with the Prius Plus package. They look nice and you retain your mpg.