Put the ws90s on gen-2 wheels on Sunday, and it started snowing today. I noticed immediately that these have a LOT more rolling resistance, but they feel like they're literally grabbing the road. I also noticed an immediate 4-5usmpg loss in fuel economy (using about 0.3L/100kms more). I'd like to hear from anyone who has LRR xi3s, about difference in fuel economy over the stock LRR bridgestones.
Still sunny across the water. If you drop any more you'll be within hailing distance of my best summer numbers, lol.
I mention raised-height option somewhere in the world, because on pg 754 of the manual: Dimensions and weight Overall length 180.1 in. (4575 mm) Overall width 69.3 in. (1760 mm) Overall height*1 2WD models Without raised vehicle height 57.9 in. (1470 mm) With raised vehicle height 58.7 in. (1490 mm) AWD models 58.1 in. (1475 mm) Wheelbase 106.3 in. (2700 mm) Tread*1 Front 60.2 in. (1530 mm)*2 59.4 in. (1510 mm)*3 Rear Without raised vehicle height 60.6 in. (1540 mm)*2 59.8 in. (1520 mm)*3 With raised vehicle height 60.2 in. (1530 mm)
I had Xi3 on my Gen3 and now on my PRIME. On Gen3, I did not notice any appreciable mpg hit compared to summer Bridgestone Ecopia even when the tires were new. However, with PRIME, last winter when I first put on the Xi3, it immediately showed lower mpg on HV mode. It was substantial at about 10-12% loss (45-48mpg) compared to OEM Dunlop Enasave (53-56mpg) right before the swap. However, this year after swapping the same Xi3 for the second-winter, at least for the first few weeks now, I am not seeing much loss in mpg.
It's a very aggressive snow tyre, and not any attempt at LRR. My LRRs will need to be replaced next year if I keep the PRIUS, and I'm sore tempted to put a performance tyre on instead. I'd use them for a month then assess it - tyres take a couple of 100 kilometres to run-in, and over a full tank or 2, you'll get a better idea.
This morning commuting around Cameron lake east of Port Alberni (always an icy spot when cold), people were commenting on crackbook about how slippery it was, but the ws90s didn't even start to slide once:.
I have Nokian Hakkapeliita R3 and it rolls better than the WRG3 on my old 2010 Prius (and the R3s are on steelies vs. the stock alloys on the 2010). The R3s are also quieter than the R that I had on my Gen 3 as well.
Certainly any non Low Rolling Resistance tire on Prius makes a huge difference. Easily 10% (5 mpg) and the car seems like you have a parking brake dragging. I also had the same effect on my past Passat TDI. A 10% loss too! There are several Low Rolling snow tires out there and would be a great choice. Same for all seasons. The best fuel mileage I’ve ever had is with Michelin Energysaver tires. Also adding a greater width tire also adds drag. (More friction on the road surface). Additionally any time you put new tires on you will get a slight drop until they break in. In the end there are probably better tires than the ones that came with it. BUT you can find an “Eco” tire that is a better compromise. Of course you bought your car for it’s superior mileage and most want to maintain that aspect. Lastly a lot of tire dealers want to sell you whatever they have on the shelf. Most are clueless what’s best for your car. Be selective and find the tire that is the best compromise for your car and needs. I like to look at Tire Rack online and read reviews of actual customers. Find what owners of your actual car like best on their cars. Then have your dealer quote you the tire you really want or buy online.
I had my first real snow/ice experience yesterday, on the Alberni pass, or "The Hump" colloquially: a small but twisty, 1300'-ish pass. Early last evening it was snowing well, and quite icy; a number of vehicles (all pickups), couldn't climb the hill going west-bound. and trucks were sliding east-bound, closing the road for awhile. The Prius with the ws90s didn't slip once, so didn't engage the awd. I purposely made the traction control engage on the summit by braking hard, just to make sure it worked. This is with the tires at 38psi cold. The ws90s are also great in the rain, with the deep tread helping stop hydroplaning; they're not LRR, but excellent winter tires.
I chose the ws90s specifically for the hydroplaning resistance (we get LOTS of rain in the Pacific North-er west), and they work great, but not LRR. I get new winter tires approximately every five years, and so it'll be interesting to see what's out in LRR then.
