From an article by Wes Siler on Jalopnik.com: "When I reviewed the 2010 Prius I found the standard, 15" wheel model had a much improved driving experience, on par with the 2010 Honda Insight, but it's really the 17" wheel Prius V, with its revised steering ratio and firmed up dampers that questions the traditional poor-driving hybrid stereotype. It's actually fun to drive and will set you back $27,270." "If we were to spec a Prius, it'd be the 17" wheel Prius V with nothing but the Navigation Package. That includes all the bells and whistles we'd want - leather, LED lights, fog lamps, nice stereo - but most importantly, it drives like a European hatchback while returning far greater fuel mileage." Is the statement about the revised steering ratio and firmed up dampers true?
Yes, it does have a tighter steering ratio. Not sure about the firmed up dampers, but many here can attest to the superior handling of the 17" wheel Prius.
I don't think the suspension is any different (all models get the "euro" tuned suspension) but the steering ratio is quicker for sure on the 17" model. I think part of the better handling is due to the tyres. Lower profile tyres will have less flex when cornering.
This must be the V w/o ATP... does anyone actually own one? Maybe they'd buy if for the lights and wheels.
I test drove the V with 17" wheels really liked it. I bought the III with 15" wheels. On my drive to get good MPG on the V I got 57.5 MPG. On the III drive, the first drive on the way home I got 60.4 MPG mostly highway a little mixed. I like the fact that replacing the III tires are 80.00 thats great. The V tires cost can be 225.00 that hurts. I did notice on the highway the 15" ride was slightly less grip and firmness to the ride. But to go for the V it look like 30,000.00, I paid 23,000.00 for the III discounted. I hope to replace the tires when the time comes with an upgraded 15". But I must say I'm not sure why Toyota went with the hub caps and 15" wheels even though in the pearl white with it doesn't look bad. But the whole car has such nice tounches why go with the hub caps. Maybe their is a good reason anyone know. I really got tired of all the options and marketing tactics involved in pricing.
Agreed. As I indicated in a previous post, according to Prius Team, the pre-release cars had the "euro" shock absorbers on the V only, but all US production cars will have them--see Doug Coleman's post here: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/60065-wheels-steering-shocks-oh-my.html To the OP--search is your friend--this has been discussed a lot! Click here: search is your friend
I have a IV and I would like to improve cornering. Is it possible to replace my 15" wheels with 17" wheels? Do you know how much that might cost? Also how much would it cost to put in a strut as you suggest?
Pretty easy to replace the wheels. Cost will vary depending on what you buy as there are hundreds of wheels and tires out there to choose from. On the lower end will be about $1000 for new wheels and tires installed. You can get used on eBay for less, OEM Scion Tc wheels and tire sets go for under $500, though I would look locally as well because shipping is expensive. Check local tire shops. You can use the same tire pressure monitor system.
to me... the steering ratio is just as important if not more. the steering ratio on the 2010 II-IV models takes too long to turn the wheels. I do not know of any other car that takes as many turns as the Prius does. The Prius V feel more normal.... I wonder if that could be retrofitted?
