Best tires for the Prius?

Would you guys say that the A/S or the Defenders have better handling characteristics?

 

I haven't actually driven the Energy Savers. The Defenders are rated higher for handling though, and I've previously described them as the best-handling tires I've ever owned.

Hopefully someone who has driven both can reply.

 

This may not help but I had defenders on my Honda CRV. Hated them. No wet traction and rough ride. I have 195/65-15 Yokohama AVID Ascend tires on my 2010 Prius and love them. Good handling, quiet ride, and good traction. ( 51 PSI max on side wall )

 

Defenders are rated 44 psi max which is the same as oem tires. I have not used energy savers as well, defender only and I like its handling, perhaps you can install one and use those 30 days then return and use another for 30 days and decide. let us know too what ypu find

 

I had a 2011 Prius Two. I had Michelin Defenders on it. The handling was great. It had a quiet comfortable ride. Has a 90,000 mile tread wear warranty. That was my experience with the Defenders.

 

I just tried to price defenders at Sears and the web site says they do not fit a Prius 2009. What size defenders are you guys getting?

 

Here is a suggestion. Call the Michelin Company at 800-847-3435 and talk to their customer service person and ask them about their tire recommendation for your car. I always do that.

 

I don't think the Defenders are a LRR tire. That may be why the web says they do not fit.

 

Have to purchase 4 tires. What to get in 215 45 17.

Toyota dealership is having a special. They don't carry the favorites like the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 plus.

My options are

Yokohama Avid Envigor (87W- 45k)
Or
Michelin Primacy MXM4 (87V- 55k)

Price difference for a set of 4 us about $185.

Any opinions? Worth to spend the extra money on the Michelins?

 

I installed a set of Michelin Premiers A/S (205/55R16s) 18 months ago. Love 'em........

 

Have to purchase 4 tires. What to get in 215 45 17.

Toyota dealership is having a special. They don't carry the favorites like the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 plus.

My options are

Yokohama Avid Envigor (87W- 45k)
Or
Michelin Primacy MXM4 (87V- 55k)

Price difference for a set of 4 us about $185.

Any opinions? Worth to spend the extra money on the Michelins?

 

They are

 

The Defenders may be in the LRR category, but definitely not in the same league as something like the Energy Saver A/S, or for that matter Bridgestone Ecopia (EP20 or EP422). Michelin website rates all their tires for "fuel economy", puts the Energy Saver A/S at 10 (out of 10) and the Defenders at 8.. For reference, the Premier A/S are rated 9 and Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 are 7.

Just to be contrarian, our 17" rims came with the Pilots, and they seem to roll quite easy, lol.

 

Check Nov issue consumer reports defender top pick see for yourself !!​

 

I am replacing my Toyo Proxes that are currently at 46,500 miles.

I went to my local Costco and purchased Michelin Premier A/S 215x45x17

Costco expedited order. Will be installed soon.

I paid $606 (out the door )

 

I'd be interested to hear how those work for you, thanks. We've got Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 in that size right now, sooner or later will need to replace.

 

Good info folks. Think a long time before straying from that marriage with your OEM/MIJs. The next wife may be worse.

 

exactly. as much as i would like a quieter ride, i'm considering new goodyear assurance.

 

consumer reports doesn't care about your mpg's, but yes. the defenders are a great tyre for many applications.

 

The Gen II Prius OEM tires were awful terrible tires in almost every way.
Recommending a Gen II Prius owner stick with the OEM tires is a terrible suggestion.

I switched from the stock tires to the Defenders around 50,000 miles ago. After the breakin period my mileage went up slightly. Everything else improved noticeably - much quieter, better handling, better stopping distance in bad weather conditions, better grip in the winter (not amazing but better), less noise from the tires. My only complaint is that after about 50,000 miles the front tires have worn out and they were supposed to last 80,000 but the rear tires are in amazing shape, so perhaps it will average out at 80,000 between the front and rear tires.

But having used both I can not imagine suggesting to anyone to stick with the original OEM tires on the 2nd gen prius.