Handling 15" vs. 17" wheels

I hace 2 2010 Prius's one is a package IV base and the other a package V w/AT, I keep on both cars 42 psi front, 40 psi rear !

I to this day do not feel any handling difference between them (I am not saying there may be any, just I do not feel any, as of today, maybe someday I will), I do not drive them like race cars or anything like that. I do feel the IV (15") roll better.

Our IV drives fine in the rain, I have not driven the V in the rain yet to say.
The tires on the IV (15") are cheaper (probably by ½ of the 17").

Good luck
Please post pictures
Don

 

We were in the same predicament when deciding on what to buy.
I preferred the Touring package, but the wife wanted NAV + sunroof/solar panel + backup camera + dynamic radar cruise control + leather seats & intelligent parking assist.

So it seems that the logical decision would be to order the option package that contained the most factory options we wanted that cannot be retro-fitted at a reasonable price after delivery (solar panel & parking assist, NAV, etc.).

We decided on ordering the Canadian Technology package and will be installing 17 alloy wheels, 215/45R x 17 tires, foglights and sports/lowering springs after delivery.

Here's the link to the Canadian list of options/packages for 2010 Prius.

TOYOTA CANADA : Vehicles > 2010 Prius > Options

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

Beng

 

The Prius V cannot have the solar panel and "sun" roof?

 

Unfortunately, not in Canada. Solar panel/sunroof is only available in the Premium and Technology packages.

2010 Prius Options (Canada)

TOYOTA CANADA : Vehicles > 2010 Prius > Options

We pay a lot more up here, but the list of packaged options are more comprehensive. Check out the Canadian Technology package.

 

There are indeed numerous threads on this discussing additional benefits such as the steering ratio that comes with the V. Personally though, the way most people drive the Prius, I would consider the looks of the wheels as more critial in my list of desires than the handling. Also the additional features (fog lights, LED's) that come with the 17's needs to be considered since they are part of the package.

You will have to forget about the roof though which is the deal buster for most.

 

I just noticed (sorry I missed that at first) that you have the Michelin X radials I believe, I had the same ones if so on my 2005 Prius (same size as the originals for me, original tires on that car were horrible, handling and weather). Michelin X radials are excellent tires, I only took a mpg hit at fist (1-2k miles then I got the same mpg as the originals) but I think the new tires that come standard (on the 2010 Prius, not saying they are better) so far are about the same (winter may be different), but I had the same size as the original 2005 Prius, yours may handle better.

My wife and I think that the new Prius is just all around a better car (so far, hopefully problem free also).
I hope you and your wife find the same results as we do.

Thanks
Don

 

!!!!!! VERY NICE !!!!!
Best of Luck:tea:

I think you will be happy with the stock tires (hopefully they perform the same throughout their life span), they seem to be much better than the stock tires that came with the gen II.

I couldn’t agree with you more on the moon roof, it would be mostly a waste for either of us, our cars are in the garage most of the time and maybe two months out of the year we would maybe use the cool down feature of it. A $400-$600 just plain moon roof option would be nice.

I would not even consider any Prius without the 3 door smart key, it's like having air conditioning, once you have it you can't live without it (our last Prius and Camry had it).

Let me know how much more you both like it compared to the gen. II after you drive it for a while.
Thanks and best of Luck!
Don

Her IV is getting the squeaky brake thing now at ~2 months and 4,300 miles, I am going to fix this myself as soon as I get a chance.
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...eaking-sound-wheels-during-rolling-start.html

I have polished the AC screens on both, in case yours is cloudy
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/64855-cloudy-blurry-ac-screen-18.html

 

The handling on my III after going from stock 15s with Ecopia tires to 17s with Michelin Pilot A/S Plus is like night and day. The Michelin tires are heads and shoulders above the stock tires in every way except rolling resistance.

 

How much of a difference in ride/comfort did you notice between
the OEM 15" tires and the 215/45R x 17 tires, dc202? TIA for the information.

We have ordered 7.5 x 17 Enkei GTCO1 +48 offfset wheels with 215/45R x 17 Continental ExtremeContact DWS from Tire Rack. Hope they should improve the ride and handling of the Prius without causing the ride to be harsh.

 

I think the harshness you experience will be more or less dependant upon the air pressure you run with the 45 series tires. If you simply want the handling then 36 psig will give you that and a nice ride. If you're going for FE, then the higher pressures, noticably so above 40 psig, will give you a much harsher ride.

 

Thanks for your feedback. Noticed that when I pumped the sir tire pressure to 39PSI. Now I am running 36/34PSI on the OEM tires.

Being that the 17" tires have a lower aspect ratio compared to the OEM 15" tires, the sidewalls would be stiffer thus resulting in less a less compliant ride.

 

wvgasguy is giving you sound advice here, experimentation here buy many PCers has shown that the 17" Low Profile tires are EXTREMELY sensitive to slight changes in pressures.

For example, the Michelin Pilot's are recommended to run pressures at 33psi Front and 32psi Rear, modifying those pressures by as little as 6psi can change ride characteristics from wallowy to harsh.

Don't hesitate playing with the pressures to find a happy medium between ride, handling and best fuel efficiency.

David (aka Blind Guy)

 

I'm not sure all low profile tires are necessarily significantly stiffer, though many may be. But at the recommended pressures I don't find the 45 series harsh at all. Since they are shorter though you will have good handling (less flex) even at the lower recommended pressures (as compared with the taller tires.

 

Yeah same dilema here, im wondering in Canada if i should get the Touring package with the 17 inchs wheels just because the car looks so much better or stick with a more base model with sunroof and smaller wheel but cheaper to run when the tire will be in need to replace and probably have a longuer life too!

low profile tire on road condition like we have here in Quebec are really bad on their lifetime...

 

16" aftermarket wheels might be a good tradeoff, although I like the options that are packaged on the V here in the states. Not sure what canada offers in packages. My driving is a lot of interstate and rural roads that are both in good condition in my area. 45 series tires would be a pain and possibly hazardrous to your wheels if you are around a lot of potholes.

 

The ride is firmer but not at all objectionable to me. I come from a BMW 328i so I enjoy a firm ride but I do not enjoy a harsh or noisy ride. The new setup offers a good balance. I have to point out, though, that I run my tires just a couple pounds above Toyota factory specs. I am adamantly opposed to running at max sidewall pressures, but that's just me.

 

I formerly had a Saab 9000, which I thought handled really well. Extremely solid and nice in the corners.

I now have a 2010 Prius II with stock 15" wheels and I think it handles better.

So perhaps I just don't know what a great handling car is supposed to be like, but I feel as mine handles just fine.

I do know what bad handling cars are, however, since I've rented plenty of GM vehicles which were horrible to drive.