Low rolling resistance tires on Gen III

Based on my experience with the stock Toyo 17's I have to ask: Why? The tires are more expensive and will lower (by others' reports) your FE. Max sidewall pressure is 51psi.

If I had a choice I would have bought the 15's.

IMO the optimum tp is the maximum where you are still happy with the car's ride & performance. On the Gen2 I wasn't thrilled with the handling of the Integrities at 45psi so I didn't push them as far as others.

Toyota's tp recommendation only applies to the stock tires.

 

When I got my 2010 Prius V, I assumed that I would need to replace OEM tires with a more capable all-weather alternative. I then decided against, since our A4 has AWD when we really need it. And the new Toyos have proven to be "not bad."

But I did some research. Based on tirerack.com and Consumer Reports, a top low-rolling-resistance all-weather tire is the Michelin Primacy MXV4.
*It is top-rated among Consumer Report's November 2009 report in their "Performance All-season (H speed rating)" list. They rate it Excellent in rolling resistance.
*At TireRack.com, it is top-rated in their "GT All-Season Touring" list, right above the General Altimax HP (available now, but rated only Fair by CR in rolling resistance).

However, not available for the Prius 17" wheels. I contacted Michelin, and they said they planned to offer the 215/45R17 size in the USA in October 2010. Unless something even better comes along, I'll be replacing the OEM Toyos with these at the appropriate time.

17" wheels were not important to me, since I bought the V for other reasons. Many people like the look better. Being smaller in sidewall, they may provide a harsher ride but perhaps better handling; however, I have not driven a 2010 with 15" wheels.