Stock 17" Wheels/Tires

No, Toyota would not be legally required to change the rating for the Five model. Manufactures are not required to test and rate every trim model of a vehicle. A lot of testing is voluntary anyway.

The OE 17" wheels weighs approx. 24lbs and does come equipped with LRR tires (215/45/17) but the mog hit is still there. Many of us have added 17" wheels with LRR tires and have suffered the mpg hit. I have a feeling the OE 17" wheels are very aerodynamic and the offset keeps them tucked inside the wheel well enough to minimize the mpg loss. Some aftermarket wheels are likely less aerodynamic and in a effort to make the wheel sit flush with the wheel well we choose a lower offset which may increase aerodynamic drag.

In summary, don't upsize your wheels unless you are ok with a mpg drop.

 

With the right commute you should still be able to get 50mpg+ so I wouldn't worry about it. Even at 20,000miles a year it's not more than an extra $100-$200 in fuel cost. And like you said, it looks better, handles better and is safer!

 

Good point, F8L. The stock 17's on the Five package are at +50, but the most I could go with some Momo Winter 2's was +38, which I guess moves them out a bit further. ScotK has said that, even at +38, the rims are still well within the wheel well.

God love those who like and want the stock 17 rims --- I hope to be selling those to one of you very soon.

 

I have the Plus Performance Pkg with the 17" forged rims and Michellin Primacy tires and dont see much of a hit at all.

I have 5200 miles on my car now and avg. 47-48 MPG and I live in Socal, home to fast freeway drivers and Prius hate. But, I dont drive too slow, mostly 70-75 on the fwy.

 

I've got the stock 17s with the Plus package as well...two fill ups and 47.4 and 48.1....I'm still learning and hope to squeeze one more mpg out of her....

 

There are things you can do to offset the 3-5mpg average loss like getting lowering springs, use Mobile1 synthetic 0W-20 oil, K&N air filter, grill blocking during the cold winter days, etc. Totally worth getting 17" wheels, it looks so much better and worth the marginal mpg hit.

 

You can do the same thing to a car with 15s....

 

I hear you, but unfortunately you are in damage control zone. It is kinda like turning off lights to offset using the A/C in your house. Does it help? Yes. Does it come close to offsetting it? No.

I think the more valuable item you can control is how you drive the car. But at the end of the day...you will not offset it. I am driving pretty darn efficient with my 18"s and I am getting 47mpg with my latest tank (with lowering springs, high pressures, ECO mode, etc). Slap my 15" factory wheels back on and I bet I am at 53-54mpg out of the box. It is what it is.

 

Do it! I want to see the difference.

I know, when you are done testing.

 

actually the only thing stopping me is that I want to sell them and I want to keep the miles low on them. But I suppose 500 extra miles will not do much, right?

 

Ah crap, now I'm Prius edumacated. I am finally accepting the realization that it is futile to regain the MPG i was getting off the lot with 15" wheels with the ugly wheel covers. Ugh! No free lunch, I know.

 

No one would ever be able to tell the difference. :ninja:

 

Keep trying! I am...you just have to keep your expectations in check.

 

But at least you'll look styling in your edumacated state.

 

You know how hard it is gonna be to drive on those for a week? LOL

 

there is a man with a plan :rockon:

 

True!

 

here you go F8L...