Winter tires?

Nokian also do the Hakkapeliitta 10 in 215/55 R17 - I think that might be what I end up with, if nothing studded in a correct size enters the market. It's much better for diameter.

 

If I decide to go with a second set of rims, then I'd go 205/55R17. Minimize the impact on mpg.

My decision right now is trying to justify the costs considering the limited milage I put on the car. Do I get just a set of 19" winter tires and use my stock 19" wheels for both summer and winter tires? Do I get a nice set of 17" wheels and put all-weather tires on for the entire year(like my previous Prius)? Do I get the set of 17" wheels, put dedicated winter tires on them, then swap wheels every winter?

I'll probably just suck it up this winter and see how the stock tires work with the AWD. Then I'll reassess the decision in Sep 2024 to see what additional tire options are available. I'd hate to drop four figures on a wheel/tire combo this fall only for a good 19" all-weather to become available sometime next year.

 

I'd take 205/60 R17, if I could find them, as they'd be an exact match for the 195/55 R19 diameter, but 205/55 R17 seems too small to me. That's a whole centimetre of ground clearance gone versus the 19".

(Plus I don't want to make the road sign assist any more bleepy by making the wheels spin 3% faster...)

 

An Alberta Toyota dealership is selling Michelin 205/60/16s on steelies for $1728 CDN

https://toyotacustoms.com/products/winter-steel-wheel-and-tire-package-prius-prime

Toyota steel rims, TPMS sensors, lug nuts.

 

Unless Toyota has changed their implementation of TPMS sensors, or you've got the equipment and know-how to have the car recognize multiple TPMS sensor sets, maybe waive the sensors, get plain valves? Dealership will likely charge at least $75 CDN per swap to initiate them. (it's not mandatory in Canada)

So it's confirmed, there's a 16" Toyota steel rim that works? Good to know.

 

I've been considering forgoing the sensors, particularly if there are calibration issues when you change wheel sets. But this car's likely to be driven a fair bit by my kids, and I don't know if I have confidence that they'll be checking the tires if there AREN'T sensors.

Geez, I miss the indirect system on my 2005 Sienna. Worked like a charm.

(as an aside my Honda Pilot had sensors in the all seasons AND the winters, and it was never a problem).

 

If you go in the settings for the TMPS, mine has options for a second set of TPMS sensors for winter tires and such. Maybe I didn't follow what the calibration issues are but so long as they configure the new TPMS as Set 2, you'd just swap it out in the settings

 

Thanks- this is great to know!

 

OD of that tire is kinda small, 1/2" less than the stock 17", which is the smaller of the two stock tires. 205/65R16 seems a better diameter (in between the stock 17" and 19"). It is available in Michelin X-Ice Snow.

Tire Size Comparison

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-x-ice-snow

 

I really HATE the idea of going to WIDER tires.

Everything I've ever read about winter tires suggests that a NARROWER tire does a better job of compressing and pushing through the snow, whereas WIDER tires float on top.

Odds are Bridgestone, Michelin Yokohama et al will have some better options before the first snow fall

 

So…what winter tires for a 2023 Prius Prime XSE on 16” winter rims?

 

Annoying, but it is starting from a narrow tire. The 17in wheels on my Camry were 215.

 

Found some 16” alloys on clearance… all i need are snows to fit!

 

I'm assuming a 16x7 wheel.

Here are some quick options. Just looking at Michelin, Nokian, and Blizzak.

195/65R16 (same width, -2.6% diameter)
Nokian Hakkapeliitta CR4(non-studded van)
Nokian Hakkapeliitta C4(studded van)

195/75R16 (same width, +3% diameter)
Firestone Winterforce CV (non-studded van/light truck)

205/65R16 (10mm wider, -0.7% diameter)
Michelin X-Ice (non-studded)
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5(non-studded)
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9(studded)
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10(studded)
Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 (non-studded)
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (non-studded)


Personally, I'd go with the Hakkapeliitta R5, 10 or X-Ice.

 

As always, appreciate the suggestions!

Many thanks!!

 

When are you planning on installing them to see if they fit? I haven't seen anyone actually confirms that 16s fit so I am very curious to see if they do and what it looks like

 

While it's not the same thing as a full wheel, the official spare is a 16" wheel.

 

Just to clarify- found them, didn't buy them yet. Hesitant til i'm comfortable with the available tire choie.

 

You're thinking to buy snow tire rims prior to buying a 2023?

FWIW, I bought (15") PIP rims, with the intent of using them with snows on our '10, at least 5 years back. Finally got around to having them installed on new snow tires, about a week back, lol.

 

Yeah. I like having all my ducks in a row.

But seriously, my blue XSE Prime is apparently in Vancouver, BC, and should find its way to my dealership by Aug 26,2023.