17 Inch Wheels? Would You Get Them?

Definitely better handling and some think they look better.

Downside is a hit on fuel economy that is acceptable to many.

 

I like the looks and the fact that they don't have wheel covers.


Posted from my iPhone via the Tapatalk app.

 

I just installed my 17" Plus Wheels with Michelin MXM4's and the rid as well as the feel was greatly improved (by a large margin!) The stock 205 series 17's are about 3/4" shorter diameter (drops the car 3/8") and puts the speedo off by 1 to 1.5 mph. If I do it again I would buy a size larger tire to be the same as the stock height. Weight difference is +7lbs per wheel / tire from stock and I'm not a mileage checker so I wouldn't notice a mileage drop

 

I believe in addition to the 17", there are some minor tweaks to the suspension and steering to improve handling. It will impact your MPGs by a few, but it does look better! Depends on what's important to you, ultimately!

 

Banned member Thai often would make claims to the V or Five depending on model year did have different suspension. I don't know if he ever proved it or not, I kind of remember him saying that the shocks have different part numbers.


Posted from my iPhone via the Tapatalk app.

 

The suspension on the Five is the same as the lower models. The suspension tweaks are part of the Performance Plus Package.

The correct size tire to maintain the OE revs/mile is 205/50/17 (829 revs/mile). The Five comes with a 215/45/17 (844 revs/mile) which is smaller in diameter than the OE 195/65/15 (829 revs/mile) and the 205/50/17 and as such will increase revs/mile. Either size will work but IMO the 205/50/17 will look better and may reduce the mpg hit assuming you use the same tire.

 

Yeh, probably unsubstantiated stuff I read, though I thought a beefier power steering motor was part of the V/5?

 

The US market Gen3 model 5 uses a different steering rack with a quicker steering ratio. It also uses a different power steering motor than the other models. I don't know if it's beefier or just a different type of motor.

 

If you are worried about snow and cold weather then you are better off running a dedicated set of winter tires on OE 15" wheels.

Wet weather cornering should be better with the 17s but wet weather hydroplane resistance should be better with the 15s if using the same exact tires and proper inflation.

For great wet weather traction 15": Continental ProContact with EcoPlus
For great wet weather traction 17": Michelin Primacy MXM4
Great all-weather (not all season): Nokian WRG2
Great winter/snow tires: Nokian Hakkapeliitta and Michelin X-ice Xi2 or Xi3

Keep in mind that with the exception of the Hakkapeliitta, these tires are not the best for mpg. You give up a little fuel efficiency for better traction and performance yet they are still better than non-LRR offerings in the same class.

 

I just got a Prius IV Plus which comes with 17" wheels, sway bar and the lowering springs. Compared to my 2007, the Plus drives so much better. It's more responsive and much more stable on the freeway. Better cornering. It's actually a lot of fun to drive and it looks a lot better too. People who would never consider driving a Prius before (???) tell me they would drive this one.

 

Congrats! Budgeting for my 17" Plus wheels. They definitely look better than the stockies.

 

With the money you saved by getting the 4 vs. 5, you can get aftermarket 17" wheels and tires and still come out ahead. Then with your original 15" wheels, put snow tires on them and now you have an unbeatable combination for all seasons driving. Since you live in MA (I used to live in Boston many years ago), I'm sure a set of snow tires would come in very handy.

 

I'm surprised its not mentioned much. But 17" tires are more expensive than 15s. And they wear out faster. But you get a lot of return as everyone mentioned.

 

Not necessarily. You can spend $200 for 15" tires or spend $70 for 17" tires. It all depends on the brand and the model. If you are looking at the same brand and model, then yes, the 17" tire would probably be more expensive. This also applies to how fast the tires wear out. The original Yokohama AVID S33D size 195/65R15 tires that came with my Prius has a treadwear rating of 320. But you can get Yokohama AVID ENVigor size 215/45R17 tire that has a treadwear rating of 560. Obviously, this 17" tire would last nearly twice as long as the original tire. The cost difference between these 2 tires (drum roll please . . .) $5 (Tirerack prices). But considering that the 17" tires will last much longer, you will still come out way ahead.

 

That is a terrible analysis. You cannot simply take and expensive 15" tire with a low treadwear warranty and compare it to the cheapest 17" tire. You must also considered the mpg loss associated with non- LRR tires which can be very high compared to the OE 15" tire and even higher for a higher quality LRR tire.

 

The analysis was in response to "17 inch tires wear out faster and costs more". It did not take into consideration of the fuel mileage hit from 17" tires vs 15" LRR tires. That was not being asked/stated by wotcher. If you throw in the MPG loss from 17" tires to 15" tires, that get much more complicated. Again, that was not asked nor included in my analysis.

PS. I have switched from the OE tire/wheel combination to aftermarket 17" wheels and tires, specifically the Momo Winter Pro S wheels and Hankook Ventus HRII H405 tires size 215/45R17. All was purchased from Discount Tires with new TPMS sensors purchased from them as well. So far, I've only noticed about 2MPG hit with no change in my driving habits and routes. But the improvements in looks and handling is well worth it to me.

 

Yeah but you cherry picked data to try and make a point. In reality the cost difference can be quite dramatic unless you choose tires randomly or without a thought to cost per mile. The fact is, most of the recommended LRR 15" tires come with a 65,000 to 90,000 mile warranty and cost around $80-$90 each. Most 17" tires are limited to 50,000 miles or less and run $114-$160 each. Plug in a 2mpg to 3mpg to 6mpg (15" Energy Saver vs. 17" Primacy MXM4) loss compared to the LRR 15" tires and the extra cost of the 17s becomes quite obvious unless you don't drive much.