Upgrading to 17" wheels

Weight isn't a major factor in fuel economy, but the width is. The wider and bigger you go the worse the mpg.

The 17" wheel Prius may be advertised as getting 50 mpg but that's because EPA rules allow that (based on the lower trims). In reality, it's a ~1.8 mpg hit according to the European version of EPA testing.

 

Regarding #4, no. The circumference of the tire should be about the same regardless of rim diameter.

You WILL lose mpg going from 15 to 17 inch wheels, even if the wheels are the same weight. Why? Because the 17 inch tires typically weigh more than 15 inch tires. More mass further from the center of the wheel makes deceleration and acceleration harder, therefore more power/gas is used.

SCH-I535

 

The 17" are going to be 1.5" wider @ the tread, much heavier(tires are 6lbs more, lot's more metal in the rim, true, lot's of $ will lighten the load ) and in reality 4-5mpg of loss, but, pretty

 

Do any of you know if the 17" wheels that came on 2010-2013 Level Five cars fit the 2014 models? I would think "yes" but just wanting to make sure before I set out to find a used pair. I like those wheels (had them on our 2010), they improve the car's look in my eyes, and to be honest, I care very little about the added weight of the wheels or the fact that the car has a sunroof. At the end of the day, the manufacturer puts these wheels on the Level Five cars and work adequately, that and I personally don't buy into the weight of the sunroof being a big detractor. Ymmv.

 

It's the combined weight of 17" wheels, leather and solar roof that caused Toyota to delete the SR option in order not to have two separate EPA categories for fuel economy, supposedly for marketing purposes as it's easier to advertise the same 50 mpg rating for all the trims. They didn't actually care about the weight itself and some members here have fitted their Solar Roof Prius with OEM 17s with no problems.

Yes, the OEM 17s will fit the 2014. They're the same wheels and cars.

 

Thank you!

 

One more question if i may, are the lugs from the Level Four 15" wheels the same as those for the Level Five 17" wheels? I'd assume yes, but always a chance for them to be different lengths.

Thanks in advance,

 

The lugnuts will be fine for the 17s.

 

just back from picking up the Level Five wheels and having them installed at the local tire shop. went with Hankook Ventus V12 Evos...decent dry/wet tire, relatively quiet as per Car & Driver...probably more tire than i need, frankly. regardless, loving the "new look" of the car and how it feels on the road. really happy/lucky to have found the wheels on Craigslist, along with having sold the stock rims/tires that came on the car.

much better.