Going from Prius Four, not IV because it isn't a 2010 15" wheels to 17" please help

Just to clarify, that "2013 Prius V" is a level 5 Prius hatchback, not the larger "Prius v".

** Ok, let's get this straight. Only 2010 used uppercase roman numerals. So a Prius V existed in 2010. After that, it is a Prius Five. The Prius v wagon uses a lowercase v. So for the wagon it'd be a Prius v Five. **

The latter has a different rim, larger tire size. In 2010 there was a "Prius V", and 2011 too? No, no Prius V in 2011. Good 'ol Toyota has created a mess with this, I know. Bottom line, does your friend's car look like yours, lol.

Assuming yes, the stock 17" size is 215/45R17. It's OD is slightly smaller than 195/65R15, but really minor. That's what our 2010 Canadian Touring came with, BTW. A few people have sub'd 205/50R17, which is closer in OD to 195/65R15, ever so slightly larger, in fact. But this tire seems to always come in heavy duty load style, which means a bit rougher ride?

215/45R17 would be safest bet, and big tire chains would likely only put that size on. Good for LRR, ok handling, road manners and reasonable price: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 plus. I was looking at a 2016 demo in Port Moody recently, and that's what they had on. Had a nice rim protector (a flare out of the rubber to prevent rim contact with a light contact), looked good.

 

You give your buddy perfectly good 15s with new tires, plus $200, and all you get is 17's with worn out tires? My question is why would you do this?. No "factory" Prius wheel looks that good to me...add to this the 17" tires cost more, there are less choices and you get less mpg.

 

I will echo what was said above, you will definitely loose MPG. I have 17" wheels that came on the Prius new. Look at my fuelly, it has logged every gallon of fuel ever burned in this Prius. I have yet to break a overall average of 50 MPG. And yes, I know YMMV. But when you look at similar Pri out there with 15" Wheels and Rubber, there is no doubt about the loss when up-sizing. Buyer beware.

 

I really like the improved handling and the looks of the 17" stock Five wheel, I have them on my Prius Two since it isn't a 2010 and Prius V. But I agree with Frodoz, it's not a very good deal giving up $200 plus new tires. It would be worth while as a straight trade

 

If you want to pay for wheels, you can get these 17" TSS wheels from the Gulf States Toyota.....Dorunron has them. They cost around $600 and you don't have to give up your stock wheels.

 

Still think your buddy's getting the better end of this by a mile. An even swap should be better...not good...but better. At least then you are only paying about >$400 instead of >$600 for the "upgrade" used wheels.

 

Much better in the big picture...if that's what you "want".

 

And I'll throw in a "monkey wrench". You do know that the cars that came with 17" wheels have a more powerful electric power steering motor with a different ratio? Don't know if the 17s will cause faster wear on the steering system. Most don't seem to care.

Your mileage WILL vary!

 

One other concern to consider is the additional loading and stress those 17 " wheels could put on your solar sunroof pkg. I've read somewhere in this form that Toyota intentionally did not offer the solar sunroof pkg on G3 Priuses with 17 " wheels due to the additional stresses. Perhaps someone can validate this. Thanks.

 

I have not seen or heard any reports of steering system or structural failures that resulted from putting 17s on a 15" factory equipped Prius, even though the 2010-2011 US models did in fact have beefed up steering on the V's (5s). Personally I wouldn't do it, nor would I install body kits or lower the suspension for looks, but we have a member or 2 here in very high standing have that have done just that. I don't know to many people that would put in the kind of sound system I did either. PriusCatMouse, just make a good deal, have whatever new wheel/tire assemblies you install balanced, have your alignment checked after about a week or two, remember your mpg will drop and new tires will cost more. Enjoy your car and maintain it better than the factory "minimums" and you two should have a long and happy relationship. Best wishes.

frodoz737 | PriusChat View Media.

 

All the I-Tech Gen 3s in Australia had the solar roof, sunroof AND 17" wheels (and no spare tyre ).

 

Thanks, that's good to know!

 

I don't think you will have a problem with the steering. When our Prius was new before I bought it the local supplier (Gulf States Toyota) put the wheels and tires on our Prius. I believe it came from Japan with the standard 15" Rims. You can see that the tire placard has a sticker on it reflecting the 17" tires and pressures accordingly. If you look closely at the pics I posted above Going from Prius Four, not IV because it isn't a 2010 15" wheels to 17" please help | PriusChat Item #3 Additional Items you will plainly see the tire label.

I hope you enjoy your Prius Four as much as I enjoy our Three. I did look at a Four when I bought the Three. I went with the Three because it was more along the price range I was looking for. This is our "second Prius". First one was a Gen II Package #2 that we bought used.

Best of luck to you and yours!