Snow tires for a 2026 XLE and 17" wheel size

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Technical Discussion' started by blfuller, Nov 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM.

  1. blfuller

    blfuller Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2008
    30
    4
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    Got a 2026 XLE AWD to replace my 2009. Question for the hive mind on what size tires for winter driving. The XLE has 19" wheels and the LE has 17". I was thinking of getting 17" wheels and a 225/55R17 snow tire which would be the same 26.7" diameter. Just wondering if anyone has done this and how was the ride vs the 195/50R19 OEM tires. Also any suggestions for a winter steel wheel source?
     
    #1 blfuller, Nov 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM
  2. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2025
    491
    153
    0
    Location:
    New York State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    Do you mean 215?
     
    #2 VelvetFoot, Nov 18, 2025 at 2:36 PM
  3. blfuller

    blfuller Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2008
    30
    4
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    For the new size? Based on the calculator below the new size would be a 225. If you enter the 195/50R19 OEM tire size and want to find an equivalent diameter tire with a 17" wheel it shows a 225/55R17. Not sure if I'm using it correctly or not.
    Tire Size Calculator
     
    #3 blfuller, Nov 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
  4. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2004
    1,944
    673
    0
    Location:
    Finland
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    225/55R17 is closer in diameter to the original 19" than 215/55R17, but bigger, and significantly wider.

    215/55R17 falls between the diameter of the standard 19" and 17" sizes, and is closer to the original width. And is compatible with the original 17" wheels.

    If you're only caring about diameter, and not width, and you were comparing with the 19" specifically, then I can see why you'd go for 225, but I think 215 is overall a better choice. And it's much more common too.

    I'm using a 215/55R17 winter set on Toyota 17x6.5 accessory wheels, along with my original summer 19" set.
     
    #4 KMO, Nov 18, 2025 at 3:36 PM
    otatrant likes this.
  5. blfuller

    blfuller Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2008
    30
    4
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    Thanks for the suggestion. Do you happen to know the part number for the Toyota 17x6.5 accessory wheel that you used?
     
    #5 blfuller, Nov 18, 2025 at 3:47 PM
  6. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2004
    1,944
    673
    0
    Location:
    Finland
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    They're a European accessory, shown as an option in the brochures. Might not be available in North America. Shown in this video:



    I think the part number is PW457-47001-ZB

    Definitely not a cheap option. But I wanted them because they were the "standard" 17x6.5 size, thus could be used with 195/50R17 too. (If they became more available in the future).

    It seems very hard to find third-party 17" wheels as narrow as 6.5.

    Which might then push you to wider tyres...
     
    #6 KMO, Nov 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
  7. blfuller

    blfuller Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2008
    30
    4
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    Ah, an alloy wheel, yes a little cost prohibitive. Would be nice to find a steel wheel that won't be eaten up by magnesium chloride.
     
    #7 blfuller, Nov 18, 2025 at 4:41 PM
  8. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2025
    491
    153
    0
    Location:
    New York State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    That's more corrosive than salt?
     
    #8 VelvetFoot, Nov 18, 2025 at 5:39 PM
  9. otatrant

    otatrant Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2023
    314
    192
    10
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    The OEM LE 17x6.5 alloy wheels part number is 42611-47651. Here is a link on ebay for a salvage wheel. On impex the wheels sell for $251.39 but that doesn't include shipping and tariffs. You might be able to get them at a better price from a US dealer during one of their 25% off sales which include free shipping and avoid sales tax if you purchase from dealers in certain states.

    Aftermarket wheels not as narrow can be found for about half the price.
     
    #9 otatrant, Nov 18, 2025 at 5:43 PM
    blfuller and VelvetFoot like this.
  10. blfuller

    blfuller Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2008
    30
    4
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2026 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    Magnesium chloride is more corrosive than salt as it is hygroscopic and attracts and holds moisture and it can accelerate rusting and other forms of corrosion. It affects various metal parts, including vehicle undercarriages, brake lines, and wiring, and can also damage paint and coatings.
     
    #10 blfuller, Nov 18, 2025 at 6:28 PM
    VelvetFoot likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)