1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

215/45 vs 205/50 for 17" rims

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by mr_yellow, Nov 7, 2013.

  1. mr_yellow

    mr_yellow Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2013
    66
    14
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Technology
    Hey guys,

    Does anyone know why Toyota outfitted the prius with 215/45R17 sized tires for the 17" rims and not 205/50R17 tires which closer matches the stock 195/65R15 tires?

    Thanks,
     
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,081
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The smaller 215/45/17 makes the mpg loss from 17s appear smaller than if they used the 205/50/17. :p
     
  3. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I don't think we know their official reason, but I think OE 215/45/17 looks cooler with their large raised rim protectors. If you don't like thinner/lower profile look that comes with OE 215/45/17, then go with one with a smaller rim protector like the Ecopia EP422 in that size, which looks a bit fuller in the sidewall rather than the too fat looking 205/50/17.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    55,576
    38,735
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I wonder about that (have the 17" rims). Do you think the odometer hasn't been adjusted? With the 1~2% diff, is that still within limits for odo accuracy?