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

Prius Gen III ride height

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Metroplex88, Jul 22, 2009.

  1. Metroplex88

    Metroplex88 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2009
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Centreville, Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have a few questions regarding the ride height of the Gen III Prius. I have noticed my package 2 sits pretty high on its wheels. When I say 'high', I mean the gap in between the tires and wheel wells are considerably big.

    I have the 15" inch wheels and understand that having the 17" wheels will most likely close that gap but I have seen pictures of other Gen IIIs with 15" wheels that have smaller gaps. I am NOT trying to 'pimp-out' my Prius and slam it to the ground but I just think it looks better with a slightly lower stance.

    The questions I have are, Has anyone noticed this too? Also, Do all Prius packages come with the same suspension?? Or do the higher level packages come with a better suspension that makes the car sit lower?

    I have also noticed that most Gen IIs I see on the road sits lower than my Gen III. If all packages have the same suspension, do the springs need time to settle and loosen a little to give it that effect?

    Any response would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

    - Rich
     
    #1 Metroplex88, Jul 22, 2009
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,589
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    If you have 17" rims the tires are not as 'thick' from the rim to the tread (low profile tires) so there isn't much of a difference in overall height. If you have 15" rims and 4 " of tire and then have 17" rims and 2" of tire it equals out to the same...

    The suspension is the same between a Prius V and the II through IV.

    In the end, the clearance is the same on all models, that is distance from the ground to the underbody of the car...
     
    #2 Paradox, Jul 22, 2009
  3. donee

    donee New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2005
    2,956
    197
    0
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi Metro...,

    They probably closed up the gap with body work to help the aerodynamics.
     
    #3 donee, Jul 22, 2009
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I thought the front lip of the bumper sits pretty low to the ground.
     
    #4 32kcolors, Jul 23, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)