Prius Wheels

I don't have the tech specs you want, but here is my impression of the general consensus regarding aftermarket wheels.

1. The Prius is an as-is vehicle. There is little you can do to improve it. So, if there is an aspect of the vehicle you truly dislike, don't buy now, wait until some less niche version of it comes out which you can tinker with as you see fit. This leads to...

2. The stock Prius wheels in the U.S. shipping version are highly aerodynamic, light weight and designed specifically for efficiency for this vehicle. I've heard the rumor that the Prius is more aerodynamic than many Italian super cars and the wheels are a significant part of the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

3. Many folks who have swapped out stock wheels for customs have taken a huge MPG hit. The combination of a physically heavier wheel, without any air flow design and tires with lower rolling resistance and wider contact surfaces makes for a MPG deadly combination.

My 2 cents.

 

Hi Masoud,
If you haven't read this thread: CLICK HERE you should, among other things, after-market wheels/tires are discussed.

 

On the stock 15" you may be able to fit 205/60/15 (which should be a PLUS ONE)

17" --> 205/40/17 or 205/45/17 (better protection against bumps)

18" --> no no

Check out this TIRE CALCULATOR to determine how "off" the odometer would be IF you were to swap wheels.
http://www.7thgencivic.com/index.php?page=tirecalc&

My little knowledge about...
Suspension: The stock shocks and springs will be fine. No damage whatsoever.

Wheel geometry: The bigger and wider the tire yields a lower MPG. Low Profile tires (anything less than 45) give a considerably worse ride quality as there is less cushion. Low profile tires also have stiffer walls for added rim protection.

Factory warranty: I highly doubt that a dealer would blame "suspension" problems if any on the wheels. Never heard of such thing.

Ride quality: The best ride quality is on stock wheels! A lot of cushion and quietness...

My personal advice is just to stick with the stock wheels or maybe get another set of 15".

The Prius stock wheel without the rim trim:
http://www.priuschat.com/forums/oem-rims-v...ighlight=wheels

 

What do you think are the implications on the suspension, wheel geometry, factory warranty and ride quality ???

although the appearance would greatly balance the look of the car by equalling the large height of the car with more aggressive looking wheels i think most people should realize that bigger wheels usually results in a big loss in performance. and then you fear losing mpg and then you suffer and then you hate and before you know it you've joined the dark side and have bought something stupid like a hummer

 

The Southeast region often ships the car with Pirelli +2 wheels.

Consumers Reports did a report on plus wheels.