The Prius c Looks Better with New Wheels

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Cy Chowattukunnel

When it comes to saving energy and protecting the environment, many want to do their part. Drivers would jump at the opportunity to drive an efficient, low-emissions hybrid like the Toyota Prius that would also help them save at the pump. However, many of us do not want to pay the price for this vehicle that can exceed $20,000. With the launch of the 2012 Toyota Prius c, purchasing this vehicle just got much easier!

The one thing you may want to change on your Prius c is the wheels. Prius c One, Two and Three come with 15" steel wheels and hubcaps. Has drabness from those plain wheel covers caused your eyes to wander over to our Upgrade Garage? Unfortunately, the 175/65-15 Original Equipment Bridgestone Turanza EL400-02 won't accommodate any wheels wider than 6". So if you're going to change wheels, then upgrade to 16" wheels and a 195/50-16 (Prius c Four factory option size) tire.

What wheel would be the best option for this new vehicle? It's all about your preference and what you're looking for from a set of wheels. There are many good choices to consider, but if you have the red or black sand Prius, I'd take a look at the machined with black accent Protocol from Verde.

 

16X7   4-100/108 ET40 Machined With Black Accent Verde Protocol $104*
Machined with Black Accent Verde Protocol $104*
195/50-16 Ultra  High Performance All-Season Ecsta 4X $85*
Kumho Ecsta 4X $85*

 

2012 Toyota Prius c FAQ:

  1. How much does the Tire & Wheel Package including the Verde Protocal and Kumho Ecsta 4X cost? It's currently available for a price of $756*.
     
  2. Won't running larger wheels and tires increase rotational weight and rolling resistance, therefore hurting fuel economy? Yes, there are some negative effects to the increased size. You can mitigate this by experimenting with air pressures of 42 psi in the front and 40 psi in the rear (that's 7 psi above the factory recommended air pressure of 35 front and 33 rear). For most drivers, this will provide a good balance of fuel economy, treadwear, steering response and ride.
     
  3. Can I re-use my current TPMS sensors? Yes, a shop can transfer your O.E. TPMS  sensors.
     
  4. What other options do I have besides the 195/50-16 size mentioned? 185/60-15, 185/65-15, 185/70-14 and 175/70-14 are all compatible, however you still must consider the tire width versus rim width as you make your choice.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin HydroEdge with Green X

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Michelin HydroEdge with Green XReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.36

2003 Honda Odyssey
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Miles driven on tires: 30,000
Location: Wauseon, OH
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 30,000 Miles on Tires
May 10, 2012

I bought these tires for their promoted wet weather traction capabilities. I wasn't sure about the directional tread design though. The van had the Goodyear version of this tire before that were worn out. They preformed well when new and I've not had any major problems. One rear tire was replaced early on with a new one when it blew out the side wall after hitting some sharp road debris up in MI. They seem to always look low on air even though I run 37 lbs. pressure in all four tires and monitor the pressure weekly. The fronts are nearing the outer wear bars. Partially my fault,I should have been more diligent in rotating front to rear, but I would still have thought they'd last longer. The fronts are getting noisy too. I am considering ordering a set of 4 of the new Michelin Defenders since they are more traditional in tread design and look to have longer life potential and a possibly a quieter ride. I'm not looking for a Ultra-high performance tire on an Odyssey, not planning on running any road ralleys. Whether it's the tires or not, the Odyssey gets an honest 25 MPG on the highway and my family and I got 28 MPG coming back from VA with a slight tailwind.I really appreciate Tire Rack's reviews and look forward to continue to use them as my tire source.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Ecsta XS

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Kumho Ecsta XSReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.14

2004 Ford Focus ZX3 Hatchback
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Miles driven on tires: 100
Location: Fort Washington, MD
Driving Condition: Easy Going

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
May 15, 2012

Moderate driving style so no high speed driving or corning. Smooth riding and very quiet and that's really important to me. The tires are practically new so can't make any comments regarding wear but happy with tires with no complaints. I'm a first time Tire Rack buyer and even though my neighbor recommended the service I was skeptical but have to say the service at both ends of the transaction was wonderful. Tires shipped promptly and the installation at Mr Tire was exceptional. I'll be joining my neighbors recommending these tires and the service.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Yokohama Geolandar A/T-SReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.92

2004 GMC Sierra K1500 Ext Cab
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Miles driven on tires: 10
Location: STATESVILLE, NC
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 10 Miles on Tires
May 15, 2012

BEST TIRES SO FAR.STICK WITH OEM SIZE.VERY QUIET AND NICE SOFT RIDE.I WAS SUPPRISED HOW QUIET FROM LOOKING AT THE TREAD PATTERN.MY TRUCK RIDES LIKE A CATTY WITH THESE YOKOHAMAHA'S.I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THESE TIRES.AND I WILL BUY AGAIN.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Exclaim UHP

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


General Exclaim UHPReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.29

1999 Porsche Boxster
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Miles driven on tires: 8,500
Location: Tavares, FL
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 8,500 Miles on Tires
January 07, 2011

My car is a 1999 Porsche Boxster that has been lowered via H&R progressive springs, Bilstein shocks and some minor suspension tweaks. I live in Central Florida so I don't encounter snow or ice conditions.



These General high performance tires were a very pleasant surprise. Don't let the moderate pricing on these tires fool you; they are comparable to tires with much higher prices. The dry handling is excellent and so is the wet handling! These General tires really perform with excellent handling and an acceptable ride that is comfortable and quiet. I will definitely consider General tires for any high performance vehicle I own in the future.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole PositionReviewer's Overall Rating: 10

2012 Kia Optima SX Turbo
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Miles driven on tires: 15,000
Location: Charleston , SC
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 15,000 Miles on Tires
May 18, 2012

Awesome tire in all conditions...great in the rain, cornering and handling are second to none and the tire is showing very little wear after 15k. Priced better then the Michelin's and much better in the rain and around corners going 70mph+

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus TechnologyReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.5

2004 Saturn VUE FWD6
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Miles driven on tires: 2,000
Location: Palm Coast, FL
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 2,000 Miles on Tires
May 17, 2012

Bought these Conti Eco Plus for my SUV. OEM's were Bridgestones, which were noisy and harsh. Replaced them after 28K with half the tread left. Tried Goodyear Fortera Triple Treds, which were a small improvement for the first 15K miles, then they got very noisy and harsh also, but I wasn't about to replace early again with so much money tied up in rubber. I ran them for 60K uncomfortable and loud miles. Got these Contis after reading MANY reviews. Love them. They are very quiet and smooth riding. Neither of the other two brands were anywhere close to these when new. My MPG is just slightly higher. I only have 2K on them, but as of now, they are the best tires I've ever owned, and that includes some pricey Michelins on my other vehicles.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Reviewer's Overall Rating: 6.4
 
 

2012 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab
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Miles driven on tires: 600
Location: Marion, OH
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 600 Miles on Tires
May 19, 2012

I have been complaining about the noise and the vibration every since I put the tires on my truck I only have 600 hundred miles and goodyear is going to replace my tires already what was Goodyear thinking when they put this tire on the market.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run FlatReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.62

2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i
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Miles driven on tires: 3,545
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 3,545 Miles on Tires
May 20, 2012

A bunch of us recently did a mountain tour from Santa Fe thru Alamosa to Crested butte, Glenwod Springs, over Independece Pass thru Leadville to Salida & home, 929 miles on secondary roads. We stuck pretty much to the speed limits (55 a 65 mph +/- 5-10, depending on conditions). Lots of twisty mountain roads, good weather. All in all, the Pirellis did quite well - accurate, responsive steering and braking, good, quiet ride (ran the twisters in 'Sport' mode), andk excellent mileage ( average 28.5 mpg for the whole trip). This is my first set of run-flats, and I was prepared to be underwhelmed, but the Pirelli P7s were every bit as good as the Scorpions I had on our '04 X3 3.0.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.79
 
 

2002 Ford F150 SupCrew 4wd XLT
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Miles driven on tires: 10,000
Location: Williamsport, PA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 10,000 Miles on Tires
May 21, 2012

I've had these on my truck now for about a year and a half still have 16/32 on them. i drive alot on the highway cause of work and have gone through a foot of snow in 2wd to see how they work and they are great. only time i have to use 4wd is when the wife is with me. I take my truck up in the mountians on my weeks off work fishing hunting and camping. been in deep mud and never had a problem going anywhere i would buy an other set when these are done.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Destination A/T

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Firestone Destination A/T Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.86
 
 

2010 Chevrolet Colorado LT Extended Cab
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Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Wilmington, NC
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
May 21, 2012

Better handling than the Bridgestone Dueler's that came with the truck. These hold the road better in the curves. I can go around curves with no tire squealing at speeds that made the Bridgestones scream. A little quieter on the highway too. They are a few pounds per tire lighter too which with such a large diameter tire improves braking and acceleration.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.5

2011 BMW 325i E92
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Miles driven on tires: 15,000
Location: Taipei, No
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 15,000 Miles on Tires
May 21, 2012

For the price, there simply is not a better tire on the market in my view.
I believe these tires offer me about 95% of the performance of the PS2s they replaced at about half the cost. In addition, the treadwear goes well beyond what other tires have offered based on my driving style.
They are getting a little loud now after 20000km of driving, but nothing outside of what one would expect. Very predictable tires with no serious drawbacks at all. Highly recommend for drivers looking for an alternative to expensive European tires for their BMW.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Michelin Pilot Super SportReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.43

2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
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Miles driven on tires: 500
Location: Somewhere, CO
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
May 21, 2012

Just ran these on track at a driving school. I'm amazed at how grippy and predictable these tires are in the wet. And once the track dried, no issues with overheating and things getting greasy on a front-heavy car while trying to stay a little ways away from "the limit". Noise and impact harshness on the street are pretty good for the level of performance they offer. Excellent for learning on, and numerically they're probably some of the best real street tires for timed events. It would be nice to see these in sizes for smaller cars!

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Goodyear Assurance TripleTredReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.13

2005 Volvo S80 2.5T FWD
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Miles driven on tires: 13,000
Location: South Wales, NY
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 13,000 Miles on Tires
June 11, 2010

These are the best all-season tires for winter driving traction in slush and snow. We are in Western NY so we know about driving in snow !! They perform at the "winter tire" level without the noise associated at highway speeds. Very happy with the noise and handling characteristics as well. A real winner for Goodyear !

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax HP

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Altimax HP Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.91
 
 

2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT Sedan
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Miles driven on tires: 60,000
Location: Beavercreek, OH
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 60,000 Miles on Tires
May 10, 2012

A very good all around tire. ~60,000mi on them and they just hit the replace tire monitor strip. I will be purchasing these tires again for my car soon.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9
 
 

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd
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Miles driven on tires: 30,000
Location: New Iberia, LA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 30,000 Miles on Tires
April 28, 2012

I've been having these tires on my truck for a little over 30,000 miles and still have about %40-50 left on them. I rotate every 5,000 miles and wears pretty even I run the highway atlease 70 miles a week and have taking about 6 3-6 hour trips on them. I have been satisfied with these tires. The only mud terrain I have owned out of the 4 brands I have ran is the bfg mt. My worse complain about the tires is they were really quiet when brand new but make some noise now but still not as loud as a swamper or mud grappler. Best thing about the tires is the look and pretty good life I will get out of them

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H&V)

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H&V)Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.09

2006 Hyundai Sonata LX
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Miles driven on tires: 16,000
Location: South Bend, IN
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 16,000 Miles on Tires
May 12, 2012

This tire replaced the OEM that went over 60,000 miles. Initially, the ride comfort and noise level was acceptable. The traction, both wet and dry, is excellent. As the tire aged, the noise level increased. At 15,000 miles, the noise sounds like I'm running winter tires with a very aggressive tread. The wear is still very, very low and traction is still excellent. The tires run smooth at all speeds, but are very noisy on certain types of pavement. As a tire for a performance car, this is hard to beat for the price and the traction and handling. As a tire for a car that should have a nice, quiet ride, there are others out there that will beat this tire.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin Primacy MXV4

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Michelin Primacy MXV4Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.27

2006 Nissan Maxima SE
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Miles driven on tires: 6,000
Location: Waterloo, ON
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 6,000 Miles on Tires
March 02, 2012

Great tires...for grandpa's Buick! Very quiet, smooth riding tires. Noticeable improvement in fuel economy over OEM Goodyear RS-A's. However, if you do ANY spirited driving, be warned: these tires have flimsy sidewalls compared to the RS-A's. I've had to pump these "balloons" to 36psi up front, 34psi rear just to maintain a semblance of performance. Above 70mph, there's a vibration that rebalancing hasn't solved. My fault for not sticking to a true performance tire. I can't wait to replace these. But given this tire's treadwear rating, I may be waiting a while...

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Continental ExtremeContact DWSReviewer's Overall Rating: 10

2005 Mazda Miata LS
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Miles driven on tires: 400
Location: Longmont, CO
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 400 Miles on Tires
May 18, 2012

It was only me smiling when I drove my Miata, but now with these tires, my Miata is also smiling. It is the MOST comfortable and quiet ride I have had in this car. I have not had this set of tires long enough to comment on wet, snow or treadware which I will update at a later date, but for comfort, handling and quietness, they are excellent.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Bridgestone Ecopia EP422Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9

2010 Toyota Prius
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Miles driven on tires: 3,000
Location: Kansas City, MO
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
May 18, 2012

The tires felt a little "floaty" when first installed but after a short time have broken in and performed great. I have driven in fairly heavy rain and had no issues. The ride feels smoother than the previous/factory tires. These are the new tire for my car unless they don’t wear good over time; so far so good.