Toyota Prius is one of the leading hybrid cars in the global market. It is a combination of eco-friendly performance, smooth and quieter ride without spending too much on your fuel consumption. All features of this vehicle are superb except on its back-end compartment which remained laid-back.
To rip off the best benefits from this automobile, you need to have the best tire partner for your all-around driving escapade. Choosing the right tire for your Prius can be quite challenging because of the thousands of options in the market.
We are going to ease your burden as we have a simple guide here you can refer in getting the best-fit tire. Likewise, to narrow down your options, we made our top 10 best tires for Toyota Prius.
There are hundreds of tire models in the market and here are our top 10 best tires for this hybrid car.
10 Best Tires for Toyota Prius
This all-season tire from Michelin is our top pick to best complement the Hybrid Synergy Drive of Toyota Prius. It has better low rolling action compared to other summer tires in the market. In terms of price, it is cheaper compared to Bridgestone Turanza with better overall features.
This has a symmetrical tread pattern that exceptionally delivers better handling and a smoother ride. The central tread blocks are rigid enough to withstand uneven surfaces and bumps. Its sidewalls have an equal thickness that delivers stable cornering.
Hydroplaning resistance of this model is approximately 80 percent which is attributed to its four circumferential channels and diagonal grooves. These features help redirect water out from the rubber surface. There is effective wet traction because of its uniform lateral grooves and active sipes. Likewise, this one contributes to its reliable dry traction performance.
Key Features
⦁ Low rolling resistance for fuel-efficiency
⦁ Symmetric tread patterns
⦁ Excellent dry and wet traction
⦁ Balanced handling
⦁ Smooth and quieter ride
Specifications
⦁ Model – Energy Saver AS
⦁ Weight – 19.6 lbs
⦁ UTQG – —-
This all-terrain tire is our second runner up to fit Prius. Its tread compound can last 7.6 times than the 100 rating control tire. Its overall traction performance is rated “A” while temperature resistance is “B”. You can never expect this tire to burst due to heat build-up by running hundreds of miles. It serves as a cheaper alternative to Michelin Primacy.
Tread patterns of this tire are symmetrical with its curved grooves in the opposite direction. It can effectively drain water out from the tire’s surface through its two circumferential channels, lateral grooves, and curved grooves. There is excellent wet traction and short braking distance on wet surfaces because it has plenty of active sipes and lateral grooves.
This also, in turn, translates to a good dry grip action on paved and uneven surfaces. The single central tread block promotes balanced handing. A good tire to invest for your hybrid car.
Key Features
⦁ Symmetrical and directional tread patterns
⦁ All-terrain touring tire
⦁ Single central rib block
⦁ Two circumferential channels
⦁ Enhanced rubber-silica compound
⦁ Fuel-saving action
Specifications
⦁ Model – P4 Four Season
⦁ Weight – 26.1 lbs
⦁ UTQG – 760 AB
This has a symmetrical tread design with three independent central blocks that promote responsive steering and handling. Its shoulder tread blocks have multiple pitches which cut down noise. Overall, these features contribute to a smoother and quieter ride.
The new rubber-silica compound of this model has low rolling resistance which increases fuel-savings for every turn. Its four circumferential channels contribute to its aquaplaning resistance. A huge volume of water is redirected out from the tire with these channels and the diagonal grooves.
For wet and dry traction, we can link that to its active sipes and lateral grooves. We can say this model is good for the price and quality.
Key Features
⦁ Four aquaplaning resistance channels
⦁ Symmetrical tread patterns
⦁ Stable cornering, braking, and handling
⦁ Fuel-saving function
⦁ Improved dry and wet grip
Specifications
⦁ Assurance Fuel Max
⦁ Weight – 25.8lbs
⦁ UTQG – 620 AB
This tire model is a good alternative for your all-season touring performance with your Prius. Looking at its features and performance, we can say it can live up to its claim. It has an overall better performance than Cooper Evolution Tour. You can expect a quieter and convenient ride with it because of its uniform tread designs.
With its improved tread compound, the estimated tread life of this model is around 70,000 miles. The active sipes and lateral grooves of this tire contribute to its exceptional dry and wet traction and fuel-efficiency. It is a good factor to partner with Prius’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The thickness of its shoulder tread blocks is uniform for a stable cornering and steering performance. This tire model proved as an excellent option for long tread life, all-season touring tire for a price lower than $100.
Key Features
⦁ Treadwear – 70,000 miles
⦁ Uniform tread patterns
⦁ Five wide circumferential tread blocks
⦁ Lateral grooves and micro sipes
⦁ Fuel saver
⦁ Stable cornering and responsive steering
Specifications
⦁ Model – Kinergy ST H735
⦁ Weight -16.85 lbs
⦁ UTQG – 680 AA
For a perfect winter tire for your Prius, this one from Bridgestone can be your best option. It has an advanced tread compound which maintains pliant even at temperatures below zero degrees. It is also coated with a hydrophilic material to increase aquaplaning resistance on icy surfaces.
There is effective winter traction on deep snow with this winter tire because of its 3D zigzag sipes and winter studs. It enhances snow and icy biting grip so you can move on winter conditions without spending too much fuel.
For better handling of winter conditions, its shoulder tread blocks are increased by 20 percent. It creates substantial noise but can smoothly move you through the winter. You can never go wrong from having this winter model for your hybrid car.
Key Features
⦁ Hydrophilic coating
⦁ Advanced Multicellular ⦁ Compound for a pliant rubber at a lower temperature
⦁ 3D zigzag sipes
⦁ 20% more shoulder tread blocks
⦁ Excellent snow and ice traction
Specifications
⦁ Model – Blizzak WS80
⦁ Weight – 22.1 lbs
⦁ UTQG – —–
This all-season tire has an improved tri-plex tread compound for a longer tread life to rip value for money. Its symmetrical tread designs are capable of providing stable handling and responsive steering action for your highway driving. It cost more than Cooper Evolution but with performance comparable to Supermax TM-1.
Its four aquaplaning circumferential channels can remove water out from the rubber surface. Thereby, maintaining more road contact and its lateral grooves and active sipes contribute to higher wet traction. Its overall dry traction is at par with its wet traction performance.
Its twin rail central rib block contributes much to its improve balanced handling. Consequently, adding all these up will translate to a comfortable and quieter driving experience. Its longer tread life is already a great trade-off for the price.
Key Features
⦁ S and T Speed rating
⦁ Responsive steering and cornering
⦁ Balanced tread wear
⦁ All-season tire
⦁ Tri-plex tread compound
Specifications
⦁ Model – Avid Touring S
⦁ Weight – 18.9 lbs
⦁ UTQG – 620 AB
For an all-season touring tire with above standard performance, Kumho is the potential tire for Toyota Prius and other hybrid cars. For the price, it is higher than Cooper Evolution but a cheaper alternative to Michelin Energy Saver. Overall quality lies between the two tire models with a dependable smooth and quiet ride.
The smooth performance is linked to its ability to do effective handling and steering response. You can link that to its symmetric tread designs and thicker sidewalls for accurate cornering. The several tread pitches on its shoulder are responsible for its quieter performance.
Its four aquaplaning circumferential channels, uniform diagonal grooves, active sipes, and lateral grooves contribute much to its exceptional wet gripping action. It can do short braking distance on wet surfaces. Consequently, similar features also contribute to their dry traction performance better than Cooper.
Key Features
⦁ All-season touring tire
⦁ Longer tread life
⦁ Uniform tread design
⦁ Rigid tread blocks
⦁ Smoother steering and cornering
⦁ Quiet ride and fuel saver
Specifications
⦁ Model – Solus TA11
⦁ Weight – 18.35 lbs
⦁ UTQG – 700 AB
This premier fuel-efficient and all-season touring tire come with a price for a quality that fits hybrid cars like Prius. When it comes to light snow, the sunflower oil added to its silica tread compound increases effective traction. This tire is a good pair with Prius for its fuel-saving and smooth performance.
The symmetric design of this tire is engineered for lower rolling resistance and quieter ride with its multiple shoulder tread pitches. It has four circumferential channels and lateral grooves which increase hydroplaning resistance. Meanwhile, the lateral active sipes on its tread blocks help in generating effective biting grip on wet surfaces.
The overall traction of this tire has similar performance to its wet traction abilities. Moreover, its enhanced tread compound can fairly last 5x longer than a 100 rating control tire.
Key Features
⦁ Advanced silica tread compound with sunflower oil
⦁ Better traction at colder temperatures
⦁ MaxTouch Construction for balanced tread wear
⦁ Fuel-saving
⦁ All-season touring
⦁ Comfortable ride, huge noise reduction
Specifications
⦁ Model – Primacy MXM4
⦁ Weight – 21.5 lbs
⦁ UTQG – 500 AAA
For a price below $100, the attributes and performance of Falken Sincera are compatible with any fuel-saving hybrid car. It can reduce rolling resistance in every revolution, thus, less push on the accelerator to speed up. Likewise, its tread compound is 7.2x tougher than a 100 rating control tire.
This tire ensures shorter braking distance and better handling on wet and dry surfaces because of its 3D Canyon active sipes. It increases its biting grip on the road. The aquaplaning channels can effectively remove water out from the rubber surface, thus, increasing road contact.
There is also noticeable light snow traction with its multiple angled tread grooves that complements the active sipes. Meanwhile, the two lateral sipes in between each shoulder tread block can reduce noise to a huge amount.
For an all-season touring tire, it can deliver good handling and steering response constituting to its convenient and optimal performance.
Key Features
⦁ All-season touring
⦁ Uniform tread patterns
⦁ 3D Canyon active sipes
⦁ Angled tread grooves
⦁ Better light snow traction
⦁ Excellent dry and wet traction
Specifications
⦁ Model – Sincera SN250 AS
⦁ Weight – 16.76 lbs
⦁ UTQG – 720 AA
10. Sumic GT-A
It may not be the best but it offers an economical price without compromising quality. It is cheaper than Achilles ATR but its performance is better than the Nokian ZLINE tire. You can confidently get a better handling and quieter ride with this tire for a price below $70.
Its uniform curved grooves are responsible for the aquaplaning resistance of this model. The diagonal grooves and active sipes then provide the wet traction you need for better handling and braking on wet surfaces. The same features are responsible for the 75 percent effective dry traction of this tire.
The noise reduction ability of this tire is better than its older Sumic models. Overall, it is a cost-efficient tire for your Prius to enjoy a smooth and fuel-efficient performance.
Key Features
⦁ Economical price
⦁ Easier revolution
⦁ Tougher silica-rubber compound
⦁ Balanced tread wear
⦁ Highly responsive to steering
⦁ Low noise level
Specifications
⦁ Model – Sumic GT- A
⦁ Weight – 20 lbs
⦁ UTQG – —-
Why You Should Invest In the Best Tire for Toyota Prius?
This car model has a remarkable Hybrid Synergy Drive which contributes to its fuel-saving function. To complement this feature, you need to choose a tire with low rolling resistance to spike its fuel-efficiency action. Moreover, there are several reasons why you need to invest in the best tires for Prius.
Reasons for Buying the Best tires
⦁ Longer tread life with its optimal balanced tread wear action and tougher tire compound
⦁ More reliable traction on dry, wet, and light snow surfaces
⦁ Low rolling resistance so you there is less fuel consumed for acceleration
⦁ Good customer and warranty service terms
⦁ Highly responsive to steering action and stable cornering
What Makes The Best Tire for Toyota Prius?
Securing a checklist for the necessary tire features is a good way to ensure the right path on choosing the right model. Buying tires do not need to be hasty as it is similar to buying your car. Below are the important factors you need to consider.
Low Rolling Resistance
If the tire has less resistance to move over any surfaces, it takes lesser fuel to move to a higher speed. This will greatly complement the Hybrid Synergy Drive system of Toyota Prius.
Tougher Tread Compound
A more rigid tire compound will ensure longer tread life for your tires even if you are driving on uneven road conditions. Several tire makers are incorporating silica and other ingredients to have a good blend of rigidity and flexibility of the material. You can also refer to the number on the UTQG rating for a precise gauge on its tread wear.
Comfort and Quiet Ride
The tire must be able to provide a smooth, stable and quieter ride, especially on paved road surfaces. The rigidity and uniformity of the central blocks contribute to smooth ride and better handling. Meanwhile, variable shoulder tread pitches have a higher ability to cut down noise.
Biting Grip Action
This can be linked to the silica particles in the tread compounds which adds gripping. Likewise, the tread patterns and block size influence traction performance. Tougher tread patterns have better grip and addition of active sipes will increase its action.
Season Compatibility
It is inevitable to spend more on purchasing tires suitable for a certain season. For instance, by buying a winter tire you can save up your all-season or summer tire for the next summer vacation. You need to secure the right tire for the right season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum tire pressure for Toyota Prius?
For the 2019 Prius, the recommended tire pressure is 32 psi or 220kPa or 2.2 bar.
What are some fuel-saving economic computations for Prius?
This vehicle needs regular gasoline and below are some of its fuel consumption rates
⦁ MPG (city) – 60
⦁ MPG (highway) – 51
⦁ MPG (combined) – 55
⦁ Fuel cost to drive 25 miles – $1.35 or 0.45 gal
⦁ Yearly fuel cost – $909 ($3 per gal)
How do you rotate tires for Prius?
For 2001 Prius
1. Use a jack and lift the rear section of your car. Exchange the tires side to side.
2. Lift the left portion of the car, then exchange the front and rear tires.
3. Lift the right portion, exchange the front and rear tires.
For 2002-2004 models
⦁ You simply lift the entire tire, then swap the front and rear tires of the left side of the car. Do the same thing on the right side.
When do you rotate tires for Toyota?
The recommendation from manufacturers is every six months or every 4,000 to 6,000 miles. Nevertheless, it still depends on how well you care and maintain your car.
When do you need a new set of tires for your Prius?
On average, you can change tires for your Prius every 25,000 or 50,000 miles. However, if you drive fast oftentimes, then it will be faster to replace your tires.
On average, how long do brand new Prius tires last?
Typically, it lasts around 35,000 miles but the overall duration can depend on what kind of driver you are.
For 2013 Prius, what is the suggested time to rotate tires?
Most customers would rotate their tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles so there will be no issues when filing for warranty service. You can go longer but tread wearing can affect the alignment of your tires.
For Prius, which tires wear out first? The front of the rear?
Toyota Prius is a front-wheel-drive car, thus, the front wheels will wear out first than its rear tires.
How do you rotate tires?
1. You need to loosen up the lug nuts of your tires.
2. Park your car on a flat surface.
3. Work on one side of the car at a time. It is preferred to start on the driver’s side.
4. Starting on the driver’s side, loosen the lug nuts of your front then your rear wheels. You can use an impact wrench or breaker bar for this.
a) For an impact wrench, use and attach a 21-mm impact deep socket on the wrench’s driver.
5. After loosening all lug nuts, place a wheel chock on the front and rear wheels on the opposite side of the driver’s side.
6. Lift the front side of your car with a jack just enough to lift the tire off the ground.
7. Place the jack support on the chassis.
8. Lift the rear side of your car just enough to lift the tire off the ground. Then place the jack support on the rear section of the driver side.
9. After, remove the lug nuts of the front and rear wheels. Then swap them together and tighten them up again.
10. Do the same process on the section opposite to the driver’s side.
CONCLUSION
Based on our evaluation, we recommend Michelin Energy Saver A/S as the best tire to complement the performance of your Toyota Prius. The price is reasonable over the features and performance it can add to your whole driving experience. You would admire the comfort, quiet, and cost-savings of this tire model.
Nevertheless, the final decision still rests upon you. We advise you to take a step back and reflect on those details. You can even do your market research in a while to find more options. We still hope that you had a good time reading through our article.