OK. So I've read a ton and it's still not clear. I've decided, with some people saying "really?", to upgrade the stock 15s on my 2012 Blizzard pearl Prius 4. Question is tires. OEM (215 45 17) seem to be the way to go but comfort seems to be a trade. I don't want to give up comfort. Will a 205 50 17 work? Will it be more comfortable like some say it is? Will it even fit? I'm looking at the BF Goodrich Sport comp2. The "green" LRR tires seem to double the costs and reduce comfort.
The BFG Sport Comp 2 is not known to be the best riding tire. Generally speaking if you want a comfortable tire you should stick with a grand touring tire with some exceptions. The LRR grand touring tires also offer a longer tread wear warranty which when combined with better fuel economy can often overcome the higher up front cost. Whatever you do, try to time your purchase with one of the many rebates available. Michelin is almost always running a $70 rebate, Goodyear does an $80 rebate and Bridgestone does a $70 rebate. My recommendation for the 215/45/17 size. Best value = Ecopia EP422 (poor handling but quite and comfy. Best mpg) Best all around = Primacy MXM4 ( does everything well but lower mpg) My recommendation for the 205/50/17 size. Best value = Ecopia EP422 (poor handling but quiet and comfy. Best mpg) Best all around = Turanza Serenity Plus (Does very well in most categories and relatively cheap) Pros for the 215/45/17 1. More comfortable Cons for the 215/45/17 1. Shorter than OE 15" tire so speedo is off by an extra 1mph. 2. Shorter than OE tire so wheel well gap is increased (ugly unless you lower the car) Pros for the 205/50/17 1. Reduces speedo error and in some cases fixes it entirely 2. Same size or slightly larger than OE 15" tire so wheel well gap is maintained or reduced. 3. Increased ground clearance 4. Can still look good without lowering Cons for the 205/50/17 1. Tires are mostly XL. (Extra Load) rated so they are less comfortable. At 33-35psi they are fine IMO.
