Like a number of you, mpg from my 3rd gen anchors my OCD. (I’m getting 54 mph combined with a new Nexpower v3 GT and currently replacing plugs, coils, A/F sensor and cleaning injectors to get one or two more) That being said, love the the 17” 5 spoke rims. Currently have 15”. Will my mileage suffer if I give into vanity?
IDK, the 17" wheels on the early CT200H weigh 25 lbs. that's as heavy as a cheap Chinese wheel on Ebay For comparison the 16" magnesium touring wheels on the 2nd gen Prius weigh 14 lbs. an 17" x 7" Enkie RPF1 weighs 15 lbs. ($1300 set) Disappointed Toyota doesn't use Enkie wheels, some other brands like Subaru use them. Also larger rim diameter lower profile tires usually have a higher speed rating, so thicker steel belts heavier. So the tire wheel package is even heavier. TireRack is a good place to look at tire and aftermarket wheel weights.
Ours came with the 17” rims, currently have Michelin MXM4. From roughly October through March I swap over to 15” alloy rims (2012~2015 Plug-In Prius rims) current with Michelin X-Ice Snows. We’re on southwest coast of Canada, relatively mild winters. MPG seems fairly consistent year ‘round. Considering that winter MPG typically will be worse, it’s apparent the 17” combo is imposing some MPG penalty, not bad though.
