Hey guys, I just bought a 2021 Corolla Hybrid and am not loving the stock 15" wheels with the weird covers. I inquired to my local dealership about replacing them with Corolla SE wheels and was told this isn't an option because you're supposed to use stock rims because of the regenerative braking. Is there any problem going to a 17" or 18" aftermarket wheel and having any issue with the hybrid system, or is it just simply a loss of mpg due to the added weight etc.? Sorry I know this is a prius forum but the Corolla Hybrid is fairly new and doesn't have much of a community and I figured that since the Corolla and Prius share the same Hybrid system the rules for wheels probably apply to both. Thanks
Yeah your dealer told you a load of you-know-what. As long as the rim fits (with or without spacers), you'll be fine. The Corolla lineup has tyres ranging from 195/65R15 to 225/40R18. No issues with the hybrid system. You will lose mpg due to extra weight, increased friction (due to wider tread and different tread compound) and loss of aerodynamics (that's what the wheel covers are for). But honestly, the mpg on the Corolla Hybrid is really good so if you were coming from any other vehicle, you would still gain in fuel efficiency. Edit: Here's a link to a guide. It's for the Prius Prime but again, the Prius Prime, Prius and Corolla share the same wheel type. Aftermarket Wheel Fitment Guidelines | PriusChat
Before investing into new wheels maybe try to remove to hub caps and install center caps. Much cheaper.
Hey Toyota, want to gain some customer appreciation: include those centre caps (or cut the price down, to something reasonable*). Even better, drop-kick the whole plastic wheel covers on alloy rims concept; it’s near-universally despised. * you can chase down cheaper eBay knock offs, which may or may not fit that well.
I took mine off months ago and see no difference in city driving, which makes sense since aerodynamics do enter into the equation at the speeds I usually drive. I have not taken it on a long highway trip yet. The longest was over to Lakeland. It was about 180 miles. I got an indicated 69 mpg. We took the interstate over there (mostly 70 mph) and came back on secondary roads, mostly about 60 mph. Left home with a full charge on the Prime and did not recharge on the trip. My conclusion is that whatever impact the covers make, it's very small.
Not on the Gen 4 but on the Gen 3, yes we asked the chief engineer at that time at the private event in Detroit.
