Ever wondered how does the entry-level trim of the U.S.-spec Toyota Prius looks like without the standard wheel covers? The internet has the answer, with owners of the model showing the fifth-gen Prius in its most basic form.
Surprisingly, Toyota fitted the Prius LE with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, instead of choosing the cheaper option of steelies. While the alloys will most likely remain hidden under the wheel covers for the majority of the vehicle’s lifetime, they reduce the unsprung weight which translates to marginal benefits on fuel economy and ride quality.
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In terms of looks, the five-spoke wheels with a heavy contour and triangular holes at the end of each spoke look like an evolution of the double-spoke design found in the previous generations, although here they are finished in black. This bare-bones style admittedly has a following among car enthusiasts, but the entry-level alloys look much busier without the standard covers. Furthermore, the new Prius was designed with larger-diameter wheels in mind, meaning that the 17-inch shoes appear quite small inside its spacious wheel arches.
The LE rims are shod in 195/60R17 tires, which have the same width as the larger 195/50/R19 tires that are available in the higher-spec XLE and Limited trims of the Prius. The latter come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels featuring a bi-tone treatment.
The photos of the white Toyota Prius LE with the wheel covers removed were published on Prius Chat Forum by a user called “someoneinva”. The wheels are also highlighted in a short video that was uploaded on YouTube by Prius LE owner Automattic.
As reported by Tire Meets Road, which brought the matter to our attention, a Prius with steelies has been spotted during transit in Mexico, suggesting that not all markets will get standard alloys as is the case with the U.S.
It is worth noting that besides Toyota, many other automakers including Tesla and Stellantis offer wheel covers that hide the rims of the vehicle. The essence of this strategy originates from the traditional plastic hub cups fitted above steelies in the vast majority of entry-level non-premium vehicle trims from the past and present. Wheel covers improve both the aerodynamic efficiency and the looks of the model while being cheaper to produce, interchangeable, and a lot easier to replace compared to a more sophisticated rim.
