POLL: All things considered, what's the best wheel size for the Yaris?

[Thirty-Nine]

I'm a fan of smaller wheels/tires. They always feel more fun to drive to me. I run a 195/55/15 tire on a 15x6.5 rim, and really like it.

However, I'm currently on my 185/65/14 winter tires (on steel 14x5 wheels), and it feels like acceleration is a bit better (slightly shorter tires, possibly marginally shorter gearing?), but it could be psychosomatic.

I ran 16s, and they were OK, I think 17+ wheels are mostly for looks on a Yaris. Just my two cents.

[Kal-El]

Thanks for everyone's votes so far.

We have a clear leader. Nice to see the majority thinking practically.

I've been torn with what size t get and this poll is certainly helpful.

Originally, I felt that a main reason for getting aftermarket wheels was to up size from stock. That opinion has since changed. I just see to many reasons to stay with 15's. Would I lve the enhanced style of 16's or 17's? Absolutely. But I'm at a point in my life where practicality and economy beats being flashy which is why I have a Yaris in the first place.

As it stands, there's a 75% lean toward 15's with 16's holding on to a 25% chance.

[Nakachi]

As for me I will go for the 16" as it won't look to big for the yaris and not heavy

[LA Yaris]

For me I kept it with with a 5 pounds 15" wheels on the stock tires. On a 3" drop, I am happy I did that cause now with the body kit. It does not rub to much.

[Malaya1221]

i have 15s but i would go with 16s :)

[jakota]

Europe 2009 Yaris 1.33 L , replaced stock front summer 185/60/R15 with winter 185/65/R14; rear untouched stock 185/60/R15. Cheap solution for snow, good behavior.

[WolfWings]

I'm crazy: I love running 14's here in the winter, and if I could be bothered I'd run them in the summer too if there was any decent tires for it. As it is, 15's in the summer just so I have decent tires available.

[elmo]

Originally Posted by WolfWings

I'm crazy: I love running 14's here in the winter, and if I could be bothered I'd run them in the summer too if there was any decent tires for it. As it is, 15's in the summer just so I have decent tires available.

my wife is running 14" michelin harmonies on her echo very good tire

[advocate]

You didn't include 13s!

[TOUGEghost]

Here's why I went with 17's: I like short stiff sidewalls for better steering response, and I like bigger wheels. My wheel and tire combo is not only wider and lighter than stock, but the overall diameter is also shorter than stock for better acceleration. Win/win/win if you ask me. The only drawbacks I can think of are a greater chance of wheel damage and a slightly stiffer ride.

As far as the original question, for the best compromise between price, practicality, and performance, I would go with 16's. I was actually thinking of getting an extra set to try out.

[Kal-El]

Originally Posted by TOUGEghost

Here's why I went with 17's: I like short stiff sidewalls for better steering response, and I like bigger wheels. My wheel and tire combo is not only wider and lighter than stock, but the overall diameter is also shorter than stock for better acceleration. Win/win/win if you ask me. The only drawbacks I can think of are a greater chance of wheel damage and a slightly stiffer ride.

As far as the original question, for the best compromise between price, practicality, and performance, I would go with 16's. I was actually thinking of getting an extra set to try out.

The other "drawback" with 17's is the premium on tire prices while also not lasting as long. 17's for the Yaris generally only last 30K, maybe 40. While you can get 15's that last 75-90K and costs 50% less.

[supmet]

Originally Posted by TOUGEghost

Here's why I went with 17's: I like short stiff sidewalls for better steering response, and I like bigger wheels. My wheel and tire combo is not only wider and lighter than stock, but the overall diameter is also shorter than stock for better acceleration. Win/win/win if you ask me. The only drawbacks I can think of are a greater chance of wheel damage and a slightly stiffer ride.

As far as the original question, for the best compromise between price, practicality, and performance, I would go with 16's. I was actually thinking of getting an extra set to try out.

I'm seeing your wheel tire combo as 37 lbs total(15 lb rims and 22 lb tires), and stock is 33 from what I've heard. Also, as I posted before, your weight is farther out than stock, so more rotational inertia.

[r3b3l]

I don't understand why the bad part of having 17's is that you get worse response at takeoff or worse handling, or even mpg. If you run the same rolling diameter as stock how can you get anything worse than stock performance. Even if you had a small increase in rolling diameter the worse thing that could happen is having to recalibrate the speedo right? I understand pot holes could be a problem but if you still have 4 inch walls maybe you should not drive over a road that has been hit by a clusterbomb. I mean most places have decent roads, hell I live in MS we have the most horrible roads in the union and they wouldnt cause pothole damage.

[TOUGEghost]

^^ It does depend on the wheel; some are really heavy.

[PHXDEMON]

As someone that bought his car with 17's I would prefer 15's or 16s if they are light.

[why?]

Unless you are trying to run big power i don't see any reason to go anything but 14". The tires I have surprise me every time i try a little spirited driving. Much better than stock. They just keep on holding. Plus the light weight is great as well.

[XYaris]

I run 17 inch wheels normally but this winter I put some Blizzaks on my stock wheels. I must say that I am enjoying having a sidewall a great deal. The steering response is not the same but I am seriously considering selling my 17's and going with some 15" alloys in the spring.

[contraband831]

I currently have a set of 15's and 17's and I love the look of the 17's and the comfort of the 15's. I voted for 16's because i think they will be the best of both worlds (looks and comfort). My TRD 18's filled the gap well, looked cool, but made the car sluggish and the ride was not the best.