What is the best tire for a 2018 Prius?
For a 2018 Toyota Prius, the best tires emphasize low rolling resistance to boost fuel efficiency, while delivering reliable all-season grip and a quiet, comfortable ride. Top current picks include the Michelin Primacy MXM4 (Primacy 4) and Continental TrueContact Tour, with strong alternatives across budget and premium tiers. The final choice depends on your wheel size, climate, and driving style.
Why tire choice matters for a Prius
The Prius is engineered for efficiency, so tire design directly affects mpg, ride quality, and safety. Tires with low rolling resistance reduce energy required to move the vehicle, helping fuel economy and battery range in hybrid mode. At the same time, you still need solid wet-grip and durable wear, especially if you drive in mixed weather. Wheel size on the 2018 Prius varies by trim, so fitment and load rating are essential considerations.
Recommended all-season tires for the 2018 Prius
Below is a curated set of all-season tires that balance efficiency, comfort, and everyday safety for a 2018 Prius. Availability depends on wheel size (15", 16", or 17").
- Michelin Primacy MXM4 (Primacy 4) — widely praised for low rolling resistance, long wear, and a quiet ride.
- Continental TrueContact Tour — strong all-season performance with good mileage and efficiency.
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady — versatile all-season with solid wet grip and reliable mileage.
- Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack — premium touring tire offering comfort, quietness, and balanced efficiency.
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus — eco-focused, with confident handling and fuel-economy potential.
- Yokohama Avid Ascend GT — budget-friendly option with low rolling resistance and solid wear life.
Note: Always verify that the tire size matches your 2018 Prius wheel configuration (commonly 15" or 16" wheels on most trims). Check the vehicle's manual and the tire sidewall for size, load index, and speed rating before purchasing.
Winter tires and all-weather options
When to consider dedicated winter tires
In regions that experience snow and ice, dedicated winter tires on all four wheels can dramatically improve braking and traction. If you encounter cold, snowy conditions regularly, you may want to switch to a winter setup during the colder months. All-weather tires are another alternative that can handle light snow while remaining usable year-round, though they may not match dedicated winter tires in extreme conditions.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 — top-tier winter performance with low rolling resistance for hybrids.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow — strong winter grip with respectable efficiency for cold months.
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 — proven ice and snow performance with solid overall behavior.
When winter tires are installed, avoid mixing tire types on the same axle and follow proper installation and maintenance practices to maximize safety and performance in cold weather.
Summary
For a 2018 Prius, the primary goal is to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing safety. The best all-season options typically include the Michelin Primacy MXM4 (Primacy 4) and Continental TrueContact Tour, with additional solid choices across budgets. Always confirm fitment for your wheel size and climate, and consider a dedicated winter setup if you frequently drive in snow or ice. Your ideal tire will balance mpg benefits, ride comfort, and confidence in wet or snowy conditions based on your local weather and driving style.
What tires come on a Toyota Prius?
Both the base model and the Prime come with both sizing options. The sizes available are 195/60R17 and 195/50R19. The table below shows factory tire sizes for the 2022-2025 Toyota Prius.
Does a Toyota Prius need special tires?
As per the law, any motorist using a hybrid or electric car can use any tire on their vehicle. However, conventional tires do more harm than good for hybrid cars.
What brand tires are best for Toyota?
Toyota does not have a single recommended tire brand; instead, they partner with various manufacturers to equip different models. Some of the brands that have supplied original equipment (OE) tires for Toyotas include Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, Toyo, and Goodyear, with the specific brand depending on the vehicle's model, year, trim level, and wheel size.
- Multiple brands: Toyota works with several tire makers, and the brand that comes on a new car will vary.
- Examples of partnerships:
- Bridgestone, Michelin, and Continental are listed as brands that have equipped Toyotas, notes Black Circles.
- Goodyear is another brand that supplies tires for certain Toyota models, as seen on www.goodyear.eu and Tire Rack.
- Toyo and Hankook are also mentioned as suppliers by Tire Rack.
- Variable tires: The specific tire brand can change even within the same model. For example, a base model Tacoma might come with different tires than a TRD Pro trim.
- Recommendation for replacement: When it's time for a replacement, the best approach is to check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a Toyota dealership to find the specific tire recommendations for your exact car.
Is 2018 a good year for a Prius?
If you put a premium on efficiency and value, you won't be disappointed by the Prius. Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota Prius as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars and Best Hybrid Cars for this year.
