Toyota Tires: Which Are Best For You?

Sandy B
Dec 9, 2020

No matter which Toyota vehicle you own, you need the right tires for it. The Toyota best tires for you depend on the model, trim, and the type and amount of driving you do. Here’s a look at two different Toyota vehicles so you can see the difference.

What are the best tires for the 2020 Toyota Prius?

Black 2020 Toyota Prius With White Background

What are the best tires for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?

Gray 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid With White Background

These are two examples – the Toyota best tires for you need to be selected for the specific model of vehicle you own. Here’s a look at what factors play a role in making this decision.

Best Tires for the 2020 Toyota Prius

Let’s break down the two types of Toyota vehicles discussed. Keep in mind that the specs and features for these types of tires apply to any model, but the costs and benefits apply to specific vehicle models. Both vehicles benefit from touring, performance, and winter/snow tires.

Touring

Prius Cost: $120.99/Tire

Highlander Cost: $135.00/Tire

Touring tires are a strong option for most sedans, making them a good choice overall for the Toyota Prius and most other vehicles in the company’s lineup. What you will find is that touring tires are more focused on performance rather than overall lifespan or traction.

If you purchase touring tires, be sure to seek out all-season models as this will improve overall traction during the winter months. If you are using your car at high speeds for any length of time (think freeway driving) the touring tires will work well.

Touring tires do work for the Highlander as well, but as a larger car, you’ll need to choose a higher quality touring tire to fit the demands. Those higher-end models do last longer, making their higher price tag more worthwhile than lower-grade products.

As for customers, touring tires for a Toyota vehicle makes sense. They are a bit higher in price depending on the model than a base tire but can improve ride quality. Consumers also note that performance tires are a good option for a sporty feel to their car.

Performance

Prius Cost: $68.55/Tire

Highlander Cost: $114.44/Tire

Performance tires are a good option overall for most Toyota vehicles. They have a larger circumferential and lateral grove, which helps to improve their traction in cold and wet conditions (though not as good as winter/snow tires do).

For anyone that commutes with their Prius or Highlander, performance tires tend to be better for higher speeds compared to touring tires. They will last longer in this way, as long as you purchase a higher quality product (the lowest price may not be as good at achieving these goals).

You also need to consider cold weather. Performance tires have a silica-enriched tread to them. That makes them better able to grip the ground when the temperatures drop. For the Highlander, this is a good overall benefit because the vehicle is higher.

Prius drivers note that performance tires are an affordable option and add a bit more comfort and a smoother ride. Consumers note that performance tires are okay for the Highlander, but a higher quality is important to ensure the vehicle is comfortable enough to drive.

Winter/Snow

Prius Cost: $94.36/Tire

Highlander Cost: $173.99/Tire

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Tire Closeup

If you live in an area where the temperatures get very low, you’ll benefit from winter and snow tires. There are some types of snow tires you can use throughout the year, while others are just for winter weather. Both vehicles can benefit from these types of tires.

The Prius driver will find winter tires are very important in slick conditions. They grip the ice and compacted snow much better, pushing it out of the way. This helps keep you safer in the lightweight and low-to-the-ground Prius.

With the Highlander, they provide more traction control as well, giving you ample ability to easily move the vehicle in snow. Unless you’re in deep snow or plan to drive in a lot of compacted snow for most of the season, studded tires are not necessary (and may be illegal).

Customers love the benefit of having better traction in the winter months from these tires. At the same time, these tires do cost more and, in some cases, need to be used just in the winter. Quality is a big factor. Like all others, there are good and bad winter tires.

People Also Ask

Here are some frequently asked questions about Toyota best tires and how to manage your tires at home. First, here are some questions about the Toyota Prius.

Does the 2020 Toyota Prius come with a spare tire?

The 2020 Toyota Prius does not come with a spare tire. It is an option to purchase as an upgrade though. Instead, Toyota includes a tire kit. These kits allow you to make immediate and short-term repairs to the tire so you can drive it well enough to get to a technician.

What’s the recommended tire pressure for a 2020 Toyota Prius?

Auto Mechanic Checking A Tire Pressure

The tire pressure for the 2020 Toyota Prius is dependent on the size of the tire on the car. There are two options available for the 2020 model:

  • 195/65R15 91S tire size: 36 to 39 psi for the front tire and 35 to 36 psi for the rear tire
  • P215/45R17 87V tire size: 33 psi for the front tire and 32 psi for the rear tire

How do you reset the tire pressure indicator on a 2020 Toyota Prius?

Once you fill the tires to the proper inflated level based on the specs above, you can reset this in a few simple steps. Turn the car off. Then, turn the engine on. Locate the reset button located under the steering wheel. Press and hold it.

The TPMS indicator light will blink three times slowly. Once that is done, you may need to drive the car for several miles before the light will go off.

Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander come with a spare tire?

Yes, the 2020 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard spare tire. This is a compact tire, which means it is small and can only be used for short periods. The spare tire is located under the car. To access it, you will need to use the crank down feature.

What’s the recommended tire pressure for a 2020 Toyota Highlander?

This is based on the size tire on the vehicle, if you purchase larger tires. However, most standard models are 36 psi for both the front and back tires.

How do you reset the tire pressure indicator on a 2020 Toyota Highlander?

You can follow the same steps as the Toyota Prius. Fill the tires to the proper pressure level. Turn the car back on and locate the reset button under the steering wheel. Depress it, wait for it to blink three times slowly, and then drive the vehicle.

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
  • Articles
  • chevronRightAlternative
  • Toyota Tires: Which Are Best For You?