Hypermiler

Hi guys,

As a new owner of the latest ES300 hybrid I have read up around the forum and around the 2nd hand market and I noticed that quite a few of them changed the 17" stock hybrid wheels away. The stock alloy wheels for hybrid are exclusive for hybrid vehicles and I think it looked awesome so need to get a general opinion how the most really felt about it because changing tires may affect the tire pressure sensor as well.

The 7 or 10 spokes ones on the non hybrid looked great too but seemed more difficult to clean and maintain. Thanks!

dchar

I think they look too small and boring. The only good looking OEM ES wheels are the 18" ones. Of course that means sacrificing some ride comfort for styling, and they will be a PITA to clean.

jollick

The stock wheels on my ES300h have grown on me and although at first I did not care for them, I now like them.

atoyota

I have no problem with the stock ES300H wheels. As you mentioned they are specific to the car. For me, I don't see putting upgraded or exotic wheels on this car makes it any less "boring." IMHO, the car is what it is - a comfortable daily commuter - and wheels alone won't turn it into an eye-catcher.

chromedome

I'm sticking with the stock turbine 17" alloys for greater comfort from thicker sidewalls and lower tire costs, especially where the road surface has more potholes than tarmac. For me, going for larger rims means the car needs lowering for it to look good, thus sacrificing ride quality. Check out older threads for pictures of gorgeous modded ES300h's in sunnier places like Florida

Hypermiler

Hi chromedome,

You are right! It does have the 'turbine' look on the stock alloy wheel! Unlikely to change as it is part of a hybrid look. In fact, the alloys will give a character on the model itself.

For future reference, anyone encounter problem with their tyre pressure sensor after changing their stock alloy or wheels?

PirelliRC

I just swapped my stock hybrid 17s in hideous chrome for the stock 5 double spoke 17" wheels that come on the 2014-2015 ES petrol version. Im definitely not going to up size to 18s. The ride is firm as is, 18s wont help the situation.

TechNut

We have the stock 17" wheels with the Bridgestone tires. I like the wheels just fine and while I like the look of the 18s better, I love the ride quality and wouldn't want to risk that. In my opinion, it is a great combination and I wouldn't change a thing. I have no basis for comparison of the Bridgestones compared to the Michelins so I couldn't comment on that. Obviously a matter of opinion and hotly debated on the RX forum as well.

Arty101

I'm getting use to my stock wheels too. I didn't particularly like them originally.