Yokohama secures OE fitments on 2023 Prius models

HIRATSUKA, Japan — Toyota Motor Corp. has selected a pair of Yokohama BluEarth-branded tires as original equipment fitments on the redesigned fifth-generation Prius and Prius PHEV hybrid passenger vehicles, debuting in 2023.

The fitments — BluEarth-FE AE30 in size 195/60R17 90H and BluEarth-GT AE51 in size 195/50R19 88H — are for the latest generation Prius, which went on sale this month, and Prius PHEV, which goes on sale later this year. Toyota lists the 17-inch size as OE on the LE versions and the 19-inch size as OE on the Limited editions.

The 2023 Prius features a larger 4-cylinder, 2-liter internal-combustion engine and a revised hybrid system that delivers over 60% more combined system horsepower plus additional torque, according to Toyota, helping to deliver an estimated 57 MPG combined rating for front-wheel-drive models and up to 54 MPG for all-wheel-drive versions.

Toyota builds the four-door, five-passenger hatchback Prius at its plant in Aichi, Japan.

The BluEarth line is Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.'s product range based on the concept of being "environmentally, human, and socially friendly."

The BluEarth-FE AE30 is a standard BluEarth tire that offers "excellent" fuel-efficiency and a high level of balance between basic performance properties such as quietness, comfortable performance, a comfortable ride, and long life. The latest-generation BluEarth-FE AE30 features a new profile and compound that work together to reduce rolling resistance and enhance wet performance.

Yokohama describes the BluEarth-GT AE51 as a grand touring tire that incorporates the basic design and materials technology used in the BluEarth brand but with uses a newly developed compound to combine reduced rolling resistance and wet performance.

The company also said the BluEarth-GT AE51 delivers "high steering stability" and a comfortable ride that was achieved by tuning the structure.

The Prius went on sale earlier this month in the U.S. with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $27,450.