Given
57%
while driving a
Toyota Prius
(195/65 R15)
on
a combination of roads
for 30,000
easy going miles
Unfortunately, the Premier A/S does not live up to the expectations that its price point commands. Ride quality is fine, with bumps being adequately damped without being too firm nor too soft. Handling is solid, with a moderately hefty yet precise and predictable feel through the steering wheel with good center-line tracking. Road noise could be quieter, though there are no standout tones, so any tread whine is indistinguishable from wind noise. The problems start with tread wear. My tires are down to 4/32 of tread after roughly 30,000 miles of very conservative A to B driving. There is no way these will last the 60,000 mile lifespan that was originally advertised. Despite being designed to maintain strong wet performance throughout the tread lifespan, these tires will occasionally spin when pulling away from a stop sign in the wet. That said, they have never hydroplaned or had any other wet handling issue, at least for now. Though I have done minimal driving in accumulated snow, the shallow tread depth does not inspire much winter confidence. At 7 years old, the tread and sidewall are cracking despite limited exposure to direct sunlight. For the premium price, there are better options out there.
