The generation 2 Prius lift has been a journey, especially when I started testing tire size and fitment to get the right clearance and avoid rubbing issues.
Quick Overview: I went through lifting my Gen 2 Prius, starting with a 1.5″ lift on OE suspension, adding around 250lbs of cargo, and discovered that real clearance in use is different from just static measurements. Adjusting the rear lift slightly solved tire rubbing, and next up is raising the front a bit more, all while keeping MPG in mind.
Why did I dive into the generation 2 Prius lift? Because driving my 2013 Prius overlanding and hauling cargo, I care about actual off-road and loaded use, not just how cool a lift looks. Adding close to 250lbs on the ride made me realize the simple 1.5″ lift just wasn’t enough. Tires rubbed the rear on highway miles, and that’s no good. I needed to make it work in the real world.
So, I went back under the car and lifted the rear slightly more. Now there’s a noticeable gap above the rear tires, and no more rubbing even with the extra load. I’m using spring spacers in the rear right now, which I prefer over air bags for reliability and simplicity. Front suspension got Prius Subframe Spacers installed, but I’m planning to lift the front a little higher as well soon.
Here’s the thing: a lot of people lift their Priuses and just show the initial look. Almost nobody shows how it behaves loaded with gear or during real use. That’s misleading, because when you load your lifted Prius, the suspension sag and rubbing can sneak up on you. So don’t rely on static photos or installer claims. If your lift kit is only 1.5″, expect to have to go higher to avoid rubbing, especially with cargo.
I asked myself, do you even use your lifted Prius, bro? Because the Prius community sometimes seems to just chase cool without testing the real limits or giving honest feedback. I’m about function and durability, not just flexing a lift kit. This is why I do my own testing and share the results honestly here on the blog.
Installation-wise, for the rear, I swapped spring spacers for rear shock extenders soon to straighten things out better. It’s a simple upgrade that supports weight without compromising suspension geometry. For the front, the subframe spacers I used came from PriusOverlanding.com, and they’re easy to install with basic tools and instructions, available on the site.
What I noticed: after some highway miles, tires rubbed with just a 1.5″ lift and cargo. Lifting the rear further fixed that and improved handling with the added weight. Front still needs a touch more lift. MPG? Sure, there’s a slight hit when lifted, but if you’re carrying gear and off-roading a bit, it’s the tradeoff. Plus, my Prius still delivers solid fuel economy compared to bigger rigs doing similar stuff.
For those interested, check out my post on Prius Lift Kit With All Terrain Tires and how I leveled my lifted Prius. There’s a lot of real talk there about what works and what doesn’t.
When you’re working on your generation 2 Prius lift, don’t forget the little things that make daily life easier on the road and off. I love carrying a quality Shammy Towel XL for quick cleanups after tough runs or dusty camps. Also, on long trips, power adapters like the BESTEK 150W Dual USB Car Charger keep my gear powered without fuss.
FAQ on Generation 2 Prius Lift
Will lifting my Gen 2 Prius affect fuel efficiency drastically?
Yes, lifting can reduce your MPG somewhat due to changes in aerodynamics and added weight. But keeping the lift moderate—like 1.5″ to 2″—and focusing on efficient tires helps minimize the drop. I’m personally all about balancing lift and fuel economy.
Are spring spacers better than airbags for lifting the Prius?
I prefer spring spacers because they are simpler, more reliable, and less prone to failure or leaks compared to airbags. Airbags might offer variable height but for off-road durability and lower maintenance, spring spacers are my go-to.
Where can I get reliable parts for my Prius lift?
Check out PriusOverlanding.com for quality lift kits, subframe spacers, and accessories I personally use and trust. Nothing beats parts designed for real Prius off-road use.
The generation 2 Prius lift has been a journey, especially when I started testing tire size and fitment to get the right clearance and avoid rubbing issues.
Quick Overview: I went through lifting my Gen 2 Prius, starting with a 1.5″ lift on OE suspension, adding around 250lbs of cargo, and discovered that real clearance in use is different from just static measurements. Adjusting the rear lift slightly solved tire rubbing, and next up is raising the front a bit more, all while keeping MPG in mind.
Why did I dive into the generation 2 Prius lift? Because driving my 2013 Prius overlanding and hauling cargo, I care about actual off-road and loaded use, not just how cool a lift looks. Adding close to 250lbs on the ride made me realize the simple 1.5″ lift just wasn’t enough. Tires rubbed the rear on highway miles, and that’s no good. I needed to make it work in the real world.
So, I went back under the car and lifted the rear slightly more. Now there’s a noticeable gap above the rear tires, and no more rubbing even with the extra load. I’m using spring spacers in the rear right now, which I prefer over air bags for reliability and simplicity. Front suspension got Prius Subframe Spacers installed, but I’m planning to lift the front a little higher as well soon.
Here’s the thing: a lot of people lift their Priuses and just show the initial look. Almost nobody shows how it behaves loaded with gear or during real use. That’s misleading, because when you load your lifted Prius, the suspension sag and rubbing can sneak up on you. So don’t rely on static photos or installer claims. If your lift kit is only 1.5″, expect to have to go higher to avoid rubbing, especially with cargo.
I asked myself, do you even use your lifted Prius, bro? Because the Prius community sometimes seems to just chase cool without testing the real limits or giving honest feedback. I’m about function and durability, not just flexing a lift kit. This is why I do my own testing and share the results honestly here on the blog.
Installation-wise, for the rear, I swapped spring spacers for rear shock extenders soon to straighten things out better. It’s a simple upgrade that supports weight without compromising suspension geometry. For the front, the subframe spacers I used came from PriusOverlanding.com, and they’re easy to install with basic tools and instructions, available on the site.
What I noticed: after some highway miles, tires rubbed with just a 1.5″ lift and cargo. Lifting the rear further fixed that and improved handling with the added weight. Front still needs a touch more lift. MPG? Sure, there’s a slight hit when lifted, but if you’re carrying gear and off-roading a bit, it’s the tradeoff. Plus, my Prius still delivers solid fuel economy compared to bigger rigs doing similar stuff.
For those interested, check out my post on Prius Lift Kit With All Terrain Tires and how I leveled my lifted Prius. There’s a lot of real talk there about what works and what doesn’t.
When you’re working on your generation 2 Prius lift, don’t forget the little things that make daily life easier on the road and off. I love carrying a quality Shammy Towel XL for quick cleanups after tough runs or dusty camps. Also, on long trips, power adapters like the BESTEK 150W Dual USB Car Charger keep my gear powered without fuss.
FAQ on Generation 2 Prius Lift
Will lifting my Gen 2 Prius affect fuel efficiency drastically?
Yes, lifting can reduce your MPG somewhat due to changes in aerodynamics and added weight. But keeping the lift moderate—like 1.5″ to 2″—and focusing on efficient tires helps minimize the drop. I’m personally all about balancing lift and fuel economy.
Are spring spacers better than airbags for lifting the Prius?
I prefer spring spacers because they are simpler, more reliable, and less prone to failure or leaks compared to airbags. Airbags might offer variable height but for off-road durability and lower maintenance, spring spacers are my go-to.
Where can I get reliable parts for my Prius lift?
Check out PriusOverlanding.com for quality lift kits, subframe spacers, and accessories I personally use and trust. Nothing beats parts designed for real Prius off-road use.
