Should tyre pressures be set higher for hybrid cars?
I have a 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid. I notice that the tyre pressures for both the hybrid and non hybrid cars are quoted as 35PSI normal load and 40PSI for 4 passengers. The hybrid though weighs 1715kgs and the non-hybrid 1590kgs. So shouldn't the tyre pressures on the hybrid be set higher even just with two passengers ?
Asked on 25 March 2026 by nick dayman
Answered by
David Ross
The difference in weight between the two vehicles is 125kg, which is broadly equivalent to the weight of two passengers, but this mass is effectively divided between all four wheels, which means an additional load of just 31kg per corner. Unless you are experiencing uneven tyre wear when carrying heavy loads, we would advise staying with the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressures.
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