Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-24
The Subaru WRX is a unique vehicle: a daily-driveable, AWD sport sedan with genuine track capability, a large aftermarket, and an owner community that takes tire selection seriously. Getting the tires right matters more on a WRX than most vehicles because the tires directly determine how much of the WRX performance potential is available to the driver.
Subaru WRX tire sizes
VB WRX (2022-current): 235/45R17 (Base), 245/40R18 (Premium, Limited, GT).
VA WRX (2015-2021): 235/45R17 (base), 245/40R18 (Premium, Limited, and 2015-2017 STI), 245/35R19 (STI, 2018-2021).
GR/GV WRX (2008-2014): sizes shifted more than once on the base WRX across this run (17-inch fitments) — check your specific model year. The WRX STI held steady at 245/40R18 throughout.
The current 245/40R18 is a wide, low-profile performance size — requires quality tires to match the suspension engineering.
Best tires — WRX daily driver
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ in 245/40R18: the most commonly recommended tire for WRX owners. Excellent dry handling precision, strong wet grip, DWS life indicators. Suits the daily sport character perfectly.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 in 245/40R18: a step up in dry handling feel — summer-season performance. For WRX owners in warm climates who want maximum feel.
Michelin CrossClimate2 in 245/40R18: for WRX owners in areas that see snow — 3PMSF all-weather capability in the WRX size. Some handling feel tradeoff vs the Continental.
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Best tires — WRX track weekend (non-daily)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 245/40R18: the benchmark summer performance tire. Best dry lap time of any road-legal tire in this class. Not suitable as a daily driver in cold weather.
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 in 245/40R18: strong track performance at a lower price than the Pilot Sport 4S. Excellent progressive limit behavior.
Best Subaru WRX tires by use
| Use | Tire | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Daily driver | Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ | Most commonly recommended tire; excellent dry handling precision, strong wet grip, DWS life indicators, in 245/40R18 |
| Daily driver | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | A step up in dry handling feel — summer-season performance for warm climates, in 245/40R18 |
| Daily driver | Michelin CrossClimate2 | For owners in areas that see snow; 3PMSF all-weather capability, in 245/40R18 |
| Track weekend | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Benchmark summer performance tire; best dry lap time of any road-legal tire in this class, in 245/40R18 |
| Track weekend | Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 | Strong track performance at a lower price than the Pilot Sport 4S; excellent progressive limit behavior, in 245/40R18 |
Frequently asked
How much do Subaru WRX tires cost?
245/40R18 (daily all-season): $140–200 per tire. 245/40R18 (summer performance): $170–240 per tire. A set of four installed: $560–960 depending on tire choice.
Does the WRX AWD system make tire choice less important?
No. AWD improves acceleration traction but does not improve cornering or braking — which are single-axle limited. The WRX on cheap tires will still understeer badly in wet corners. Tire quality matters as much on AWD as on FWD.
How do I know when my WRX needs new tires?
Performance tires tell on themselves. Grip falls off before the tread looks alarming, so if the car feels vague turning in or slides easier in the wet, the tires are past their best. Check depth with a quarter, and watch the inner edges, which wear first on an aggressively aligned WRX. Track use burns them faster than the tread wear rating suggests.
Should I replace all four tires on my WRX at once?
Yes. The WRX's all-wheel-drive system is sensitive to tread-depth differences between axles, and running mismatched tires can strain the driveline over time. Replace all four together and stick with the same model front and rear. This is one car where cutting the corner isn't worth the risk.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.