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): 245/40R18 (all trims). The 2022+ WRX standardized on a single size.
VA WRX (2015-2021): 225/45R17 (base), 225/40R18 (Sport, Limited, STI).
GR/GV WRX (2008-2014): 205/55R16 (WRX), 225/45R17 (WRX Premium), 245/40R18 (STI).
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.
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.
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.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-06-27. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.