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What size tires are on a Subaru Impreza?

The tire size on a Subaru Impreza isn't fixed across all years. It depends on the model year, trim level, and wheel package, with Imprezas rolling out with 15- to 18-inch wheels over different generations. To confirm your exact size, check the door jamb placard, the owner's manual, or Subaru’s official specifications for your year and trim.


How tire sizes vary by year and trim


Over its many generations, the Impreza has used a variety of stock sizes. The exact size you should run depends on when your car was built and which wheel package came with it. The following overview gives a sense of the range you might encounter, but always verify on your specific vehicle.



  • 15-inch wheels: common on older base models and early generations.

  • 16-inch wheels: the most widespread size on many mid-generation and current trims, offering a balance of comfort and handling.

  • 17-inch wheels: available on higher trims or sport-oriented packages, typically paired with lower-profile tires.

  • 18-inch wheels: used on select premium or specialty editions, often with sport-oriented setups.


Knowing the wheel diameter is a helpful starting point, but the exact tire width and aspect ratio will depend on the specific year and trim. Replacing tires with the wrong size can affect handling, speedometer accuracy, and overall safety.


How to confirm the exact size for your vehicle


To get the precise tire size for your Subaru Impreza, use these steps to verify the official specification for your car:



  1. Check the driver’s door jamb placard for the “Tire Size” or “Original Equipment Tire Size” listing.

  2. Inspect the sidewall of an installed tire for the size code (for example, P205/60R16).

  3. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which lists the recommended tire sizes by year and trim.

  4. If you’re unsure or the labels are missing, contact a Subaru dealer or reference Subaru’s official specifications for your model year and trim, using your VIN if possible.


By following these steps, you’ll confirm the exact tire size your Impreza is designed to use. Always aim to match the original spec or consult a professional if you’re considering a size change for weather, performance, or aesthetic reasons.


Interpreting tire size codes


Understanding the code on the tire sidewall helps when shopping for replacements and ensuring compatibility with your wheels. Here’s how to read the most common size format:



  • P or T or no prefix indicates the type of tire (P for passenger car, T for temporary/spare; some regional variants use other prefixes).

  • The next three digits are the tire width in millimeters.

  • The two-digit number after the slash is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width).

  • R denotes radial construction.

  • The final number is the wheel diameter in inches.

  • Additional numbers and letters after a space indicate load index and speed rating.


Examples you might see include P215/60R16 or 205/55R16. Always verify that the exact size matches your door jamb placard and owner's manual, and consider load index and speed rating in addition to width and diameter.


Practical tip


When replacing tires, if you’re unsure about the best alternative, consult a tire professional or your Subaru dealer. If you opt for a size that isn’t identical to stock, you may need to consider alignment, ABS calibration, and speedometer implications.


Where to look for the official size


The most reliable sources for your precise tire size are the vehicle placard on the door jamb and the owner’s manual. If you’re shopping for tires online or at a shop, providing your model year, trim, and VIN can help ensure the correct specifications are matched to your car.


Summary


There is no single tire size for all Subaru Impreza models. Size varies by year, trim, and wheel package, spanning from 15-inch to 18-inch wheels across generations. To determine the exact size for your car, check the door placard, the sidewall of your tires, and the owner’s manual, or contact a Subaru dealer. Understanding the sidewall code will also help you shop for the right tires and maintain safety and performance.

What size are the wheels on a Subaru Impreza?


Subaru Impreza wheel sizes vary by model year and trim, but common stock sizes include 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch rims. For example, a 2024 model might have 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch options, while a 2023 might come with 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. 

  • 16-inch: Common on base models, often with a 205/55R16 tire size. 
  • 17-inch: Frequently found on higher trims, with a 205/50R17 or 225/45R17 tire size. 
  • 18-inch: Often featured on sportier trims, paired with a 225/40R18 tire size. 



What size tires does a Subaru Impreza have?


Subaru Impreza Tire Size: P225/40R18, P205/55R16, or P205/50R17.



What is the most common problem with a Subaru Impreza?


Subaru Impreza Reliability and Common Problems

  • The Subaru Impreza has an average reliability rating from RepairPal of 3.5 out of 5.0.
  • Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems.



What size tires are on a 2015 Subaru Impreza?


The 2015 Subaru Impreza tire size varies by trim level, with the most common sizes being P195/65R15 for the Base trim, P205/55R16 for some Premium trims, and P205/50R17 for other Premium, Sport Premium, and Limited trims. The WRX and WRX STI models have different sizes, such as 245/40R18 for the WRX STI. 

Trim Tire Size
Base P195/65R15
Premium P205/55R16 or P205/50R17
Sport Premium P205/50R17
Sport Limited P205/50R17
Limited P205/50R17
WRX STI 245/40R18
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To find the exact tire size for your specific vehicle, check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb or the tire's sidewall.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.