What tires come stock on a Subaru Impreza?

Most Impreza models ship with 16-inch wheels and 205/55R16 tires; Sport trims use 17-inch wheels with 205/50R17.

The exact tire size and whether 17-inch wheels are standard or optional depend on model year and market. In this article, we break down the typical factory configurations for recent Impreza models and explain how to verify your specific car.

Stock tire sizing overview

Below are the common OEM configurations based on wheel size used on contemporary Impreza models.

• 16-inch wheels: 205/55R16 tires


• 17-inch wheels: 205/50R17 tires

In practice, the 16-inch setup is typical for base and mid-range trims, while the 17-inch option is associated with Sport variants or optional wheel packages, depending on year and market.

Tire sizes by trim and year

Here is a typical mapping for recent Impreza models in the North American market. Always confirm with your vehicle’s door placard or owner’s manual, as dimensions can vary by year and package.

• Base/Premium/Limited (commonly 16-inch wheels in many years): 205/55R16


• Sport (often 17-inch wheels in many years): 205/50R17

When replacing tires, verify the exact size on the placard located on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual to ensure you use the correct dimensions, load index, and speed rating for your car.

Choosing replacements and maintenance tips

OEM tires are designed to balance handling, comfort, and efficiency for the Impreza. If you swap to non-OEM tires or change wheel sizes, stay within recommended tolerances to avoid affecting speedometer accuracy, ABS, and traction control systems.

• Try to match the overall tire diameter to the original equipment to minimize dashboard readouts and performance discrepancies


• Choose all-season tires if you need year-round performance, or seasonal tires if you drive in distinct climates

Consult a tire professional or Subaru service center if you are unsure about compatibility with your specific year and trim.

Summary

Across recent Subaru Impreza models in North America, the stock configuration typically includes 16-inch wheels with 205/55R16 tires for most trims and 17-inch wheels with 205/50R17 tires for Sport variants. Exact sizing varies by model year and market, so always check the door placard and owner’s manual when purchasing replacements or planning upgrades.

What tires come on a Subaru Impreza?

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

What are the factory installed tires?

OE tires (sometimes called OEM tires for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”) are those tires that are specified by the vehicle manufacturer and are initially fitted to the vehicle when new.

What year to stay away from a Subaru Impreza?

Years to avoid for the Subaru Impreza include 2012 and 2013, which had issues with the transmission and other reliability problems. The 2008 model is also often cited as a year to avoid, though specific reasons aren't as widely mentioned in the provided results. If considering an older model, be wary of models from 1996-2005 that may have used engines prone to head gasket failure. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the 2012-2016 Impreza: 59sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2023
Years to avoid

• 2012: This model had issues with the transmission, particularly the continuously variable transmission (CVT), with some units potentially experiencing sudden acceleration. 
• 2013: A bad year for the Impreza due to multiple issues, including engine and transmission problems and low owner satisfaction scores from Consumer Reports. 
• 2008: Often listed as a year to avoid, it was the first year of the third generation and may have had specific drawbacks. 
• 1996-2005: These years, especially with the EJ25 engine, had a known issue with head gasket failures, leading to costly repairs. 

What to look for instead

• Post-2013 models: Generally, newer models have improved reliability, with the 2022 model being a good example. 
• 2015 or later CVTs: If buying a model with a CVT, 2015 or newer models generally had better versions of the transmission. 

This video discusses common problems in the 2011-2017 Impreza: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 5, 2023

What brand of tires does Subaru use?

Subaru uses a variety of tire brands depending on the model and trim, with original equipment (OE) suppliers including Falken, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear. For example, the 2024 Crosstrek uses Falken Ziex ZE001A all-season tires as original equipment on specific trim levels, while other models may come equipped with tires from brands like Michelin or Goodyear. 

• Falken: The Falken Ziex ZE001A all-season tire is an original equipment option for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek on the Sport and Limited trims. 
• Michelin: Michelin is a trusted supplier for various Subaru models, offering a range of options for different needs. 
• Bridgestone: Bridgestone is another major brand that Subaru sources tires from. 
• Goodyear: Goodyear is also a frequent supplier of tires for Subaru vehicles. 
• Yokohama: Yokohama has partnered with Subaru, including for the WRX STI in motorsports, and the Yokohama Geolandar is a popular choice for many Subaru models.