This is a quick-reference guide for wheel and tire combos on the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX and STI (VA chassis). The VA chassis represents Subaru’s dedicated performance sedan platform, and the first time the WRX and STI models shared the 5x114.3mm bolt pattern. This unification enables access to extensive aftermarket wheel options while introducing specific constraints related to brake clearance, suspension geometry, and scrub radius dynamics.
For detailed wheel fitment information see the VA Subaru WRX / STI Wheel Guide. For tire diameter tolerance and load rating details, see the VA WRX / STI Tire Guide.
Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide
| Wheel Size | Offset | Position Out / In | Tire Sizes | Fender Modifications | Min Camber | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17x8.0”, 18x8.5” | +55 | — | 235/45R17, 245/40R18 | OEM WRX | ||
| 19x8.5” | +55 | — | 245/35R19 | OEM STI | ||
| 17x8.5” | +50 | +5mm / -5mm | 245/45R17, 255/40R17 | STI fitments limited 17" wheels less likely to clear STI Brembos, especially 2018-2021 6-pot | ||
| +45 | +10mm / -10mm | 245/45R17, 255/40R17 | STI fitments limited 17" wheels less likely to clear STI Brembos, especially 2018-2021 6-pot | |||
| 17x9.0” | +48 | +13mm / -1mm | 255/40R17 | STI fitments limited 17" wheels less likely to clear STI Brembos, especially 2018-2021 6-pot | ||
| +42 | +19mm / -7mm | 255/40R17 | STI fitments limited 17" wheels less likely to clear STI Brembos, especially 2018-2021 6-pot | |||
| 18x8.5” | +50 | +5mm / -5mm | 245/40R18 | |||
| +45 | +10mm / -10mm | 245/40R18, 255/35R18 | ||||
| 18x9.0” | +48 | +13mm / -1mm | 245/40R18, 255/35R18 | |||
| +45 | +16mm / -4mm | 245/40R18, 255/35R18 | ||||
| 18x9.5” | +40 | +28mm / -2mm | 255/35R18, 265/35R18 | Recommended fender roll for 265mm tires | -1.5° | Rear LCAs Recommended |
| +38 | +30mm / -4mm | 255/35R18, 265/35R18 | Required | -2.0° | Rear LCAs Required | |
| 18x10” | +40 | +34mm / +4mm | 265/35R18, 275/35R18 | Required | -2.5° | Coilovers + Rear LCAs |
| +35 | +39mm / -1mm | 265/35R18, 275/35R18 | Required | -3.0° | Coilovers + Rear LCAs | |
| 18x9.5” | +35 | +33mm / -7mm | 265/35R18, 275/35R18 | Required | -2.5° | Rear LCAs Required |
Popular Proven Setups
Daily Driver / Street
18x8.5” +45 - 245/40R18 - Conservative width increase over stock for earlier models. Lightweight wheels in this size typically weigh 21-23 lbs, reducing unsprung mass compared to stock while maintaining proper clearance margins and factory-like handling dynamics.
18x9.0” +45 - 255/35R18 - Moderate width increase with excellent tire availability. Maintains conservative offset to minimize fitment complications.
17x8.5” +45 - 245/45R17 - Solid winter wheel setup, combining reduced tire costs with additional sidewall compliance for harsh road conditions. The smaller diameter provides better protection against winter potholes while maintaining proper diameter tolerance. Note that most 17” wheels will not clear STI Brembo brake packages. Please verify fitment before purchase.
Aggressive Street / Track
18x9.5” +38 - 255/35R18 or 265/35R18 - The platform standard for aggressive street fitment. Achieves flush appearance and accommodates high-performance 265 treadwidth tires. Requires fender rolling. Rear camber adjustment via aftermarket lower control arms is mandatory for wider tires to prevent fender contact.
18x9.5” +40 - 255/35R18 - Slightly more conservative than +38 offset, reducing fender work requirements while maintaining substantial track width increase. Better suited for owners seeking performance without extensive modifications. Still benefits from rear camber adjustment for optimal tire clearance.
Track / Competition
18x9.5” +35 - 265/35R18 - Lower offset than street spec accommodating wider tires and providing more aggressive appearance. Requires comprehensive setup including rear lower control arms, fender work, and aggressive camber. Popular for cars seeing both street and track duty where ultimate width is less critical than the 10” option.
18x10” +40 - 275/35R18 - Wide track setup maximizing contact patch for road course use. Requires coilovers to control body movement, aftermarket rear lower control arms, minimum -2.5° camber, fender rolling and pulling, and possibly metal trimming. Compromises street manners but delivers maximum mechanical grip for performance applications.
Main OEM Considerations
Scrub Radius Impact: The factory +55mm offset is engineered to maintain near-zero scrub radius for straight-line stability and precise steering. Moving to +38mm offset increases positive scrub radius by approximately 17mm, introducing noticeable steering kickback, tramlining sensitivity, and braking instability on uneven surfaces.
Rear Camber Adjustment: The factory rear multi-link suspension lacks camber adjustment mechanisms. OEM rear lower control arms are fixed-length with only toe adjustment via eccentric bolts. For 18x9.5” +38mm wheels with 265mm+ tires, aftermarket rear lower control arms are essentially mandatory to dial in -2.0° to -2.5° negative camber. Without this adjustment, the tire shoulder will contact the fender lip during suspension compression.
Brake Clearance by Package: The VA chassis features three distinct brake configurations with different clearance requirements. Standard floating calipers (WRX) have minimal clearance demands. Brembo 4-piston “Red” calipers (2015-2017 STI) require high spoke depth clearance and can interfere with flat-spoke wheels despite “correct” offset. Brembo 6-piston “Neon/Silver” calipers (2018-2021 STI) demand larger barrel diameter but moderate spoke depth. Verified compatible wheels include Enkei NT03RR (18x9.5” +40), Enkei TS-10 (18x9.5” +38), Wedssport SA-99R (18x9.5” +38), Apex EC-7 (18x9.5” +38), and Apex SM-10RS (18x9.5” +40). Enkei RPF1 and NT03+M require 8-10mm spacers due to flat spoke design.
Hub Centric Rings: Most aftermarket 5x114.3 wheels have 73.1mm center bores. The VA WRX requires 56.1mm hub centering. Use hub centric rings (73.1mm OD to 56.1mm ID). Aluminum rings are strongly recommended over plastic for track use, as brake heat can deform plastic rings.
TPMS Compatibility: The VA-chassis WRX (2015-2021) utilizes a 315MHz TPMS system. When purchasing aftermarket wheels, you can reuse your existing TPMS sensors. However, note that the VB-chassis WRX (2022+) uses a 433MHz TPMS system, which is incompatible with VA sensors. If migrating wheels between VA and VB generations, TPMS sensors must be replaced to maintain system functionality.
Load Index Requirements: Early WRX models (2015-2017) came equipped with load index 94 tires (235/45R17, equating to 1,477 lbs per tire), while later models specify load index 97 (245/40R18, equating to 1,609 lbs per tire). When selecting aftermarket tires, match or exceed your vehicle’s original load index specification. Many popular 255/35R18 options are rated at 94, which is acceptable if your vehicle originally came with 94, but represents a reduction if you’re upgrading from a higher-spec model. Installing tires with lower load index than your vehicle’s original specification compromises safety margins and can lead to tire failure under heavy loads or high-speed operation.
Fender Rolling: The VA rear quarter panel features double-walled spot-welded construction with extremely rigid return lip. Heat the surface to 120-140°F using a heat gun before rolling to prevent paint cracking. Use a hub-bolted fender roller tool such as the Eastwood Fender Roller with steady force. Cold rolling or improper technique will result in paint delamination and uneven bodywork.
Additional Resources
- Detailed Wheel Fitment: See the VA Subaru WRX Wheel Guide for comprehensive offset recommendations, brake clearance profiles, and scrub radius impact
- Tire Compatibility: See the VA WRX Tire Guide for diameter calculations, size charts, and tire category recommendations
- Where to Buy: Tire Rack for tires with nationwide network of recommended installers