2022+ VB Subaru WRX Compatible Tire Sizes

The VB-chassis Subaru WRX (2022+) represents Subaru’s evolution of their legendary performance sedan onto the Subaru Global Platform (SGP). This platform features enhanced structural rigidity (50% increase in torsional rigidity over the VA chassis) and revised suspension geometry designed for high-performance applications. The chassis features the 5x114.3mm bolt pattern enabling access to extensive aftermarket tire options. This guide provides comprehensive tire compatibility information for the VB WRX platform.

For detailed wheel fitment including offset recommendations and brake clearance, see the VB Subaru WRX Wheel Guide. For quick-reference wheel and tire combinations, consult the VB WRX Wheel and Tire Cheatsheet. For information on the previous generation (2015-2021), see the VA WRX Tire Guide.

Factory Tire Specifications

The VB-chassis WRX came with different tire specifications depending on trim level and model year:

The factory tire selection reflected Subaru’s performance priorities. VB models came from the factory equipped with summer tires indicating the sporting intentions of the vehicle despite the superb winter capabilities of the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This makes moving to All-Season or Winter tires a popular choice for many WRX owners.

When using a tire size different from the OEM specification, the rule of thumb is to maintain a ±3% variance in overall tire diameter. This ensures:

• Speedometer and odometer accuracy remains acceptable
• ABS and traction control systems function properly
• Vehicle dynamics such as braking and handling are not adversely affected
• Sufficient tire clearance is maintained within the wheel wells
• Fender and cladding clearance is preserved

The following sections list all compatible tire sizes within 3% of the factory diameter. Please note that these are theoretical tire size fitments based on diameter calculations. Having a size listed here does not mean a tire is manufactured in that size, nor that your desired tire model will be available in that size. Consult the Tire Recommendations by Category section to verify actual tire availability.

17” Tire Sizes for the 2022+ VB WRX

The 17” wheel diameter offers advantages for winter tire setups, reducing tire costs, and providing additional sidewall compliance for harsh road conditions. The factory 235/45R17 has an overall diameter of 25.3 inches (64.3 cm). The sizes below maintain this diameter within the 3% tolerance. Note that except for a select few 17” wheels generally will not clear the 6-piston Brembo brakes on TR and tS models.

The 17” diameter is popular for dedicated winter wheel setups, allowing owners to downsize from 18” or 19” OEM wheels while maintaining proper diameter tolerance. The additional sidewall height provides better compliance over winter potholes and improved ride comfort. Tire costs for 17” sizes are also typically 15-20% lower than 18” equivalents.

For further 17” tire size options, check out our tire size table or tire size calculator.

18” Tire Sizes for the 2022+ VB WRX

The 18” diameter is the most common OEM specification for the VB WRX and represents the best balance of performance tire availability, ride quality, and aesthetic proportions.

The most common aftermarket setup is 18x9.5” +38 wheels with 255/35R18 or 265/35R18 tires. The 255/35R18 offers a slightly smaller diameter than stock (-0.6%) which effectively lowers gearing for better acceleration while providing ample width for performance applications. The 265/35R18 maximizes contact patch for grip but requires plastic cladding trimming and rear camber adjustment via aftermarket lower control arms. For owners seeking a taller sidewall, 255/40R18 provides improved ride comfort but is best suited for conservative offsets (+45 and higher) to limit fender contact when lowered.

For even more 18” tire size options, check out our tire size table or tire size calculator.

19” Tire Sizes for the 2022+ VB WRX

The 19” diameter is standard on VB WRX TR (2024+) and tS (2025+) models to accommodate the 6-piston Brembo brake package. While offering aggressive aesthetics, the reduced sidewall height compromises ride quality and impact resilience compared to 18” alternatives.

The 19” diameter sees limited use in the aftermarket VB WRX community due to higher tire costs, reduced ride comfort, and increased rotational mass. Performance tire availability in 19” sizes is excellent, but the shorter sidewall provides less protection against wheel damage from potholes and impacts. For even more 19” tire size options, check out our tire size table or tire size calculator.

Tire Recommendations by Category

The VB WRX platform’s all-wheel-drive layout, turbocharged power delivery, and performance-oriented suspension make tire selection critical for extracting the chassis’s full potential. The following categories represent the spectrum of tire options available for this platform.

Extreme Performance Summer Tires

For autocross, track days, and maximum dry grip, extreme performance summer tires deliver the ultimate in streetable cornering capability. These tires typically feature 200-treadwear ratings or lower, aggressive tread compounds, and stiff sidewalls that provide exceptional steering response and lateral grip. The trade-off is cost, reduced treadlife, and unsuitable performance in temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Popular choices in this category include the Yokohama ADVAN A052, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS, Falken Azenis RT660, and Nankang Sportnex CR-S.

Max Performance Summer Tires

The sweet spot for enthusiastic street driving and occasional track use, max performance summer tires deliver exceptional dry and wet performance while maintaining the road manners expected of premium vehicle fitments. These tires typically feature 300-treadwear ratings, refined ride quality, and predictable behavior that can handle spirited driving and daily commutes with equal capability.

Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires

For drivers seeking year-round capability without sacrificing performance, ultra high performance all-season tires balance dry and wet grip while remaining usable in light winter conditions. These tires typically feature 500+ treadwear ratings, refined ride quality, and the quiet comfort expected of premium vehicle fitments. The trade-off is reduced ultimate dry grip compared to summer tires, though they compensate with genuine winter capability that summer tires cannot provide.

Winter / Snow Wheels and Tires

For true winter conditions, dedicated winter tires are essential. The VB WRX’s all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, but proper winter tires are critical for safe operation in snow and ice. Popular winter setups are 17x8.0” or 17x8.5” wheels with +45 to +50 offset paired with 225/50R17, 235/45R17, or 245/45R17 winter tires. The narrower footprint and taller sidewall maximize contact pressure to cut through snow and slush while providing additional sidewall protection against winter potholes. Note that 17” wheels will typically not clear TR/tS Brembo brake packages.

Performance Winter and Snow

Performance winter tires balance winter grip with year-round usability. These tires feature aggressive tread patterns with sipes (small slits) to enhance snow and ice traction, while maintaining reasonable handling on dry roads. These tires are engineered for drivers in moderate winter climates who need reliable cold-weather performance without sacrificing too much summer handling.

Studless Ice and Snow

Studless ice and snow tires deliver maximum winter performance without metal studs, using advanced siping and tread rubber compounds that remain pliable in extreme cold. These tires excel in severe winter conditions including ice, packed snow, and slush, but trade away some dry-road handling and tread life. These tires are best suited for regions with long, harsh winters where maximum winter grip outweighs summer usability concerns.

Important Fitment Notes

While all sizes listed are within 3% diameter tolerance, tire size alone does not determine fitment. You must also consider:

Wheel Width: Tire manufacturers publish recommended wheel width ranges for each tire size. A 265/35R18 tire on a 18x8.5” wheel will have different fitment characteristics than the same tire on a 18x9.5” wheel. Narrower wheels create a stretched fitment with less sidewall support, while wider wheels provide a square fitment with better sidewall stability.

Wheel Offset: Lower offsets push the tire outward toward the fender cladding, increasing the likelihood of rubbing and affecting vehicle dynamics. See the VB Subaru WRX Wheel Guide for offset recommendations.

Suspension Height: Lowered cars have reduced fender-to-tire clearance. What fits on stock suspension may rub when lowered. Aggressive fitments (18x9.5” +38mm and lower offsets) typically require aftermarket rear lower control arms for camber adjustment.

Tire Shoulder Profile: Some high-performance tires, particularly 200 treadwear competition tires, feature square shoulders that measure wider than their stated section width. For instance, a 265/35R18 Federal 595RS-RR may measure closer to 275mm in actual width. This can affect cladding clearance on aggressive fitments.

Rubbing Characteristics: The VB exhibits an unusual rubbing pattern where the rear arches are typically the first contact point, contrary to most AWD platforms where front fender interference dominates. This is particularly pronounced on lowered vehicles with 265mm or wider tires, where rear contact occurs during compression events (hitting bumps, aggressive cornering, loading passengers). The benefit of the VB’s plastic cladding design is that modifications thought to be extreme on other platforms can be hidden behind the factory flares.

Plastic Cladding Clearance: The VB chassis features hexagonal-textured plastic cladding around the wheel arches mounted via plastic fasteners and brackets. When running wider wheels with wider tires (265mm+) on wheel offsets of +38 and lower, the tire shoulder can impact the internal mounting structure under heavy suspension compression. This may require trimming the plastic cladding on the underside using a rotary tool. For extreme setups, the metal fender itself may need trimming, though this is irreversible and typically reserved for dedicated track builds. The plastic cladding extends further into the wheel well than VA metal fenders, requiring more conservative offset choices for equivalent visual flush fitment.

Rear Camber Adjustment: The factory rear double-wishbone suspension lacks camber adjustment mechanisms. OEM rear lower control arms are fixed-length. 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 plastic cladding during suspension compression, especially when lowered.

Load Index Requirements: The VB WRX came equipped with load index 97 tires. When selecting replacement tires, match or exceed your vehicle’s original load index specification. 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.

Additional Resources

• Detailed Wheel Fitment: See the VB Subaru WRX Wheel Guide for comprehensive offset recommendations, brake clearance, and scrub radius impact
• Quick Reference: VB WRX Wheel and Tire Cheatsheet for validated wheel and tire pairings
• Previous Generation: VA WRX Tire Guide for 2015-2021 models
• Where to Buy: Tire Rack for tires with nationwide network of recommended installers