2022+ VB Subaru WRX Wheel and Tire Combo Guide

This is a quick-reference guide for wheel and tire combos on the 2022+ Subaru WRX (VB chassis). The VB chassis represents Subaru’s evolution onto the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), featuring 50% increased torsional rigidity over the VA generation and extensive plastic cladding that fundamentally changes fitment dynamics compared to traditional metal fenders.

For detailed wheel fitment information see the VB Subaru WRX Wheel Guide. For tire diameter tolerance and load rating details, see the VB WRX Tire Guide. For information on the previous generation (2015-2021), see the VA WRX Wheel and Tire Cheatsheet.

Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

Popular Proven Setups

Daily Driver / Street

• 18x8.5” +45 - 245/40R18 - Conservative width increase over stock for early 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 and preserve steering precision.

• 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 17” wheels will not clear TR/tS Brembo brake packages.

Aggressive Street / Track

• 18x9.5” +38 - 255/35R18 or 265/35R18 - The platform standard for aggressive street fitment. Achieves flush appearance with the plastic cladding and accommodates high-performance 265 treadwidth tires. Requires plastic cladding trimming and rear camber adjustment via aftermarket lower control arms for wider tires to prevent cladding contact.

• 18x9.5” +40 - 255/35R18 - Slightly more conservative than +38 offset, reducing modification 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 to +40 - 265/35R18 or 275/35R18 - Functional track offset prioritizing steering precision over maximum flush appearance. Higher offset minimizes scrub radius deviation, improving steering feedback. Requires rear lower control arms, plastic cladding trimming, and aggressive camber especially for 275 treadwidth. Popular for performance driving where handling precision matters more than stance.

• 18x10” +40 - 275/35R18 - Wide track setup maximizing contact patch for road course use. May require coilovers with shorter springs to clear spring perch, aftermarket rear lower control arms, minimum -2.5° camber, and fender modifications. 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 negative 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. The Subaru Global Platform’s increased rigidity (50% over VA chassis) amplifies these effects compared to previous generations.

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.

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. 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 Trimming: The VB’s hexagonal plastic cladding extends into the wheel well and becomes the primary interference point for aggressive fitments. For wheels 9.5” and wider with offsets of +40mm and lower, particularly with 265mm+ tires, the plastic cladding requires trimming. This is performed by removing the cladding panels, using a rotary tool to trim material from the underside where it contacts the tire, then reinstalling. This modification is reversible as replacement cladding panels are available from Subaru. For extreme track setups, the metal fender itself may require trimming. Though this is irreversible the work if done correctly will be hidden by cladding.

Brake Clearance by Package: The VB chassis features two distinct brake configurations. Standard floating calipers (Base, Premium, Limited, GT) have minimal clearance demands and accommodate virtually any aftermarket wheel. Brembo 6-piston monoblock calipers (TR 2024+, tS 2025+) require larger barrel diameter and careful spoke design consideration. OEM 18x8.5” +55 wheels from Premium and Limited trims clear the Brembos with 2-3mm tolerance. Most aftermarket 18” wheels designed for 2018-2021 STI Brembos will fit, but wheel spoke design is critical. 17” wheels are difficult to fit over the 6-piston Brembos and are generally restricted to wheels designed with optimized barrel profiles for big brakes.

Hub Centric Rings: Most aftermarket 5x114.3 wheels have 73.1mm center bores. The VB 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 VB chassis utilizes a 433MHz TPMS system, which differs from the 315MHz system used on the VA chassis (2015-2021). When migrating wheels from a VA WRX, TPMS sensors must be replaced to maintain system functionality. The sensors are not interchangeable between generations.

Load Rating Requirements: The VB WRX has a curb weight of approximately 3,297 lbs with gross axle weight ratings of approximately 2,508 lbs front and 2,424 lbs rear. This translates to a minimum load rating requirement of approximately 1,300 lbs per wheel. Most reputable wheel manufacturers offer load ratings above this threshold.

Additional Resources

• Detailed Wheel Fitment: See the VB Subaru WRX Wheel Guide for comprehensive offset recommendations, brake clearance profiles, and scrub radius impact
• Tire Compatibility: See the VB WRX Tire Guide for diameter calculations, size charts, and tire category recommendations
• Previous Generation: VA WRX Wheel and Tire Cheatsheet for 2015-2021 models
• Where to Buy: Tire Rack for tires with nationwide network of recommended installers