1986 Subaru XT Tires

The 1986 Subaru XT uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model. The XT DL (FWD) uses 165R13 radial tires, while the XT GL and XT GL-10 Turbo use 185/70R13 radial tires. Both sizes fit 13-inch wheels, but they are not the same size and should not be treated as interchangeable just because the rim diameter matches.

The most important step is identifying the exact XT version before choosing a tire. Once the sub-model is confirmed, compare the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the tire matches the intended look and use, especially if the car has had wheel changes or has been preserved with its original wheels for many years.

The covered 1986 Subaru XT tire fitments use a 13-inch rim diameter. That is true for both 165R13 and 185/70R13, so the difference between XT sub-models is in the tire size itself rather than the wheel diameter. The DL (FWD) and the GL-based models share the same nominal rim diameter even though they do not use the same tire dimensions.

Rim diameter is only one part of proper fitment, so it helps to confirm wheel width as well before choosing a specific tire. A 13-inch wheel can still vary in width, and that matters when comparing available radial options, especially on a classic car that may have replacement wheels installed at some point in its life.

The 1986 Subaru XT has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The XT DL (FWD) uses 165R13, while the XT GL and XT GL-10 Turbo use 185/70R13. Those are both radial 13-inch fitments, but they represent different sizing formats and different overall fitment strategies within the XT lineup.

That means a buyer should not start with the model name alone and assume every XT uses the same tire. Confirming the exact trim first helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the wheel diameter but not the intended width and profile. It also makes product comparisons more meaningful once the correct size has been narrowed down.

A 165R13 tire for a 1986 Subaru XT should first match the XT DL (FWD), since that is the sub-model that uses this size. Within that fitment, the main choices are radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop, including series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. Those options keep the correct general size format while offering different product character.

Selection should also account for wheel width, since some 165R13 products include a stated rim-width range of 4.50 to 6.00 inches. Owners preserving a more original-looking presentation may focus on traditional blackwall styling, while a road-use buyer may be more interested in comparing series details and confirming the wheel setup currently on the car.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size your 1986 Subaru XT uses. In 165R13, the available products are blackwall radials. In 185/70R13, the range is broader, with blackwall options joined by BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in redline and wide whitewall form. That gives GL and GL-10 Turbo owners more appearance flexibility within the correct size.

Appearance should still come after confirming fitment, since sidewall style does not override the need to match the correct tire size and wheel. For a restoration-oriented XT, sidewall treatment can strongly influence the car's presentation, while a driver-focused car may lean toward a simpler blackwall look that keeps attention on the wedge-shaped body design.

1986 Subaru XT tires are available from several brands, including Michelin and Dunlop in 165R13, and BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein in 185/70R13. Brand choice depends on the size required by the sub-model, so the tire search should begin with fitment rather than with a brand preference alone.

Once the correct size is established, compare brands by the tire series they offer, the sidewall presentation, and whether a rim-width range is stated for your wheel. That approach keeps the comparison practical, especially on a collector-era Subaru where preserving the proper overall look can matter just as much as choosing a familiar brand name.

A period-style 1986 Subaru XT tire starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model. That means 165R13 for the XT DL (FWD) and 185/70R13 for the XT GL and XT GL-10 Turbo. From there, blackwall radials generally maintain the most restrained, era-appropriate presentation, while 185/70R13 also opens up redline and wide whitewall alternatives for a more stylized look.

The best appearance choice depends on whether the goal is a clean stock-style impression or a more personalized vintage presentation. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references and historical photos for the particular XT version, then matching that research to the available tire size, sidewall style, and wheel dimensions on the car.

Tire construction is straightforward on the 1986 Subaru XT because the primary fitments covered here are radial tires rather than bias-ply sizes. That helps preserve the car's proper late-1980s look, but the visual result still changes with the exact size format, sidewall height, and sidewall treatment. A 165R13 blackwall presents differently than a 185/70R13 redline or wide whitewall.

For a restored XT, the construction question is less about choosing between bias-ply and radial and more about choosing the radial style that suits the car's personality. Sidewall treatment, brand presentation, and the relationship between tire profile and the car's angular body lines all shape how finished and convincing the final restoration will appear.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1986 Subaru XT, even when the tire size matches one of the original 13-inch applications. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or bodywork alterations can all change how a 165R13 or 185/70R13 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.

A modified XT should be checked for wheel width, steering clearance, suspension travel, and space at the fenders before settling on a tire. That matters especially with a low, sharply styled car like the XT, where even small fitment changes can become noticeable. Measuring the actual wheel setup on the car is more useful than assuming it still matches original specifications.

Before driving a 1986 Subaru XT on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware integrity, and make sure the tire size matches the exact sub-model. It also helps to check alignment, valve stems, and general suspension condition so the new tires are not asked to compensate for worn or damaged chassis components.

Road readiness goes beyond the new rubber itself. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, verify inflation after installation, and recheck for any unusual vibration once the car is driven. On a low-use collector XT, age-related issues such as cracked bushings or tired shocks can affect how the car feels just as much as the fresh tires do.

Tires on a collector 1986 Subaru XT should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and protection from long-term storage conditions that accelerate aging. Even if tread wear is low, an older collector car can still develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or other age-related problems simply from sitting too long between drives.

Good storage habits make a real difference. Keep the XT away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment, and inspect the tires before any longer drive rather than assuming low mileage means they are ready. A quick check of tread, sidewalls, and inflation can catch issues early and help preserve both safety and drivability.