The 1987 Subaru XT came from an era when Subaru was experimenting boldly with aerodynamic styling, compact packaging, and a distinctly futuristic dashboard and body shape. That wedge-shaped look gives the XT a very specific late-1980s identity, and tire selection plays a big part in preserving both its stance and its road manners. Tire fitment on the 1987 Subaru XT is fully radial, but the exact size depends on the sub-model, with 165R13, 175/70R13, and 185/70R13 all in the mix on 13-inch rims. Available choices include blackwall options along with select redline and wide whitewall treatments in 185/70R13. The key is matching the correct sub-model first, then choosing the tire style and series that best suit restoration goals or regular driving.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Subaru XT
The 1987 Subaru XT uses three different tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a change in basic construction, since all three are radial tires on 13-inch rims. The first step is confirming whether the car is a DL (FWD), GL, GL-10, or GL-10 Turbo, because that determines which size belongs on the vehicle before comparing brands, sidewall appearance, or tire series.
The 165R13 size uses a Euro-metric radial format in which 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. This size gives the 1987 Subaru XT a distinctly period-style metric fitment and is used on the XT DL (FWD). Available choices include Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, all in blackwall form. It is a good size to evaluate when maintaining the lighter, narrower original fitment style associated with that particular sub-model.
The 185/70R13 size is a metric radial format where 185 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter. On the 1987 Subaru XT, this size applies to certain sub-models and brings the widest product selection among the primary fitments. Choices include blackwall designs from Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, plus BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in redline and wide whitewall. It is the size to focus on when appearance options and tire-series variety matter as much as basic fitment.
The 175/70R13 size is also a metric radial, with 175 representing section width in millimeters, 70 indicating the profile, and 13 matching the wheel diameter in inches. This size sits between the narrower 165R13 and the broader 185/70R13 fitments used elsewhere in the XT range. The available product choice is straightforward here, centered on an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial. It is the size to verify carefully when working with a GL-10, especially if the car has changed hands over the years and wheel or tire substitutions may already have been made.
Fitment for the 1987 Subaru XT varies by sub-model, even though every version uses a radial tire on a 13-inch rim. Checking the exact trim matters first, because the DL (FWD), GL, GL-10, and GL-10 Turbo do not all share the same primary tire size.
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1987 Subaru XT DL (FWD)
The 1987 Subaru XT DL (FWD) uses the 165R13 radial size, giving it the narrowest primary fitment among the XT sub-models. Tire selection here centers on preserving that period metric sizing while comparing blackwall choices and confirming the wheel has remained at the original 13-inch diameter.
The 1987 Subaru XT GL uses 185/70R13 radial tires, a size that opens up the broadest range of product choices for this model year. That makes the GL a strong candidate for buyers balancing straightforward fitment with a choice of blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall presentation.
The 1987 Subaru XT GL-10 uses 175/70R13 radial tires rather than the 185/70R13 size found on other XT trims. That makes it important to confirm the actual sub-model before ordering, especially on cars that may have been modified or had wheels and tires changed over time.
The 1987 Subaru XT GL-10 Turbo uses 185/70R13 radial tires, matching the GL rather than the standard GL-10. Buyers should verify the trim carefully, then compare the available series and sidewall treatments in that size according to driving use and period-style appearance goals.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1987 Subaru XT Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Subaru XT tires vary meaningfully by sub-model size. Choices span Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Vredestein, with blackwall options across all sizes and select redline or wide whitewall treatments in 185/70R13.
Common 1987 Subaru XT tire questions usually come down to sub-model-specific size selection, 13-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, and how to choose a tire that matches the car’s appearance and intended road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Subaru XT?
A 1987 Subaru XT can use 165R13, 175/70R13, or 185/70R13, depending on the exact sub-model. The XT DL (FWD) uses 165R13, the XT GL uses 185/70R13, the XT GL-10 uses 175/70R13, and the XT GL-10 Turbo uses 185/70R13. All of these are radial tire fitments on 13-inch rims.
The practical step is confirming the trim level before choosing a tire, because this is not a one-size-fits-all XT application. Many surviving cars have had wheels or tires changed over the years, so it is smart to check the current wheel diameter and the tire size already on the car before selecting a replacement.
What size rim does a 1987 Subaru XT use?
The 1987 Subaru XT uses a 13-inch rim across its primary tire fitments. That applies whether the car is using 165R13, 175/70R13, or 185/70R13, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire width and profile vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm wheel width and the actual wheel installed on the car. An XT with aftermarket wheels, replacement alloys, or a previous tire-size change may no longer match its original trim-specific setup, which can affect how the tire sits and clears.
Do all 1987 Subaru XT sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Subaru XT sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The DL (FWD) uses 165R13, the GL uses 185/70R13, the GL-10 uses 175/70R13, and the GL-10 Turbo returns to 185/70R13. Every version stays with radial construction, but the actual size changes across the lineup.
That difference matters because tire selection should start with the exact sub-model rather than the XT name alone. It also helps explain why one owner may find many product choices while another sees fewer options, especially since 185/70R13 has a much broader assortment than 175/70R13.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Subaru XT tire?
Start with the correct trim-specific size, since a 1987 Subaru XT may require 165R13, 175/70R13, or 185/70R13. After that, compare construction style, tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility. All of the primary fitments are radial, so the decision is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about the right size and product character.
A restoration-minded XT owner may want a period-style blackwall look, while another may care more about the visual effect of a redline or wide whitewall in 185/70R13. It also helps to compare rim-width recommendations where available and make sure the current wheels still match the intended tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Subaru XT tires?
Blackwall is the most common sidewall style available for the 1987 Subaru XT across its primary tire sizes. In 185/70R13, there are also BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options with a redline sidewall or a wide whitewall treatment, giving that size more visual variety than the other XT fitments.
Sidewall choice affects the car’s overall presentation as much as its technical fitment. A blackwall usually keeps the appearance more understated and period-appropriate for many late-1980s cars, while a redline or wide whitewall creates a more customized look and should be chosen for style preference rather than assumed originality.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Subaru XT?
Tires for the 1987 Subaru XT are available from Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Vredestein, depending on the size. Brand availability changes with the trim-specific fitment, so a DL (FWD) owner looking for 165R13 will see a different mix than an owner shopping for 185/70R13 on a GL or GL-10 Turbo.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. The broader 185/70R13 assortment gives more room to compare appearance and specifications, while the narrower fitments are more about selecting the right tire within a smaller field.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Subaru XT?
A period-style 1987 Subaru XT tire choice starts with the correct trim-specific size: 165R13 for the DL (FWD), 175/70R13 for the GL-10, and 185/70R13 for the GL and GL-10 Turbo. From there, a blackwall radial usually gives the most natural late-1980s presentation across the available product range.
Appearance should be matched to the way the car is being restored or preserved, not just to what is easiest to find. Buyers who want the most historically convincing look should confirm the car’s original wheel and trim details through marque references or period literature before settling on a specific series or sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Subaru XT?
On a restored 1987 Subaru XT, construction changes the appearance less dramatically than on an earlier collector car because the primary fitments are already radial. The visual difference comes more from the exact size, profile, sidewall treatment, and tread presentation than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That means the restored look depends heavily on keeping the correct sub-model size and choosing a sidewall style that suits the car’s era. A blackwall generally preserves the XT’s clean, aerodynamic character, while a redline or wide whitewall in 185/70R13 pushes the car toward a more customized visual statement.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Subaru XT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Subaru XT even though the original applications all use 13-inch rims. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, lowered suspension, or previous size substitutions can all change how a 165R13, 175/70R13, or 185/70R13 tire sits on the car.
An XT that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Look at wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance at full lock and under compression so the new tire matches the car’s actual configuration rather than just its original trim listing.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Subaru XT on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Subaru XT on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, confirm that the tire size matches the exact sub-model, and make sure the tires are inflated properly. It also helps to check for suspension wear, alignment issues, and any signs that the car has been running an incorrect size previously.
A short initial road test is worthwhile on a low-use collector car. Pay attention to steering feel, rubbing, vibration, and how the tires clear the fenders and inner wheel housings during turning. Cars that have sat for long periods may also need a close look at wheel bearings, brake drag, and general chassis condition.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Subaru XT be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Subaru XT should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. Since many XTs are driven infrequently, age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance can still deserve closer inspection before road use.
Storage habits make a difference on a preserved 1980s car. Keep the XT away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible, and inspect the tires before longer drives rather than assuming low annual mileage means they are road-ready. Periodic checks help catch problems before they become clearance or safety issues.
