The 1994 Subaru Impreza arrived as a compact Subaru built around practicality, light weight, and the brand’s growing reputation for all-weather confidence. Early Imprezas are especially interesting because drivetrain and trim choices can change the wheel and tire setup in meaningful ways. On this exact model year, tire fitment centers on two radial sizes: 175/70R14 or 165/80R13, depending on the specific sub-model. That means the real choice is not just brand, but also wheel diameter, sidewall style, and whether the car wears a more understated narrow whitewall or a stronger vintage-style whitewall look. Getting the sub-model and wheel size right comes first before comparing appearance and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1994 Subaru Impreza
The 1994 Subaru Impreza uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model and wheel diameter. AWD and LS versions use 175/70R14 on a 14-inch rim, while FWD versions use 165/80R13 on a 13-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact Impreza configuration and the wheel diameter currently on the car, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
A 175/70R14 tire uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1994 Subaru Impreza, this is the radial fitment used on AWD and LS applications, making it the key size to verify on those cars. Available choices in this size focus on a Travelstar UN106 with a narrow whitewall presentation rather than multiple series or sidewall treatments. This size is the right starting point when the car retains its 14-inch wheel setup and the goal is to match the intended fitment before comparing style details.
A 165/80R13 tire uses a 165-millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1994 Subaru Impreza, this size belongs to FWD configurations, so it should not be treated as interchangeable with the 14-inch AWD fitment. Product choice is broader here, with BFGoodrich and Maxxis options that differ in tire series and whitewall treatment, including both wide and narrow whitewall styles. This size deserves a closer look when maintaining the original 13-inch wheel format and choosing between a more traditional appearance or a subtler sidewall look.
Sub-model fitment on the 1994 Subaru Impreza is not one-size-fits-all. Tire choice depends on whether the car is AWD, FWD, or LS, because those versions use different wheel diameters and tire sizes.
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1994 Subaru Impreza (AWD)
The 1994 Subaru Impreza (AWD) uses the 175/70R14 radial tire size. Tire selection starts with confirming the 14-inch wheel, then choosing among the available sidewall and product characteristics that suit the car’s appearance and road use.
The 1994 Subaru Impreza (FWD) uses the 165/80R13 radial tire size. That makes the 13-inch wheel setup central to the decision, and it opens up a choice between different whitewall styles and tire series within the correct size.
The 1994 Subaru Impreza L (AWD) uses the 175/70R14 radial size. Owners should verify that the car still carries its intended 14-inch wheels before comparing the available tire’s sidewall presentation and general fitment priorities.
The 1994 Subaru Impreza L (FWD) uses the 165/80R13 radial size. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, followed by selecting the whitewall style and tire series that best match the car’s look and intended use.
The 1994 Subaru Impreza LS uses the 175/70R14 radial tire size. With the fitment established, the decision shifts to choosing a tire that preserves the proper 14-inch format while aligning with the desired appearance and normal driving use.
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 1994 Subaru Impreza Tires for Sale
Available 1994 Subaru Impreza tires center on radial choices in 175/70R14 and 165/80R13. Brands include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, and Maxxis, with tire series and sidewall treatments ranging from narrow whitewall to wide whitewall depending on the size and wheel format.
Common 1994 Subaru Impreza tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels, radial tire selection, whitewall style, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1994 Subaru Impreza?
A 1994 Subaru Impreza uses either 175/70R14 or 165/80R13, depending on the specific sub-model. AWD versions and the LS use 175/70R14 radial tires on 14-inch wheels, while FWD versions use 165/80R13 radial tires on 13-inch wheels.
That makes the first step confirming whether the car is AWD, FWD, or LS and then checking the wheel diameter actually on the vehicle. Many older cars have seen wheel changes over time, so selecting by year and model alone is not enough when the two factory fitments use different rim diameters.
What size rim does a 1994 Subaru Impreza use?
The 1994 Subaru Impreza uses either a 14-inch rim or a 13-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 175/70R14 fitment uses a 14-inch wheel, while the 165/80R13 fitment uses a 13-inch wheel.
Wheel diameter matters because a 13-inch tire and a 14-inch tire are not interchangeable. A quick check of the tire sidewall and the wheel already on the car will usually settle the question, and it is also wise to confirm wheel width before replacing 165/80R13 tires since rim-width guidance is available for that size.
Why does the 1994 Subaru Impreza have more than one tire size?
The 1994 Subaru Impreza has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel and tire packages. AWD models and the LS use 175/70R14, while FWD models use 165/80R13, so the fitment changes with the configuration rather than being universal across the lineup.
That difference affects more than just the numbers on the sidewall. It also changes the rim diameter and the range of tire choices available, including sidewall styles and tire series. Before ordering replacements, match the tire size to the exact sub-model and verify that the car still carries the wheel setup intended for that fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1994 Subaru Impreza tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1994 Subaru Impreza sub-model: 175/70R14 for AWD and LS versions or 165/80R13 for FWD versions. From there, compare construction, wheel diameter, sidewall appearance, and any size-specific details such as rim-width guidance for 165/80R13.
The best choice depends on how the car is used and how it should look. A subtle narrow whitewall gives a different presentation than a wide whitewall, and the available brands and tire series also vary by size. Matching the right dimensions comes first, then the appearance and product details can guide the final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1994 Subaru Impreza tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1994 Subaru Impreza include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, depending on tire size. The 175/70R14 option uses a narrow whitewall, while the 165/80R13 size is available in both a 2.25-inch wide whitewall and a narrower whitewall treatment.
That makes sidewall style an appearance decision after the correct fitment is confirmed. A wider whitewall creates a stronger classic visual statement, while a narrow whitewall is more restrained. Since the styling options differ by size, confirming whether the car uses 13-inch or 14-inch wheels is essential before choosing on looks alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1994 Subaru Impreza?
Travelstar, BFGoodrich, and Maxxis offer tires for the 1994 Subaru Impreza across the applicable sizes. Travelstar appears in 175/70R14, while BFGoodrich and Maxxis are available in 165/80R13, each with its own tire series and sidewall presentation.
Brand choice should follow fitment confirmation rather than lead it. Once the correct size is established, compare the available series, whitewall style, and any dimensional guidance tied to that size. Since product variety is broader in 165/80R13 than in 175/70R14, FWD owners may have more appearance-driven choices within the proper fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1994 Subaru Impreza?
A period-style 1994 Subaru Impreza tire choice starts with the correct fitment for the sub-model: 175/70R14 on AWD and LS versions or 165/80R13 on FWD versions. Once the proper size is confirmed, the most noticeable appearance differences come from the available whitewall treatments and tire series.
For a restrained, era-appropriate look, a narrow whitewall keeps the presentation subtle, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger visual statement on the 13-inch fitment. Exact restoration goals can vary widely, so buyers seeking strict originality should compare their car against marque references, period photos, or other model-specific historical material before deciding on sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1994 Subaru Impreza?
On the 1994 Subaru Impreza, the primary fitments are radial tires in both applicable sizes. Because the construction type stays radial, the visual character of the tire is shaped more by the sidewall treatment, proportions of the size itself, and the wheel diameter than by a bias-ply-versus-radial decision.
That means the restoration appearance question usually comes down to whether the car uses the 13-inch or 14-inch setup and whether a narrow or wide whitewall best suits the intended presentation. Keeping the correct size and rim diameter in place generally matters more visually than chasing construction changes that do not belong to this fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1994 Subaru Impreza?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1994 Subaru Impreza. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can change the space available around the tire and may also mean the car no longer uses its original 13-inch or 14-inch wheel setup.
That is especially important here because this model year already uses two different factory tire and rim combinations. Checking the wheel diameter on the car, the wheel width, and the clearance at the fender and steering components can prevent ordering a correct-on-paper size for a vehicle that has been changed over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1994 Subaru Impreza on new tires?
Before driving a 1994 Subaru Impreza on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter, visible damage, and proper seating surfaces. It also helps to verify tire pressure, valve condition, lug hardware, and basic clearance around the suspension, fenders, and steering components once the tires are mounted.
A short test drive should include attention to rubbing, pulling, vibration, and any sign that the car is not tracking normally. On an older Impreza, it is also smart to look over alignment condition and suspension wear, since fresh tires can highlight problems that were masked by worn or aged tires.
How should tires on a collector 1994 Subaru Impreza be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1994 Subaru Impreza should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Even when tread looks good, low-use vehicles still need routine checks for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss.
Regular movement helps prevent one area of the tire from carrying the same load for too long, and clean, dry storage conditions make a difference on seldom-driven cars. It is also wise to recheck the sidewall size periodically so future replacements stay matched to the car’s actual wheel setup rather than assumptions based on model name alone.
