The 2008 Subaru Impreza sits at an interesting point in the model’s evolution, spanning practical all-wheel-drive daily transportation, sport-oriented trims, and the high-performance WRX STI. That range makes tire selection especially important, because this one model year uses different wheel and tire packages depending on the exact version. Primary fitments are all radial, with 205/55R16, 205/50R17, and 245/40R18 sizes tied to specific Impreza sub-models. Available choices also vary by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment, including blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options. The real key is matching the tire to the exact trim, wheel diameter, and the kind of appearance or road use you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2008 Subaru Impreza
The 2008 Subaru Impreza uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The 2.5i uses a 16-inch fitment, the Outback Sport and WRX use a 17-inch fitment, and the WRX STI uses an 18-inch fitment. Before comparing brands or sidewall styles, confirm the specific trim and make sure the wheels on the car still match the original diameter for that version.
A 205/55R16 tire is a metric radial size in which 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2008 Subaru Impreza, this size belongs with the 16-inch fitment used on the 2.5i. Available choices include blackwall performance-oriented radials from BFGoodrich and Michelin, along with an American Classic radial in a wide whitewall style. This size is the right place to start when the goal is to keep a standard 16-inch setup while choosing between a more contemporary or more appearance-driven presentation.
A 205/50R17 tire uses the same 205-millimeter nominal width as the 16-inch size, but the lower 50-series profile and 17-inch rim diameter create a different fitment package. On the 2008 Subaru Impreza, this size applies to the Outback Sport and WRX rather than every trim in the range. Product choices include blackwall radials from BFGoodrich and Vredestein, plus an American Classic radial with a wide whitewall treatment. This size is worth evaluating carefully when selecting for a 17-inch Impreza, since the buyer decision is less about width than about matching the correct wheel diameter and desired tire character.
A 245/40R18 tire is a wider metric radial fitment, with 245 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 40 indicating a shorter sidewall profile, and 18 identifying the wheel diameter. On the 2008 Subaru Impreza, this size is associated with the WRX STI and its 18-inch wheel package. Choices in this size include blackwall radials from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and M&H Racemaster, along with Pro-Trac Street Pro III options in redline and raised white letter form. This fitment deserves close attention to wheel width and intended use, especially when the car has been modified from its original STI wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2008 Subaru Impreza because tire size changes across the range rather than staying uniform. Identifying whether the car is a 2.5i, Outback Sport, WRX, or WRX STI is the first step before comparing tread style, sidewall treatment, or brand options.
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2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
The 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i uses the 205/55R16 radial fitment, which sets it apart from the 17-inch and 18-inch versions elsewhere in the lineup. Tire selection here centers on choosing among 16-inch radial options and deciding whether a traditional blackwall or a more appearance-focused wide whitewall suits the car.
The 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport uses the 205/50R17 radial fitment shared with the WRX. That makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important, then the buyer can sort through available 17-inch choices by brand, series, and whether a standard blackwall or wide whitewall look is preferred.
The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX also uses the 205/50R17 radial size, matching the Outback Sport rather than the base 2.5i or WRX STI. Tire choice comes down to keeping the proper 17-inch fitment and comparing the available radial products for the road manners, appearance, and tire character that best suit the car.
The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI uses the 245/40R18 radial fitment, making it the widest and largest-diameter tire setup in the range. Selection should focus on confirming the 18-inch wheel package, then narrowing choices by rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the car is being kept street-oriented or set up with a more specialized tire.
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 2008 Subaru Impreza Tires for Sale
Available 2008 Subaru Impreza tires span 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Vredestein, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options across several distinct tire series.
These 2008 Subaru Impreza tire FAQs focus on the trim-specific sizes, wheel diameters, available radial choices, sidewall options, and the fitment checks that matter before driving on a fresh set.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2008 Subaru Impreza?
A 2008 Subaru Impreza does not use one universal tire size across the entire model range. The 2.5i uses 205/55R16, the Outback Sport and WRX use 205/50R17, and the WRX STI uses 245/40R18. All three are radial fitments tied to specific versions of the car.
The practical next step is to confirm the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before selecting a tire. Many older Imprezas have seen wheel changes over time, so the trim badge alone is not always enough. Matching the tire to the actual wheel on the car helps avoid clearance issues and keeps the fitment in line with the intended setup.
What size rim does a 2008 Subaru Impreza use?
The 2008 Subaru Impreza uses three different rim diameters depending on sub-model. A 16-inch rim goes with the 205/55R16 fitment on the 2.5i, a 17-inch rim goes with the 205/50R17 fitment on the Outback Sport and WRX, and an 18-inch rim goes with the 245/40R18 fitment on the WRX STI.
Wheel diameter should be verified before anything else, especially on a used car with aftermarket wheels. A tire and rim must match exactly at the bead seat, and moving between 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch packages changes the fitment completely. Checking the wheel itself is often the fastest way to narrow the correct tire choices.
Why does the 2008 Subaru Impreza have more than one tire size?
The 2008 Subaru Impreza spans several sub-models, and each one does not use the same wheel and tire package. The 2.5i uses 205/55R16, the Outback Sport and WRX use 205/50R17, and the WRX STI moves to 245/40R18. Those differences reflect distinct trim-level fitment rather than interchangeable options across the whole lineup.
That means the right tire choice starts with identifying the exact version of the car and confirming the wheels that are on it now. If the Impreza has been modified, the original trim may no longer match the current wheel diameter. Tire shopping is much easier once the actual wheel size and intended vehicle setup are confirmed.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2008 Subaru Impreza tire?
Start with the correct size for the specific 2008 Subaru Impreza sub-model and wheel diameter. After that, compare construction, brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and any relevant rim-width or load specifications within that size. The available lineup includes standard blackwall radials as well as more appearance-focused choices in certain sizes.
A practical buyer usually narrows the decision by how the car is used. A mostly street-driven Impreza may call for a different tire character than a car built around a show presentation or a specialized rear tire setup. Keeping the size correct first, then comparing product character within that size, leads to a more confident choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 2008 Subaru Impreza tires?
Sidewall styles for the 2008 Subaru Impreza include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter depending on tire size. The 16-inch and 17-inch fitments include blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while the 18-inch WRX STI fitment adds redline and raised white letter options alongside blackwall tires.
That variety means sidewall style can change the look of the car even when the size remains correct. A blackwall keeps the appearance understated, while whitewall, redline, or raised white letter treatments make a stronger visual statement. The most useful approach is to decide on the exact fitment first, then choose the sidewall style that suits the car’s overall presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 2008 Subaru Impreza?
Tires for the 2008 Subaru Impreza are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Vredestein, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, depending on the size. Some brands appear in multiple fitments, while others are tied to a narrower part of the range, such as certain 18-inch WRX STI choices.
Brand is best considered after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. From there, compare each option by tire series, sidewall style, and any useful product details such as rim-width range or load figure where shown. That keeps the decision focused on matching the tire to the actual Impreza setup instead of choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2008 Subaru Impreza?
A period-style 2008 Subaru Impreza starts with keeping the correct sub-model tire size and wheel diameter intact. From there, the available look depends on the size: blackwall choices are common across the range, while wide whitewall appears in the 16-inch and 17-inch fitments, and redline or raised white letter appear in the 18-inch fitment.
Appearance matters, but the tire still needs to suit the actual wheel package on the car. On a restoration-oriented or collector-minded Impreza, the most convincing result usually comes from matching the correct dimensions first and using sidewall style as the finishing touch. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque references if that level of detail matters.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2008 Subaru Impreza?
For the 2008 Subaru Impreza, the primary fitments are radial, so the construction itself does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision. Visual character comes more from the tire size being correct for the trim and from the sidewall style chosen, such as blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, or raised white letter where available.
On a restored or carefully presented car, proportions matter as much as sidewall details. A tire that matches the proper 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch package will usually look more coherent than an off-size substitute, even if the sidewall treatment is attractive. Keeping the wheel and tire relationship correct is the foundation of a clean, intentional presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2008 Subaru Impreza?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2008 Subaru Impreza even when the size sounds close on paper. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, and body modifications can all change how a 205/55R16, 205/50R17, or 245/40R18 tire sits and clears the car.
The safest approach is to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width already on the vehicle, then check clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, and steering components. A modified Impreza may no longer match the original trim-based package. Confirming the real setup before choosing a tire helps avoid rubbing, stance problems, and mismatched wheel-and-tire combinations.
What should I inspect before driving a 2008 Subaru Impreza on new tires?
Before driving a 2008 Subaru Impreza on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter, check that the tire size matches the sub-model, and look over the suspension and steering for worn components. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the beads, valve stems, and overall mounting condition should also be checked.
A short initial road test can reveal issues that are easy to miss while the car is stationary. Listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. On an older Impreza, it is also smart to confirm alignment and watch for uneven wear patterns early, since those problems can shorten tire life quickly.
How often should tires on a 2008 Subaru Impreza be inspected?
Tires on a 2008 Subaru Impreza should be inspected regularly rather than only when tread looks low. A visual check for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss is worthwhile before routine driving, and especially before a longer trip. Low-use cars still need inspection because age and storage conditions affect tires as much as mileage.
Consistent inspection matters even more when the car has specialty sidewall treatments or a performance-oriented fitment such as 245/40R18 on the WRX STI. Pressure checks should be part of the routine, and any change in steering feel or ride behavior deserves a closer look. Catching age- or wear-related issues early is far easier than dealing with a roadside problem.
