The 2009 Subaru Impreza sits in the era when Subaru’s compact all-wheel-drive lineup had grown into a broad family, covering practical daily-use trims as well as sharper turbocharged and performance-focused versions. That matters for tire selection, because this one model year spans four primary radial sizes: 205/55R16, 205/50R17, 225/45R17, and 245/40R18. Some trims stay closer to everyday road use, while WRX and WRX STI fitments move toward lower-profile performance sizing. Available choices also vary by brand, sidewall style, and tire series, with blackwall, redline, raised white letter, and whitewall options in the mix. The key first step is matching the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing appearance, construction details, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Subaru Impreza
The 2009 Subaru Impreza uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. All of these fitments are radial, but they span 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch rims, so confirming the specific trim and the actual wheels on the car comes before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series.
In 205/50R17, the 205 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is a modern metric radial fitment used on certain 2009 Subaru Impreza trims and keeps the conversation centered on correct wheel size and trim-specific fitment rather than older bias-ply conventions. Product choice within this size includes blackwall and wide whitewall options from brands such as BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Vredestein across several series. It is a useful size to evaluate when preserving the correct 17-inch setup while choosing between performance-oriented styling and a more distinctive sidewall presentation.
In 205/55R16, the first number is the tire’s nominal width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R means radial, and 16 identifies a 16-inch rim. On the 2009 Subaru Impreza, this size belongs to a specific trim configuration, so it should be selected only after confirming the car still carries the correct wheel diameter. Available tires include blackwall and wide whitewall choices, with brands such as BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic represented in this size. It suits buyers who need to stay with the 16-inch fitment while comparing a more conventional modern appearance against a restoration-inspired sidewall treatment.
The size code 225/45R17 indicates a nominal width of 225 millimeters, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. On the 2009 Subaru Impreza, this size is associated with performance-oriented WRX trims, so it carries a more aggressive metric profile than the narrower 205-section alternatives. Product choices are broader here, including blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewalls from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, with several distinct tire series available. This size deserves close attention when the goal is to keep the correct WRX wheel setup while choosing between understated blackwall presentation and more expressive performance-era sidewall styling.
A 245/40R18 tire uses a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series profile, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim. This is the largest of the 2009 Subaru Impreza primary fitments and belongs to the WRX STI application, making wheel confirmation especially important before comparing any tire options. Choices in this size include blackwall, redline, and raised white letter styles from BFGoodrich, Nitto, Pro-Trac, and M&H Racemaster, with product character ranging from street-focused series to drag-oriented radial use. It is the right place to focus when maintaining the STI’s 18-inch fitment and balancing appearance goals against the car’s intended driving role.
Tire fitment for the 2009 Subaru Impreza varies by sub-model, so the exact trim matters before any tire is selected. Some versions share the same size, but wheel diameter and section width change across the range, especially as the lineup moves from everyday trims into WRX and WRX STI applications.
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2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT
The 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT uses a 205/50R17 radial fitment on a 17-inch wheel. That keeps the decision centered on selecting the right 17-inch tire style and series for the car’s use, while also confirming the wheels have not been changed from the original diameter.
The 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i uses the 205/55R16 radial size. Tire selection here starts with staying on the correct 16-inch fitment, then narrowing the choice by brand, sidewall appearance, and the kind of road use expected from the car.
The 2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport shares the 205/50R17 radial size. That makes wheel diameter confirmation straightforward, and the remaining choice becomes whether the car calls for a more conventional blackwall look or a more distinctive whitewall presentation within the correct size.
The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX uses the 225/45R17 radial fitment. That size opens up more visible sidewall and tire-series variation, so the next step is comparing 17-inch options that suit the car’s performance-oriented character without drifting away from the proper metric size.
The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium also uses 225/45R17 radial tires. Because it shares its size with the WRX, the focus shifts from fitment basics to selecting the preferred sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility within that 17-inch application.
The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI uses a 245/40R18 radial tire on an 18-inch wheel. That larger performance fitment makes wheel verification especially important, and it gives the buyer a wider spread of styling and tire-character choices once the correct 18-inch setup is confirmed.
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 2009 Subaru Impreza Tires for Sale
Available 2009 Subaru Impreza tires span 16-, 17-, and 18-inch radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, Nitto, Pro-Trac, Vredestein, American Classic, and M&H Racemaster. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter sidewalls along with several distinct tire series.
Tire questions for the 2009 Subaru Impreza usually come down to trim-specific sizing, wheel diameter, sidewall style, and choosing among the available radial options. The FAQs below focus on exact fitment, product selection, appearance, and practical road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Subaru Impreza?
A 2009 Subaru Impreza can use 205/55R16, 205/50R17, 225/45R17, or 245/40R18, depending on the sub-model. The 2.5i uses 205/55R16, the 2.5 GT and Outback Sport use 205/50R17, the WRX and WRX Premium use 225/45R17, and the WRX STI uses 245/40R18.
The important step is matching the tire to the exact trim and wheel diameter rather than choosing by model name alone. Many Imprezas have been updated with different wheels over time, so it is smart to verify the actual rim size on the car before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series.
What size rim does a 2009 Subaru Impreza use?
The 2009 Subaru Impreza uses three rim diameters across its trim range: 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch. The 205/55R16 fitment belongs on a 16-inch rim, the 205/50R17 and 225/45R17 fitments belong on 17-inch rims, and the 245/40R18 fitment belongs on an 18-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because a correct tire size is built around that wheel size. After the diameter is settled, the next checks are wheel width, overall tire clearance, and whether the car still has its intended sub-model wheel package or has been changed with aftermarket wheels.
Do all 2009 Subaru Impreza sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2009 Subaru Impreza sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The lineup is split across four fitments, with everyday trims, turbocharged trims, and the WRX STI each using different combinations of section width, profile, and wheel diameter.
That variation means the trim badge matters as much as the model name when ordering tires. A buyer should confirm whether the car is a 2.5i, 2.5 GT, Outback Sport, WRX, WRX Premium, or WRX STI, then verify the wheels currently on the car in case a previous owner changed the original setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2009 Subaru Impreza tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter and any relevant wheel-width requirements for that tire. Since every primary fitment on the 2009 Subaru Impreza is radial, the real comparison usually comes down to tire series, sidewall style, brand, and how the car is actually driven.
A 2.5i or Outback Sport may call for a different balance than a WRX or WRX STI, even before appearance is considered. It also helps to check whether the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a tire size already installed that does not match the intended trim-specific fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Subaru Impreza tires?
Sidewall choices for 2009 Subaru Impreza tires include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL, depending on the size. Blackwall appears across all four primary sizes, while wide whitewall is available in 205/50R17 and 205/55R16, and redline and RWL are available in the 225/45R17 and 245/40R18 performance sizes.
That variety gives the Impreza owner room to shape the car’s presentation without leaving the proper size. Sidewall style should still be a secondary decision behind the correct trim-specific fitment, because an attractive redline or whitewall option does not override wheel diameter, width, or clearance requirements.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Subaru Impreza?
Tires for the 2009 Subaru Impreza are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Vredestein, Michelin, Nitto, Pro-Trac, and M&H Racemaster, depending on size. Some brands appear across several fitments, while others are tied to one size or one style of tire, such as whitewall, performance street, or drag-oriented radial use.
Brand choice makes more sense after the correct size is locked in, because the available mix changes from one Impreza trim to another. Once that is settled, compare the tire series, sidewall presentation, rim-width compatibility, and any load figures that matter for the way the car will be driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Subaru Impreza?
A period-style 2009 Subaru Impreza tire choice starts with the exact trim-specific size, then moves to the look that best suits the car. Blackwall keeps a more understated modern presentation, while certain sizes also allow wide whitewall, redline, or raised white letter options that can push the appearance in a more customized direction.
Because this is a newer enthusiast-era car, period-style usually means matching the character of the build rather than chasing one universal restoration answer. Buyers aiming for a highly specific historical look should confirm what is appropriate for their trim, market, and wheel setup before treating any one sidewall treatment as definitive.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Subaru Impreza?
On the 2009 Subaru Impreza, primary fitment stays within radial construction, so the visual change comes more from size, profile, and sidewall treatment than from choosing between bias-ply and radial. A 16-inch 205/55R16 presents differently from a 17-inch or 18-inch WRX-family fitment even before brand and tread design are considered.
That means appearance planning should begin with the correct sub-model tire size and wheel diameter. After that, sidewall choices such as blackwall, whitewall, redline, or raised white letter can shift the finished look substantially, especially on WRX and WRX STI applications where the lower-profile tires are already visually prominent.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Subaru Impreza?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Subaru Impreza. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, different offset, lowering springs, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how a 205/55R16, 205/50R17, 225/45R17, or 245/40R18 tire sits in the wheel opening.
A trim-specific tire size should be treated as the starting point, not as a guarantee for every modified car. Once the wheels and suspension have been changed, it becomes important to check steering clearance, inner and outer fender space, and whether the actual wheel dimensions still suit the tire being considered.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Subaru Impreza on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Subaru Impreza on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and look for any visible issues such as rubbing points, damaged wheels, or uneven suspension stance. It is also wise to verify inflation pressure and check that all lug hardware is properly seated.
A short road test should be used to listen for rubbing, vibration, or pull, especially if the car wears aftermarket wheels or a nonstandard suspension setup. Rechecking pressure and wheel fastener tightness after the first miles is a sensible habit, particularly on cars that have sat or recently had tire service.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2009 Subaru Impreza?
Before a longer drive, check tread condition, air pressure, sidewall condition, and overall tire age on the 2009 Subaru Impreza. It is also worth looking for bulges, cuts, irregular wear, or slow air loss, especially on performance trims where lower-profile 17-inch and 18-inch tires can be more sensitive to alignment and impact damage.
A longer trip also puts more importance on wheel condition, alignment behavior, and spare-tire readiness if the car carries one. Any Impreza that has been stored, modified, or driven infrequently deserves an extra look at suspension wear and clearance, since those issues can show up quickly once the miles start adding up.
