The 2009 Subaru Legacy sits in the later years of Subaru’s fourth-generation midsize sedan lineup, combining all-wheel-drive practicality with a more driver-focused character than many family cars of its era. For buyers and owners today, tire selection matters because fitment changes across the Legacy range, with 17-inch and 18-inch radial sizes tied to specific sub-models. The primary sizes are 205/50R17, 215/45R17, and 215/45R18, so the first step is matching the tire to the exact trim and wheel diameter. From there, the choice shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether the goal is everyday road use, a sportier presentation, or a more distinctive appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Subaru Legacy
The 2009 Subaru Legacy uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes fit 17-inch wheels and one fits 18-inch wheels, so confirming both the trim and the actual wheel on the car is the key first step before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or other product differences.
Fit(s): 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, and 2.5i Special Edition
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
205/50R17 is a metric radial size that uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2009 Subaru Legacy, this size serves several 2.5i-based sub-models and keeps the fitment decision centered on selecting the right radial tire rather than changing construction type. Available choices include BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Vredestein, with both blackwall and wide whitewall options across several tire series. This size is the right place to start when the car has the matching 17-inch wheel setup and a buyer wants to compare appearance and road-use priorities within the correct fitment.
215/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2009 Subaru Legacy, it applies to specific upper-trim and performance-oriented sub-models, so it should not be treated as universal across the whole Legacy lineup. The available products in this size center on BFGoodrich g-Force series tires in blackwall form, giving the buyer a more focused comparison among series and specifications rather than sidewall appearance. It is the size to evaluate when the car is equipped with the proper 17-inch wheels for those sub-models.
215/45R18 is a metric radial size that combines a 215-millimeter nominal section width with a 45-series profile on an 18-inch rim. For the 2009 Subaru Legacy, this size belongs to sub-models that use 18-inch wheels, making wheel-diameter confirmation especially important before any tire selection begins. Product choices in this fitment are BFGoodrich blackwall radials from the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This size makes sense only when the vehicle has the correct 18-inch wheel package, and it should be checked carefully on any car that may have had wheels changed over time.
Tire fitment on the 2009 Subaru Legacy varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact trim matters before choosing a tire. Some versions share the same 17-inch fitment, while others move to a different 17-inch size or to an 18-inch wheel and tire package.
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2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
The 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i uses the 205/50R17 radial size. That keeps the decision focused on comparing blackwall versus wide whitewall presentation, brand selection, and the intended street use of the car rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited uses the 205/50R17 radial size. Buyers can concentrate on product character within that fitment, including whether the goal is a conventional blackwall look or a more distinctive whitewall appearance on the same 17-inch wheel diameter.
The 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition uses the 205/50R17 radial size. Tire selection here comes down to choosing among the available radial offerings in that size and confirming that the car still wears the correct 17-inch wheel setup.
The 2009 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R uses the 215/45R17 radial size. That points the buyer toward blackwall performance-oriented tire choices and makes it important to avoid assuming interchangeability with the 205/50R17 fitment used on several 2.5i models.
The 2009 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited uses the 215/45R18 radial size. Tire selection starts with confirming the 18-inch wheel diameter, then comparing the available BFGoodrich radial series that match this specific fitment.
The 2009 Subaru Legacy GT Limited uses the 215/45R17 radial size. Choosing a tire for this sub-model is mainly a matter of selecting the preferred BFGoodrich series in the correct 17-inch fitment and verifying that the car has not been changed to a different wheel package.
The 2009 Subaru Legacy GT spec.B uses the 215/45R18 radial size. That makes wheel confirmation the first priority, followed by a close comparison of the available blackwall radial options intended for 18-inch applications.
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 Legacy Tires for Sale
Available 2009 Subaru Legacy tires span 205/50R17, 215/45R17, and 215/45R18 radial fitments from BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Vredestein. Buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall presentation, along with g-Force, Sprint Plus, and American Classic Radial series depending on size.
Tire questions for the 2009 Subaru Legacy usually come down to exact trim fitment, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel diameter, and how the available radial tire choices differ by size, series, and appearance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Subaru Legacy?
The 2009 Subaru Legacy uses three primary tire sizes: 205/50R17, 215/45R17, and 215/45R18. The correct size depends on the sub-model, with several 2.5i versions using 205/50R17, the 3.0 R and GT Limited using 215/45R17, and the 3.0 R Limited and GT spec.B using 215/45R18.
That means the first step is identifying the exact trim and checking the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Legacy that has had wheel changes over time may no longer match its original setup, so the tire choice should always be confirmed against the actual wheel size before comparing brands, sidewall style, or tire series.
What size rim does a 2009 Subaru Legacy use?
The 2009 Subaru Legacy uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Both 205/50R17 and 215/45R17 are built for 17-inch wheels, while 215/45R18 is built for an 18-inch wheel.
Wheel diameter is the quickest way to narrow the tire search, but it should not be the only check. Two different 17-inch sizes apply to this Legacy range, so the trim level and the tire size already on the car still matter. Reading the current sidewall and measuring the wheel diameter helps avoid choosing the wrong 17-inch fitment.
Why does the 2009 Subaru Legacy have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Subaru Legacy has more than one tire size because the lineup includes several sub-models with different wheel and tire packages. Some trims use 205/50R17, others use 215/45R17, and certain versions move to 215/45R18.
That variation means tire selection is tied to the exact Legacy trim rather than the model name alone. It also explains why wheel diameter must be confirmed before buying replacements. A 17-inch Legacy can still require one of two different sizes, while 18-inch cars need a completely different fitment matched to that larger rim.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2009 Subaru Legacy tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 205/50R17, 215/45R17, or 215/45R18. From there, compare the available radial tire series, sidewall style, and any useful product details such as rim-width specification, load figure when stated, and the overall character of the tire.
A 205/50R17 Legacy offers the broadest mix, including blackwall and wide whitewall choices from multiple brands, while the 215/45R17 and 215/45R18 fitments are more concentrated around BFGoodrich g-Force series tires. Matching the tire to the car’s actual wheel setup and the owner’s intended appearance helps narrow the field quickly.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Subaru Legacy tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size selected for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. The 205/50R17 fitment includes blackwall options along with a wide whitewall American Classic Radial, while the 215/45R17 and 215/45R18 choices shown here are blackwall radials.
That makes sidewall appearance a real selection factor only on Legacy models using 205/50R17. Buyers looking for a cleaner modern presentation may stay with blackwall, while those wanting a more distinctive visual statement can evaluate the wide whitewall choice. The decision should still begin with the correct trim and wheel diameter rather than appearance alone.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Tires for the 2009 Subaru Legacy are available here from BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Vredestein, depending on size. BFGoodrich appears across all three fitments, while American Classic and Vredestein are present in the 205/50R17 size.
Brand choice is only one part of the comparison. The more important factors are whether the tire matches the correct Legacy fitment, what sidewall treatment it uses, and how its tire series aligns with the car’s intended look and use. Once the proper size is confirmed, the brand and series differences become much easier to weigh.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Subaru Legacy?
A period-style 2009 Subaru Legacy tire choice starts with the correct trim-specific size, then moves to appearance. For Legacy models using 205/50R17, the American Classic Radial with a 0.875-inch whitewall offers a noticeably different presentation from the blackwall sport-oriented options in the same fitment.
That does not make it the right visual choice for every Legacy, especially when originality matters more than personal style. Buyers aiming for a restoration-oriented result should compare the tire against the car’s intended look, wheel design, and period references for that exact sub-model before deciding between a whitewall statement and a more subdued blackwall tire.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Subaru Legacy restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2009 Subaru Legacy restoration because the model range uses different sizes and two wheel diameters. A car restored with the wrong 17-inch size or with an 18-inch tire on a non-matching setup can look off and complicate proper tire replacement later.
Appearance is only part of the issue. The right trim-specific size helps preserve the intended stance and keeps the tire matched to the wheel diameter actually used on that version of the Legacy. On cars that may have changed hands or been modified, checking both the sub-model and the wheel itself is a worthwhile step before finishing the restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Subaru Legacy. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or prior conversions between 17-inch and 18-inch setups can all change which tire size is currently appropriate for the car.
That is why the tire decision should be based on the actual wheel diameter and current setup, not only on the model name. A Legacy with changed wheels may need a different replacement size than expected, and clearance around the fenders and suspension should be checked carefully before committing to any tire on a modified vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Subaru Legacy on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Subaru Legacy on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter, check that the tire size matches the trim, and look over the suspension and steering for worn components. Tire pressure should also be set correctly, and the new tires should be checked for proper seating and even clearance.
A quick visual inspection is especially important on used or recently purchased cars. Uneven wear, rubbing marks, sidewall damage on the old tires, or a mismatched wheel setup can signal fitment issues that should be addressed first. Taking a careful look before regular road use helps confirm that the replacement tires suit the car as it sits.
How often should tires on a 2009 Subaru Legacy be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Subaru Legacy should be inspected regularly, especially on a car that sees seasonal, enthusiast, or low-mileage use. Pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of rubbing can all develop over time even when the car is not driven hard.
Periodic checks are particularly worthwhile when the Legacy has multiple possible trim fitments or may have changed wheels in the past. Looking over the tires before longer drives and during routine maintenance helps catch age-related issues early. A collector-kept or spare-use car also benefits from clean, dry storage away from prolonged heat and sunlight.
