2013 Subaru Impreza Tires

A 2013 Subaru Impreza can use 195/65R15, 205/55R16, 205/50R17, 235/45R17, or 245/40R18, depending on the sub-model. Base models use 195/65R15, Premium uses 205/55R16, Limited and the Sport trims use 205/50R17, WRX summer-tire models use 235/45R17, and WRX STI summer-tire models use 245/40R18.

The important point is that the Impreza range does not share one universal tire size. Trim level and wheel diameter have to match the car first, especially because both 17-inch and 18-inch fitments appear in the lineup. If the car has been changed from stock with different wheels, start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and current tire size before ordering replacements.

A 2013 Subaru Impreza uses several rim diameters depending on sub-model: 15-inch, 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch. The Base uses 15-inch wheels, the Premium uses 16-inch wheels, several Limited and Sport trims use 17-inch wheels, WRX summer-tire models also use 17-inch wheels, and WRX STI summer-tire models use 18-inch wheels.

That makes wheel confirmation just as important as tire-size confirmation. Two Impreza trims may both look sporty yet still use different wheel and tire packages, and 17-inch fitments are not all the same across the lineup. Looking at the wheel itself, the current tire sidewall, and the exact sub-model will usually settle the question before comparing tire choices.

The 2013 Subaru Impreza covers a broad range of trims, from the standard Base and Premium models to sport-focused versions and the much more performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI. Because of that, tire sizing changes with the wheel package and intended character of each sub-model, moving from 15-inch fitment up through 18-inch summer-tire applications.

That variety means a tire that is correct for one Impreza may be wrong for another, even within the same model year. It also means 17-inch fitment should never be assumed to be uniform, since 205/50R17 and 235/45R17 serve different versions. Matching the exact sub-model is the safest way to avoid choosing a size that belongs to another trim.

Start with the exact tire size that belongs on the specific 2013 Subaru Impreza sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter on the car. From there, compare the available radial choices by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and any meaningful specification differences such as rim-width compatibility or load information where it is given.

The right choice depends on whether the car is a standard Impreza, a sport trim, a WRX, or a WRX STI with summer-tire fitment. A Base model owner is solving a very different problem than an STI owner on 18-inch wheels. Keep the selection grounded in the car’s actual setup and intended use rather than choosing by appearance alone.

Sidewall choices vary by size on the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Blackwall is the most common style across the available products, while wide whitewall appears in 205/50R17 and 205/55R16, and redline plus raised white letter options appear in 245/40R18. Those appearance differences are tied to specific tire sizes rather than the whole Impreza lineup.

That means sidewall preference should come after size confirmation, not before it. A whitewall or redline option may be available in one fitment and absent in another, so the exact trim and wheel package still govern the decision. Once the size is correct, sidewall style becomes a useful way to shape the car’s visual character without changing fitment category.

Available brands for 2013 Subaru Impreza fitments include BFGoodrich, American Classic, Vredestein, Michelin, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac. Brand coverage depends on the tire size, with some sizes offering a wider mix of choices than others. Several BFGoodrich g-Force series appear across multiple fitments, while other brands are tied to more specific sizes or presentations.

The practical takeaway is to compare brands only after narrowing the search to the correct size for the sub-model. An owner shopping 205/55R16 will see a different mix than someone buying 245/40R18 for a WRX STI. It also helps to decide early whether the priority is a straightforward blackwall radial or a more appearance-driven sidewall treatment.

A period-style 2013 Subaru Impreza still starts with the correct sub-model tire size, because the lineup uses five different fitments. After that, the appearance direction depends on the wheel package: blackwall choices keep a modern, understated look, while some 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch fitments open the door to wide whitewall, redline, or raised white letter presentations.

The key is not forcing a style from one size onto another trim that never used that fitment. A Base model on 15-inch wheels needs a different approach than a WRX STI on 18s. For an owner trying to preserve a specific early-2010s look, matching the proper size first and then choosing the sidewall treatment is the most sensible path.

On a 2013 Subaru Impreza, the primary fitments are all radial, so the visual question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about sidewall treatment within the correct radial size. Blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options can change the car’s presentation noticeably, especially on the sport and WRX STI fitments.

That makes construction straightforward but appearance selection more nuanced. A clean blackwall usually preserves the most contemporary look for this generation, while whitewall or lettered options create a stronger custom or retro-inspired visual statement. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented result should confirm the sub-model fitment first and then decide how subtle or expressive the sidewall should be.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Subaru Impreza even when the replacement tire is one of the correct stock sizes. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension lowering, alignment changes, or body modifications can all change how much room the tire has at the fender, strut, and steering points.

That matters even more on the wider WRX and WRX STI fitments, where wheel package changes tend to be more common. A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter, width, and clearance before a new tire is chosen. Looking only at the factory trim fitment is not enough if the car no longer carries its original wheel and suspension setup.

Before driving a 2013 Subaru Impreza on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set correctly for the vehicle’s intended use. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work with worn or loose hardware.

A quick road-use check should also include visual clearance at full steering lock and over normal suspension travel, especially if the car has non-stock wheels. During the first drives, pay attention to vibration, pulling, or unusual rubbing. Catching those issues early helps protect the tires and can reveal a wheel or chassis problem that was less obvious on the old set.

Tires on a 2013 Subaru Impreza should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Check them for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, air loss, and sidewall damage, and make those inspections more frequent if the car is driven hard, stored for long periods, or uses the wider WRX or WRX STI summer-tire fitments.

Routine inspection is especially important on enthusiast-owned cars that may sit longer between drives. Pressure changes, age-related cracking, or a slow leak can show up before the next outing and affect both ride and handling. Looking over the tires before a weekend drive, seasonal change, or longer trip is a practical habit for keeping the Impreza road-ready.