The 2016 Subaru WRX sits in the modern sport-compact category where all-wheel-drive traction, turbocharged performance, and everyday usability meet. For owners, that makes tire choice especially important because the car’s character depends heavily on maintaining the right size for the exact trim and wheel package. This WRX uses radial tires in two primary sizes, 235/45R17 and 245/40R18, depending on sub-model. Available choices include performance-oriented radial lines, with blackwall options across both sizes and additional redline or raised white letter styling in 245/40R18. The key step is matching the correct trim and wheel diameter first, then choosing the tire style and series that suits how the car is driven and presented.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Subaru WRX
The 2016 Subaru WRX uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. Base models use a 17-inch setup, while Premium and Limited models use an 18-inch setup, so confirming the exact trim and wheel size is the first step before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or rim-width compatibility.
The 235/45R17 size identifies a metric radial tire that is 235 millimeters wide, uses a 45-series aspect ratio, and mounts on a 17-inch rim. On the 2016 Subaru WRX, this size is the 17-inch radial fitment used for the Base model and keeps the selection focused on modern performance-oriented street tires. Available options in this size come from BFGoodrich and Nitto, with blackwall styling and tire series such as g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and NT555 G2. This size is the right place to start when the car retains its original 17-inch wheel setup and the goal is balancing proper fitment with the desired tire character.
The 245/40R18 size is a metric radial with a 245-millimeter section width, a 40-series profile, and an 18-inch rim diameter. For the 2016 Subaru WRX, this size applies to the Premium and Limited trims, making wheel confirmation essential before selecting a tire. Product choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments across several tire series. This size gives owners the broadest range of appearance and use-case choices, but the wheel width and intended street or specialty use should still be checked carefully.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2016 Subaru WRX because tire size changes with the trim. The Base uses the 17-inch setup, while Premium and Limited move to an 18-inch fitment, so identifying the exact sub-model helps avoid ordering the right tire for the wrong wheel.
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2016 Subaru WRX Base
The 2016 Subaru WRX Base uses the 235/45R17 radial size on a 17-inch wheel package. Tire selection here centers on choosing among the available blackwall performance tire lines while confirming the car still has its original wheel diameter and appropriate rim width.
The 2016 Subaru WRX Limited uses the 245/40R18 radial fitment. That opens up a wider mix of available tire series and sidewall treatments, so the decision becomes less about basic size and more about matching the tire to the car’s current wheels, intended use, and appearance.
The 2016 Subaru WRX Premium also uses the 245/40R18 radial size. Owners can compare blackwall, redline, and raised white letter options in this fitment, but the wheel setup should still be verified first in case the car has been changed from its original 18-inch arrangement.
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 2016 Subaru WRX Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Subaru WRX tires span 235/45R17 and 245/40R18 radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac. Buyers can compare tire series, blackwall versus redline or raised white letter styling in 245/40R18, and rim-width compatibility across the different product choices.
These 2016 Subaru WRX tire FAQs focus on the trim-specific size split, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, available radial tire choices, sidewall styles, and the inspection points that matter before regular street use or after modifications.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Subaru WRX?
A 2016 Subaru WRX uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on trim. The Base model uses 235/45R17, while the Premium and Limited models use 245/40R18. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not simply alternate choices for the same setup.
The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model and check the wheel diameter already on the car before choosing a tire. A WRX with aftermarket wheels or a previous wheel swap may no longer match its original trim-based fitment, so the tire size should follow the actual wheel and vehicle clearance requirements.
What size rim does a 2016 Subaru WRX use?
The 2016 Subaru WRX uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Base model pairs with the 235/45R17 tire size on a 17-inch rim, while the Premium and Limited use 245/40R18 on an 18-inch rim. That rim diameter difference is central to choosing the correct tire.
Wheel width matters too, especially when comparing available tire options within each size. Before replacing tires, check the wheel stamping or measure the wheel if there is any doubt, since a WRX that has been modified from its original wheel package may need fitment decisions based on the current setup rather than trim alone.
Do all 2016 Subaru WRX sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2016 Subaru WRX sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 235/45R17, while the Premium and Limited use 245/40R18. The difference is not just section width and profile; it also changes the rim diameter from 17 inches to 18 inches.
That means the first fitment question is always which WRX sub-model and wheel package the car has today. A buyer looking at 245/40R18 options for a Premium or Limited should not assume that size belongs on a Base model unless the car has been intentionally converted and the wheel, clearance, and overall setup have been checked.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/45R17 tire for a 2016 Subaru WRX?
For a 2016 Subaru WRX using 235/45R17, the main considerations are staying with the correct size, confirming the wheel matches the tire’s rim-width range, and deciding which tire series best suits the car’s street use. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich and Nitto, all in blackwall radial form.
Beyond size, compare construction details such as load capacity where stated, tire series character, and the wheel width already on the car. A Base-model WRX that still wears its original 17-inch wheels can focus on tire line preference, while a modified car should also be checked for clearance, alignment condition, and any changes in suspension height.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Subaru WRX tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 2016 Subaru WRX. In 235/45R17, the available choices are blackwall radials. In 245/40R18, blackwall remains available, but there are also redline and raised white letter options, giving owners more visual variety on Premium and Limited fitments.
That makes appearance selection more meaningful on the 18-inch setup than on the 17-inch one. Sidewall styling should still come after confirming the correct size and wheel package, since a redline or raised white letter look only makes sense once the tire fits the car properly and matches the intended presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Subaru WRX?
Tires for the 2016 Subaru WRX are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, depending on size. BFGoodrich and Nitto appear in both 235/45R17 and 245/40R18 fitments, while M&H Racemaster and Pro-Trac are part of the 245/40R18 selection.
The brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall style, and how the car is actually used. A street-driven WRX, a car built around appearance, and a specialty-use setup may all point toward different products within the same size, so it helps to compare the full tire specification rather than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 Subaru WRX?
A period-style 2016 Subaru WRX tire choice starts with keeping the trim-correct size and wheel diameter in place. That means 235/45R17 for the Base model or 245/40R18 for the Premium and Limited. From there, the visual direction comes from the available tire series and sidewall treatment rather than from a vintage-style construction change.
For a cleaner modern presentation, blackwall tires keep the look understated and contemporary. On 245/40R18, redline and raised white letter options introduce a more stylized appearance, but exact originality claims should be checked against Subaru-specific references, photos, and owner documentation if a highly accurate restoration-style presentation is the goal.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 Subaru WRX?
On a 2016 Subaru WRX, construction is straightforward because the available primary fitments are radial tires. That means the appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the tire’s sidewall treatment, series design, and whether the car keeps its correct 17-inch or 18-inch wheel format.
A restoration-oriented WRX owner usually gets the most authentic overall look by preserving the proper size and wheel diameter for the trim first. Once that is settled, blackwall, redline, or raised white letter styling can shape the final presentation, especially on 245/40R18, without moving away from the car’s modern radial tire character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Subaru WRX?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Subaru WRX even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, altered ride height, or body modifications can all change the clearance available for either 235/45R17 or 245/40R18 tires.
A modified WRX should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before settling on a replacement tire. It also helps to verify the actual wheel diameter and width already installed, because a tire that suits a stock Base, Premium, or Limited setup may need a closer clearance review once the original package has been changed.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Subaru WRX on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Subaru WRX on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and width, confirm the tires were mounted in the proper size for the car’s trim, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also smart to look for any signs of rubbing risk around the struts, fenders, and steering components.
After the first few drives, recheck pressure and look for uneven wear or contact marks that could point to alignment or clearance issues. A WRX that has sat for a while or recently received suspension work also deserves a close look at bushings, shocks, and alignment settings so the new tires can wear and perform as intended.
How often should tires on a 2016 Subaru WRX be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Subaru WRX should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Frequent checks for pressure loss, irregular wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall damage are especially important on a performance-oriented car because tire condition has a direct effect on steering response, braking feel, and overall road behavior.
A quick visual inspection before routine driving is worthwhile, and a more careful inspection should happen before longer trips or spirited use. Cars that are driven less often still need attention, since age, storage conditions, and sitting in one place can affect tire condition even when the tread depth still appears serviceable.
