Last Updated on 3 months
Discover the Ultimate Performance and Safety Boosters Best Tires for WRX
The WRX moniker is amongst the most coveted in the world of affordable performance cars. Those three letters are probably Subaru’s most cherished nameplate, which has been used for over 30 years. From 1992 to 2014, the Subaru WRX was a top-of-the-line model based on the venerable Impreza, but from the 2015 model year, it has been a standalone model that sits at the top of the Subaru performance car chain. But what makes the WRX so desirable and respectable?
The combination of a powerful, 2.0-liter flat-four turbocharged engine, Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive, and a lightweight but still comfortable body. That makes it one of the best-performing cars you can use daily and an incredibly competent machine in harsh weather conditions.
However, the WRX depends on the tires and its AWD grip to deliver power to the ground, and it remains composed and predictable even in snow and ice. So, the tires are a crucial aspect of the WRX’s performance, and today, we will tell you all you need to know about finding the best tires for it. We will also cover OEM tire choices for 2014 and up modes and tell you how to pick the perfect tire for your car.
What Are The OEM Tires On Subaru WRX?
Compared to some other performance cars, the Subaru WRX comes with smaller tires from the factory. This is a boon, as it opens up a wider range of tire choices and more affordable prices for owners. The WRX tire range starts with 235/45 R17, with the option of upgrading to 235/40 R18 on higher spec versions. Currently, Subaru equips the WRX with Dunlop Sport Maxx RT or Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tires from the factory, which are excellent choices. But here’s the exciting part: there’s always room for improvement.
Upgrading your WRX’s tires can take its performance and handling to a whole new level. This simple change can unlock a world of possibilities, enhancing the capabilities of this already impressive car.
Best All-Season Tires for WRX
Choosing the best all-season tires for a Subaru WRX involves balancing performance, handling, comfort, and durability.
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4:
This tire offers excellent all-season traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride.
It features an advanced tread design for enhanced grip in both wet and dry conditions.
It is known for its long tread life and low road noise.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06:
Provides impressive performance in various weather conditions, including light snow.
Offers excellent traction, responsive handling, and a smooth ride.
Features a unique tread pattern for enhanced grip and water evacuation.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS:
Designed for sporty performance while maintaining year-round usability.
Offers a firm grip on dry and wet roads, with good traction in light snow.
Provides responsive handling and a comfortable ride for daily driving.
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus:
Combines sporty handling with all-season versatility.
Features an optimized tread compound for enhanced grip and durability.
Offers good traction in various weather conditions and a quiet ride.
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate:
Offers responsive handling and strong traction in both wet and dry conditions.
Features a tread pattern that enhances grip and stability during cornering.
Provides a comfortable ride and good tread life.
Firestone Firehawk AS:
Provides a balance of performance and affordability.
It offers solid traction in different weather conditions, including light snow.
It is known for its durability and reliability for daily driving.
Best Summer Tires for WRX
Choosing the best summer tires for a Subaru WRX can significantly enhance its performance and handling, especially in dry conditions.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S:
Widely regarded as one of the best ultra-high-performance summer tires.
Offers exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and responsive steering.
Features a tread compound that provides excellent traction and braking performance.
Bridgestone Potenza:
It is known for its sporty handling and precise steering response.
Provides a solid dry grip and stable cornering performance.
Offers good performance in wet conditions as well.
Continental ExtremeContact Sport:
Combines excellent dry grip with good wet traction and braking performance.
Provides responsive handling and high-speed stability.
Offers a comfortable ride and relatively low road noise.
Pirelli P Zero PZ4:
Offers exceptional grip and handling characteristics in dry conditions.
Provides precise steering response and high-speed stability.
Features a tread design that enhances traction and cornering performance.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500:
Offers impressive performance at a more affordable price point.
Provides good dry grip and responsive handling characteristics.
Suitable for spirited driving and occasional track use.
Best Winter Tires for WRX
Selecting the best winter tires for your Subaru WRX is crucial for maintaining traction and safety in snowy, icy, and cold conditions.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90:
Widely regarded as one of the best winter tires for passenger cars.
Features a special tread compound and a unique multi-cell rubber compound that enhances grip on snow and ice.
Provides excellent traction and braking performance in winter conditions.
Offers good handling and stability on dry roads as well.
Michelin X-Ice Xi3:
It is known for its outstanding ice and snow traction.
Features a specially designed tread pattern that efficiently evacuates slush and water.
Provides confident handling and braking performance in winter weather.
Offers a quiet and comfortable ride for daily commuting.
Continental WinterContact:
Offers excellent performance in snowy and icy conditions.
Provides good grip and stability on cold and dry roads.
Features a tread design that enhances traction and braking performance.
It is known for its durability and long tread life.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3:
It is designed for extreme winter conditions, especially in areas with heavy snowfall.
Features a unique rubber compound that maintains flexibility in freezing temperatures.
Provides exceptional traction and stability on snow and ice.
Offers precise steering response and good handling characteristics.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT:
Offers solid performance at an affordable price point.
Provides good traction on snow and ice, with responsive handling.
Features a tread pattern that enhances grip and stability in winter conditions.
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3:
Known for its high-performance winter capabilities.
Provides excellent grip on snow, ice, and wet surfaces.
Offers precise handling and good steering response.
Suitable for sporty driving in winter conditions.
Best Affordable Tires for WRX
Suppose you’re looking for budget-friendly tires for your Subaru WRX that still offer good performance and reliability. In that case, several options are available that balance cost-effectiveness with decent handling characteristics.
General Altimax RT43:
A popular choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking a good all-season tire.
It offers a comfortable ride, good traction in dry and wet conditions, and decent snow performance.
Provides extended tread life and low road noise.
Available at a relatively affordable price point.
Falken Azenis FK510:
Provides impressive performance at a relatively lower cost compared to premium tires.
Offers good dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and precise steering.
Features a sporty tread pattern for enhanced grip and cornering stability.
Suitable for enthusiasts on a budget looking for a balance of performance and value.
Kumho Ecsta PA51:
Offers good all-season performance at an affordable price.
It provides solid traction in dry and wet conditions and has decent handling characteristics.
Features a comfortable ride and low road noise.
Suitable for daily commuting and occasional spirited driving.
Hankook Ventus V2 Concept2:
Provides good overall performance at a budget-friendly price.
Offers decent dry and wet traction, along with a comfortable ride.
Features a tread design that enhances handling and stability.
Available in various sizes to fit different vehicles, including the Subaru WRX.
Conclusion
Finding the best tires for WRX is easy. Follow our detailed instructions and choose a rubber that perfectly suits your needs and driving conditions. Shop confidently, knowing that all our products are top-quality and thoroughly tested.
