12 Best Tires for Subaru WRX [2023]
Choosing the best tires for a Subaru WRX can be tricky as there are many brands in the market. But which are the best tires for your WRX?
The best three tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050, and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+.The best tires for your Subaru WRX must fit the unique specifications of your car. You must also ensure that they are suitable for all types of weather and within your budget.
Luckily, we’ve spoken with several Subaru WRX car experts who offered great advice about the best tires for WRX in 2023. Here is a list of the best and most popular brands in the market. Read on to learn more.
12 Best Tires for Subaru WRX
Below is a list of the best tires for your Subaru WRX.
1.Michelin Pilot Sport 4S – Best Overall in Terms of Performance
Tire specification
- Brand: Michelin
- Model: Pilot Sport 4S
- Season: Summer
- Size: 235/45R17
- Tread depth:
- Speed Rating: Y
- Rim Width: 17
- Section Width: 235 MM
- Load Index Rating: 97
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 45
- Construction:
Tire Performance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is one of the premier performance tires today. It offers superior grip and handling in dry or wet conditions thanks to its advanced tread patterns that feature two large outer blocks flanked by two smaller inner blocks designed to provide maximum traction during cornering maneuvers.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S also has a wide footprint that helps it maintain stability when cornering at high speeds on both paved roads and race tracks. The sidewall features offer a reinforced construction that boosts stiffness while simultaneously reducing road noise levels significantly compared to other performance tires out there.
What Sets this Tire Apart
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is made with a mixture of polymers, offering a fantastic grip in wet and dry weather.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Benefits of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Outstanding dry/wet grip and handling capabilities
- Wide tread footprint increases overall stability
- Reinforced sidewall construction reduces road noise levels
- Excellent wear rating from independent testing outlets
Drawbacks of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Expensive compared to other similar options on the market.
Who Should Buy this Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
This prestigious Tire is popular worldwide and can be fitted on Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-AMG.
Where to Buy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Ultra high performance premium tires
- High speed tire for car enthusiast
- A street tire suitable for some track usage
- OE high performance sports cars and exotic cars
- 114th in wet lap time. 1st in wet braking
Recommended Reading: Here’s what the Michelin tire warranty covers
2. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 (Dry Weather)
Tire Specification
- Brand: Dunlop Tires
- Model: Dunlop/SP Sport Maxx 050
- Seasons: Summer
- Tread type: Circumferential grooves
- Size: 245/45R19 98 Y
- Tread depth: 10/32 nds
- Speed Rating: Y
- Rim Width: 7.5 – 9.0
- Section Width: 9.6
- Load Index Rating: 98
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 35-65%
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 P245/45R19 98Y is another top-performing performance tire with excellent braking capabilities in any weather condition. Whether wet or dry surfaces or temperatures ranging from cold winter days all the way up to hot summer days.
Its tread pattern consists of four wide circumferential grooves and directional sipes throughout its surface area. This helps disperse water quickly, ensuring maximum control over steering inputs even when encountering standing puddles. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 also features an advanced silica compound that aids in providing superior grip and handling on dry and wet surfaces.
What Sets this Tire Apart
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 is made using silica-enhanced tread compound, a rim protector, and jointless technology that fends off uneven wear and provides the car stability when on highway speed
Recent Updates to this Tire
The brand launched an updated tire in September 2022, known as tire Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+, which provides ultra-high performance.
Benefits of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
- Outstanding braking & cornering performance
- Excellent traction in all weather conditions
- Wide tread grooves efficiently disperse standing water
- Advanced silica compounds provide superior grip/handling
Drawbacks of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
- Tread life is not as good as other similar options
Who should buy Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
It can be fitted on Cadillac CTS, Honda Civic, Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, and Mitsubishi Lancer.
Where to Buy Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
3. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (High-performance All Weather)
Tire Specification
- Brand: Michelin
- Model: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ ZP
- Seasons: All-season
- Tread type: Asymmetric tread pattern
- Size:245/40R20
- Tread depth: 10/32
- Speed Rating: H and Y
- Rim Width:195- 335 mm
- Section Width: 245
- Load Index Rating: 99
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 25-55%
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ 245/40R20 99Y is best for wet surfaces like the rainy and snowy seasons. It can also be considered an all-season tire for those who want maximum performance levels. It has won multiple awards as the best UHP all-season tire.
It offers outstanding year-round traction with excellent braking, cornering, and hydroplaning resistance thanks to its asymmetric tread pattern that features a race-inspired compound blend, giving it the perfect grip in wet and dry weather conditions.
What Sets this Tire Apart
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ was made using silica-based sunflower oil enriched helio compound that works best in dry, wet, and winter roads. The sunflower oil compound offers a firm grip on snow and icy roads.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Benefits of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
- Outstanding all-season traction & braking capabilities
- Offers the best traction in wet weather
- Asymmetric tread pattern maximizes cornering performance
- Award-winning tires for high-performance levels
- Has a wide range of tire sizes
Drawbacks of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
- Pricey
- Doesn’t reduce fuel consumption
Who Should Buy Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
It can be fitted on a Buick Regal. Dodge Charger, Honda Civic, Lincoln LS, Hyundai, Ford Mustang GT, and Mazda3.
Where to Buy Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
- Corner with exacting control. Our Variable Contact Patch 3.0 spreads cornering pressures evenly over the contact patch for more grip and control, plus long-lasting tires.
- You’re in control, even when the weather is trying to take over. Our groundbreaking Extreme Silica+ compound stays grippy when wet, while large rain grooves and 3-D sipes help prevent hydroplaning.
- A little ice or snow won’t slow you down, thanks to advanced Helio+ Technology that’s built to stick even in the cold. Plus, hidden Biting Edges grab loose snow for fast starts and stops.
4. Continental PureContact (Touring All-season)
Tire Specification
- Brand: Continental
- Model: Pure Contact LS
- Seasons: All-season
- Tread type: Asymmetrical
- Size: 235/50R17
- Tread depth: 10/32nds
- Speed Rating: V
- Rim Width: 17 inches
- Section Width: 235 mm
- Load Capacity:1565.3 pounds
- Load Index Rating: 96.0
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 50.0
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Continental PureContact LS 235/50R17 is a great option for those looking for an all-season tire that provides excellent Comfort and performance. Its tread pattern consists of four wide circumferential grooves designed to help disperse water quickly, allowing you to maintain maximum control over your steering inputs. This helps reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet surfaces significantly.
The Continental PureContact also features an advanced silica compound that aids in providing superior grip and handling on dry and wet surfaces. At the same time, its Comfort Plus technology helps reduce road noise levels so you can enjoy a smooth ride with minimal disturbance from outside noise sources.
What Sets this Tire apart
The internal construction of Continental PureContact LS 235/50R17 is made using a single-ply polyester casing that helps improve its performance and better handling in high-speed cases.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Benefits of Continental PureContact LS 235/50R17 96V
- Outstanding all-season traction & braking capabilities
- Wide tread grooves provide excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Advanced silica compounds provide superior grip/handling
- Comfort Plus Technology reduces road noise levels
Drawbacks of Continental PureContact LS 235/50R17 96V
- Expensive
Who Should Buy Continental PureContact LS 235/50R17 96V
It can be fitted on Suzuki SX4, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Mazda 6, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Where to Buy Continental PureContact LS 235/50R17 96V
- Designed for use on coupes, sedans, CUVs, and minivans
- Backed by a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life
- EcoPlus Technology allows for better fuel efficiency and shorter stopping distances on wet roads
- QuickView Indicator technology allows drivers to visually see how the tire is wearing down or when it needs to be replaced
- Comfort Ride Technology lowers road noises and vibrations to create a quiet, comfortable ride for drivers and passengers
5. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (High-performance for all seasons)
Tire Specifications
- Brand: Continental
- Model: ExtremeContact DW 06 Plus
- Seasons: All-season
- Tread type: Asymmetric
- Size: 335/25R20, 99Y
- Tread depth: 10/32
- Speed Rating: Y
- Rim Width: 20 mm
- Section Width: 335 mm
- Load Index Rating: 99
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 25
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is an all-season tire designed for performance vehicles like the Subaru WRX. With its X-Sipe Technology, this tire offers excellent traction and responsiveness in dry and wet conditions.
It also features an asymmetric tread pattern with grooves and chamfered edges that helps reduce road noise while providing a solid grip when needed. The ExtremeContact DWS06 also boasts impressive wear ratings, which make it an excellent choice for those looking for long-lasting tires on their Subarus.
What Sets this Tire Apart
The tire has a complex design, and the material used guarantees a long life. Besides, the unique tread design distributes the load, ensuring that the pressure is spread across the tread area, thus preventing pressure build-up in one area and avoiding irregular wear.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Befits of Continental ExtremeContact DW O6 PLus
- X-Sipe Technology provides excellent traction & handling in both dry & wet conditions
- Treadlife warranty covers defects up to 50 000 miles
- Superb performance in wet and light snow conditions
Drawbacks of Continental ExtremeContact DW O6 PLus
- Fast wear and tear
- Noisy
Who Should Buy Continental ExtremeContact DW O6 PLus
They can be fitted on Nissan Sentra, Maxima, & Leaf, Lincoln MKZ, Honda Accord & Civic, and Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Where to buy Continental ExtremeContact DW 06 Plus
- Backed by an up to 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life
- Engineered with Continental’s SportPlus Technology for responsive handling plus better grip on dry and wet roads
- Improved snow and ice performance thanks to an asymmetric tread pattern with angled grooves and dense siping that all work together to increase traction and grip
- Unique, stylish design provides eye-catching looks
- QuickView Indicators allow drivers to visually check how their tire is wearing
6. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (Value for Money)
Tire Specification
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: Firehawk Indy 500
- Seasons: All-season
- Tread type: Asymmetric
- Size:295/50R15
- Tread depth:12/32
- Speed Rating: S
- Rim Width: 15
- Section Width: 295
- Load Index Rating: 105
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 50
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is an all-season tire designed for performance vehicles such as the Subaru WRX. It features a unique asymmetric tread pattern that provides excellent grip in dry and wet conditions, making it suitable for use in nearly any type of weather. It also has grooves that help in hydroplaning.
The Tire also boasts impressive wear ratings, which make it perfect for those looking to get the most out of their tires without worrying about replacement costs soon after purchase.
What Sets this Tire Apart
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is the best because it is made with silica-enhanced L. L. carbon compound. The asymmetric tread pattern ensures you can drive on dry, wet, and winter roads due to its solid gripping ability. The tire also has Proprietary Pulse Grooves that make it easy to drain the water for safe driving on wet roads, preventing hydroplaning.
Recent Updates to this tire
None
Benefits of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
- Unique tread design provides superior traction & handling on both dry and wet surfaces
- Provides value for money
- Treadlife warranty covers defects up to 50 000 miles
Drawbacks of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
- They cannot be rotated, so when outfitting them on your vehicle, you must ensure the treads are faced a certain direction; otherwise, your vehicle’s speed stability is significantly affected.
- Not suitable for winter
Who Should Buy Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
They can be fitted on Buick Regal, Chrysler 300, Ford Mustang, Honda Civic, BMW, Dodge Charger, Avenger, & Challenger, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Where to Buy Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
- Ultra-High Summer Performance at a Great Value
- Improved water evacuation for more control on wet roads
- Ultra-High Performance with Bold Design
- CORNER WITH CONFIDENCE – The latest Firestone Fire hawk Indy 500 tire lets you corner with confidence featuring wide shoulders that increase the tire’s stiffness to provide dynamic cornering
- 20 percent SHORTER STOPPING DISTANCE ON WET ROADS – With an improved rubber compound and tread design, the new Indy 500 tire gives you a 20 percent shorter stopping distance on wet roads, as compared…
7. General Altimax RT43 (Longevity)
Tire Specifications
- Brand: General
- Model: Altimax RT43
- Seasons: All-season
- Tread type: Symmetric
- Size: 245/45R18
- Tread depth: 11/32
- Speed Rating: V
- Rim Width: 18
- Section Width: 245
- Load Index Rating: 100
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 45
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The General Altimax RT43 245/45R18 100V is designed for wet and dry weather but performs best in wet conditions. The tires use the peak Anti-slip Design Technology which gives them a firm grip in all weather conditions. The tread pattern and grooves make it easy to disperse water, thus enhancing traction.
The Tire usually lasts approximately 80,000 miles before it can be replaced. And this is longer than most of the other tires. However, they are not the quietest in the market; you’d better consider an alternative if you want a quiet and comfortable ride.
What Sets this Tire Apart?
General Altimax RT43 245/45R18 100V has a symmetric tread pattern made with Twin Cushion Silica Compound that promotes its gripping ability in all weather. It also has an anti-slip tread design that prevents hydroplaning in wet weather.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Bemefits of General Altimax RT43
- Excellent all-season performance: The unique tread pattern provides excellent grip on dry roads.
- Affordable: Despite being a premium option compared to other brands, this is one of the more affordable high-performance tires available today.
Drawbacks of General Altimax RT43
- Noise level: While not extremely loud, some customers have noted that these can be slightly noisier than other tires due to their design/tread pattern when driving at higher speeds or during intricate cornering maneuvers.
- Low levels of performance
- Low profile: Due to its shallow tread depth, the General Altimax RT43 may not be suitable for certain terrain or off-roading.
Who Should Buy General Altimax RT43
It can be fitted on Honda Civic, Volvo Wagon, and Corolla
Where to Buy General Altimax RT43
- LSA Technology (Low Surface Abrasion) lessens tread distortion and abrasion for durability and long treadlife
- Peak Anti-Slip Sipe Design Technology (PASDT) increases the number of biting edges for traction on slippery roads
- Construction elements that reduce tread distortion as the tire rolls, resulting in less surface abrasion, promoting even wear and extended tread life
- High and low density tread delivers extraordinary ride comfort
8. Cooper CS5 Ultra Tour (Best Touring Tire)
Tire Specifications
- Brand: Cooper
- Model:CS5 Ultra Touring
- Seasons: All-season
- Size: 205/65R15
- Tread depth: 11/32
- Speed Rating: H
- Rim Width: 15
- Section Width: 205 mm
- Load Index Rating: 99
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 65
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring 205/65R15 99H is an excellent option for touring vehicles. This Tire offers incredible value with its lower price point and durable construction.
The Cooper CS5 Ultra offers a smooth ride, good handling in wet conditions, and a responsive steering feel. The tread pattern helps reduce noise levels while providing reliable traction on dry roads and in light snow or rain.
What Sets this Tire Apart
Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring, 205/65R15 99 H, is made with Stabiledge Technology that outfits bumpers in the tread pattern, allowing the grooves to remain open, thus improving tire control, stability, and handling.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Bemefits of Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
- Affordable Price Point: With their competitive pricing structure, you can get them without breaking your bank account
- Good All-Season Performance: They provide exceptional performance throughout most weather conditions, including snow or rain, as well as hot asphalt surfaces during the summer months
- Excellent Handling Capabilities: You will enjoy secure cornering capability thanks to their solid construction and specially formulated materials used in their manufacturing process.
- Impressive tread warranty
- Smooth and comfortable ride
Drawbacks of Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
- Limited Availability: These may not always be easy to find because they don’t have a wide distribution network like some bigger brands out there have, so availability might be an issue if you’re looking into getting them delivered right away
- Not Suitable for High-Performance Driving: If you plan on using your Subaru WRX mainly doing high-speed runs, these probably won’t cut it since their purpose isn’t built around that specific type of application.
Who Should Buy Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
I can be fitted on Subaru, Nissan Altima, Mercedes-Benz E320, sedans, Crossovers, SUVs, Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, and Honda CRVs.
Where to Buy Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
- Treadwear warranty: 70,000 miles
- All-Season Premium Luxury Touring Tire
- Designed for comfort, agile handling and an ultra-quiet ride
- Quiet and smooth ride
- Superior handling, cornering and stability
9. Fullrun F6000 (Budget-Friendly)
Tire Specifications
- Brand: Fullrun
- Model: F6000
- Seasons: Summer
- Tread type: Asymmetric
- Size: 185/ 60R15
- Tread depth: 10/32
- Speed Rating: H
- Section Width: 185
- Load Index Rating: 84
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 60
- Construction: Radial
Tire Performance
The Fullrun F6000 185/60R15, 84H is another popular choice when searching for quality tires designed for Subarus’ infamous sports car lineup, such as the WRXs’. This model stands out from others due to its ribbed footprint design, which helps increase overall stability by reducing irregular patterns caused by aquaplaning (driving through water).
The wide grooves enhance your car’s cornering ability while taking advantage of the biting edges that grip the road surface. The Tire’s asymmetric patterns are attributed to the Tire’s braking ability, thus shortening the distance and enhancing control.
What Sets this Tire Apart
The tire has a ribbed footprint that improves controllability and steering responsiveness. And its internal construction is reinforced to protect it against heat, thus boosting its speed without deforming.
Recent Updates to this Tire
None
Benefits of Fullrun F6000
- Improved Stability: Thanks advanced directional groove system, the vehicle remains stable under hard braking situations, ensuring passenger safety.
- Enhanced Traction: Traction levels improve significantly regardless of whether we’re talking about dry, wet, or icy roads, thus ensuring the driver has full control over the wheel at any given moment.
- Reduced Wear & Tear: Advanced silica compound maintains flexibility even at high temperatures, thus extending usable life span.
- High-speed performance
- Performs best during summer
Drawbacks of Fullrun F6000
- Not suitable harder track racing scenarios:
- Slower responsiveness compared to other models: asymmetrical design gives added layer protection; however same properties slow down the response rate causing slight latency issues between input-output ratio.
Who Should Buy Fullrun F6000
It can be fitted on Audi A4 & A6, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volvo, and Volkswagen.
Where to Buy Fullrun F6000
Key Takeaway
- When buying WRX tires, you must consider factors such as budget, weather and tread.
- All-season WRX tires are the best as they ensure that you are set in all weather..
- Winter tires are the best for regions that receive a fair amount of snow all year.