Best Tires for Subaru Impreza: Complete Guide

10 Best Tires for Subaru Impreza

In 1992, Subaru launched a compact car that hit the roads and quickly became a popular compact car for drivers across the globe. This car was compact, reliable and affordable for customers which helped increase the popularity of the vehicle.

Once the drivers get behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza, they get the often challenging job of finding the perfect tires for their vehicle as soon as a replacement is necessary.

We have gathered the 10 most popular tire choices for the Subaru Impreza and are confident that with the list below you can find the perfect tire for your needs. All of the following tires have been tested and reviewed by customers and ranked as the “best of” options for each category.

By taking the guesswork out of the equation, we have done all the necessary research to find the top tires, are hopeful that you can get the perfect set of wheels to enjoy driving your Subaru Impreza.

Michelin Defender T+H - Best All-Season Tire

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If you are looking for a tire with dependability that can take you miles through any type of weather condition, then Michelin Defender T+H tires are the perfect option for you!

These tires are designed to wear at the same time across all four individual tires with a MaxTouch construction element. An added benefit of the tires wearing at the same time is that the weight of the vehicle is evenly distributed at all times.

Michelin Defender T+H tires are in the all-season category due to their ability to handle rain or shine, snow or ice. Having traction with the road  is a key component of a great all-season tire, because without it you will be hydroplaning all over the road as you drive in wet or icy conditions.

With Michelin Defender T+H tires in tow, you are sure to have an enjoyable drive, backed by a warranty of 80,000 miles.

Specifications

• Warranty: 80,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10”
• Tire Weight: 17 lbs
• Load Index: 86
• UTQG Treadwear: 820
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B

FAQ

How do these tires drive on icy roads?

These all-season tires have a good amount of traction in any weather condition, but if you are specifically needing a tire that is built for ice and snow it might not be the best option for you.

What sizes are available?

The Michelin Defender T+H tire comes in sizes 14”-18”.

What is the load capacity?

These tires can carry 1,074-1,653 pounds. The range is dependent on which size tires you purchase for your vehicle.

General Altimax RT43 - Best All-Season Tire

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Designed to have a great tread life at any point in the year, through any weather condition, all-season tires have long been the most sought after tires for many sedan owners. Subaru Impreza drivers are no different, always wanting the best traction and control of the vehicle.

If you are a proud Subaru Impreza driver, then look no further than the General Altimax RT43 tire for your vehicle’s needs. This tire is affordable, and checks all of the boxes for customers looking for an all-season tire.

The General Altimax RT 43 tire was designed to handle any road condition as you travel, and is able to reduce road noise as well as vibration or other disturbances while driving.

This tire comes with a convenient Replacement Tire Monitor that allows you to know exactly where your tire’s tread is at and when it is time to purchase a replacement.

Specifications

• Warranty: 75,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11”
• Tire Weight: 20 lbs
• Load Index: 87
• UTQG Treadwear: 700
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature:  A

FAQ

What sizes are available?

The General Altimax RT 43 tire comes in sizes 13”-17”.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, customers have rated the road noise at an 8.3 and the overall ride quality at 8.6. With these tires you will have very little road noise and a very enjoyable drive!

Are these tires directional?

No! You are free to rotate these tires as the tread is not directional.

Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring - Best Touring Tire

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Customers looking for a touring tire are more than likely planning to embark on a long road trip or enjoy driving long distances. These tires have an excellent amount of traction in dry or wet conditions and create a peaceful drive from inside the vehicle.

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire is a popular choice in this category for a number of reasons. The tread is created with a 3D siping design, which allows the vehicle to maneuver through water or even light snow easily.

A quiet drive is often something vehicle owners are looking for when purchasing their tires, especially when traveling long distances. The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire is a great option if this is an important feature for you. Road noise can be an annoyance and even a distraction to drivers, but will not be a problem with a set of these touring tires on your car.

Backed by a warranty of 50,000 miles, your Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires will take you the distance!

Specifications

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11”
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• Load Index: 95
• UTQG Treadwear: 500
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available?

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire is available in sizes 15”-20”.

What is the max load capacity?

The maximum load capacity on Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires is 1,874 pounds.

How do these tires drive on snow and ice?

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire is designed to handle light snow conditions, so do not attempt to drive through severe snow/ice conditions as it is not safe.

Michelin Premier A/S - Best Touring Tire

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Are you planning a long road trip in your future? Looking for a tire that will allow you travel long distances without any headaches about the condition of your tires or vehicle? Then you are probably needing a trustworthy touring tire in your life.

Michelin Premier A/S tires are an all-season tire that have been tried and tested and categorized as one of the best options for touring tires on the market. This tire is safe as it allows the driver to brake easily on wet or dry roads.

Built with an Evergrip Technology, Michelin Premier A/S tires are able to grip the ground in wet or dry conditions, making the driver in control and your vehicle as safe as possible. The tread on these tires wears evenly across all four tires and will last a long time.

With an outstanding warranty of 60,000 miles, great traction, and a tread that creates a quiet drive for customers, what is there not to love about the Michelin Premier A/S tire?

Specifications

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9”
• Tire Weight: 19 lbs
• Load Index: 91
• UTQG Treadwear: 640
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available?

The Michelin Premier A/S tires are available in sizes 15”-19”.

What is the max load capacity?

The max load capacity for Michelin Premier A/S tires is anywhere from 1,074-1,477 pounds, depending on the size of tire purchased for your particular vehicle.

How well do these tires handle ice?

While not particularly designed for icy road conditions, the Michelin Premier A/S tire was rated 7.5 for overall winter and snow performance.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season - Best High Performance Tire

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High performance tires are typically purchased by customers looking for maximum traction at high speeds, the ability to stop in short distances as well as great control over the vehicle.

The Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season tire gives customers the reliability of an all-season tire as well as the abilities of a summer tire to handle your high speed driving. This tire leaves drivers in control of the vehicle and allows for slow braking distances and quick turns by maintaining excellent traction with the road.

Through sunshine or rain, your Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season tire will take you miles and miles and leave you with the peace of mind that you are safe on the roads. Built with a solid center rib down the middle of the tire, you will be able to keep a steady straight-line while driving.

Another benefit of the Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season tire is the built in rim protectors that help protect your wheels from coming in contact with the curb.

Specifications

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9”
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• Load Index: 91
• UTQG Treadwear: 560
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available?

The Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season tires are available in a wide range of sizes from 15”-22”, making it possible for you to find the best fit for your Subaru Impreza.

How is the road noise?

These tires are given an overall rating of 8.4 for comfort performance while driving. The Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season tires do not create an excess amount of road noise and are very comfortable for passengers.

How do these tires handle winter weather conditions?

This high performance tire was designed with dry, summer weather conditions in mind, but it was rated a 6.6 on a scale of 1-10 for winter and snowy weather performance. It is important to always drive with caution in less than ideal road conditions.

Yokohama YK580 - Best High Performance Tire

Driving fast through country roads might be just what you had in mind when you purchased your Subaru Impreza. If so, then having a set of Yokohama YK580 tires on your vehicle is something you don’t want to pass up.

For maximum traction and handling, this tire will not disappoint. While it is a slightly larger tire than most you might come across for the Subaru Impreza, it is sure to help your vehicle perform while on the streets.

The tread pattern was designed to help the vehicle navigate through wet road conditions and improve the efficiency of fuel usage while doing so. Not even a stormy day can stop you from enjoying your Subaru!

Backed by a warranty of 60,000 miles, these tires will be everything you are looking for in a high performance tire.

Specifications

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11”
• Tire Weight: 37 lbs
• Load Index: 110
• UTQG Treadwear: 580
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What is the road noise like?

With a focus on tread design, these tires create little to no road noise, which menas you can enjoy your drive as much as possible!

What is the load capacity?

These tires can hold around 1,135 pounds.

What sizes are available?

The Yokohama YK580 tire comes in one size: 20”.

Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - Best Summer Tire

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A great way to take your Subaru Impreza from drab to fab is to purchase a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires. These tires were designed to take the streets on beautiful, summer days and have been proven to be a great summer tire option.

One of the best features about this tire is its ability to drive through rain or shine. Since weather can often be predictable, you don’t want the safety of your car to be something you worry about in the chance of a rain storm blowing in while you are out driving.

While it is completely safe for dry or wet roads, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire was not created to handle snow or ice very well. To get the most out of your purchase, make sure you are aware of the weather in your area before purchasing.

A set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires on your Subaru Impreza will step up your driving game, and allow you to enjoy your time out on the roads.

Specifications

• Warranty: N/A
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50-51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9-10”
• Tire Weight: 19-25 lbs
• Load Index: 94
• UTQG Treadwear: 340
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

How is the road noise?

While designed for higher speeds, these tires surprisingly create very little road noise. On a scale of 1-10, they were rated 8.5!

What is the load capacity?

The load capacity for Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires is 1,477 pounds.

What are the available sizes?

These tires come in a range of sizes from 16”-20”.

BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 - Best Summer Tire

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Going for long drives in the summertime is a hobby of many people, especially owners of Subaru Imprezas. A great way to maximize your enjoyment on the roads is to equip your vehicle with BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 summer tires.

Traction with the road was a key component in the development with this tire, and many people have stated that their tread life of the tires lasts a very long time. This is done by adding fibers to the tire’s tread to make them last for many miles, and smiles.

Being able to navigate rain or shine is crucial for summer tires because you never know what the weather is going to do in some parts of the world. BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 tires can handle wet and dry roads with ease, but are not highly rated for driving in winter conditions.

With a warranty of 6 years on these tires, they will definitely be worth the investment and help you to enjoy your time in your vehicle while driving in the summertime.

Specifications

• Warranty: 6 years
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44-51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10”
• Tire Weight: 21-34 lbs
• Load Index: 82-106
• UTQG Treadwear: 340
• UTQG Traction: A-AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What does a six year warranty mean?

When you purchase these tires, the warranty is good for up to 6 years, or until the tread is low, whichever happens first.

How is the road noise?

Unfortunately, these tires have been said to create a lot of road noise. If this is a problem for you, we suggest that you turn up your music and drown out the road noise while you enjoy your drive.

What is the load capacity?

The load capacity on the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 tires is 1,389 pounds.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3 - Best Winter Tire

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If you live in an area with low temperatures the majority of the year, then you want to make sure your car is equipped with winter tires. They are made with a soft rubber compound that allows them to expand and contract as the temperatures change, making them able to handle the frigid cold temperatures.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tires are in this category because of their amazing ability to navigate through slush, ice or snow easily. The best part is they are able to drive through severe weather conditions while staying fuel-friendly and not wasting a lot of excess gas.

These tires have been given a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating which means it is safe to use in extreme ice or snowy conditions. Having this rating will give drivers the peace of mind that they are staying as safe as possible in these often hazardous driving conditions.

Built with a directional tread, your vehicle will maintain traction with the road regardless of what is happening below your car. Safety is the most important thing to remember when dealing with winter weather conditions, so always drive with caution if you are in this type of situation.

Specifications

• Warranty: 40,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11”
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• Load Index: 97
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A  

FAQ

What does directional tread mean?

When a tire is built with directional tread, this means that when rotating your tires they must remain on the original side of the vehicle that they were installed on. They must always move in the same direction for maximum contact with the ground.

What is the load capacity?

The maximum load capacity is 1,389 pounds.

How are these tires with road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, these tires were rated 8.7 for road noise and 9.1 for overall ride quality. You can expect a very comfortable and enjoyable drive, despite the weather conditions outside.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 - Best Winter Tire

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Another popular choice for winter tires is the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tire. When the weather outside is worrisome, don’t let your tires add to your anxieties.

If you are wanting a tire that helps you brake and accelerate with ease, even on a layer of snow or ice, then look no further than the Blizzak WS90 tire. When in these conditions, the one thing that will help you feel safe is having full control of your vehicle.

The traction that comes with these tires helps customers and drivers to be able to handle all aspects of driving without fear of the weather conditions getting in the way. If you live in an area with often severe winter weather, then you won't want to go without a Blizzak WS90 set of tires.

Winter tires must have the ability to expand and contract with the changing temperatures in order to help drivers stay in contact with the road and in control of their vehicles. Lack of either of those two key components will result in unsafe driving for you and other people on the road.

Specifications

• Warranty: N/A
• Max Inflation Pressure: 36 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12”
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• Load Index: 95
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

How are these tires in summertime?

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tire was designed for winter weather driving, so they do not perform as well with summertime driving conditions.

What is the load capacity?

The load capacity is 1,929 pounds with these tires.

Buyer’s Guide

Things to Consider When Choosing Tires for Subaru Impreza:

• Speed - Are you someone who enjoys going for long drives through back country roads, not always following the speed limit? While we are not encouraging this type of driving, it is always important to make sure your vehicle is able to handle whatever you plan to use it for. In this case, it is a good idea to lean towards a tire in the categories of summer tires or high performance tires. You’ll thank us later.
• Weather - Does it snow a lot where you live? Are you always having to put on your rain boots before leaving the house? Or perhaps you live in a perfect weather area where it remains a balmy 75 degrees year round? Knowing the weather where you live and plan to spend the majority of your time driving your Subaru Impreza will help you get the most out of your vehicle and tire purchases. Having the wrong type of tires on your car can be unsafe for you as well as increase your fuel usage unnecessarily.
• Distance - Some people enjoy going for long drives and find this as a way to relieve a lot of stress from a long day at work. If you like to drive and continually take long family road trips, then you need to look for a tire that is built for the miles, and smiles. Usually people in this category have the most luck purchasing a touring or all-season tire.

Common Tire Issues with Subaru Impreza

• Size - Oftentimes it is difficult to know what size of tire you need on your vehicle. If you are unsure or if you want to change the original size, always talk to your tire salesman to make the best educated choice for your car.
• Brand - If you are a brand loyal shopper, always be sure to make sure the brand works for what you are needing in your tire. Knowing what brand you have had a previous positive experience with will definitely narrow down your search for a new set of tires for your Subaru Impreza.
• Tread - Most winter tires come with a directional tread. This is usually not a big deal until it comes to rotating your tires, because you need the direction of the tread to always face the same way. This means that tires can only be rotated forwards and backwards and must always face the same direction. The original side of the vehicle that a tire is installed on is the side it must always stay on to continue rotating in the correct direction.
• Type - Summer? Winter? High Performance? All-Season? Touring? How to know what type of tire you need for your car takes a little bit of research, but it is not impossible to figure out. Once you know what you are looking for, the tire salesmen can help you find the perfect match for your vehicle. Choosing the wrong type only hurts you, so be sure to know exactly what you are looking for prior to purchasing your new tires.
• Tread Wear - Some tires tend to wear quicker than others, but a great installation is key for even tread wear across all four tires. An important thing to note regarding winter tires is that it is recommended that these are purchased in sets of 4. Due to the traction with the road difficulties, the best results happen when all four tires are worn at the exact same rate.
• Road Noise - Some tires also tend to create more road noise than others. While most people don’t notice the noise coming from outside the vehicle, some tires can create a distraction for drivers. Knowing the level of road noise from a tire will help you know if it is a good fit for you or not. Increased road noise usually leads to decreased enjoyment while on the road, so be sure to choose the best option to maximize your comfort.
• Confidence - The most crucial aspect of purchasing a new tire is finding one that allows you to drive confidently. Whether it is through thick layers of snow and ice, or taking sharp turns at fast speeds, you as a driver must feel confident behind the wheel. This is the only way you can stay as safe as possible and protect other people on the roads. When you have confidence, there is nothing that can stop you from getting out and enjoying your new tire purchase as well as your decision to drive a Subaru Impreza.