Top Tire Brands for Optimizing Your Subaru WRX Performance

When it comes to enhancing the performance and safety of a Subaru WRX, selecting the right tire brand is crucial. Known for their speed, agility, and grip on the road, these vehicles demand tires that can match their sporty nature and offer uncompromised reliability. Whether you are looking for all-season stability, winter traction, or summer precision, there's a diverse range of tire brands that cater specifically to the needs of high-performance cars like the WRX. If you're eager to find out which are the top recommended tire brands for your Subaru WRX, explore the information below.

Illustration of tire for subaru wrx

Best brands of tire for subaru wrx in 2025

Michelin

Michelin, a top tire producer, offers the Pilot Sport 4S, a high-performance summer tire, that many Subaru WRX owners consider a superior choice over the factory-equipped Dunlop or Yokohama tires, with reviewers noting the enhanced handling, cornering, and overall responsiveness, plus the reduced road noise; this tire is known for its excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions as demonstrated by a 2019 review where the reviewer described a noticeable upgrade from the Pilot Super Sport model, and another user noting in 2021 that the car felt more confident in corners with no tire roll; while the Pilot Sport 4S is not an all-season tire, Michelin also provides the Pilot Sport All Season 4, which delivers great performance and ride comfort for year-round use.

Bridgestone

Bridgestone stands out as a top tire producer for the Subaru WRX, with the Potenza RE-71RS model being a popular choice among enthusiasts due to its exceptional grip and performance, and the Blizzak line offering superior winter traction for snowy and icy conditions, while the Ecopia EP422 Plus provides great all-season performance with a SimpleScore of 9.4 out of 10 and a 70,000 mile tread life warranty; although the factory defaults include Dunlop Sport Maxx RT or Yokohama Advan Sport V105, many owners find that upgrading to Bridgestone improves handling and overall driving experience. For more details, visit Bridgestone's website.

Continental

Continental tires, established in 1871, are frequently recognized as a top choice for Subaru WRX enthusiasts, with models like the ExtremeContact Sport 2 earning a SimpleScore of 9.3 for its superior handling, and the ContiSportContact 6 being praised for excellent wet and dry grip. Many WRX owners choose Continental's all-season tires like the ExtremeContact DWS 06, noting their quiet ride and good handling in various conditions, though some have noted softer sidewalls. For winter driving, the VikingContact 7 is also a strong contender, offering exceptional traction on icy and snowy roads due to its unique Nordic compound. While some user reviews mention tread life concerns, and others state the tire's snow performance diminishes when the tread depth falls below 3/4, the overall consensus highlights Continental's ability to produce high-performance tires suitable for a vehicle like the WRX. The 2024 Subaru WRX TR was even showcased in a YouTube review with a link to the Continental Tire website.

Pirelli

Pirelli stands out as a top-tier tire manufacturer for the Subaru WRX, offering a diverse range including summer, winter, and all-season options, with the P Zero line being a popular choice for performance; the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus 3, introduced in 2023, offers a 50,000-mile tread warranty and is designed to maintain 99% of its performance even with half-worn treads, while the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is favored by some for its handling in cold conditions. These tires have been noted to significantly improve handling and traction compared to OEM tires, especially in wet or snowy conditions. Though some users have reported faster wear with certain Pirelli models, many still find them a reliable option, often choosing them for superior grip, handling, and comfort, with various options available in 17 and 18-inch sizes. For more information on Pirelli tires for the Subaru WRX, visit the official Pirelli website.

Yokohama

Yokohama, established in 1917 as the first Japanese tire maker, has become a popular choice for Subaru WRX owners, with the Advan Sport V105 model being a frequent original equipment choice, known for its superior handling and wet traction capabilities. While some users have noted quality control issues, many report excellent performance, comfort, and a long lifespan, making Yokohama a strong contender for both summer and all-season driving, with the Geolandar A/T models being a good all-terrain option. Specifically, the 245/35R19 size of the Advan Sport V105 is often found on the WRX STI, and Yokohama tires are praised for their rigidity, strength, and traction which enhances overall driving safety and experience, though some suggest swapping them out in the winter for better snow performance. Yokohama tires generally provide a good balance of performance and value, earning a positive reputation in the industry. You can find more information about their products on their website.

Goodyear

Goodyear stands out as a top tire producer for the Subaru WRX, offering models like the Eagle Exhilarate, known for all-season performance, and the WinterCommand Ultra, which is M+S rated for superior snow and slush evacuation, while the EfficientGrip Performance series is frequently praised for exceptional braking on wet roads and low rolling resistance, having earned an exemplary rating by multiple enthusiast magazines. Additionally, some Subaru dealerships, like Mike Shaw Subaru, have an exceptional influence of Goodyear tires for WRX, stocking all-terrain, performance, and seasonal options. Goodyear recommends that any tire in service 6 years or more be replaced even if it has not reached the legal treadwear limit. For more information, visit Goodyear's official website.

Dunlop

Dunlop is a well-regarded tire manufacturer, with the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT often being equipped on Subaru WRX models from the factory, offering good dry grip and responsive handling, though some users report fast wear and a harsher ride, especially in wet or cold conditions. While the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A was selected as the factory standard tire for the new Subaru WRX S4 in 2022, a variety of other tires such as the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 2 are also popular choices, and the typical tire size for the WRX ranges from 235/45R17 to 245/40R18.

Falken

Falken, a brand established in Japan in 1983, is recognized for producing high-performance tires, with the Azenis FK510 model being a popular choice for Subaru WRX owners seeking enhanced grip and responsive handling at a reasonable price. While some users have noted a decline in wet traction after around 15,000 km, the tires generally provide excellent dry performance and are suitable for both daily driving and track use, with some WRX owners noting that they are better than stock tires in all conditions except for snow.

Hankook

Hankook, established in the 1940s, has become a prominent tire manufacturer, recognized for its high-performance and motorsports-derived technology, offering models like the Ventus V12 evo2 and Ventus RS4, which are popular among Subaru WRX owners; these tires provide excellent grip and handling, and in Q3 2024, Hankook saw a 4.1% increase in sales and a 1.4 percentage point increase in sales of 18-inch and larger tires, demonstrating the company's continued growth. Many WRX enthusiasts recommend Hankook tires, praising their balance of performance and durability, even in wet conditions, with the Ventus R-S4 specifically noted for its endurance and ability to handle heat. One example of a popular size is 225/35R18, often paired with 18x9.5 wheels on the WRX, and various Hankook models are available for 235/45R17, 245/40R18 and more. For detailed product information, visit their official website.

BFGoodrich

BFGoodrich, a top-tier tire manufacturer, offers exceptional options for Subaru WRX owners, with models like the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus, known for its enhanced grip and handling on both dry and wet surfaces, and the g-Force Sport Comp-2, a popular choice for its performance capabilities, often seen in sizes such as 245/40R18 and 255/35R18, catering to various WRX models and providing a balance of sport and daily driving needs; some users have reported a significant improvement in traction compared to other tire brands. The BFGoodrich tires are designed to last through every adventure.