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How to Choose the Right Wheel Size for Your 2022+ Subaru WRX
If you're in the market for a new wheel setup, this post is tailored just for you! We'll explore various sizes, offsets, and tire choices, with a focus on summer wheels because, let's face it, that's why you're here. While this isn't the most exhaustive guide, it will certainly set you on the path to selecting the look and performance you're after.
Understanding Factory Sizing:
Let's kick things off by looking at the factory sizing:
- Wheels: 18x8.5 +55 5x114.3
- Tires: 245/40R18
Compared to previous generations, the VB WRX comes equipped with a nice, performance oriented size wheels. Previous year WRX would typically come with 17", narrower wheels while the STI trim would come with the 18x8.5's.
What is offset and why does it matter?
Offset is the measure from the center of the wheel width to the mating surface of where the wheel bolts to the car. A positive offset is when the center of the wheel width is CLOSER to the car, where negative offset is when the wheel is FURTHER. The offset is typically listed in millimeters, found after the wheel size, and can also be marked by a + or -, et, or referred to as back spacing. Example; 18x9.5 +38 is a positive 38mm offset. 18x10 et 22 is a positive 22mm offset. This measurement plays a crucial role in fender clearance, brake caliper clearance, and tire size choice.
Choosing the Right Size:
Selecting the right size is a personal decision influenced by your preferences and how you'll use the car. On previous cars I've run 18x11 +12 with 295/30R18's for a meaty fitment with flares. On another car I ran 18x10.5 +15 with 235/40R18 and -6 deg of camber for my bagged suspension phase (we've all been there... if you haven't, consider yourself lucky). I would say if you're reading this you either want to have the car look a certain way OR you're trying to increase the contact patch and increase grip.
Please remember that when we talk about offset, this is millimeters... Like, you know the little tiny bitty marks on the metric side of a ruler? Those millimeters. If you find a wheel that you really like that is 18x9.5 +35, +40, etc that is a tiny amount of difference. Yes, every unit of measure matters but with an alignment or different tire choice, those small 2-3mm differences can wash out in the end.
- Raise the car up. Typically rubbing occurs after you've lowered the car. Raising it up will create more space between the tire and car (DUH). You can run stiffer spring rates or increase dampening adjustment but the first has a cost to it
- Get an alignment. Between the factory adjustments and especially if you have coilovers with adjustable top hats, you can pull a little extra camber to help.
- Upgrade to adjustable suspension arms. You can also upgrade suspension components like lower and upper control arms, camber bolts, and other geometry elements to get more adjustment.
- Choose a smaller tire width or sidewall. For most people, the reason they get new wheels is to increase mechanical grip, so this may not be the most attractive or cheapest option.
- Trim or "roll" the fenders. This is what I did, super easy and you cant tell unless you get under the wheel well. Basically from the outside of the fender that you can see to the inner wheel well, there is about a 1/2 inch of plastic in the rear. After I got my car to the height I wanted, I let the tire rub a bit to show me where it was contacting. From there, I took a dremel and sand down that area. Once again, you cant tell from the outside and I really wanted to keep the height I had.
Verifying Fitment
Can you run 17's? 19's? What about 9" or 10" wide? If you've found a set of wheels but can't find examples of others with them, I always use a helpful tool like willtheyfit.com. Input the factory specs or specs similar to what you're considering, and it will show you how the new setup compares.
So what size can I run instead of 18x9.5 +38?
Okay, here is the part where I start to sound old... When I first got into modifying Subarus (2010/2011), people were running 8.5-9.5" wheels. 10" or larger just wasn't heard of. I remember when people would get a set of 18x10 +18 Work XD9's to fit on their '05 STI and the internet would explode. It was a badge of honor. Notoriety, fame even, to be the first person to do the unthinkable. Better yet, it looked GOOD. As stance culture grew, air suspension became more popular and lead to larger and lower offset wheels being installed. We talked about ways to avoid rubbing and thats where you saw excessive camber, uber stretched tires, tons of adjustable suspension just to get wheels to sit fender to lip when aired out. I do think it got too much, and maybe thats why it seems like everyone is running the same exact fitment now. Trust me, I'm not pointing fingers! I also ran the same 18x9.5 +38 fitment that everyone else seems to gravitate towards. If you want to enjoy your car with little to no worry about rubbing or making adjustments, its a great place to be. If you want your car to stand out, have a look that people cant quite put their finger on, or run wheels that simply dont come in the "popular" sizes, making you one of the few to go to that next step; they do something different. Your car is your car. Take the easy road like I did or stand out, the choice is yours.
