Jan 13th 2025
2015-2021 VA WRX & STI wheel fitment guide
There are a few things on the checklist for new Subaru owners 1) vape 2) unequal length headers 3) get new wheels and immediately powder coat them with the most obnoxious fluorescent color available. While we can’t advise you on color, we can help with wheel specs.
This guide is specifically for the VA WRX & STI, ranging from 2015-2021. We’re going to show you which wheels look cool and what specs fit this platform. If you’re looking for a guide for the 2022+ VB, good news, we already got one just for you.
Quick links
- Basic fitment info
- Aftermarket wheel specs
- Brembo brake clearance
- Rolling/pulling fenders
- Examples of VA fitment
Basic fitment info
- Lug pattern: 5x114.3
- Lug thread: m12x1.25
- Center bore: 56.1mm
- Lug torque: 89 ft/lbs
Back when they were trim levels of the Impreza, the WRX and STI used different lug patterns which made it hard to swap around wheels, brakes, and other suspension. The convenient thing about 2015+ models is everything gets a 5x114.3 lug pattern, meaning we can swap around wheels and brake packages a lot easier.
Aftermarket wheel specs - at a glance
As a baseline, the factory wheels will be 18 or 19x8.5 +55.
By far, the most common setup is 18x9.5 +38, or thereabouts. This will bring the wheels near-flush with the fenders and doesn’t require rolling or pulling on the majority of applications (depending on tires and ride height).
We recommend a similar setup as the minimum for this platform. In other words, a higher offset and or thinner wheel might leave you a little dissatisfied in the fitment department. On the flip side, if you don’t mind playing around with rolled fenders and or alignment, you could also go for a more aggressive setup - and we’ll show what these look like.
For tires, the stock 245/40R18 or 245/35R19 will realistically support more power than your car will ever make. For most applications, keeping these factory sizes is perfectly fine. If your car will see some serious track use, you could consider going for something wider. A 255/35R18 is a good choice as it usually doesn’t require rolled fenders. 255/40R18 or 265/35R18 might require some fender rolling or extra camber, but are certainly possible.
Wrx vs STI brake clearance
There are a number of brake packages that come on these cars. You’ll get the most clearance with the floating-style calipers that come on the base model WRX (although they don’t look the best)
4/2-pot Brembos. Higher trim WRXs might come with red Brembos, these are equivalent to those found on the 2015-2017 STI. While these aren’t the largest in diameter brakes, they poke out an extra 3-5mm, meaning certain wheels might work with the larger 6/2-pot brakes, but not with these. At worst you could use a small slip-on spacer to solve the issue.
6/2-pot Brembo. The largest brakes come one the 18+ VA STI. These are 6-pot front and 4 rear that come in a silver or fluorescent yellow. If you got these, 17” are normally the smallest that will fit over them.
Some 17s will fit, but it’s a short list: ADV.1 AV06, Method 501/502, and Sparco Terras are a few examples. Even with 18s or 19s, you’ll still need to choose wheels with a spoke shape that accommodates large brakes.
Rolling fenders on the VA
Assuming you go with the ‘default’ aftermarket sizing, you can either lower or get wider tires without rubbing. If you wanna do both, you’ll probably need to roll the fenders and or play around with the alignment.
Unlike the newer VB, the 2015-2021 WRX and STI use metal fenders that can be rolled like normal. A fender roller and heat gun are all you need to give a bit more clearance. In the rear, you can gain a decent amount of space by just rolling the inner lip over.
The front is a bit different because the shape of the fender is more of a 'U' than an 'L', making it stronger. While you can get a bit of roll action, the fenders are more likely to pull - either way, you’ll have more tire clearance.
Examples of VA WRX & STI fitment
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MCA coilovers. No fender rolling needed Wheels clear Brembos w/o spacers |
Starting with the most common specs, you can see why they’re so popular. The fitment is spot-on, no fender rolling was needed, and there are no rubbing issues, even at decently low ride height. Sure, you could go with a higher offset and or thinner wheel, but what’s the point? This setup is proven to work.
This WRX has factory-sized tires (although they’re upgraded to PS4S) and is lowered on MCA coilovers.
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3/4" lowering springs. No rubbing. |
Enkei wheels will always be popular on Subarus. This model, the NT03RR, isn’t available in +38, but +40 is basically the same thing. A lot of their wheels are available in +38 and similar specs, RPF1 and TS-5, for example. All the wheels in the lineup are light and budget-friendly.
While the last car was using a 245/40, this one is upsized to 255/35. There are no rubbing issues thanks to the smaller sidewall. This car is lowered about 3/4” all around on ISC Triple S lowering springs.
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Rear fenders rolled. BC Racing coilovers. Wheels clear Brembos w/o spacers |
Here’s another 2015 WRX rocking similar specs. Really, the difference between this one and the last is that this one is on BC Racing coilovers. At this ride height, the rear fender needed a slight roll. Otherwise, this is another pretty straightforward setup.
Both the 57DR and 57CR look great on these cars, plus they have a ton of brake clearance. Both will clear all factory Brembos.
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Lowered on coils, fender rolling/pulling needed Wheels only work w/ non Brembo brakes |
Dished wheels can look good on these cars too, but tend to have more issues clearing Brembo calipers. This particular model of TSWs will only fit WRX floating-style calipers. Some dished wheels can fit, for example, Work Meisters with an R-Disk in the front.
You’ll also notice these are 265/35 tires. Sometimes these are possible at stock height, but if you’re lowered you’ll need extra camber and or rolled fenders. However, with a bit of work, it’s possible to have zero rubbing.
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Coilovers.Adjustable suspension arms needed. Rolled/pulled fenders. Wheels clear Brembos w/o spacers |
Now, we’ll see what happens if we break the mold and go for more aggressive specs. Keep in mind, these normally require rolled fenders or adjustable suspension arms to prevent rubbing.
These wheels are 18x10 +35, so a bit wider with a lower offset. Not only this, it has 265/35 tires to boot.
What's needed to prevent rubbing? This car needed rolled/pulled fenders all around and extra camber. If you get coilovers, they’ll normally give you some adjustability in the front, while the rear needs lower control arms.
And yes, these clear Brembos with a good amount of room to spare.
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Coilovers. Rolled fenders. Slight rub when turning Won't clear Brembos w/o spacers |
18s are by far the most common on the VA, but yes, 19s will fit, and yes, they look pretty awesome in the right application. Take this 2017 WRX for example.
This is a look at 19s. You could go for the typical width and offset: 19x9.5 +38, but these have a lower +22 offset. The owner also opted for thinner tires that result in a decent amount of stretch. All together, with rolled fenders the driveability is decent, but at this ride height rubbing is inevitable.
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Raceland Coilovers. Rolled and pulled fenders. |
If you’re about the stance life, the last two are for you. Starting with a static WRX riding on some Heritage Kokoro 3P wheels. Believe it or not, this car is static on Raceland coilovers. The wheels are still 18x9.5, but the offset is even lower at +12.
If you like the look of these wheels but don’t have the budget for 3 pieces, check out the cast MonoC version. *Small slip on space may be needed for Brembos.
Rolled fenders and stretched tires are needed to achieve the tucked look. If you’re going to be stretching tires this far, it's better to opt for a cheaper option like this Lionharts over a performance tire with an uber-hard sidewall, such as Michelins or Pirellis.
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Bagged w/ Air Lift Performance kit. No rubbing when aired up. Wheels clear Brembos w/o spacers |
Most people would get a WRX for an air suspension build, but if you wanna flex and put your STI on bags, that’s your prerogative. This one is running by far the most aggressive fitment with TE37s in 18x10.5 +21 all around. Once again, stretched tires, rolled/pulled fenders, etc, etc…
10.5” wide wheels aren't the most practical and should be reserved for stance or widebody builds.
The air suspension kit is from Air Lift Performance and this car is rocking adjustable suspension arms all around to dial in the alignment.
Wrap up
To recap, the most popular size for aftermarket rims is 18x9.5 +38. But this is just the starting point. If you like an aggressive look, we recommend going a bit wider or with a lower offset; the only thing is you might have to roll and pull the fenders.
The same goes for tires: either stay with factory size 245/40 or go a little wider - 255/35; you can go wider, but again, plan on rolling/pulling the fenders.
We got dozens of VA WRXs and STIs in our Fitment Gallery. If you’re not feeling any of these, we’re sure you’ll find something you like over there. Already got a sick VA on some fresh wheels? Show off your ride and help others with their fitment.
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