I have a 2014 Subaru Impreza sport hatchback. My car comes with 205/50r17. Can I put 215/55r17

My main purpose for this is that during the winter in nyc. The potholes are insane. So I'm trying to give extra cushion. And less flat tires. I know I know. Stop hitting the potholes. But it easier said the done. Especially when they are cover in snow. It's either this or get smaller rims. But 17' is the recommended size

Your 205/50-17 are a diameter of 25.07" Going to 215/55-17 is a diameter of 26.31" Your speedometer will show 60mph at a true speed of 63. Just remember you will be raising your final drive gear ratio slightly, your engine will run at a bit less rpm than before at same speed. Presented for what it is...can you do it? Sure

I had to take that down I had it backwards. With a bigger overall Diameter you raise the final drive, for each turn of the tire you go a little farther. Yeah, stick with the 17's or you may get the wrong off-set. We are talking less than 5% diff. No worries. You are increasing the sidewall height more than 15%, and will indeed effect the cushion, to your benefit

So it should fit in the wheel well without any rubbing correct?

No promises, but should be fine. It's 10mm wider, 0.39" |-------| like that much, (depending on the size of your screen) And the diameter, well again I am not guaranteeing anything, but again, I don't think the tolerances are so close that 1¼ inch is going to cause a problem

I'm sorry, but FordNut is off base here. The modern Imps come with both the sportier 205/50 17 setup and the comfier same-height 205/55 16 cheaper setup. The latter is clearly preferable for potholes and off-road. The added ingredient in this mix is WINTER use, wherein going wider (215) is NEVER recommended, as the 10mm wider tread will have less bite on ice, snow, and tend to tramline on non- smooth surfaces, making steering both heavier and "nervous". The owner suggests increasing size BOTH in width (205 to 215) and very much in height (50 to 55 aspect). I fear that this total height AND width experiment WILL result in rubbing, as the suspension and fender clearances may result in rubbing. However, increasing height SLIGHTLY is always better on rough roads, whereas decreasing width always helps traction on ice and snow. If I had the storage space the safest plan is to chase 16" spare wheels (cheap alloys or steel) and get 205/55 16" tires. They'll be identical in height and width, but offer far better comfort on rough roads. If one wanted to max for ice/snow one could also push the envelope farther with skinnier 195/60 16 tires that would be SLIGHTLY taller, yet bite even deeper. If you didn't want to spring for extra wheels then you could try increasing height by getting 205/55 17. You'd increase comfort too by having a 10% taller sidewall, but without compromising handling on ice/snow. I THINK the 205/55 should fit ok, clearing the strut tower and fender lip, but I'd mount ONE and bolt it on to check before buying a full set. Just don't go to 215 width...you'll be making your Imp into a sled on ice!