Are you weary of scouring the internet in vain for the best tires for your Subaru Outback? Look nowhere else! We’ll tell you everything you need to know before buying tires in this comprehensive buying guide. We can help you with everything from comprehending the various tire types to identifying the proper size and brand. When choosing tires for your Subaru Outback, bid farewell to the confusion of options and hello to the assurance of well-informed decisions.
- Best Overall: FalkenL Ziex CT60 A/S
- Best Budget: Riken Raptor
- Best Premium All-Season Tire: Michelin Defender 2
- Best Year-Round with Harsh Winters: Michelin CrossClimate2
- Best Off-Road and Severe Weather Tire: Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
- Best Studless Winter Tire: Michelin X-Ice Snow
- Best Studded Winter Tire: Cooper Evolution Winter
There are various things to think about when picking the best tires for your Subaru Outback. You must first choose the tire type that best suits your driving requirements. Do you intend to travel off-road or stay on the streets? It’s crucial to make a sensible choice when selecting tires because they all offer varying degrees of performance and longevity. Secondly, you must choose between all-season tires and winter tires based on your driving habits and climate. Next, you must choose a tire size that fits inside the wheel well of your Outback and offers the required level of performance and traction.
After giving these important factors some thought, it’s time to start comparing tire brands and costs. Due to their performance, value, and level of customer care, many drivers swear by particular brands over others. Before making a choice, use this as your one-stop shop for online research and reading reviews.
Choosing new tires for your Subaru Outback can be intimidating, but with this comprehensive tire buying guide in hand, you can do so with confidence.
The best all-terrain tire for Subaru Outback
Is it preferable to use tires made specifically for on-road use and completely avoid off-roading, or should you sacrifice on-road performance to increase off-road traction? The Outback might even be treated like a Nascar by purchasing a pair of racing tires.
Your Outback’s tires should be chosen based on how you want to utilize them. Consequently, if you generally drive on paved roads and occasionally drive on gentle trails, conventional touring all-season tires are your best bet. However, if you frequently go camping and are seeking a more capable off-road alternative, I would advise all-terrain tires. Speed demons among you should fit performance all-season or summer tires to your cars in the meantime.
Last but not least, Outback owners who live in areas with really harsh winters may consider getting a pair of winter tires.
Also, don’t worry since I’ve included every conceivable sort of tire on my list of the top Subaru Outback tires. The following options are among the best currently available in each of their respective fields and have relatively few notable downsides.
The choice is ultimately yours to make, so you should do so while making sure it is appropriate for your driving style, your needs, and the tire size you desire for your Subaru Outback. So without further ado, let’s get to work and begin diving in!
Top 10 Best Tires for Subaru Outback Available in 2023
- Michelin CrossClimate 2
- Continental CrossContact LX25
- Vredestein Quatrac Pro
- Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS
- Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
- Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
- Michelin X-Ice Snow
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
- Continental VikingContact 7
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2: The best all-season tire for Subaru Outback
Due to the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, Subaru Outback owners purchased the crossover primarily because it provides dependable year-round performance.
Because of this, the CrossClimate 2 is the best tire for the Outback since it offers exceptional performance in all weather conditions, fully elevating your driving experience. Because of how wonderful this tire is, it occasionally seems magical.
The dry handling, which is comparable to that of a summer tire, is where it all begins. The CrossClimate 2 has more lateral grip than its main competitors, accelerates quickly out of corners, and feels very simple to manage at the limit.
In wet conditions, the CrossClimate 2 also offers superior traction. Once more, the braking is superb (far better than the CrossClimate+), and the handling is composed and has a terrific grip.
Yet how well it handles light snow is what makes this tire the finest. Concerning all-season/all-weather tires, the traction is among the greatest, and the stopping distances are among the shortest.
The CrossClimate 2 does have certain drawbacks, such as the fact that its treadwear warranty is limited to 60,000 miles and that it doesn’t handle bumps as well as its primary premium competitors (but it is quiet). Additionally, it’s pricey, but hey, it’s a Michelin tire.
Overall, however, the minor drawbacks shouldn’t take away from the fact that this is a superb tire fit for your Subaru Outback.
Excellent braking on snow-covered roads
On dry roads, excellent handling and braking
In the rain, one of the top all-season tires
Snow handling that is balanced and has excellent traction and grip
quiet at highway speeds
Some people may find it pricey
The ride lacks composure
The 60,000-mile treadwear warranty is inadequate for the price.
2. Continental CrossContact LX25: Subaru outback all-terrain tire
The CrossContact LX25 is a tire that was created especially for crossovers like the Subaru Outback to provide reliable traction all year long, plush comfort, and long tread life.
It also outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in terms of tread life and offers a warranty on treadwear for 70,000 km.
But, the CrossContact LX25 excels in other areas as well. It performs admirably in slick situations and has a strong lateral grip, making it particularly adept at handling cornering chores.
Due to its balanced design, the tire also performs admirably at the limit, and its braking distances are competitive with those of the finest in its class.
Moreover, the CrossContact LX25 exhibits excellent dry traction and grip as well as acceptable behavior at the limit. Like the majority of Continental tires, it performs admirably in the snow, where it offers the finest subjective feel in the class, making it simple to drive quickly. The acceleration is excellent, and the braking distances are among the shortest in the class.
Even when driving on uneven tarmac, the tire remains remarkably quiet. Unfortunately, the ride is a little less outstanding; it feels decent on most surfaces, but the lack of poise is obvious on cracked pavement.
Yet, you should take into account the CrossContact LX25 while shopping for new tires because it is one of the best all-season tires for the Subaru Outback.
Outstanding in the rain and wet roads
On dry pavement, very good road manners
Extended tread life Good light snow traction and handling
Quiet
The cost is on the higher side
A jarring ride over broken ground rough terrain
3. Vredestein Quatrac Pro: Subaru Outback snow tire
Another all-season/all-weather tire with a severe snow rating (3PMSF symbol) is the Vredestein Quatrac Pro. This tire was evaluated for more longitudinal traction on light snow than a standard M+S tire.
The Quatrac Pro is one of the most accomplished tires for owners of the Subaru Outback since, unlike other tires of its kind, it also delivers exceptional performance in other areas.
Remarkably, the tire performs as well as the top premium all-season tires in wet situations. It has short stopping distances, has outstanding hydroplaning resistance, and accelerates smoothly. Also, the handling is balanced, making it simple to drive your Outback to its maximum potential.
The Quatrac Pro is in the top tier of the category, even though the dry traction and grip levels aren’t as impressive. The performance of this tire on dry pavement will be adequate for most drivers.
The major takeaway, though, is the tire’s exceptional light-snow traction. Because of its many zigzag sipes, it can accelerate and stop on snow more quickly than most all-season tires. With balanced action, it also maneuvers well in corners.
Despite its aggressive tread pattern, the Quatrac Pro is extremely quiet, and Vredestein did an excellent job of making it comfortable over bumps. The 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is the shortest of any tire in its class, is still a major problem.
On dry roads, good lateral grip and braking
Good overall performance in the rain Extremely comfy over bumps
With mild snow, excellent traction, and handling
Quiet
Only a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty
Shorter tread life than the primary rivals
4. Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS: Best All Weather Tire for Subaru Outback
Even though the most well-known shops do not classify the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS as a high-performance tire, believe me when I say that it can improve the driving dynamics of your Subaru Outback. Of all the all-season tires on this list, this one is by far the most direct and responsive, with an outstanding feel and highly linear steering. On a winding route, it’s a true joy to drive!
In contrast to other all-season tires for the Subaru Outback, these are among the most direct and have high levels of lateral grip.
Also, the handling feels quite balanced and predictable, with good behavior at the limit. Finally, the braking distances are among the lowest in the class.
But the Dueler H/P Sport AS also performs admirably in the rain, where the tire’s direct nature and superb all-around traction and grip are a winning combination. Among all-season tires, the braking distances are also among the lowest.
Although the Bridgestone is at least simple to drive, it only has medium traction in icy situations.
The Dueler H/P Sport AS’s primary drawbacks are its 40,000-mile treadwear warranty and its slightly rough ride over uneven ground. This tire, however, is the one to choose if you desire a more enjoyable driving experience!
Good steering responsiveness
Excellent levels of traction and grip on dry roads
In the rain, one of the top all-season tires
Quiet
Guaranty for tires with reduced tread wear
On some surfaces, the ride can be uncomfortable
5. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 – Subaru Outback Off-road tire
Thanks to the AWD system, the Subaru Outback is a capable off-road vehicle, but only provided you have the proper tires on your wheels. And all-terrain tires are the best kind of tire for that! The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a very well-liked choice that comes in sizes that are identical to Subaru’s Factory measurements and is also a great tire in general.
This tire will provide you exceptional traction on gravel and dirt, and it can even function in shallow mud. The G015 is also a mild all-terrain tire, which means it will still perform well on the road.
All-terrain tires don’t make much noise, so if you were concerned it would be a problem if you bought them, you shouldn’t be. Although the ride is a little firmer than I’d prefer, it is often not a problem.
Moreover, the dry grip and traction are superb, with highly balanced handling and good behavior at the limit. The motorway stability is also excellent.
The Yokohama performs admirably in the rain, with good traction, hydroplaning resistance, and easy-to-drive nature, unlike other all-terrain tires.
Last but not least, the Geolandar A/T G015 is a very capable winter tire with good light-snow traction and balanced handling.
A 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is exceptional for the class, is included with the Geolandar A/T G015 tires. If you go camping frequently, this may be considered one of the best tires for the Subaru Outback.
Excellent traction on sand and gravel
Good on-road performance
Strong light-snow traction and handling with good handling and braking in the rain
All-terrain tires are quiet
A multi-year treadwear warranty for all-terrain tires
Repeated strikes may be severe
6. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail: Best all-terrain tire for Subaru Outback
In comparison to the Geolandar A/T G015, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is a somewhat more aggressive tire, so it will perform better in the wild.
Overall, there will be more off-road traction, and the Falken might also hold up better under those circumstances. Also, the manufacturer offers a remarkable 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is exceptional for the price and class.
The Wildpeak A/T Trail also makes an impression on the road because of its very sensitive and linear steering, excellent grip and traction, and stable motorway performance. Furthermore, impressive is the rain traction, particularly the wet handling.
Yet, in terms of traction and handling behavior, the Wildpeak A/T Trail performs marginally worse on light snow than its rival from Yokohama.
The Wildpeak A/T Trail is a rather quiet tire for its class when it comes to comfort, and the ride is smooth. Unfortunately, the tire’s audible thud on contact detracts from the elegance as a whole.
Excellent for off-roading
On dry tarmac, it performs admirably
Great braking, handling, and traction in the rain
All-terrain tires that are comparatively quiet
Extended treadwear warranty
Loud on bumpy roads/trails
Traction in light snow is average
7. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV: recommended Subaru Outback tire
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is the only tire you should be considering if you want the highest possible dry/wet grip and traction for your Subaru Outback. It’s safe to say that this tire has earned the respect of passionate drivers and will make you happy.
Significantly, unlike other summer performance tires, it doesn’t require high temperatures and offers great levels of cornering grip on dry roads. Also, even at the limit, the handling is well-balanced, and the braking distances are incredible.
The wet traction, which is unmatched by any other tire on this list, may also be stated to be excellent. Even in rainy conditions, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is simple to maneuver through curves and offers exceptional hydroplaning resistance.
The steering responsiveness, which is a little weaker than comparable performance tires, is the only area I’d want to see improved. However, compared to the other tires on this list, it’s still very good.
On dry roads, excellent traction and turning grip
High levels of traction and exceptional driving performance in wet situations
For a performance tire, the tread life is excellent
Minimal noise and a smooth ride
Pricey
Could be more responsive
8. Michelin X-Ice Snow: Best snow tire for Subaru Outback
One of the most well-balanced winter tires, the Michelin X-Ice Snow provides excellent traction in subfreezing temperatures on virtually every terrain. Notably, it offers excellent handling, robust braking, and high levels of grip and traction on dry roads.
The ride quality is excellent, even on some rough roads, and the tire also tops the category in silence, even surpassing some standard all-season tires. But maybe the most impressive feature of the X-Ice Snow is the comfort.
Moreover, the handling and braking are strong, and the rain traction is excellent. This is one of the best snow tires for the Subaru Outback. Michelin also made some changes to the traction on snow and ice, and our testing confirmed those gains. In both light and deep snow, this tire has excellent traction and handling, and it also brakes effectively on ice.
Excellent traction and handling on snow
performs well on icy roads
has excellent handling on dry tarmac
Good traction in the mud and rain
quietest and most comfy winter tires
only winter tires with a warranty on treadwear
Some people may find it pricey
9. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90: Best Tire for Ice
Another outstanding winter tire, the Blizzak WS90, is designed to provide the finest traction on snow and ice. Because of the superb traction, braking, and handling, you won’t have any trouble steering your Outback even in a snowfall. The category’s ice traction is likewise in the lead.
The WS90, like the X-Ice Snow, has well-balanced handling on dry roads and some of the lowest braking distances in its class, making it a perfect everyday driver. With short braking distances and a natural feel in the curves, the rain traction is similarly excellent.
Although it is slightly noisier than the X-Ice Snow, the Blizzak WS90 is also relatively quiet for a winter tire. Although this shouldn’t be a problem for most individuals, the ride quality can be unpleasant with severe wrinkles.
Outstanding braking and acceleration on ice
Exceptional traction and braking on snow-covered roads
An excellent daily driver that performs well on both dry and wet pavement
For a winter tire
Reasonably quiet
Over some surfaces, the ride can be rough
Expensive tire
10. Continental VikingContact 7: Best Winter Tire for Subaru Outback
My selection of the top Subaru Outback tires, as well as the list of the best winter tires overall, is completed with the VikingContact 7. The Continental performs marginally worse on dry roads than the X-Ice Snow and Blizzak WS90, particularly in terms of steering feel, but most people won’t care.
The tire offers excellent hydroplaning resistance, balanced handling, and great grip and traction on wet roads, which is crucial. As with the previous two winter tires, this one also boasts exceptional snow traction. In terms of acceleration and braking, the ice traction is very remarkable.
The VikingContact 7 is also incredibly silent, even at faster speeds, roughly matching the Michelin X-Ice Snow. Although there is an audible impact noise from the tires, the ride is very pleasant.
On icy surfaces, excellent acceleration and braking
One of the top winter tires for handling and snow traction
Outstanding handling and traction in the rain
Extremely quiet, even at higher speeds
When it encounters a bump, it makes a noise
Expensive
Tire Dimensions by Year
2023 | Base | 225/65R17 |
2023 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
2023 | Wilderness | 225/65R17 |
2023 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
2023 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
2023 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
2023 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
2022 | Base | 225/65R17 |
2022 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
2022 | Wilderness | 225/65R17 |
2022 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
2022 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
2022 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
2022 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
2021 | Base | 225/65R17 |
2021 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
2021 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
2021 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
2021 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
2021 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
2020 | Base | 225/65R17 |
2020 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
2020 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
2020 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
2020 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
2020 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
2019 | 2.5i | 225/65R17 |
2019 | 2.5i Premium | 225/65R17 |
2019 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R18 |
2019 | 2.5i Touring | 225/60R18 |
2019 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R18 |
2019 | 3.6R Touring | 225/60R18 |
2018 | 2.5i Premium | 225/65R17 |
2018 | 2.5i Touring | 225/60R18 |
2018 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R18 |
2018 | 3.6R Touring | 225/60R18 |
2017 | 2.5i | 225/65R17 |
2017 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R18 |
2017 | 2.5i Premium | 225/65R17 |
2017 | 2.5i Touring | 225/60R18 |
2017 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R18 |
2017 | 3.6R Touring | 225/60R18 |
2016 | 2.5i | 225/65R17 |
2016 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R18 |
2016 | 2.5i Premium | 225/65R17 |
2016 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R18 |
2015 | 2.5i | 225/65R17 |
2015 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R18 |
2015 | 2.5i Premium | 225/65R17 |
2015 | 3.6R | 225/65R17 |
2015 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R18 |
2014 | 2.5i | 215/70R16 |
2014 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R17 |
2014 | 2.5i Premium | 225/60R17 |
What to Consider When Buying Tires for Your Subaru Outback?
There are a few considerations you should make regarding tires before buying any for your Subaru Outback.
These are some things to think about:
- The kind of driving you do: If you frequently travel off-road or in bad weather, you should seek tires that can handle those circumstances adequately. You could find that all-terrain or mud and snow tires are an excellent choice.
- The tire size: Be sure the tires you choose are the correct size for your Outback. To find out what size is advised, consult your owner’s handbook.
- Your spending limit: The cost of tires can range from somewhat cheap to quite pricey. Set a budget for the amount you are willing to spend on tires and then search for possibilities within it.
- Tire reviews: After you’ve made a shortlist, spend some time reading internet testimonials for the tires you’re thinking about. This can help you have a better understanding of how they operate in actual situations.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Tire
While selecting the appropriate tire for your Subaru Outback, there are a few things to consider. Then, think about the kind of driving you do the most. A different type is required if you live in a hilly area and frequently go off-road than if you live in the city and simply use your Outback for commuting.
Second, consider the local weather. You should spend money on tires that can handle the terrain if you receive a lot of snow. On the other side, you won’t need tires made for extremely cold or snowy situations if you live somewhere with pleasant weather all year.
Finally, think about your budget. A large variety of tires are offered at various pricing points. Finding tires that suit your budget is crucial since you don’t always have to spend much money to acquire top-quality tires. You can be certain to discover the ideal tire for your Subaru Outback by taking all of these aspects into account.
Types of Tires Available for Your Subaru Outback
Your Subaru Outback can use a variety of tires. This is a simple guide to assist you in selecting the best tires for your car.
All-Season Tires: All-season tires are made to handle well and provide decent grip in a range of weather situations, including light snow. The normal tread life of these tires is between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometers.
All-Terrain Tires: If you frequently travel off-road or in bad weather, all-terrain tires are a suitable option. These tires offer superior traction in mud, sand, and snow because they have deeper treads than all-season tires. All-terrain tires, however, could be noisier on the road and might degrade more quickly than all-season tires. The usual tread life of all-terrain tires is between 20,000 and 40,000 kilometers.
Performance Tires: Drivers who want their cars to handle and perform as best as possible would benefit from performance tires. These tires enhance your car’s braking and acceleration while offering exceptional traction on both dry and wet surfaces. Performance tires typically have tread lifetimes of between 25,000 and 30,000 miles, which is less than all-season or all-terrain tires.
Winter tires are made for driving on ice, snow, and other chilly conditions. These tires contain treads that were specifically created to offer improved traction in icy weather. The typical wear life of winter tires is between 20,000 and 40,000 kilometers.
It’s crucial to inspect the tread wear on your Subaru Outback tires and replace them as needed, regardless of the kind you select. Your car will run more safely and effectively if your tires are kept up to date.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Subarus
If you own a Subaru Outback, you are aware of how excellent it is for exploring. But to remain operating smoothly, it needs the same maintenance and cares as any other car. Here are some pointers on how to maintain and care for your Subaru Outback:
- Continually check the tread depth and tire pressure. Your fuel efficiency will increase and you’ll drive more safely if your tires are properly inflated and have appropriate tread.
- Change your oil every 5,000 miles or as recommended in your owner’s handbook. Your engine will perform more smoothly and effectively as a result.
- Pay attention to your brakes. Have them checked as soon as possible if they begin to make noise or seem less attentive.
- Check your car for rust or other damage regularly. If you live in a location with salt or other harsh weather, this is very vital.
- Regularly wash and wax your car to preserve the finish and stop rust.
- To ensure that everything is done correctly and under warranty, have any repairs or maintenance performed by a licensed Subaru dealer or mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Make sure your tires are in good shape and appropriate for the type of driving you do because they are one of your car’s most crucial components. Choosing the best tires for your Subaru Outback can be complex with the wide variety of tire types, manufacturers, and sizes available. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about purchasing tires to assist you.
What are the different types of tires?
All-season, summer, winter, and off-road tires are the four main categories of tires. The purpose of all-season tires is to deliver excellent handling and traction under a variety of circumstances, such as dry pavement, wet pavement, and light snow. Summer tires are made primarily for use in hot weather and offer superior traction on dry roads. Winter tires have unique tread patterns and compounds that improve traction on ice and snow since they are made specifically for use in cold weather and snowy conditions. Off-road tires have deeper treads than other tire kinds to offer better traction in mud, sand, or gravel. They are made for use on rugged terrain.
What size tire do I need?
Your vehicle’s make, model, and the sort of driving you perform will all affect the size of the tire you require. Often, you can find this information on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb or in your owner’s handbook. Knowing the size of the tire you require
How often should I rotate my Outback tires?
The tires should typically be rotated every 5,000–8,000 miles or at each oil change. The Outback performs best when rotated in an X pattern.
Which tires for my Subaru Outback are the most durable?
Touring all-season tires often feature the longest treadwear warranties and the best tread life. Before the tires reach the minimum of 2/32-inch tread depth remaining, a touring all-season tire should typically last up to 50,000 kilometers.
That statement is only true if you drive your Outback primarily on paved roads because rugged terrain can easily damage the softer case of touring all-season vehicles.
All-terrain tires can withstand hammering on dirt and gravel roads, but they might not last as long if you use them on the highway.
Should I replace all four tires at once?
All four tires should be changed at once, even if some of them still have sufficient tread depth. A car that has fresh tires on one end and old tires on the other will feel quite unstable in the curves and could suddenly oversteer or understeer without warning.
Furthermore, the Outback’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which means it always uses all four wheels, means that having worn tires on one axle might significantly reduce its ability to maintain grip. The mechanism also makes sure that all tires wear equally, so you probably need to replace all of your tires at once.
What’s the correct tire pressure on my Subaru Outback?
For the 2015–2022 Outback models, Subaru advises 35 psi for the front tires and 33 psi for the rear tires. The proper tire pressure, however, is 32/31 psi for Outback models made from 2010 to 2014, compared to 32/30 psi for versions made from 2005 to 2009.
On the side sill of the driver’s door or in your Outback owner’s handbook, you can always check the recommended tire pressure.
Conclusion
Purchasing tires can be challenging, but with the appropriate information, you can choose the right tires for your Subaru Outback. We trust that this article has been useful in helping you determine which tires are appropriate for your Outback and how to go about choosing them. To find the ideal match for your automobile and adventurous personality, be sure to look through our assortment of tires made especially for Subarus. You won’t have to wait long to ride comfortably on new tires with a little research!
Ladies and gentlemen, before you is the most complete list imaginable of the best tires currently on the market for the Subaru Outback. Before I begin, I want to reiterate that there aren’t any certain winners or losers on this list; in other words, the tire at the top of the list isn’t always better than the tire at the bottom.
On the other hand, each of the models I’ve highlighted here has unique advantages and complements the varied Outback owners’ lifestyles. Hence, regardless of where it is located, you should pick a tire that suits your lifestyle. Before making a final decision, start by selecting the appropriate tire type for your needs.