The Subaru Outback has been dominating inhospitable terrains throughout the world even before SUVs and crossovers’ conception. That is why choosing tires for Subaru Outback is always a tricky process. After all, there are so many available options on the market.
Original Equipment Outback Tires
There are some original equipment tires accompanying the Subaru Outback, depending on your model’s trim.
For the 2.5i Base/Premium models, the size of their 17-inch wheels means the Yokohama Avid GT with the 225/65R17 102H size. All 2.5i and 2.4T models have 18-inch wheel sizes, so they use Yokohama Avid GT 225/60R18 100H.
Buying Guide For Best Replacement Tires For Subaru Outback
Tire Size
Each tire line provides a range of sizes capable of fitting a multitude of car models. For Subaru Outbacks, you only need to pay attention to either 17-inch tires or 18-inch tires.
The exact size is dependent on specific Subaru Outback models. For example, the 2x5i Base model uses 17-inch, wheels while the 2.4T model uses 18-inch wheels.
| Year | Trim | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Base | 225/65R17 |
| 2022 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
| 2022 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2022 | Onyx Edition XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2022 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
| 2022 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
| 2022 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2022 | Wilderness | 225/65R17 |
| 2021 | Base | 225/65R17 |
| 2021 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
| 2021 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2021 | Onyx Edition XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2021 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
| 2021 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
| 2021 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2020 | Base | 225/65R17 |
| 2020 | Limited | 225/60R18 |
| 2020 | Limited XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2020 | Onyx Edition XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2020 | Premium | 225/65R17 |
| 2020 | Touring | 225/60R18 |
| 2020 | Touring XT | 225/60R18 |
| 2019 | 2.5i | 225/65R17 |
| 2019 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R18 |
| 2019 | 2.5i Premium | 225/65R17 |
| 2019 | 2.5i Touring | 225/60R18 |
| 2019 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R18 |
| 2019 | 3.6R Touring | 225/60R18 |
| 2018 | 2.5i | 225/65R17 |
| 2018 | 2.5i Limited | 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 |
| 2014 | 3.6R | 225/60R17 |
| 2014 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2013 | 2.5i | 215/70R16 |
| 2013 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2013 | 2.5i Premium | 225/60R17 |
| 2013 | 3.6R | 225/60R17 |
| 2013 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2012 | 2.5i | 215/70R16 |
| 2012 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2012 | 2.5i Premium | 225/60R17 |
| 2012 | 3.6R | 225/60R17 |
| 2012 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2012 | 3.6R Premium | 225/60R17 |
| 2011 | 2.5i | 215/70R16 |
| 2011 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2011 | 2.5i Premium | 225/60R17 |
| 2011 | 3.6R | 225/60R17 |
| 2011 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2011 | 3.6R Premium | 225/60R17 |
| 2010 | 2.5i | 215/70R16 |
| 2010 | 2.5i Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2010 | 2.5i Premium | 225/60R17 |
| 2010 | 3.6R | 225/60R17 |
| 2010 | 3.6R Limited | 225/60R17 |
| 2010 | 3.6R Premium | 225/60R17 |
Traction
All-weather traction tells you how efficient the tire is at stopping on pavements. Subaru Outback tires with strong traction typically have a shorter braking distance. This aspect is very vital for your safety, especially if you have wet road driving habits.
Comfort
Tire comfort makes it much easier for you to go on longer rides. Tires with excellent ride comfort let you drive on any road condition cozily. The thickness of the tire sidewall can affect ride comfort significantly.
Another aspect contributing to a smooth ride is ride silence. Believe us, no fan of ride comfort wants to experience the tire’s screeching for a long time.
Best Tires For Subaru Outback
Affordable Option
1. Continental Extreme Contact All-Season Tire
Best Versatility
| Sizes Available: 16” to 22” Speed Rating: Q, H, V, W, Y Mileage Warranty: 50000 mile Rim Width Range: 5.5” to 11” Overall Diameter: 23.7” to 30.3” Revs Per Mile: 678 to 892 Max Load Capacity: 1,654 lbs Tread Depth: 10/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi |
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The very first thing that you will notice about the Continental Extreme Contact All-Season tire is that it’s extremely versatile.
Due to the featuring of +Silane additives in the tread compound, this radial tire grips quite well in wet conditions.
Adding to this is the Continental’s Chamfered Edges, which lets it have maximum tread contact on dry roads. The traction grooves below the tread grooves also enhance this excellent tire’s traction in snowy conditions.
Its cornering capability is nothing to scoff at, either, due to the asymmetrical tread pattern. This feature works together with the continuous, notched center rib to improve the steering response, too.
You do need to keep in mind that while this decent tire’s cornering is impeccable in most situations, it can slip in specific conditions. One such example is icy roads due to the softer sidewalls.
2. Goodyear Assurance Comforted Touring
Best Comfort
| Sizes Available: 15” to 18” Speed Rating: T, H, V Mileage Warranty: 80000 mile Rim Width Range: 5” to 9” Overall Diameter: 24.2” to 30.1” Revs Per Mile: 685 to 863 Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs Tread Depth: 11/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi |
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Fans of comfort will surely love the Goodyear Assurance Comforted Touring, which provides as much as 20% more cushion than its predecessor.
The main reason for such an improvement is Goodyear’s Special Comfort Layer. This layer adds a soft rubber layer between the steel belts and the tread.
The Assurance ComforTred Touring tread design can be pliable and flexible in icy weather. This design also ensures that hot weather cannot make it lose its responsive steering. The slightly asymmetric tread pattern does provide some additional help, too.
However, the comfort suffers somewhat due to the noise it makes while touring. Some people report that this screeching noise can be very uncomfortable.
3. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Best For Winter
| Sizes Available: 14” to 20” Speed Rating: Q, H, V, W, Y Mileage Warranty: N/A Rim Width Range: 5” to 10” Overall Diameter: 23” to 28.3” Revs Per Mile: 736 to 905 Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs Tread Depth: 11/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi |
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The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 factory tires are specifically built to combat cold climates. They have a special hydrophilic coating, which removes the water between icy roads and the tread. The microscopic bite particles also help improve this already good traction to a new level.
Another great thing about this decent tire model lies in the contact area between it and the road. Thanks to the EdgePerformance Technology Package, the amount of block edges increases by 15% more. This feature is extremely suitable for snowy conditions, as it keeps the tire on the track.
Nonetheless, there is no warranty offered for tread wear. The tire is also too firm while passing through uneven bumps.
4. BFGoodrich Advanted Control – Best Wet Performance
| Sizes Available: 13” to 20” Speed Rating: S, T, Q, V, H Mileage Warranty: 75000 mile Rim Width Range: 5” to 9” Overall Diameter: 23.4” to 30.2” Revs Per Mile: 690 to 887 Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs Tread Depth: 11.5/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi |
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The BFGoodrich Advantage Control’s tread rubber has a generous composition of silica. This component is especially adhesive in wet situations, making this excellent choice one of the best at wet traction.
The real genius, however, lies in the tread pattern. With a huge number of little curved sipes, it can quickly wick most of the water away from its contact patch. Adding to this are the curving edges in the center of the tire, improving its water dispensing even more.
You must keep in mind that it’s not that effective on ice, though. Don’t use it in this situation if you don’t want to slip.
Mid-Range
5. Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Best for durability
| Sizes Available: 13” to 20” Speed Rating: T, H Mileage Warranty: 70000 mile Rim Width Range: 5.5” to 11” Overall Diameter: 22.6” to 30” Revs Per Mile: 699 to 913 Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs Tread Depth: 10/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 44 ps |
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The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is specifically durable, thanks to its MaxTouch Construction. This design improves both durability and stability by evenly dispersing the stresses of cornering, acceleration, and braking. As a result, you get longer tread life as well as lower rolling resistance.
There are 4 huge circumferential grooves. These improve the tire’s grip in both snow and wet conditions by a significant amount. This grip can loosen easily with the help of the full-depth sipes, allowing for a much quieter and smoother ride.
While it’s perfectly serviceable during a light snow day, it cannot be used in heavy snow situations. The price is also too high.
6. Yokohama Geolander G015
Best for comfort
| Sizes Available: 15” to 20” Speed Rating: H Mileage Warranty: 60000 mile Rim Width Range: 5” to 11” Overall Diameter: 26” to 33.7” Revs Per Mile: 602 to 790 Max Load Capacity: 2,940 Pounds Tread Depth: 12/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi |
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The Yokohama Geolander G015 provides the ultimate comfort while driving, especially on dry roads.
Thanks to the sipes simultaneously changing their shape while the tire wears down, there is no point where the comfort lessens. Their triple 3D design also means the traction is respectable on snow pavements.
It is the first-ever Yokohama tire to feature orange oil in its tread compound. The tire maker chose this design choice so that its handling and braking capabilities improve significantly in wet conditions. As a result, the off-road performance is surprisingly good.
We are not that pleased with the rate this type of tire wears out, though. For the price it’s at, this short service time is not acceptable.
7. Pirelli Scorpion ATR
Best for dry performance
| Sizes Available: 15” to 20” Speed Rating: Q, H, V, W, Y Mileage Warranty: 50000 mile Rim Width Range: 5” to 12” Overall Diameter: 26.1” to 36.1” Revs Per Mile: 576 to 796 Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs Tread Depth: 15/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 50 psi |
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When it comes to dry pavement, the Pirelli Scorpion ATR is a good choice for Subaru Outback. Its combination of a silica-enhanced tread compound and also symmetric tread designs is just too strong. That’s not to mention the radial shoulder grooves, which improve both handling and braking capability.
Fans of quiet rides will also love this tire model. After all, its center tread blocks follow the interlocking design, suppressing quite a bit of noise. This, coupled with the curved central grooves, also promotes a more even wear.
We do want to note that it is not as good at maximum off-road traction due to its focus on dry situations. Please change to another tire set if you want to challenge any off-road pavement.
High Grade
8. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Performance
Best for All-terrain
| Sizes Available: 16” to 20” Speed Rating: S, T, Q, H, V Mileage Warranty: 60000 mile Rim Width Range: 5.5” to9” Overall Diameter: 24.4” to 31.1” Revs Per Mile: 672 to 856 Max Load Capacity: 1,521 lbs Tread Depth: 10/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 50 psi |
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Most tires have a varying cornering capability dependent on the weather condition. That is not the case with the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady All-Terrain Tire. Thanks to its new 3D TredLock technology, the tread blades have a higher grip while cornering, whether be it slushing or snowing.
It also has a special tread compound with a base of soy. This compound is especially pliable, even when facing low temperatures. Goodyear molds this compound into an asymmetrical pattern, improving the traction even more.
You should be careful about braking with this road tire model while on wet roads, though. The longer blades mean that the braking distance is higher than you would think.
9. Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Best for wet performance
| Sizes Available: 13” to 20” Speed Rating: Y, W Mileage Warranty: 50000 mile Rim Width Range: 5.5” to 10.5” Overall Diameter: 27.1” to 30.9” Revs Per Mile: 673 to 774 Max Load Capacity: 1,984 lbs Tread Depth: 9/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi |
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The Michelin CrossClimate SUV’s design focuses solely on being the best at wet traction. Its open shoulders and wide lateral grooves let it evacuate water in a direct path.
As a result, its hydroplaning resistance is among the highest. The tread blocks being in bevel shape also provides more grip for damper surfaces.
You can go quite fast with this tire, thanks to its internal construction of 2 steel breakers and 1 polyester carcass layer. Its accurate steering performance also stays the same with the help of the directional tread pattern.
For its price, the mileage warranty is simply too short. This is even shorter than most affordable tires.
10. Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Touring
Best for steering response
| Sizes Available: 15” to 20” Speed Rating: H, V Mileage Warranty: 50000 mile Rim Width Range: 5.5” to 11” Overall Diameter: 23.4” to 32.1” Revs Per Mile: 651 to 892 Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs Tread Depth: 10/32” Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi |
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The Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Touring Tire has some of the best responses to steering. The reason for this strength is the Race Wrap Construction Technology. This tech is the same one that NASCAR tires use for better stability in handling and steering response.
Goodyear also added in full-depth active sipes for this model to provide it with a better biting edge. This bite is strong in snow, ice, and even rain. The tire’s durability is also higher due to 2 steel belts inside and polyamide reinforcement.
It, however, does make some screeching noise while under heavy load, just like other profession-grade tires. You should keep this issue in mind if you are a fan of comfortable rides.
Subaru Outback Tires FAQs:
What Are The Quietest Tires For Subaru Outback?
Currently, the tire that makes the least noise while on the road for Subaru Outback is the Michelin CrossClimate SUV. The Hankook Kinergy 4S is quieter, but it doesn’t offer the size necessary for a Subaru Outback.
How Long Do Tires Last On A Subaru Outback?
Most of the time, Subaru Outback’s tires need replacing after serving for 2 to 4 years. If you use the car extensively on a regular basis, consider changing tires after every 50000 miles.
Do You Have To Replace All Four Tires On A Subaru?
We recommend changing the whole set at once to ensure uniform grip and response. Of course, if the 3 tires are newly replaced, it’s possible to put in only 1 tire. It must be of the same size, brand, and model, though.
Why Not Replace with Original Equipment Tires?
There is no rule forbidding you from replacing the original equipment tires. In fact, this route is clearly the most convenient, but it is just too vanilla. You need other tire brands for specific needs like longer tread life, winter traction, etc.
What Are The Best Tires for 2017 Subaru Outback, 2018, And 2020?
The Subaru Outback line of cars consists of mostly 17-inch and 18-inch wheels. All the options that we reviewed above have specific strengths and weaknesses, so you should only choose based on your needs.
Conclusion
All in all, we have introduced you to the 10 best tires for Subaru Outback. Each of these choices has some unique strengths. As a result, they can shine brightly under a varying range of conditions. Some are more fitting for snowy conditions. Some can last much longer, some respond better to handling, etc.
