Equipping your Subaru Outback with the perfect set of tires can significantly improve the overall feeling and performance of the car. Whether you need reliable stock replacement tires, plan to get out onto some off-road terrain, or need good performance in extreme weather climates, we’ve compiled a list of great choices for each category that are available in a size that will fit your Outback.
If you’re simply doing a stock replacement tire, an “all-season” tire is a great option to put on your Outback. Most newer Subaru Outbacks run either a 225/65R17 (Base, Premium, and Wilderness trims) or a 225/60R18 (Limited, Touring, and all XT’s.) All of the tires in this article under the “Stock Replacement” section will be available in these sizes for your Subaru. Please consider that if you have aftermarket wheels or own an older Outback, you may have a different tire size on your car.
If you want to run one of the all-terrain tires in the “Off-Road” section, you can simply upgrade the tire without going bigger. For off-road use, many people will run a 245/65R17 which is slightly larger than stock for added clearance. This size may rub slightly, but a lot of people are using these and they look really good on lifted Outbacks!
Winter tires are a good option for anyone who lives in a colder climate or anywhere that there is snow in the winter months. It’s also a great choice for those who are planning to visit ski resorts during ski and snowboard season. When choosing a winter tire you may have trouble finding your exact stock size available. However, we’ve found that a size that is +/- a half inch in overall diameter larger or smaller usually works just fine on a non-lifted Outback. You may experience slight rubbing on the splash guards, but that is not typical. Most tire shops online will specify the overall diameter of each tire size as you’re shopping.
All Season Stock Replacement Tires
Michelin CrossClimate2 (Best All Around Option)
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is probably the most unique tire option here. It is a top-notch stock replacement tire that offers all-season versatility and exceptional wet and dry traction. Its unique V-shaped tread pattern enhances handling and braking performance, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. With an average rating of 4.8/5 from TireRack, Consumer Reports, and Amazon, it’s clear that this tire is highly regarded by users.
This tire shines dramatically in its ability to take on wet conditions and very light snow properly. The tread design allows the tire to evacuate water and snow easily. Additionally, they are one of the quietest options out there. If you have the financial resources to purchase this tire as a stock replacement, this is a fantastic choice.
Continental ExtremeContact (Most Sporty Option)
Drivers looking for a tire with good dry and wet performance will find the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 to be an excellent tire. Thanks to its advanced silica compound and sporty tread design, this tire delivers impressive cornering stability and responsive handling. With an average rating of 4.6/5 from TireRack, Consumer Reports, and Amazon, it’s a great choice.
I used this tire on a 2018 WRX that I owned previously and it absolutely changed the way the car handled. I really enjoyed these a lot and would buy them again.
Note that the 235/55R17 is the closest to stock size for 17 inch wheels and the 235/55R18 is closest to stock for the 18 inch Outback wheels. They are both roughly 1.5% smaller in overall diameter.
Hankook Dynapro HT RH12
The Hankook Dynapro HT RH12 proves to be an excellent selection for the Outback. Boasting commendable mid-range performance in terms of tread life and traction, it has garnered high praise from both consumers and industry experts. Its consistent wear throughout its lifespan ensures dependable handling and traction. Whether encountering dry or wet roads, and even in mildly snowy conditions, this tire performs very well. With its reasonable price point, we think it’s a smart choice for the discerning consumer.
One of the standout features of the Dynapro is its exceptional durability, making it reliable for long-lasting performance on various terrains. Its robust construction and innovative tread design provide excellent stability and control, instilling confidence in drivers on both highways and off-road adventures. Moreover, the tire’s low rolling resistance contributes to improved fuel efficiency, making it an eco-friendly choice for eco-conscious drivers. To top it all off, this tire has a 70,000 mile warranty from Hankook.
I have actually run an older version of these on a car that I used to own and I absolutely loved them. They were a really good all around tire that had great tread wear durability. But don’t take it from me. They have a 4.9 rating on Discount Tire Direct with great reviews.
Bonus: Landgolden LGV 77 (Most Affordable Option)
This is a great high-performance, all-weather tire designed for passenger vehicles and SUVs such as our Outbacks. Its innovative asymmetric ribbed tread design and specialized compound ensure exceptional all-weather traction, promoting improved dry, wet, and winter weather performance. The tire’s controllability is upgraded through three center ribs maintaining surface contact, enhancing steering responsiveness and stability, while the shoulder block pattern and siping improve cornering and braking capabilities. Additionally, the LGV 77 offers a quiet and comfortable driving experience with its sound-cancelling tread design, reducing road and tread pattern noise for passengers’ enjoyment.
Landgolden is a much lesser known brand that is produced in Thailand but I have owned a set of their tires and was really impressed with the ride quality for the price. If you are in a pinch and need to buy a tire on a budget, this is a great option. When I purchased a set of them, I got them on Priority Tire and they actually showed up pretty quick.
Off-Road Tire Options
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (Daily Drivable All-Terrain Option)
Balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail features a multi-terrain tread pattern that provides excellent grip in various conditions. Its optimized sipes and silica compound ensure enhanced wet and winter performance, ensuring a safe and confident ride. With an average rating of 4.6/5 from TireRack, Consumer Reports, and Amazon, this tire is a reliable and versatile option.
One thing to consider is that the Wildpeak AT Trail is NOT the same as the heavier Wildpeak AT3W. This tire is a much less aggressive all terrain which makes it great for daily driving. It’s important to note that this is not a great tire choice for someone who plans to drive trails that have sharp objects on them as the sidewalls are lightweight. I’ve seen rocks and even a sharp branch puncture this tire. Again, this is a great tire but buyers need to make sure it meets their needs.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is designed to deliver strong grip on various terrains, including snow and gravel. Its durability and long-lasting tread life make it a reliable companion for adventurous drivers. With an average rating of 4.4/5 from TireRack, Consumer Reports, and Amazon, this tire is a favorite among Subaru Outback owners.
Note that this tire is actually the same model that Subaru equips each Wilderness Edition Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek with from the factory. We’ve personally used these tires and they are a fantastic off-road tire that doesn’t interfere with on-road manners. They perform great in the snow and still feel fantastic on the highway. For a more mild all-terrain tire, this is one of our favorite options by far.
Toyo Open Country AT3 (Wide Range Of Sizes Available)
Presenting the Toyo Open Country A/T III – an excellent tire for those seeking to add to their Subaru’s appearance while gaining off-road capabilities. This tire is purpose-built to conquer any adventure, whether you’re cruising along highways or venturing into mild off-road trails. Featuring an aggressive tread design and sturdy construction, it ensures commendable traction on diverse surfaces. Users rave about its top-notch performance on dry roads, wet surfaces, and even muddy terrains, making it a versatile companion throughout your journey.
A very close friend of mine runs these tires on both of his lifted Subarus and absolutely loves them. Both of the cars are daily driven by him and his wife. They still perform very well on the wet trails throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The AT3 is available in an extensive array of sizes to fit almost any Outback trim level. Among the popular sizes are 225/65R17, 245/65R17, and 225/60R18. Expect a proper fit and an unwavering sense of capability across any terrain.
Cooper Discoverer A/T3 (Great US-Made Tire)
For Outback owners looking for a tire with balanced on-road and off-road performance, the Cooper Discoverer A/T3 is a solid choice. Its silica-based compound enhances traction in wet conditions, and its durable construction ensures a long-lasting tread life. With an average rating of 4.5/5 from TireRack, Consumer Reports, and Amazon, this tire is highly regarded for its all-around capabilities.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Aggressive All-Terrain Tire)
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a powerhouse when it comes to off-road adventures. Its aggressive tread pattern and strong sidewalls allow it to conquer the toughest off-road challenges. With an average rating of 4.8/5 from TireRack, Consumer Reports, and Amazon, this tire is popular and reliable.
Please note that this tire is a bit more heavy duty than what the average Subaru needs. They are designed for pickup trucks and full size SUV’s. I personally think this tire is best for people planning to do more “hardcore” trails on a regular basis.
Tires for Cold Snowy Climates
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
The Blizzak WS90, Bridgestone’s exceptional Studless Ice & Snow winter tire engineered to empower drivers of sedans, coupes, minivans, and crossovers with unwavering control in the harshest winter conditions. When facing the most challenging winter driving scenarios, the Blizzak WS90 is the go-to option.
The WS90 showcases a directional pattern with heightened block stiffness, ensuring responsive steering and extended wear life. Bridgestone’s EdgePerformance Technology Package encompasses full-depth features and interlocking sipes, enabling the tire to maintain impressive performance throughout its lifespan. Compared to its predecessor, the tread pattern exhibits a larger contact area and 15% more block edges, translating to enhanced ice traction and reduced braking distances on slippery surfaces. The tire is crafted from Bridgestone’s cutting-edge Multi-Cell compound with bite particles, which actively removes the thin layer of water forming between the tread rubber and icy roads, thereby enhancing ice grip. Silica enhancements within the compound further improve traction on snowy and icy terrain.
The Blizzak is one of my all time favorite studless snow tires. It handles great, feels comfortable on the road, and provides good control in the snow.
Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 (Best Bang For The Buck)
The winter challenges of low temperatures, icy roads, slush, and snow during your daily commute call for a reliable solution. Falken’s Wildpeak F-Ice 1 winter tire is specifically engineered to address these issues for drivers of coupes, sedans, CUVs, SUVs, and minivans which makes it great for Subaru Outback owners. Its remarkable flexibility in colder temperatures ensures consistent traction, making it an ideal companion for winter journeys.
While you can enjoy the grip of this tire without studs, the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 can be fitted with TSMI #12 or #13 studs, enhancing traction on icy and snow-covered roads. The tread is equipped with sipes, which effectively bite into the road surface, delivering superior braking performance on icy terrains. Furthermore, the tire’s special rubber compound maintains flexibility even in the most frigid conditions, guaranteeing a steady grip throughout your winter drives. With curved grooves and open shoulders, it effectively evacuates water and compact snow, providing enhanced traction and stability.
This tire is very affordable and is available in a lot of sizes that are popular with Subaru owners. You can get them in 225/65R17 and 225/60R18 for whichever current Outback model you own.
With this list of 11 top-rated tires for your Outback, you can confidently choose the perfect set that suits your specific needs. Whether you need reliable stock replacements, off-road capability, or all-weather adaptability, these tires will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience in any condition. While this list may not contain every possible option, it’s a list of tires that we believe contains no “bad” choices.
Always remember to purchase your tires from a reputable dealer and to have them rotated regularly. If you need additional help selecting a tire, a trusted mechanic should be able to provide additional insight.
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