The Subaru Outback has been traversing hostile terrain worldwide long before crossovers and SUVs assumed dominance.
Because there are so many tire brands, selecting a new set of tires for Subaru Outback might be challenging.
Should you choose a tough on-road tire and ignore off-roading, or should you compromise on-road performance to improve traction off-road?
The tires you select should reflect how you want to use your Outback, which is entirely up to you and heavily depends on your driving style.
Don’t worry! We’ve searched the market and listed down the best tires for Subaru Outback — tires that will bring out the best performance in your prized vehicle!
The 10 Best Subaru Outback Tires in 2022
Before investing in a brand-new set of tires, you should carefully analyze your driving habits, given the versatile and capable nature of the Subaru Outback.
Straightforward touring all-season tires might work if you usually travel through cities and on reasonably well-paved roads.
There is no issue with the Subaru Outback being completely capable of routine city driving.
However, if you go off-road frequently in more challenging terrain, you’ll need a pair of the best all-season tires that are harder and more resilient.
Snow tires are a great option if you reside somewhere with severe winters.
We put together a list of the best tires for Subaru Outback so you can pick one that suits your needs and budget:
1) Michelin Defender LTX M/S – Best Overall
Source: michelinman.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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 psi
The MaxTouch Construction of the Michelin Defender LTX M/S makes it particularly robust.
By distributing loads of cornering, accelerating, and braking more equally, this design increases both longevity and stability.
As a result, there is lower rolling resistance and longer tread life.
Four enormous circumferential grooves are present. These significantly increase the tire’s grip in both snowy and slick situations.
With the aid of the full-depth sipes, this grip can be simply released, making for a considerably quieter and more comfortable ride.
You can use it in light snow but not in deep snow conditions. Additionally, the cost is too high.
PROS
- Having a large selection of sizes
- Both are rather silent and comfortable ride
- Fantastic tread compound
- Equilibrated tread wear
- Durable tread life
CONS
- Bad when there is a lot of snow
2) Milestar MS932 Sport All Season Radial Tire – Best Value
Source: walmart.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- Brand: Milestar
- Model: Sport Milestar MS932
- Weight: 27.2 lbs
- Radial all-season tires
- All year round, performance touring design provides good traction on the road
- Superior traction in slippery, snowy, rainy, and dry environments
- Aquaplaning risk is decreased by wide circumferential grooves
- Continuous traction is provided by lateral siping
- Provide a peaceful and comfortable ride for drivers
Performance touring tire for all-season driving, the Milestar MS932 Sport.
The tire’s construction uses a sophisticated silica compound to enhance handling and braking in wet conditions while maintaining excellent dry pavement performance.
It is provided with broad circumferential ribs to increase lateral grip and stability, as well as a plethora of lateral siping to offer constant traction and grip on slick or loose conditions.
The Milestar MS932 Sport’s optimized tread pattern helps the tire maintain a flat contact patch while enhancing comfort and steering response.
A limited treadwear warranty of 50,000 miles is included with this all-season tire.
If you’re strapped for cash, the Milestar MS932 Sport is a good option and starts at about $60 per. It is offered in diameters ranging from 14″ to 20″ and will fit all Subaru Outback models.
PROS
- Excellent corners responsiveness
- Fantastic traction and grip considering the cost
- Solid in a lot of rain
- A smooth ride
- Very cheap tire
CONS
- Less effective braking than premium competitors
- A little too loud on the highway
- Ineffective in snow
3) Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS – Best Budget Pick
Source: bridgestonetire.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- Silica all-season tread compound
- Wide shoulder blocks
- Advanced tread design
- Jointless cap ply
- H, V, and W-Speed Rated
- 17″ to 20″ Rim Diameters
- 40 to 65 Series
- 10 Sizes
- 40k Limited Treadwear Warranty
It is the most direct and responsive touring all-season tire on our list, with a great feel and highly linear steering. On a winding route, it’s a true joy to drive!
Fortunately, the directness is matched with some of the best lateral grips of any all-season Subaru Outback tire.
The handling seems reasonably balanced and reliable, with decent behavior being the maximum. The braking distances are also some of the shortest in the class.
However, the Dueler H/P Sport AS also makes an impression in the rain thanks to its exceptional all-around traction and grip and the direct nature of the tire.
Among other tires, the braking distances are also among the lowest. If you want a more enjoyable driving experience, use this tire.
PROS
- Extremely responsive steering
- Deliver superior traction level and grip on dry pavement
- One of the top all-season tires in the rain
- Quiet
CONS
- Guarantee for low treadwear
- Some surfaces can make the journey uncomfortable.
4) Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Source: goodyearautoservice.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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
One of the best tires for Subaru Outback is the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady. The easiest way to put it is this: This tire is prepared for everything.
The tire initially appears to be one of the all-terrain tires that has been reduced in size.
The Severe Snow Certified (SSC) Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire is designed to deliver unwavering traction and grip even in highly icy or snowy situations.
It is also one of the best all-season tires. It has an asymmetric tread design with sweeping traction grooves to efficiently drain water or slush from the tread face.
Evolving Traction Grooves keep things nice and steady as the tire wears down.
PROS
- Outstanding cornering under most conditions
- Reliable dry pavement handling and consistent traction
- Good dry braking
- Respectable tread life
- Capable of surviving some extreme weather conditions
CONS
- Bad wet braking
5) Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season
Source: goodyear.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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
It is difficult to leave out the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season when discussing the best tires for the Subaru Outback.
This all-season touring tire is made to provide the best levels of grip and traction throughout all-season driving. Yes, even light snow falls under this.
A unique tread compound is used to construct the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season tire.
The rubber is designed to provide exceptional traction and grip on dry and wet surfaces while providing substantial grip on icy or snowy routes.
The asymmetric tread pattern enhances high-speed vehicle stability and steering response.
Additionally, the tire has full-depth sipes to increase grip even when it loses its hold.
PROS
- Amazingly responsive to steering
- Capable of good traction for all-season driving
- Durable
CONS
- Bad road noise levels
6) Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Source: tirerack.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV was explicitly designed to have the best-wet traction. It can directly remove water thanks to its open shoulders and wide lateral grooves.
Its hydroplaning resistance is consequently among the best. The bevel form of the tread blocks also increases traction on damper surfaces.
This tire’s internal composition with two steel breakers and one polyester carcass layer allows for rapid movement.
With the aid of the directed tread pattern, it maintains the same level of precise steering performance.
The mileage warranty is simply too short for the price. Even more compact than the cheapest tires are these.
PROS
- Amazingly ideal for rainy environments
- Dry braking distance that is short
- Waterskiing resistance
- High fuel efficiency
- Precise steering reaction
- Quiet ride
CONS
- Premium cost
- Warranty for fewer miles
7) Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
Source: 1010tires.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- Brand: Bridgestone
- Model: 106140
- Weight: 26.6 pounds
- Versatile all-season tires
- Impressive tread lifespan
- Specially designed for mid-level and premium coupes
- Provide better snow traction
- Low rolling resistance
- Provide excellent fuel economy
- Unique grooves reduce road noise
- A series of lateral and circumferential grooves reduce the risk of aquaplaning
- Reinforced inside with high-tensile steel belts
Long wear life, a quiet and comfortable ride, and reliable performance over wet, dry, or snowy pavement are all these features of this all-season touring tire.
The Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus is made of a high-silicon compound blended with polymer and NANOPRO-TECH technology.
With this setup, the tire’s rolling resistance will be reduced while the wear performance is enhanced without sacrificing all-season traction and grip.
To provide a virtually silent ride, this tire has an asymmetrical tread pattern with RENOA silencer grooves (Resonance Noise Attenuated).
No other tire even comes close to the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus in terms of road silence, riding comfort, and extended wear life.
PROS
- Traction and cornering ability
- Great dry and wet road handling
- Perfect tread life
- Very smooth ride
CONS
- Snow/ice traction could be slightly better
8) Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Source: bridgestonetire.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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
Because of the superb traction, braking, and handling, you won’t have trouble steering your Outback even during a snowstorm. It is one of the best winter tires on the market.
Like the X-Ice Snow, the WS90 has well-balanced handling on dry roads and some of the lowest braking distances in its class, making it a perfect everyday driver.
Short braking distances and a natural feel in the corners characterize the rain traction, which is equally outstanding.
Even though it is a little louder than the X-Ice Snow, the Blizzak WS90 is still relatively quiet for a winter tire.
Although this shouldn’t be a problem for most individuals, the ride quality can be unpleasant over severe wrinkles.
PROS
- Outstanding braking and acceleration on ice
- Outstanding traction and braking on icy roads
- A fantastic daily driver that performs well on both dry and wet pavement
- Quiet enough for a winter tire
CONS
- Some surfaces can make the ride rough.
- Expensive
9) Pirelli Scorpion ATR
Source: tirerack.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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
Another well-known brand regarding best tires is Pirelli, and for a good reason. Their “Scorpion” design makes great all-terrain tires for Subaru Outbacks.
They provide customers with comfort and traction on the road, and they easily withstand shocks and uneven terrain off it.
The intelligently created tires also have a self-cleaning tread intended to throw rocks and other waste away.
When you hit the trails, the rugged construction provides a surprisingly comfortable ride because it can easily withstand shocks and uneven surfaces.
Additionally, this all-terrain tire was meticulously designed to prevent aquaplaning, keeping you secure in slick circumstances.
PROS
- Quiet even at great speeds
- Reasonable comfort on erratic surfaces
- Exceptional on-road stability and handling
- Maximum traction on a dry surface
CONS
- Snow traction and braking are not spectacular.
- Light off-road capabilities
10) Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
Source: yokohamatire.com
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- 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
Thanks to the AWD system, the Subaru Outback is a capable off-road vehicle that provides you with high-performance tires for Subaru Outback.
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a very well-liked tire that comes in sizes identical to the OEM measurements of the Subaru Outback tire and is also great all around.
Importantly, this tire will give you superb traction on gravel and dirt and can even function in shallow mud. It is a mild all-terrain tire, so 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.
Additionally, there is outstanding dry grip and traction, highly balanced handling, and superb conduct at the limit. Excellent highway stability is also present.
PROS
- Excellent traction on sand and gravel
- A high-performance tire
- Excellent braking and handling in the rain
- Dependable handling and traction in light snow
- Quiet all-terrain tires
- Extended treadwear warranty for an all-terrain tire
CONS
- In case of repeated strikes, it could be harsh.
Best Replacement Tire Buying Guide for the Subaru Outback
You have many options when choosing replacement tires for your Subaru Outback.
Which tire you choose ultimately depends on where you live and the driving conditions you typically encounter.
We’ve put up this guide to assist you in choosing the best tires. Below, we go over some essential things to consider when buying tires and how to best take care of them.
You can make an informed choice that fits your lifestyle and your car by taking into account these critical variables, so don’t panic if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by your options:
1) Your Residence
Your tire needs are typically directly related to where you live worldwide.
All-terrain or off-road tires are likely more advantageous for rural drivers than touring tires, which suburban drivers may prefer.
We’ll go into more detail about a few different tire types later.
For now, know that your area’s weather and road conditions should be considered when choosing new tires.
2) Handling and Grip
How a tire handles and grips the road should be crucial for anyone buying them.
Given that different tires are made to perform well in various circumstances, it can be challenging to determine a tire’s ability to adhere to the road simply by looking at it.
Make sure you get from a reputable company and read some unbiased reviews to ensure you get a tire suitable for excellent traction.
3) Weather Suitability
As previously stated, the climate is crucial when selecting your new tires.
For example, if you reside in an area where it frequently rains, you’ll need to know how well your tires perform in slick circumstances.
Keep an eye out for aquaplaning-preventing grooves and a reasonable wet stopping distance.
Additionally, if you are in a region with highly chilly winters, keep an eye out for an all-weather tire that can handle light snow and ice.
4) Environment Suitability
This indicator of suitability is intimately related to the kind of tire you select, just like it is to the local weather and climate.
It is preferable to choose an off-road or all-terrain tire that can handle the situation if gravel tracks and muddy paths are part of your regular life.
On the other side, normal tarmac roads are where touring tires perform at their finest.
5) Comfort
Although it might appear unimportant compared to the other considerations, comfort is vital.
It might be annoying if a set of tires makes your driving noisy or bumpy.
Making every effort to maintain a comfortable — and thus focused — driving experience is essential because distracted driving contributes to about 25% of all fatal car accidents.
Tire Selection for Your Subaru Outback
As previously said, you will have several options while purchasing a new pair of tires for your Outback. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks:
- Touring Tires: These are best suited to hotter weather, providing good traction on wet and dry roads. They are built of more durable rubber than winter or all-season tires, making them an excellent choice if you live in a warmer environment.
- Winter Tires: The best winter tires are built to handle snow and ice; many have metal studs surrounding the tread. The most significant disadvantage is that they cannot be used on conventional pavement.
- All-Season Tires: These may be your best bet if you reside in a seasonal climate. They provide a smooth and quiet ride and can easily grip the road all year. Most all-season tires also enhance fuel economy when compared to typical winter tires.
- All-Terrain Tires: These tires may provide all-season traction on virtually any surface. It could be the ideal answer if you frequently travel on muddy trails and smooth roadways. They have an aggressive tread pattern that extends to the edge.
Subaru Outback Tire Size Replacement
Depending on the model, your Subaru Outback may have 17-inch or 18-inch wheels that require tires.
If you have aftermarket wheels (or are upgrading them), you may have a different size, but most Outback versions will have either 17s or 18s.
When sizing tires, the usual rule of thumb is to keep the total diameter of the tire and wheel constant regardless of how other metrics are changed.
A lower wheel diameter would be required to compensate for a larger sidewall tire (which provides cushion and comfort).
Similarly, switching to a thinner profile tire necessitates a big wheel. There are some advantages to downsizing wheels:
- Improved ride quality – More rubber and sidewall provides more comfort on rough roads.
- Cost savings – Thin profile tires are expensive; therefore, switching to a smaller wheel size for a larger sidewall equals cheaper tires.
- Seasonal changes – The tires and wheels must match if you need to switch to winter snow tires.
- Off-road – Smaller off-road wheels offer more tire sidewall for comfort and traction off the pavement.
Going up in wheel size has benefits as well:
- Better handling – The tighter the road feel and grip, the smaller the tire profile.
- Better aesthetics – Having smaller profiles and larger wheels is increasingly fashionable.
- Better braking – Lower profile tires often have more tread in contact with the road, resulting in shorter stopping distances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are the answers to the most typical inquiries regarding Subaru Outback tires:
What Is the Quietest Tire for a Subaru Outback?
The Hankook Kinergy 4S is quieter but doesn’t give the size required for a Subaru Outback; therefore, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV now generates the slightest noise while driving.
What Tires Come Standard on Subaru Outbacks?
Two alternative wheel sizes are offered for the Subaru Outback.
The 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium trim levels require tires with a size of 225/65 R17.
The 225/60 R18 tires are mounted on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which are standard on the other Outback grade levels.
How Often Should You Replace Tires for Subaru Outback?
Even if the tires have plenty of treads left, you should replace them if they are six years old (or older).
Are All-Season Tires Standard on Subaru Outback?
Almost all durable tires in the US are “All Seasons,” and they come on every Subaru Outback as standard (except the sports cars: WRX, STi, and BRZ, which wear “Summer Tires”).
Your Subaru Outback will operate brilliantly with all-season tires in various temperatures and weather.
What Is the Correct Tire Pressure for the Subaru Outback?
Depending on the manufacturing year, the ideal pressures may change, but for most Outbacks, 33.4 PSI is the recommended level.
Are Tires With Aggressive Tread Patterns Effective in the Snow?
The mud tires’ effective on-road and snow performance is sacrificed by their aggressive tread pattern. It lacks the traction to maintain the tire’s surface grip on ice or dry pavement.
When Should I Rotate My Tires for Subaru Outback?
Rotating your tires regularly helps to lengthen their life and improve their performance by ensuring that each tire wears evenly.
What Do Multiple Inboard Tread Blocks and Low-Oil Tread Do?
The variable pitch sequencing of these blocks reduces tire noise, giving a quiet and comfy ride; the low-oil tread compound improves all-season grip and braking capability.
What Are Independent Tread Blocks?
A tread design uses features to deliver specific capabilities, such as hydroplaning resistance or a smooth, comfortable ride. It is one of the features.
Summary
Here’s a quick summary of our top picks for the Best Tires for Subaru Outback:
Best Budget Pick: Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS
For those on a tight budget, the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport is a solid option for SUVs and light truck drivers.
Bridgestone has a long history of receiving positive ratings and evaluations in the tire sector.
A three-season tire designed for traction and control in both wet and dry conditions, the Dueler H/P Sport.
Although this tire performs well in the hot months, it is not suggested for use in snowy situations. Consider the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS if you live somewhere chilly.
Best Value: Milestar MS932 Sport All Season Radial Tire
Our best value option is this Milestar MS932 Sport All Season Radial Tire.
Your car’s grip on the road will be improved all year long with the help of this performance touring tire.
The tire’s all-season tread pattern enables it to handle and provide exceptional wet traction and light snowy and icy situations.
The risk of aquaplaning is significantly decreased because of the wide circumferential grooves in the tread that help to drain water in wet circumstances.
Lateral siping in the tread, meanwhile, aids in maintaining traction in bad weather.
Best Overall: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
With its incredibly adaptable Subaru Outback performance all-season tires, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S gets things started on our list.
Even in extreme weather and over rugged terrain, the tires’ distinctive Evertread compound helps them last very long.
This tire may be ideal for you in a humid area because it has a proven tread design that reduces stopping distances on wet surfaces and improves snow traction.
Conclusion
We’ve given you an overview of the best tires for Subaru Outback. Each of the models highlighted has unique advantages and complements the varied owners’ lifestyles.
All-season tires that deliver good performance are the finest ones on the Subaru Outback.
The tires could benefit from being durable enough to withstand the demands of easy off-road trails.
The best tires for Subaru Outback are listed here to help you get the perfect set at the lowest possible price. Therefore, regardless of where the tire is placed, you should pick one that suits your lifestyle.
Before purchasing, choose the best tire type for your needs and thoroughly study the reviews.