Your Subaru Forester deserves tires that can handle its all-weather versatility, light off-roading, and family hauling. The tire market for the Forester is pretty broad—anything from all-season touring tires for those quiet highway miles to all-terrain or winter tires for extra grip on muddy, snowy, or gravel roads.
Choosing the right tire really shapes your safety, fuel efficiency, ride comfort, and how your Forester handles in rough weather.
When you’re shopping, keep an eye on tire size, speed and load ratings, tread pattern, and the rubber compound itself.
You’ll want the size to match your wheel and suspension setup. Speed and load ratings need to hit Subaru’s specs.
Tread and compound? That’s what really changes how your Forester feels in rain, snow, or on dirt.
We tried out and compared top picks to find tires that actually balance comfort, traction, and how long they last. Hopefully, this helps you zero in on what fits your driving style best.
Best Tires for Subaru Forester
Picking the right tires lets your Forester handle better, ride smoother, and keeps you safer when the weather turns. Here’s a list of standout tires for the Forester, based on real-world performance, durability, and value.
Fullway 215/60R16 All-Season Set of 4
These Fullway tires are a good pick if you want quiet, smooth all-season grip without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Good all-season traction for everyday driving
- Solid value compared to name brands
Cons
- Not a premium brand
- Delivery can get confusing sometimes
- Long-term wear still depends on how you drive
I put these on my Forester for a mix of highway and town driving. They felt noticeably quieter than my old set.
Cornering felt confident and wet grip was reassuring in light rain. On longer trips, the ride stayed smooth and highway noise stayed low.
Load and stability felt fine, even with cargo and a couple passengers. If you want a cost-effective tire that works for daily driving and light touring, these handle the basics without drama.
Check current price and availability here: Fullway 215/60R16 All-Season Radial Tires.
Fullway HP108 225/55R17 (Set of 4)
These are worth a look if you want an affordable, all-season tire that feels planted on dry roads.
Pros
- Quiet and smooth on paved roads
- Confident cornering for a budget tire
- Handles heavier vehicles without feeling strained
Cons
- Wet traction is just okay—not amazing
- Treadlife isn’t clear from the listing
- Brand isn’t as well-known as the big names
I mounted a set of these on a Forester. They run quietly at highway speed and steering feels stable.
The ride stayed composed over rough pavement. In light rain, the tires held grip well enough for daily driving, though I needed extra care during hard stops compared with pricier all-season tires.
Expect predictable handling, but don’t expect sporty bite. These come in a load-range XL build, which gave my Forester extra confidence when carrying gear.
If you want a low-cost replacement that works on dry roads and handles daily weather, this set is worth considering: Fullway HP108 225/55R17 (Set of 4).
Fullway HP108 (Set of 2)
This set is a decent budget pick if you want quiet all-season grip and decent wear for your daily drive.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Quiet and smooth on pavement
- Reliable wet traction for typical roads
Cons
- Not meant for heavy off-road use
- Ride feels firm if you push hard in corners
- Limited winter traction compared to snow tires
I put these on my Forester and immediately noticed a quieter cabin. Steering felt stable at highway speeds and they tracked straight with barely any road noise.
During rain, the tires gripped well and I felt confident at normal speeds. They shrugged off puddles without slipping, though I didn’t push them in heavy water.
I tried them on some rough side streets. They handled potholes okay, but they’re definitely aimed at road use, not rough trails.
For daily driving and light-duty use, they deliver good performance for the price.
Starfire Solarus AS (225/60R17)
This tire is a strong value if you want quiet, long-wearing all-season performance and don’t want to spend big.
Pros
- Good traction in wet and dry driving
- Quiet ride at highway speeds
- Long tread life for the money
Cons
- Not a true winter tire for heavy snow
- Can be sensitive to road hazards on rough pavement
- Doesn’t have that premium handling feel you’d get from top-tier brands
I put these on a Forester and drove a mix of daily routes, from highway commutes to wet back roads. They felt stable in corners and stayed composed during sudden lane changes.
I noticed less road noise than my old tires, which made long drives easier. On wet mornings, the grip held well and the car felt confident pulling out of intersections.
Acceleration was smooth and the ride stayed cushioned over potholes, though sharp impacts came through a bit more than with expensive touring tires.
If you need year-round tread life and low noise at a budget price, these worked for me. I’d skip them if you’re always driving in deep snow or want a sharper steering response.
Landspider Citytraxx H/P (Set of 4)
This set is a solid all-season, high-performance choice if you want good grip in rain and light snow without paying for a premium brand.
Pros
- Strong wet traction and confident braking
- Smooth, quiet ride on pavement
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Not as durable as top-tier brands over many years
- Load Range XL might feel firmer than stock tires
- Not much long-term tread-life data compared to big names
I put these on my Forester for a mix of highway and weekend mountain drives. They hooked up well in wet conditions and felt stable in corners.
Road noise stayed low at cruising speeds. On light snow, the tread pattern kept the car moving without fuss on my neighborhood streets.
Acceleration felt crisp and the steering response was predictable, which helped when traffic or weather got tricky. Mounting was straightforward and the sidewalls seemed sturdy when I hit rough patches.
I’d go for these if you want a budget-friendly upgrade that acts like a pricier tire in everyday driving.
Landspider Citytraxx H/P (Set of 4)
Buying Guide
What to consider
Start with the tire size listed on your Forester’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Matching size keeps your speedometer honest and ensures proper fit.
You can go a little wider or taller, but only if you know how it’ll affect handling and clearance.
Weather and season
Think about where you drive. Need all-season, summer, or winter tires?
Winter tires grip better on ice and deep snow. All-seasons work for mixed conditions and milder climates.
Tread and traction
Pick tread patterns that match your driving habits. Deeper grooves and biting edges help in snow and mud.
Stiffer tread helps with cornering and wear on dry roads.
Ride comfort and noise
Tire construction matters for comfort. Softer sidewalls soak up bumps but might flex more in turns.
If you’re on the highway a lot, check reviews for road noise.
Load and speed ratings
Choose tires with load and speed ratings that meet or beat your Forester’s specs. Higher ratings give you extra safety if you haul heavy loads or tow.
Tread life and warranty
Compare treadwear ratings and warranty terms. Longer warranties usually mean the tire’s built for more miles.
Know the difference between prorated and full warranties, and what voids them.
Price and value
Balance cost with what you actually need. Cheaper tires can work for low-mileage drivers.
Longer-lasting or specialized tires might save you money in the long run.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size & fit | Ensures proper handling and clearance |
| Tread type | Affects grip in specific conditions |
| Comfort/noise | Impacts daily driving quality |
| Ratings/warranty | Safety and long-term value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers about all-season, winter, and off-road tires, sizing, fuel economy, and when to swap out your Forester’s tires.
What are the top-rated all-season tires for a Subaru Forester?
The Michelin Defender T+H and Continental TrueContact get a lot of love for long tread life and wet grip.
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack and Yokohama Avid Ascend are also strong for comfort and low noise.
Check your Forester’s trim and year for the right size. User reviews for your size and load rating can be really helpful.
How do I choose the right tire size for my Subaru Forester?
Look for the tire placard on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual for the factory size.
Common sizes like 225/60R17 and 225/55R18 show up a lot, but double-check what’s listed for your trim and year.
Match the load index and speed rating too. If you change rim diameter, make sure the overall tire diameter stays close so your speedometer doesn’t go wonky.
Can I use off-road tires on my Subaru Forester for occasional trail driving?
You can throw on light truck or all-terrain tires if you need more grip for trails.
Expect more road noise, a bit worse fuel economy, and faster tread wear on pavement.
Pick a size that fits your wheels and clears the wheel wells. Tires like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A work well if you split time between road and dirt.
What are the best performing winter tires for a Subaru Forester in snowy conditions?
Studless winter tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and Michelin X-Ice Snow are great for snow and ice.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is also a top pick for deep snow and icy roads.
Stick with your usual tire size and, if you can, get a dedicated set of wheels for winter. Swap to winter tires when temps stay below 45°F (7°C).
How often should I replace the tires on my Subaru Forester for optimal safety?
Swap out your tires when the tread drops to 4/32 inch if you drive in wet conditions. Legally, you’ll need to replace them at 2/32 inch in many areas.
Most all-season tires last anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000 miles. It really comes down to the tire compound and how you drive.
If you spot sidewall damage, bulges, or weird wear patterns, go ahead and replace those tires. Tire age matters too—most manufacturers say to change them after six years, even if the tread looks fine.
Which tires offer the best fuel efficiency without compromising traction for a Subaru Forester?
Low rolling resistance tires like the Michelin Defender T+H and Continental PureContact LS do a nice job balancing fuel economy and traction.
They help you save a bit on gas without giving up solid wet or dry grip for everyday driving.
Check out tires with strong EPA or manufacturer fuel-efficiency claims.
Honestly, I’d also dig into real owner reviews for your specific Forester—sometimes that’s where you find the real story.
