Tires keep your Subaru Outback safe, comfortable, and efficient on the road. Choosing the right tires affects grip in rain or snow, ride noise, fuel use, and how long the tires last.
You want tires that match how you drive—commuting, road trips, or off-road. Make sure they fit your Outback’s size and all-wheel-drive needs.
Pay close attention to tread type, seasonal rating (all-season vs. winter), load and speed ratings, and tire size and rim compatibility. Tread design and seasonal performance matter most—they determine traction in wet, snowy, and dry conditions and influence tire life.
We tested and compared top tires for the Outback to help you pick the best set for your driving style and local weather.
Best Tires for Subaru Outback
Here’s a list of the best tires for your Subaru Outback. There are options for different driving needs, weather, and budgets.
Starfire Solarus AS (225/60R17)
Consider these if you want a quiet, long-wearing all-season tire that handles wet and dry roads without costing much.
Pros
- Long tread life and good value for the price
- Smooth, quiet ride at highway speeds
- Predictable wet and dry traction
Cons
- Not ideal for deep snow or heavy off-road use
- Slightly softer sidewall feel at high load
- Lacks premium handling feel of higher-end touring tires
I swapped these onto my Outback and noticed the road noise drop right away. They roll smoothly on pavement and feel stable during highway lane changes.
Rainy days felt confident. The tread gripped well through standing water and I didn’t sense much tramlining on wet on-ramps.
These are more comfort-focused than sporty. Cornering won’t feel razor-sharp, but daily driving, commuting, and long trips stay comfortable and efficient.
If you face heavy snow or want more aggressive performance, you might want to look elsewhere.
Firestone All Season 225/65R17
This tire is a solid, quiet all-season choice for your Outback. You get good wet grip, a comfy ride, and a long tread warranty.
Pros
- Quiet on the highway and comfortable on long drives
- Confident wet traction from deep sipes and grooves
- Comes with a long mileage warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Not the best for heavy snow or deep winter conditions
- You may notice slightly less steering sharpness than sporty tires
- Fitment choices can limit options for uncommon wheel sizes
I put these on my Outback and liked how calm the cabin felt on road trips. Highway hum dropped compared with my old tires, and everyday driving felt smoother.
In wet weather, the tires moved water away well. I felt safer in rain and light puddles, though I wouldn’t rely on them for deep snow or ice.
Mounting and balancing at the shop went fast and trouble-free.
Fullway HP108 (Set of 4)
Consider these if you want a budget-friendly, all-season tire that rides quietly and handles wet and light snow well.
Pros
- Affordable price for a full set
- Smooth, quiet highway cruising
- Solid wet and light-snow traction
Cons
- Not a performance tire for spirited driving
- Some users report occasional sidewall failures
- Light road noise on rough surfaces
I fitted a full set of these on an older Outback and got immediate value for the money. The ride felt calm on highways and daily drives, and braking in rain felt confidence-inspiring for commuting speeds.
You’ll notice a mild road hum at higher speeds, but it never felt harsh. Cornering is stable for normal driving, though I wouldn’t push these for aggressive turns or track use.
If you mostly drive on pavement and need a cost-effective all-season tire, these work well. Be cautious about long-term durability and check the tires regularly for sidewall damage.
Fullway HP108 195/65R15 (Set of 4)
This set can work if you need an affordable all-season tire and you accept some trade-offs in noise and long-term durability.
Pros
- Low price for a full set
- Decent wet traction for everyday driving
- Fits older Outbacks with 15-inch rims
Cons
- Noticeable road noise at highway speeds
- Build feels less solid than premium brands
- Treadlife may be shorter than expected
I drove an Outback around town and on the highway with these tires mounted. They grabbed pavement fine in rain and felt predictable in turns, which made daily driving easy.
Expect a firmer ride at higher speeds where tire noise becomes obvious. Mounting and balance were straightforward, and the tires matched the rim size perfectly.
After several hundred miles, I noticed light vibration at certain speeds that cleared after rebalancing. The sidewall felt thin compared to OE tires I’ve used.
If you need a low-cost replacement and plan mostly local driving, these will do the job.
Firestone All-Season Touring 225/60R17
Consider these if you want a quiet, long-lasting all-season tire that handles wet and light snow for everyday driving.
Pros
- Quiet ride and smoother feel over rough roads
- Predictable wet and light snow traction
- Long tread life for the price
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy snow or aggressive off-road use
- Can be stiff to mount if stored improperly
- Performance taps out at higher-speed spirited driving
I fitted these on my Outback for daily commuting and weekend errands, and they stayed composed across rain and slush. The ride felt noticeably quieter than my old tires, and bumps were smoothed by the extra rubber under the tread.
Wet-road grip impressed me on highway drives; the grooves pushed water out well and reduced that slipping feel. In light snow the tread held steady, but I wouldn’t trust them in deep or icy mountain passes.
These gave me solid mileage over several thousand miles without odd wear patterns.
Buying Guide
Choosing tires for your Subaru Outback starts with knowing how and where you drive. Think about weather, road types, and load.
Your choices affect safety, fuel economy, and ride comfort. Look at tire size and load rating first.
Check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver door for the correct size. Match the load and speed ratings to what you plan to carry and how fast you typically drive.
Consider tread pattern and rubber compound. Deeper treads help in snow and mud.
Softer compounds grip better in cold weather but wear faster. Harder compounds last longer and perform well in warm, dry conditions.
Think about traction and braking performance. Look for tires with good wet and dry stopping distance and reliable cornering grip.
Tread siping and wider grooves improve water evacuation and reduce hydroplaning risk. Balance noise, comfort, and wear.
Some tires give a quieter ride but may wear faster. Touring-style patterns often balance comfort and longevity.
All-terrain designs add grip off-road but can raise road noise. Check warranty and expected tread life.
Longer mileage warranties suggest longer life but read the conditions. Also consider road hazard and workmanship coverage when available.
Use a simple checklist when you shop:
- Verify correct tire size and load rating.
- Choose tread design for your driving conditions.
- Compare wet and dry traction ratings.
- Balance noise vs. durability based on mileage needs.
- Review warranty terms and roadside protection.
Ask a trusted dealer for mounting, balancing, and alignment to extend tire life.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find specific tire models, sizes, winter options, brands, fuel-saving features, and replacement intervals here. Each answer focuses on what to look for and gives concrete examples for Subaru Outback models.
What are the top-rated all-season tires for a Subaru Outback?
Popular all-season choices for the Outback include the Michelin CrossClimate2, Continental TrueContact Tour, and Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack.
These tires balance wet grip, dry handling, ride comfort, and tread life for daily driving and light touring.
How do I choose the right tire size for my Subaru Outback?
Check the sticker on the driver’s door jamb or your owner’s manual for the factory-recommended size.
Common sizes are 225/65R17, 225/60R18, and 245/45R20 depending on model year and trim.
Match load index and speed rating to the factory specs to keep handling and safety correct.
What are the best performing winter tires for a Subaru Outback in snowy conditions?
Top winter tires for heavy snow include the Michelin X-Ice Snow, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
These offer better snow traction, biting edges, and rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures.
Are there any specific tire brands that are recommended for Subaru Outbacks?
Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Nokian, and Goodyear often get strong reviews for the Outback.
Choose a brand that offers the right size, good wet and winter ratings, and warranties that match your driving needs.
What should I consider when looking for tires that offer good fuel efficiency for my Subaru Outback?
Look for tires labeled “low rolling resistance” or those with fuel-saving compounds.
Smaller, narrower tires and proper inflation also improve fuel economy.
Check manufacturer fuel economy or rolling resistance ratings when possible.
How often should tires be replaced on a Subaru Outback for optimal safety and performance?
You should swap out your tires at least every 6 years, even if they seem fine at a glance. If the tread drops below 4/32″ and you’re driving in wet conditions, it’s probably time to get new ones sooner.
Keep an eye out for sidewall damage, uneven wear, or tires that keep losing air. These are all signs you shouldn’t ignore.
