Best Tires for Subaru Outback: Complete Guide

12 Best Tires for Subaru Outback

In 1994, Japan released the first “legacy-based station wagon”, or the Subaru Outback, to the world. At first it was known as the Station Wagon before the term “Outback” was coined.

As a reliable vehicle for families across the globe, the Subaru Outback gained popularity as the years passed. One thing that has always been a little tricky to determine is which tires help maximize the driving abilities for this vehicle.

Knowing the right tires can take your every day driving to the next level and allow you to stay safe in the process. We have put together a list of the top twelve tires for this vehicle and hope that it is helpful in your tire hunt.

Each of the tires have been tested and reviewed by customers and proven to be the top options for each category listed. Once you know which type of tire you are needing, it should be relatively easy to pick one of the two options for your Subaru Outback. Happy tire hunting!

Michelin Defender LTX M/S All-Season Radial - Best All-Season Tire

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When you think about the most reliable and trustworthy brand of tire, there’s a good chance that Michelin comes to mind. For years and years, Michelin has created tires that leave customers with nothing but satisfaction and trust.

The Michelin Defender LTX M/S All-Season Radial tire is no different than the other Michelin tires in this regard. This tire is not going to surprise you with glaring issues at all and will be one you can feel safe driving as the seasons change.

With a comfortable ride for passengers within the vehicle, the Michelin Defender LTX tire is a great option as you will not experience any bumps as you change road conditions. One of the top features on this tire  is the “Evertread” which allows your tires to travel many miles without any sign of wear on the tread.

Another reason so many people are buying this tire is the amazing fuel efficiency and amazing braking capabilities. Oftentimes in rain or snow, braking can be a challenge but with Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires, it is a breeze.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 70,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12”
• Tire Weight: 35 lbs
• Load Index: 109
• UTQG Treadwear: 800
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Michelin Defender LTX M/S Radial tire is available in sizes 15”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity is 2,271 pounds.

How is the winter driving?

This tire is designed to get you through all seasons of the year, including winter. If you plan to drive in light ice or snow conditions, this tire will have your back. For deeper snow driving, however, you need to get a tire with a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for maximum traction.

Toyo Extensa A/S - Best All-Season Tire

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A lot of Subaru Outback drivers enjoy having a tire that can handle all different weather conditions without having to even think twice about safety or reliability. The Toyo Extensa A/S tire was designed for this very purpose, to navigate sunshine, rain or snow with ease.

As with most all-season tires, you will find that the tread on this tire is designed with wide grooves to help push water away to prevent any hydroplaning from happening. This comes in handy when driving in both rain or snow and helps drivers to stay in control at all times.

Another great feature sought after in all-season tires is the ability for the tires to wear at the same rate, and to do so at a slow pace. The Toyo Extensa A/S tires do just that. With the unique tread design, you can expect these tires to last you a long time and be enjoyable every mile you travel.

The last thing you want from your tires is a lot of road noise or uncomfortable bumps or vibrations. These smooth riding tires are perfect for any amount of time you plan to spend in your vehicle.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 65,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11.7”
• Tire Weight: N/A
• Load Index: 99
• UTQG Treadwear: 620
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Toyo Extensa A/S tire comes in sizes 14”, 15”, 16”, and 17”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for these tires is 1,709 pounds.

How is the road noise?

These tires create little to no road noise and are very comfortable for passengers and drivers inside the vehicle.

Yokohama Geolander G015 - Best All-Terrain Tire

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Sometimes Subaru Outback drivers want to get a little adventurous and drive off of the normal paved roads. This is completely safe, as long as your tires can handle the terrain you plan to drive on. With the Yokohama Geolander G015 tires, you can drive anywhere you wish and still have great traction and control.

This tire is a year-round and all-terrain tire built for vehicles just like the Subaru Outback. While it is built for any climate, it does tend to perform really well in cold climates as it has abilities to expand or contract as necessary. The Yokohama Geolander G015 tire has great winter traction in extreme weather conditions, even deep snow driving.

With a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, you know that the Yokohama Geolander G015 tire has been tried and tested in the most severe of conditions and has been proven to be an excellent choice.

As the tire wears overtime, it does not lose its ability to perform well. The tread is long lasting and able to withstand just about anything thrown its way.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 80 PSI
• Tread Depth: 17”
• Tire Weight: 48 lbs
• Load Index: 120
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Yokohama Geolander G015 tire comes in a wide range of sizes from 15”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for this tire is 3,086 pounds.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, the Yokohama Geolander G015 tire has a rating of 8.5 for road noise and an overall ride quality rating of 8.9.

Pirelli Scorpion ATR - Best All-Terrain Tire

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Equipping your Subaru Outback with an all-terrain tire allows for you to have adventure after adventure without a worry in the world as to whether or not your vehicle can handle what lies ahead. All-terrain tires are also rated for handling intense snow conditions too, even if you don’t want to go off of the paved roads.

The Pirelli Scorpion ATR can perform both on and off the road, regardless of the weather outside. With all-season features, you can have confidence that your vehicle will remain gripped to the road regardless of what the weather is doing around you.

This tire has excellent handling and response time as well as the ability to brake with short distances. Often times vehicles skid all over the road when attempting to do this, but not with Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires on board.

Offered in a wide range of sizes, the Pirello Scorpion ATR tire will help you to enjoy your time on or off the roads and maximize your driving experience.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure:  PSI
• Tread Depth: 13-16”
• Tire Weight: 36-52 lbs
• Load Index: 105-120
• UTQG Treadwear: 520
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

This tire can be purchased in sizes 15”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

The Pirelli Scorpion ATR tire can carry anywhere from 2,039-3,195 pounds.

How is the road noise?

Comfort from within the vehicle is crucial to having an overall pleasant experience and this tire certainly delivers in this regard. On a scale of 1-10, it was given a rating of 8.6 for road noise and 8.3 for overall ride quality.

Mastercraft Touring SRT - Best Touring Tire

If you are looking for a touring tire, then chances are you plan to spend a lot of time inside your vehicle and on the roads. Touring tires are designed to give you a long lasting tread with great comfort and the ability to handle any weather condition.

The Mastercraft Touring SRT tire is a great option for this category and will give drivers great traction, regardless of the weather outside. Whether you are needing maximum traction in rain or snow conditions or just a trustworthy tire, look no further than the Mastercraft Touring SRT tire.

In the event of excess water on the roads, the wide grooves in the tread pattern allow for water to be pushed away without your vehicle hydroplaning on the roads. The modern tread compound allows for longer lasting tread as well as well as pitch sequencing in the tread to reduce any road noise.

Backed by a warranty of 60,000 miles, this tire will help you enjoy your time on the roads and give you peace of mind as you travel.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9.5”
• Tire Weight: N/A
• Load Index: 97
• UTQG Treadwear: 440
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

This tire is available in sizes 14”-18”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for this tire is 1,609 pounds

How is the road noise?

The Mastercraft Touring SRT tire creates little to no road noise, making it possible for passengers to experience a very comfortable and bump-free drive.

Continental TrueContact - Best Touring Tire

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A lot of touring tires on the market show similar qualities of an all-season tire. With the ability to handle any weather situation, these tires are long lasting and reliable for people who plan to spend a lot of time on the roads.

The Continental TrueContact tire is known for its long lasting tread that is made possible by Continental EcoPlus technology. In addition to long lasting tread, these tires will give you traction regardless of the weather conditions.

Having a reliable tire in the event of a long road trip will help give drivers peace of mind that their vehicle and family is as safe as possible. With wide grooves, as many all-season and touring tires have, the tire can push water away to prevent hydroplaning and improve traction at all times.

Built with ComfortRide technology, the Continental TrueContact tire was built with your comfort in mind. You will not experience any bumps or vibrations and can expect nothing less than a comfortable and smooth drive.

Specifications:

• Warranty: miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11”
• Tire Weight: 23 lbs
• Load Index: 94
• UTQG Treadwear: 800
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Continental TrueContact tire comes in sizes 15”-19”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for this tire is 1,477 pounds.

How is the road noise?

You will experience little to no road noise with these tires on board.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady - Best Winter Tire

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Do you experience heavy snowfall each winter where you live? If the answer is yes, then you more than likely are going to need tires on your vehicle that can handle the weather and help you get where you need to be.

With a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires are a great option for a tire that really shines in extreme conditions. These tires can cut through the ice or snow to create traction with the road at any time of the year and with any type of ice or snow situation you might find yourself in.

The asymmetric pattern in the tread helps the tire grip the ground at all times and helps drivers to brake safely in short distances. Goodyear has perfected the winter tire to not only perform in severe conditions but also to save you on fuel costs at the same time.

With most winter tires, these need to be installed in a set of four to maximize traction and performance. The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire comes with a warranty of 60,000 miles, so you know you’re protected no matter what happens.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10”
• Tire Weight: 20 lbs
• Load Index: 91
• UTQG Treadwear: 700
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

This tire comes in a wide range of sizes from 15”-20”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire is 1,356 pounds.

How is the road noise?

These tires were rated 8.4 for road noise and 8.9 for overall ride quality, on a scale of 1-10.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 - Best Winter Tire

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When the snow begins to fall, people with winter tires on their vehicles do not have to even think twice about safely getting to their destinations. Winter tires are designed to navigate the most extreme weather conditions with ease, allowing drivers to stay safe in an otherwise unsafe situation.

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tire is a great option for a winter tire for a number of reasons. With interlacing sipes on the tread, the tire will have constant traction with the road, even in ice or snow. The tread is designed to cut through the build up on the road in order to help you safely drive and brake without a problem.

Winter tires need to be installed in a set of four, and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tire is no different. When going for a tire rotation, always remember that they need to be rotated forward and back, but never switching from the original side of installation. Tires with directional tread must always go in the same direction to maximize safety while navigating intense weather conditions.

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 not only performs in these situations, but also give drivers a sense of peace, with no reason to stress over their safety.

Specifications:

• Warranty: N/A
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44-50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11-12”
• Tire Weight: 17-32 lbs
• Load Index: 82-104
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

These tires are available in sizes 15”-19”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity depends on the size of tire purchased but can be anywhere from 1,047 - 1,984 pounds.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires scored an 8.3 for road noise and 9.1 for overall ride quality.

Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS - Best Summer Tire

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Summer tires provide drivers with the freedom to travel on both dry or wet roads and for long distances, if desired. Many people are seeking summer tires if they live in an area with a warmer climate and the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tire is at the top of the line for so many.

In your Subaru Outback, these tires are able to really shine and will have contact with the road in rain or shine. When driving a summer tire, you can also expect great responsive steering and amazing tread wear over time.

The feature of fuel efficiency is another thing that people love about this tire, as the casing on the tire keeps rolling resistance to a minimum and your savings to an all time high.

Backed by a warranty of 45,000-55,000 miles, the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tire will be there for you on your summertime drives.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 45,000-55,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 35-51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9-11”
• Tire Weight: 21-32 lbs
• Load Index: 87-100
• UTQG Treadwear: 400-480
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tire comes in sizes 16”, 17”, 18”, and 20”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity depends on the size of tire purchased but is anywhere from 1,201 - 1,764 pounds.

How is the road noise?

Unfortunately, these tires do create a lot of road noise. On a scale of 1-10, they were given a rating of 5.6 for road noise and 6.2 for overall ride quality.

Falken Pro G4 A/S - Best Summer Tire

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Summer tires are designed to perform on both dry or wet roads, and the Falken Pro G4 A/S tire does just that. You can drive this tire with confidence in any weather condition and know that you will have maximum control at all times.

Your Falken Pro G4 A/S tires will take your driving to the next level with an asymmetric tread pattern that allows for maximum response and handling, traction in snow or water, and straight line stability while driving at higher speeds.

Many people choose this tire for the comfortable and quiet ride from within the vehicle. The amazing tread allows for a long tread life and even wear as the tires are used. The Falken Pro G4 A/S tire is an all-season, high performance tire that your Subaru Outback will thrive with.

With a warranty of 65,000 miles, these tires are a great step up for your vehicle and will help you to enjoy your summertime driving even more!

Specifications:

• Warranty: 65,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10”
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• Load Index: 93
• UTQG Treadwear: 600
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Falken Pro G4 A/S tire is available in sizes 15”, 17” and 18”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for this tire is 1,433 pounds

How is the road noise?

The road noise is reduced on this tire by the tread depth and design.

Falken Ziex STZ05 - Best High Performance Tire

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When it comes to high performance tires, customers need a tire that has maximum handling and response while traveling at high speeds, braking abilities at any distance as well as the ability to take corners and turns at higher speeds.

The Falken Ziex STZ05 is able to do all of these things plus more! When out driving, sometimes an unexpected rain storm comes along and leaves you wondering if your tires will slip and slide on the road. With these tires, you do not have to worry because they create a grip with the road in any weather condition!

Driving at higher speeds is not a problem with Falken Ziex STZ05 tires on board. Your Subaru Outback will fly down the roads all while allowing you to stay in control of your vehicle.

The comfortable ride from within the vehicle is a great selling point for the Falken Ziex STZ05 tires, but you can’t go wrong with a tire that offers a great warranty of 50,000 miles.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 14”
• Tire Weight: 40 lbs
• Load Index: 111
• UTQG Treadwear: 460
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A  

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Falken Ziex STZ05 is a larger tire that comes in sizes 20”, 22” and 24”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for this large tire is 2,403 pounds.

How is the road noise?

These tires do not create an excess amount of road noise and are comfortable for drivers and passengers.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 - Best High Performance Tire

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The most important feature on a high performance tire for most customers is the ability to stay in control when you are driving at higher speeds. This performance tire gives you traction in all weather conditions, hence the “DWS” in the name - meaning dry, wet, and snow.

This tire is made to grip the road at all times, giving you maximum traction when you travel, and even more so at higher speeds. This feature allows drivers to stay safe while they are trying to have a little bit of fun in the process.

The tread is designed in such a way that allows for the most control in dry weather conditions with wide outside shoulder blocks. This tire is even designed to handle light snow conditions well, but it is not recommended that you drive this tire in heavy snow conditions.

As your tire wears, you can expect even tread wear and awareness of what is going on with your tread by the use of Tuned Performance Indicators. With a warranty of 50,000 miles, this is a tire you would get the most out of your Subaru Outback with.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10”
• Tire Weight: 21 lbs
• Load Index: 93
• UTQG Treadwear: 560
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 tire comes in a wide range of sizes from 16”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for this tire is 1,433 pounds.

How is the road noise?

Many people have reported that these tires are extremely comfortable and do not make much road noise at all. You can expect a tire that does not have vibrations or bumps within the vehicle while traveling.

Buyer’s Guide

Understanding the Categories

• All-Season - All-Season tires are designed for driving at any time of the year in any climate. They are a great option for covering all of your bases.
• All-Terrain - All-Terrain tires allow drivers to take their vehicle off of the paved road and enjoy driving anywhere and in any weather condition.
• Touring - Touring tires were created for people who travel long distances and enjoy fuel efficiency as well as just being on the roads.
• Winter - Winter tires are there for those extreme winter weather conditions and allow for maximum traction in the most hazardous and severe cold weather.
• Summer - Summer tires are designed for dry or wet roads, and not typically driven through snowy conditions. Summer tires are great for people who like to take a drive and enjoy the sunshine.
• High Performance - High performance tires allow drivers the ability to travel at high speeds, take turns faster than the average driver, and brake in short distances. These people typically enjoy the thrill of driving and like to take risks behind the wheel.