Best Tires For Subaru Outback: Here’s Our Top 11

The Subaru Outback, with its impressive all-wheel drive, offers great performance and versatility. Choosing the right tire, however, is crucial in enhancing this performance, offering a smooth ride, and providing safety in different weather conditions.

In this blog post, we delve into the top eleven best tires for Subaru Outback available today. We review each tire comprehensively, looking at its specifications, unique features, performance characteristics, and benefits to aid you in making an informed decision.

Top 11 Best Tires For Subaru Outback Available

1.      Michelin Defender T+H

The Michelin Defender T+H is an all-season tire that tops our list because of its long-lasting tread life and excellent dry and wet braking performance. Its high-speed stability is outstanding, courtesy of its IntelliSipe technology, which enhances rigidity for an extra biting edge.

In wet conditions, the Defender T+H performs exceptionally well, thanks to its MaxTouch Construction which optimizes contact with the road for a superior grip. Michelin’s Comfort Control Technology uses precision manufacturing techniques to reduce vibrations and road noise, providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The tire also has a good reputation for winter performance. Although not a winter-specific tire, it offers reasonable snow traction. This makes the Michelin Defender T+H a well-rounded choice for Subaru Outback owners looking for comfort, longevity, and reliable all-weather performance.

Michelin Defender T+H all-season tire.

2.      Continental CrossContact LX25

The Continental CrossContact LX25 offers an excellent balance of comfort, performance, and longevity, ideal for your Subaru Outback. The tire boasts EcoPlus Technology, which enhances its wear and fuel efficiency while also providing impressive wet braking.

The CrossContact LX25 uses Continental’s Traction Grooves, improving snow performance. These grooves have biting edges that help grip the road in snowy conditions. Its ComfortRide Technology incorporates a cushioning layer into the tire, reducing road vibrations for a more comfortable ride.

This tire also features QuickView Indicators – visual cues that aid in detecting misalignment, ensuring even treadwear, and determining when the tires should be replaced due to tread wear. These attributes make the Continental CrossContact LX25 a compelling option for those seeking durability, comfort, and year-round reliability.

3.      Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is an all-season tire designed for a quiet, smooth ride and long-lasting performance. It showcases a symmetrical tread pattern that offers reliable traction in dry, wet, or light snow conditions.

This tire employs Bridgestone’s Dual Layer Tread technology where the outer layer wears down to expose a high-grip layer underneath. This helps the tire maintain good wet and snow traction throughout its lifespan. The Dueler H/L Alenza Plus also uses an optimized casing and footprint to evenly distribute weight and pressure, resulting in longer tread life.

Its proprietary Polymer Technology enhances ride comfort and reduces road noise. The tire also boasts excellent fuel efficiency, making it a great fit for Subaru Outback drivers who want to save at the pump while not compromising on performance and comfort.

4.      Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II

The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II is another solid pick for the Subaru Outback. This all-season tire is designed with Pirelli’s latest technology to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, excellent wet and dry traction, long tread life, and improved fuel economy.

The Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II is engineered with an optimized profile and innovative materials to reduce its weight and lower rolling resistance, leading to better fuel efficiency. It also boasts a high silica compound for improved wet and dry grip and even wear. The tire features four wide longitudinal grooves for excellent water expulsion, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

This Pirelli tire is also known for its quiet ride, thanks to its optimized pitch sequence that reduces road noise. For drivers concerned about the environment, the Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II is an eco-friendly option, as it is made using green materials.

5.      Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max

The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is a fantastic option if fuel economy is a top priority. This tire employs Fuel Max technology, which lowers rolling resistance to help drivers save on gas.

The Assurance CS Fuel Max also boasts Wet Tread Zone with Dual Aquachannel Grooves that enhance water evacuation off the tread surface for strong wet traction. For dry conditions, it features a Dry Tread Zone with Solid Shoulder Blocks for steady handling and stability.

Despite being a fuel-focused tire, it does not compromise on comfort. The tire offers a smooth ride and reduced road noise, contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience. It’s a reliable all-season tire for the Subaru Outback, offering good traction in various weather conditions.

Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max sample tire.

6.      Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015

The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is an all-terrain tire suitable for Subaru Outback drivers who often venture off-road. It offers an exceptional blend of off-road traction and on-road manners.

The tire employs Yokohama’s Enduro Compound and optimized tread pattern, which deliver excellent wet and winter traction. The Geolandar A/T G015 is also Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) certified, signifying its ability to perform in severe snow conditions.

Its symmetric tread design and triple 3D sipes provide even wear and improved traction throughout the tire’s life. Meanwhile, the tire’s circumferential grooves effectively expel water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Geolandar A/T G015 offers a comfortable and relatively quiet ride for an all-terrain tire.

7.      Firestone Destination LE3

Rounding out our list, the Firestone Destination LE3 stands out with its excellent all-season performance and quiet, comfortable ride. It’s a well-rounded tire, offering great value for Subaru Outback drivers.

This tire features Firestone’s Hydro-Grip technology, which enhances its performance in wet conditions and reduces the risk of hydroplaning. The Destination LE3 also has full-depth 3D sipes, improving its wet and winter traction.

Its tread compound and optimized footprint deliver even wear and long tread life. Moreover, the tire’s noise-reducing design ensures a quieter ride, improving the overall driving experience. The Firestone Destination LE3’s combination of durability, comfort, and performance makes it a great all-around tire for your Subaru Outback.

8.      General AltiMAX RT43

The General AltiMAX RT43 is a top choice for Subaru Outback drivers seeking affordable quality. This all-season touring tire is designed for long tread life, comfortable ride, and year-round performance.

The AltiMAX RT43 features a high-tech tread compound and symmetric tread design that provide excellent all-weather traction. Its Anti-Slip Sipe Design Technology increases the number of biting edges for superior grip in snowy conditions. The tire’s Low Surface Abrasion Technology reduces tread distortion and surface abrasion to promote longer, more even wear.

The Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI) on the tire alert you to potential misalignment issues early, and the Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) indicates when it’s time for a tire change. These features, coupled with its affordability, make the AltiMAX RT43 a great value choice.

9.      Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail

For Subaru Outback owners who want to venture off the beaten path, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is a perfect choice. This all-terrain tire is specifically designed for crossover vehicles, offering rugged durability and great off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort and performance.

The Wildpeak A/T Trail features an optimized tread design and a high-silica tread compound to deliver excellent traction in wet, snowy, and dry conditions. It is also Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) certified, proving its capabilities in severe snow conditions.

Despite its rugged nature, the tire offers a comfortable ride and controlled handling on the highway. It’s built to resist damage from gravel and rocky terrain, ensuring it’s ready to handle your next adventure.

Wildpeak A/T Trail on the road.

10.      Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is another well-rounded tire that delivers excellent wet and dry traction, a comfortable ride, and long tread life. This all-season tire uses a silica-rich tread compound and an asymmetric tread pattern to provide responsive handling and stable cornering.

The CS5 Ultra Touring features Cooper’s Wear Square visual indicators on the tread that show the extent of wear, helping you to know when it’s time for a tire change. It also has 3D Micro-Gauge siping that enhances traction in wet and snowy conditions.

This tire offers a smooth, quiet ride, thanks to its noise-capturing pockets that reduce noise generated on the road. Its high level of comfort and strong all-season performance make the CS5 Ultra Touring a reliable choice for your Subaru Outback.

11.      Toyo Open Country A/T III

The Toyo Open Country A/T III is designed to deliver superior off-road performance, improved wet and snow traction, and longer tread life. If you’re an adventurous Subaru Outback driver, this all-terrain tire is for you.

The tire features a high turn-up, 3-ply polyester construction that contributes to excellent durability, impact resistance, and handling. Its aggressive tread design with large lateral grooves, open scalloped shoulder blocks, and a high sipe density offer excellent traction on and off the road.

The Open Country A/T III also has stone-ejecting blocks that help prevent stones from drilling into the tread, enhancing its durability. Despite its rugged features, the tire manages to provide a quiet and comfortable ride on highways. Its off-road prowess combined with on-road comfort makes the Open Country A/T III a top choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Best All-Season Tire For Subaru Outback

While this can depend on personal preference and specific driving conditions, the Michelin Defender T+H consistently gets high marks for its longevity, comfort, and all-season performance. It provides a well-balanced combination of dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a quiet, comfortable ride. However, depending on your specific needs, any of the tires mentioned in this article could serve as the best all-season tire for your Subaru Outback.

What Tire Brand Comes With Subaru Outback?

The tire brand that comes with a new Subaru Outback can vary depending on the specific model, trim level, and year. Subaru has been known to equip the Outback with tires from several reputable manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Yokohama, and Continental. Always refer to your vehicle’s specifications or owner’s manual for the original equipment tire brand and model.

Tire Sizes For Subaru Outback

The tire size for a Subaru Outback can vary by model year and trim level. Common tire sizes for the Subaru Outback include 225/65R17 and 225/60R18.

However, always refer to your vehicle’s tire placard located on the driver’s side door jamb or consult your owner’s manual to confirm the appropriate tire size for your specific model. It’s crucial to use the correct tire size to ensure optimal performance, safety, and handling.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tire for your Subaru Outback can enhance your vehicle’s performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. This comprehensive guide gives you a clear understanding of the best tires available on the market, each with its unique strengths and features.

Whether you prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, longevity, or off-road performance, there’s a tire in this list to meet your specific driving needs. Consider your driving habits, climate, and road conditions when making your final decision to ensure you pick the perfect tire for your Subaru Outback.

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About Brock Rangel

Hi, I am Brock, and I am the lead editor/photographer for TheCarColony. I have been a mechanic for over 14 years now, and I am here to spread my car knowledge across the web!