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Last Updated: December 2, 2023
Tires for Subaru Outback are quite a debate online. There are many different opinions and it is not easy to tell which ones are right and which ones are wrong. Subaru Outback, similar to its sibling Forester, is an extremely popular vehicle is Northern America. It is no surprise that I found myself researching Subaru Outback and what are the best tires for these automobiles.
Regarding cargo space, Subaru Outback is one of the most versatile, comfortable, and practical vehicles you can buy. This vehicle is best suited for drivers that want light off-road capabilities. Subaru Outback combines the features of both company's unique symmetrical AWD system and traditional crossover/station wagon body.
The low center of gravity of the Subaru Outback makes it highly responsive, like a luxury sports car. In addition, the symmetrical AWD and increased ground clearance of Subaru Outback's drivetrain give a comfortable driving experience, even when the road ends towards a gravel-covered patch of terrain.
Cost: $148 - $423 per tire
Load Range: SL - XL
Load Index: 91 - 114
Features: Touring, All Season, Performance, Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake
Tread Depth: 10"
Max PSI: 50 - 51 PSI
Weight: 20.99 Lbs - 36.55 Lbs
Warranty: 60,000 miles
Cost: $153 to $231
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 87 - 110
Features: Touring, All Season, Performance
Tread Depth: 10"
Max PSI: 44 PSI
Weight: 17.26 Lbs - 31.0 Lbs
Warranty: 80,000 miles
Cost: $145 - $557 per tire
Load Range: C1 - XL
Load Index: 95 - 129
Features: Touring, All Terrain, Performance, Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake
Tread Depth: 11" - 18"
Max PSI: 35 - 80 PSI
Weight: 25.0 Lbs - 69.0 Lbs
Warranty:
50,000 - 60,000 miles
The ease of maintenance of the Subaru Outback may mean you can only partially replace its tires easily. Choosing a reliable set of tires for this vehicle can be a tiresome experience because it can do many things well.
Before replacing your Subaru Outback tires, it is smarter to ask yourself a few key questions. For example, should you wear durable off-road tires or forget about off-roading? Or should you compromise on some on-road performance to increase traction on the trail? To help you find a great set of tires according to your driving habits and needs, I have listed the best tires for the Subaru Outback.
When choosing the best tires for Subaru Outback, you might need clarification about making an informed decision. The tires you choose reflect what you do with the Subaru Outback. For example, a simple all-season or touring tire can do the trick if you primarily drive on well-paved terrains. But if you tend to do off-road driving over rough patches of terrain, you will need a set of all-season tires with sturdy design and more durability.
Similarly, if you go camping regularly on your Subaru Outback, choosing all-terrain tires can be a more capable solution. In contrast, if you want to drive at a faster pace, a set of reliable summer tires is the best option to go with. Here are top picks for the best tires for Subaru Outback:
Unleash the full potential of your Subaru Outback with the Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires, a touring tire that's not just good but truly exceptional. This tire doesn't just take you from point A to point B; it transforms every journey into a smooth and comfortable ride, handling a variety of conditions with ease and finesse.
Regarding dry roads, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a true maestro. It offers an excellent longitudinal grip, ensuring no issues with accelerating or braking sharply. Even when navigating tricky corners, this tire delivers performance on par with a dedicated summer tire.
But the Michelin CrossClimate 2 isn't a one-trick pony. It also ensures a safer and smoother ride in wet conditions, offering fantastic traction and acceleration. In addition, its stable cornering ability makes it a standout choice, cementing its position as one of the best touring tires for the Subaru Outback.
Regarding durability and tread pattern, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the Subaru Outback's most advanced all-season tire. Its 3D SipeLock technology and multiple tread blocks offer outstanding traction for dry and wet driving conditions. The ingenious tread design and the advanced Thermal Adaptive compound work wonders, ensuring the tire remains flexible even in harsh winter conditions.
But the Michelin CrossClimate 2 doesn't just perform well; it ensures your ride is comfortable and smooth. You can enjoy a quieter ride thanks to the PIANO noise reduction technology and a 3 PMSF rating. Plus, with a 60,000-mile warranty, you can rest assured that this tire is built to last.
Regarding handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is balanced and responsive, with only a subtle hint that you've entered a corner. So why wait? Experience the thrill of driving with the Michelin CrossClimate 2, a tire that delivers in all conditions.
Pros
Rev up your Subaru Outback with the Michelin Defender T+H, a durable tire and a true marathon runner in the world of treads. Boasting a staggering tread wear warranty of 80,000 miles, it's a tire in it for the long haul, outpacing many of its rivals in the category.
But the Michelin Defender T+H isn't just about endurance. Instead, it's a tire that's been upgraded and enhanced, taking the already successful Defender model and pushing it to new heights. The result? A tire that offers impressive longevity and exceptional traction, making it a standout choice for the discerning Subaru Outback owner.
The Michelin Defender T+H isn't just a tire; it's a performance powerhouse. Its excellent grip clings to the road like a true champion, delivering solid performance across all weather and terrain conditions. Whether cruising down a sun-drenched highway or navigating a rain-soaked back road, this tire covers you.
However, every champion has its Achilles heel, and for the Defender T+H, it's heavy snow and ice. While it's a tire that delivers solid performance and durability, it may not provide the traction you need in extreme winter conditions. If you're living in an area where winter shows no mercy, consider a dedicated set of winter tires for your Outback.
In the grand scheme, the Michelin Defender T+H is a tire that truly delivers. With its dependable traction, exceptional tread life, and superb longevity, it's a tire that's built to perform, making it the ultimate four-season tire for your Subaru Outback. So why wait? Gear up with the Michelin Defender T+H and experience the thrill of driving like never before. Read the full Michelin Defender review.
Pros
Get ready to conquer slippery and wet terrains like never before with Yokohama's Geolandar A/T G015, a tire that's not just good but a true off-road warrior. Crafted primarily for SUVs and light trucks, the Geolandar A/T G015 is known to be a factory option for Subaru Outback Wilderness vehicles. If you expect to get a great gas mileage with these tires on, you might want to reconsider purchasing them. But then again, if you grabbed a Wilderness Outback to begin with, the gas mileage was definitely not one of your main concerns.
The secret to the Geolandar A/T G015's impressive mobility lies in its symmetric tread pattern. But that's just the beginning. Yokohama uses an Enduro compound to construct the Geolandar A/T G015, making it resistant to tears and chips. In addition, this compound extends the tire's tread life to an impressive 50,000 miles for LT-metric size and 60,000 for P-metric size.
But the Geolandar A/T G015 isn't just about durability. It's about performance too. With its four deep circumferential grooves, this tire delivers excellent performance, reducing rolling resistance while providing superior traction and grip on snowy pavements.
The Geolandar A/T G015 is a tire packed with features designed to impress. It's perfect for enthusiasts driving on mild to moderate snowy roads. While it performs well in all seasons, it's worth noting that it may struggle with large rocks and deep mud.
So why wait? Gear up with Yokohama's Geolandar A/T G015 and experience the thrill of driving like never before. Whether you're an off-road adventurer or a city cruiser, this tire is ready to take your driving experience to the next level.
Pros
One tire that is super common at the Subaru dealership is the Yokohama AVID Ascend GT - a tire that's not just engineered for performance but is also found on stock Subaru vehicles, underscoring its reliability and fit for the brand. While this tire gets mounted on many Subaru Outbacks by default, it doesn't mean that it is the best tire for the vehicle. As you have gathered based on this review, or a few other tire reviews of mine, Michelin brand seems to be the go to tire brand even for Subaru Outback vehicles. However, they are pricey, therefore choosing the Yokohama Avid GT S35B tire might be a cheaper but still a safe bet.
Pros
For Subaru Outback owners, the Yokohama AVID Ascend GT is an excellent tire choice, especially considering Subaru's trust in fitting these tires on their stock vehicles. Its features cater to the diverse needs of the Subaru Outback, from adventurous off-roading to serene highway drives. The tire promises performance and delivers comfort and longevity, encapsulating everything a Subaru Outback owner desires.
Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS is the most direct and responsive all-season tire on the list of the best tires for the Subaru Outback. With its excellent feel and linear steering, the tire lets you enjoy a smooth ride, even on twisty roads.
The directness of the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS is accompanied by high levels of lateral grip, which is among the best of any all-weather tires for the Subaru Outback. The tire's handling feels balanced and predictable, with good behavior at the limit.
The braking distances of the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS are also among the shortest in the category. The direct nature of the tire allows it to perform excellently in rainy conditions. But when it comes to snow conditions, the grip of this tire is only average. A treadwear warranty of only 40,000 miles is the biggest drawback of the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS.
Pros
Understand Your Driving Conditions: Before choosing a tire, it's crucial to consider the type of terrain and weather conditions you frequently encounter. For example, consider tires with excellent snow traction if you live in an area with heavy snowfall. On the other hand, if you often drive off-road, all-terrain tires might be a good fit.
Tire Type: Several types of tires are available, each designed for specific driving conditions. Here are a few:
Tire Size: Ensure the tire size matches your vehicle's requirements. You can find this information in your vehicle's manual or the driver's side door jamb.
Performance Ratings: Look at the tire's performance ratings, speed rating, and load index. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely maintain, while the load index shows the maximum load the tire can carry.
Tread Pattern: The tread pattern affects a tire's grip, handling, and noise level. Symmetrical tread patterns are common and offer quiet operation and long tread life. Asymmetrical patterns provide good performance on both dry and wet surfaces.
Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation of the tire manufacturer. Brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Yokohama are known for their quality and reliability.
Price and Warranty: Consider your budget and the manufacturer's warranty. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that a good set of tires is an investment in your safety and comfort.
Remember, the best tire for your Subaru Outback fits your driving style, conditions, and budget. It's always a good idea to consult a tire professional before making your final decision. If you want to check out the best tires for Subaru Forester, we have a guide for you as well.
We take pride in providing thorough and unbiased reviews of the latest tire models. To ensure that our ratings are accurate and consistent, we have developed a rating methodology that considers various factors and incorporates statistical analysis.
Our ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being the lowest and five being the highest. We strive to provide detailed and comprehensive reviews that give drivers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions. Overall, this methodology, which incorporates statistical analysis, allows us to provide accurate and reliable ratings for the tires we review on our site.
The Subaru Outback is renowned for being one of the most versatile and practical vehicles on the market, requiring minimal maintenance to perform at its best. However, even the most reliable vehicles need a tire change now and then. Replacing old or damaged tires with new ones is crucial to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
When choosing the best tires for a Subaru Outback, it's essential to consider the driver's habits. The right tires can significantly enhance your driving experience, whether you are an off-road adventurer or a city cruiser.
The tires mentioned above come highly recommended for the Subaru Outback. Each has been carefully selected to complement the vehicle's performance and handling. If you're in the market for new tires for a Subaru Outback, these options are worth considering. They're designed to keep your ride smooth, safe, and enjoyable, no matter where your journey takes you.
The Car Data Reviews Team
Author
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