Like a station wagon on hiking boots, the Subaru Outback has been going strong for decades, and for good reason. Here are some great tire choices for the low-slung, all-wheel-drive SUV, whether you’re daily driving in the suburbs or going off the beaten path. From all-season and winter-rated to affordable and more premium tires.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
- Price (US): Around $200-$250 per tire
- Price (CAD): Around $250-$310 per tire
Top features:
- Evertread technology for improved durability
- Comfort Control technology for a quiet ride
- MaxTouch Construction for even wear and extended tire life
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a top choice for the Subaru Outback, blending all-season performance with impressive durability. This tire’s Evertread technology easily tackles wet and snowy roads, while the advanced tread design offers superior handling for a safe, stable ride. Drivers can take advantage of a quiet journey thanks to Comfort Control technology, and MaxTouch Construction ensures even wear, extending the tire’s life and saving you money in the long run. Plus, its high load capacity makes it perfect for heavy-duty tasks and towing adventures.
Here’s our full review of the Defender LTX M/S Tire.
Sailun Atrezzo 4Season
- Price (US): Approximately $90-$110 per tire
- Price (CAD): Approximately $120-$130 per tire
Top features:
- Slots and sipes for improved traction and stopping power
- Directional asymmetric tread pattern for all-weather driving
- 3PMS certification for snow performance
The Sailun Atrezzo 4Season is an affordable option for the Subaru Outback, providing quality build and excellent traction control. Available in 225/55R16 and 225/45R17 sizes, it features slots and sipes for improved traction and stopping power on wet and snowy roads, along with a directional asymmetric tread pattern for all-weather driving. Despite lacking a premium brand logo, it offers great value for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the Sailun Inspire All-Season touring tire is another excellent, affordable choice.
Continental TrueContact Tour
- Price (US): Around $120-$150 per tire
- Price (CAD): Around $150-$190 per tire
Top features:
- Advanced tread compound for excellent grip and traction
- EcoPlus technology for improved fuel efficiency
- ComfortRide technology for a smooth, quiet ride
The TrueContact Tour is another popular all-season tire for Subie’s mid-size Outback. Its advanced tread compound provides exceptional grip and traction on wet or dry roads, making it a safe choice for any weather conditions. The tire’s EcoPlus technology improves fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance, saving money on fuel costs over the tire’s lifespan. The TrueContact Tour’s ComfortRide technology also promises a comfortable ride, reducing road noise and vibrations. Additionally, the long tread life and durability make it a great value for the price, so it’s also a cost-effective choice for Subaru Outback owners looking for a reliable tire.
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II
- Price (US): Approximately $150-$180 per tire
- Price (CAD): Approximately $190-$230 per tire
Top features:
- EcoImpact technology for improved fuel efficiency
- Optimized construction for a quiet and comfortable ride
- Excellent wet and snow traction for all-season performance
This tire is designed for SUVs and crossovers like the Subaru Outback and offers excellent all-season performance, including improved wet and snow traction. It also features Pirelli’s EcoImpact technology for improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. For a proper evaluation, we fitted our Subaru Outback with Pirelli Scorpion winter-rated rubber, which has been a leader in its class since its launch about ten years ago. The Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II’s optimized construction ensures a quiet and comfortable ride, reducing road noise and vibrations. Additionally, the tire’s durability and longevity make it a great investment, providing long-term value and reliability for Subaru Outback owners.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
- Price (US): Around $150-$200 per tire
- Price (CAD): Around $190-$250 per tire
Top features:
- NanoPro-Tech polymer technology for enhanced grip and stability
- Multi-Cell compound and unique tread pattern for exceptional snow and ice traction
- 3D sipes and block edges for improved handling on wet or dry surfaces
The Blizzak WS90 is an excellent snow tire for Subaru Outback drivers facing harsh winter conditions. It offers outstanding traction on snow and ice, improved handling on dry roads, and enhanced grip and stability with Bridgestone’s NanoPro-Tech polymer technology. The Multi-Cell compound and unique tread pattern provide exceptional grip, while 3D sipes and block edges improve handling on wet or dry surfaces. The optimized construction reduces road noise and enhances ride comfort, making it a durable and valuable choice for several winter seasons.
Here’s our full Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 review.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Price (US): Approximately $140-$170 per tire
- Price (CAD): Approximately $180-$220 per tire
Top features:
- Weather Reactive technology for versatile performance
- Excellent wet and snow traction
- Improved handling on dry roads
The Assurance WeatherReady is an all-season tire designed for SUVs and crossovers like the Subaru Outback. It offers excellent wet and snow traction, as well as improved handling on dry roads. It also features Goodyear’s Weather Reactive technology for enhanced performance in a variety of weather conditions. Part of the same lineup, the Assurance Triple Tred was conceived for crossover and SUV applications as well, and made it on our list of the best all-season tires.
Yokohama Avid Ascend GT
- Price (US): Around $130-$160 per tire
- Price (CAD): Around $160-$200 per tire
Top features:
- Unique tread pattern for traction and stability
- Advanced compound technology for long tread life
- Optimized for a comfortable and quiet ride
You’ll often see Yokohama Avid Ascend GT’s fitted on Subaru’s official Outback photos, so right off the bat, this is an excellent choice for performance and durability. The tire has a unique tread pattern that provides exceptional traction and stability, making it ideal for all kinds of weather conditions. The tire’s advanced compound technology ensures a long-lasting tread life, reducing the need for frequent replacements. In terms of design, it’s also optimized for a comfortable and quiet ride, enhancing the driving experience of the Subaru Outback. Additionally, the Yokohama Avid Ascend GT is an affordable tire option, making it a cost-effective choice for SUV owners who want a quality tire without breaking the bank.
Tips Before Buying Subaru Outback Tires
1. Choose the right tire type
The Subaru Outback is designed to be an all-around vehicle that can handle different terrains and weather conditions. Depending on your driving needs, you can choose an all-season tire, a winter tire, or an all-terrain tire. Consider the typical weather conditions in your area, the type of driving you do, and your budget when making a decision. For instance, the Outback Wilderness arriving in 2022 rests on 17” matte black Wilderness wheels wrapped in the more off-road ready Yokohama Geolander A/T tires with a full size spare and matching rim in the rear. These tires may be overkill for everyday Outback drivers.
2. Look for good traction and handling
Traction and handling are key factors in choosing a tire. Look for a tire with a good tread pattern that can provide grip in both wet and dry conditions. Also, consider the tire’s handling capabilities, such as its stability, cornering ability, and responsiveness.
3. Check the tire size
When buying new tires for your Subaru Outback, make sure to choose the right tire size. You can find the tire size information in your car’s manual or on the tire placard located inside the driver’s door. Choosing the wrong tire size can affect your car’s performance and safety. Here’s how to read vehicle tire sizes & sidewall markings like a pro.
4. Consider fuel efficiency
Tires can also affect your car’s fuel efficiency. Look for tires with low rolling resistance, which can help reduce fuel consumption and save you money in the long run.
5. Look for durability and long tread life
The Subaru Outback is designed to be a long-lasting vehicle, and you want tires that can match that durability. Look for tires with a long tread life and a high-quality construction that can withstand wear and tear.
6. Check the tire manufacturer’s warranty
When buying tires, make sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty. This can give you peace of mind in case of any defects or issues with the tires. By keeping these tire buying tips in mind, Subaru Outback owners can find the right tires to match their driving needs and enhance their overall driving experience.
