4 Best Tires for Subaru Outback to Conquer Any Terrain

Subaru Outback driving on a rugged road
[Image of Subaru Outback tires in various conditions]

The Subaru Outback is a popular choice for drivers who need a vehicle that can handle both on- and off-road driving. With its rugged construction and all-wheel drive, the Outback is a great option for adventures of all kinds. However, choosing the right tires for your Outback is essential to ensure that you get the most out of your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the best tires for Subaru Outback and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your next set of tires.

When choosing tires for your Subaru Outback, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to consider the type of driving you will be doing. If you plan on doing a lot of off-road driving, you will need tires that are designed for rough terrain. These tires will typically have a more aggressive tread pattern and will be made from a more durable material. However, if you plan on doing mostly on-road driving, you can choose tires that are designed for comfort and fuel efficiency. These tires will typically have a less aggressive tread pattern and will be made from a softer material.

Once you have considered the type of driving you will be doing, you need to choose the right size tires for your Subaru Outback. The size of the tires will be determined by the year, make, and model of your vehicle. You can find the correct tire size for your Outback in your owner’s manual or by consulting with a tire expert. Once you have chosen the size and type of tires you want, you can start shopping for the best deals. There are a number of online and offline retailers that sell tires for the Subaru Outback. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

Tires that Conquer All-Terrain Missions

For those who venture off the beaten path, choosing the right tires is crucial. For the Subaru Outback, tires that can handle rugged terrain, provide traction on slippery surfaces, and endure various weather conditions are essential. Here are some top-rated tires that will empower the Outback to tackle any all-terrain mission.

Yokohama Geolandar X-CV

The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is an exceptional choice for off-road enthusiasts. It features an aggressive tread pattern with large, interlocking blocks that provide excellent traction on dirt, gravel, and snow. The reinforced sidewalls enhance stability and puncture resistance, making it perfect for navigating rocky and uneven terrain. Additionally, the Geolandar X-CV’s silica-rich compound ensures a strong grip on wet surfaces, increasing safety during unpredictable weather conditions.

Specification	Yokohama Geolandar X-CV
Traction	Excellent on all surfaces
Stability	Enhanced by reinforced sidewalls
Puncture Resistance	Increased due to sidewall construction
Wet Grip	Superior thanks to silica-rich compound

Enhancing On-Road Stability and Handling

The Subaru Outback is renowned for its all-around performance and stability on the road. Choosing the optimal tires can further enhance these capabilities, providing a secure and responsive driving experience.

Selecting Tires for Optimal Handling

When selecting tires for your Outback, consider the following factors:

Tread Pattern: Tires with aggressive tread patterns offer increased grip and traction, improving handling in both dry and wet conditions.
Compound Hardness: Harder compounds provide better stability and longer tread life, while softer compounds enhance grip and responsiveness.
Size: Wider tires offer more contact with the road, increasing cornering stability and grip. However, they may come at the expense of fuel economy.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some highly recommended tires for the Subaru Outback:

Tire Model	Features	Benefits
Michelin CrossClimate 2	All-season, symmetric tread pattern	Excellent handling in all conditions, long tread life
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus	Ultra-high performance, asymmetric tread pattern	Exceptional grip and cornering stability, all-season capabilities
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015	All-terrain, aggressive tread pattern	Superior traction off-road, improved handling on various surfaces

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency with Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance is a major factor in determining a tire’s fuel efficiency. It is the force that opposes the tire’s forward motion, which is primarily caused by the tire’s deformation as it rolls over the road surface. Tires with lower rolling resistance lose less energy to heat and friction, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

There are a number of factors that affect a tire’s rolling resistance, including the tread design, the tire’s compound, and the tire’s construction. Tires with a flatter tread design have reduced rolling resistance than tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. Tires made of harder compounds also have lower rolling resistance than tires made of softer compounds. And tires with a radial construction have lower rolling resistance than tires with a bias-ply construction.

Energy Savings Potential

The energy savings potential of low-rolling resistance tires can be significant. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a set of tires with 10 pounds per square inch (psi) less rolling resistance can improve fuel economy by up to 1%. This may not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time. For example, a driver who drives 12,000 miles per year in a car that gets 25 miles per gallon could save up to 48 gallons of gas per year by using tires with lower rolling resistance.

In addition to saving money on gas, low-rolling resistance tires can also help to reduce your carbon footprint. By emitting less greenhouse gases, these tires can help to protect the environment.

Tire Type	Rolling Resistance (lbs/in²)	Fuel Economy Improvement (%)
Conventional tire	15	0
Low-rolling resistance tire	10	1
Ultra-low-rolling resistance tire	5	2

Navigating Snowy Conditions with Winter-Specific Treads

When winter’s icy grip descends, equipping your Subaru Outback with dedicated winter tires is crucial for maintaining safety on snow-covered roads. Winter tires employ specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds designed to excel in these frigid environments.

Understanding Winter Tire Characteristics

Winter tires feature deeper tread depths than all-season tires, providing increased traction on slippery surfaces. The tread blocks are also designed with sharp edges that bite into snow and ice. Soft rubber compounds retain their flexibility in low temperatures, ensuring optimal grip even as the mercury drops.

Selecting the Right Tire Size

It’s essential to choose winter tires that match the size specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Incorrectly sized tires can compromise handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.

Studded vs. Non-Studded Tires

Studded tires feature metal studs embedded in their treads, providing additional traction on icy surfaces. However, studded tires can be noisy and may cause minor damage to road surfaces. Non-studded tires rely on advanced tread patterns and rubber compounds to enhance traction without studs.

Tire Pressure Considerations

Proper tire pressure is critical for winter driving. Underinflation can reduce traction, while overinflation can lead to a rough ride and premature tire wear. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure settings for your specific Outback.

Tire Type	Tread Depth	Rubber Compound	Studs
Winter Tires	Deeper	Softer	Optional
All-Season Tires	Shallower	Firmer	N/A

Specialized Tires for Performance Driving

Performance driving requires tires that can handle high speeds, sharp turns, and sudden stops. Here are some specialized tires designed for performance driving:

Extreme Performance Summer Tires

These tires are designed for maximum grip and handling on dry roads. They have a low tread pattern and a soft compound that allows them to stick to the road surface.

Track Tires

Track tires are designed specifically for use on race tracks. They have a very low tread pattern and a sticky compound that provides optimal grip on the track.

Rally Tires

Rally tires are designed for use on off-road surfaces. They have a deeper tread pattern and a more durable construction that allows them to handle rough terrain.

Mud Tires

Mud tires are designed for use in muddy conditions. They have a very deep tread pattern and a wide footprint that allows them to dig into the mud and provide traction.

Snow Tires

Snow tires are designed for use in snowy and icy conditions. They have a deep tread pattern and a special compound that remains flexible in cold weather, providing better traction on slippery surfaces.

Suiting Tires to Off-Roading Adventures

When embarking on off-roading expeditions with your Subaru Outback, selecting the appropriate tires is crucial. Tires specifically designed for handling rugged terrain will enhance performance and ensure a safer, more enjoyable driving experience.

Consider the following factors when choosing off-road tires:

Tread Pattern: Look for tires with aggressive tread patterns featuring large, deep lugs that provide excellent traction on loose and uneven surfaces.
Sidewall Strength: Reinforced sidewalls protect against punctures and tears, ensuring durability in harsh off-road conditions.
Mud and Snow Rating: The M+S rating indicates tires that are certified for severe snow and mud conditions.
All-Terrain (AT) Tires: These tires offer a balanced combination of on-road comfort and off-road performance, suitable for mild to moderate off-roading.
Mud-Terrain (MT) Tires: Designed for extreme off-roading, these tires feature aggressive treads and reinforced sidewalls.
Load Capacity: Ensure the tires have an adequate load capacity to handle the weight of your vehicle and any additional gear.
Speed Rating: Consider the maximum speed at which the tires are rated. Off-road tires typically have lower speed ratings than highway tires.

Below is a table summarizing the key characteristics of different off-road tire types:

Tire Type	Tread Pattern	Sidewall Strength	Mud and Snow Rating
All-Terrain (AT)	Aggressive, with moderate lug size	Reinforced	M+S
Mud-Terrain (MT)	Very aggressive, with large, deep lugs	Highly reinforced	M+S

Upgrading for Durability and Enhanced Performance

When it comes to upgrading the tires on your Subaru Outback, there are several options available to enhance durability and performance. Here are some of the most popular choices:

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are a good option for drivers who want a tire that can handle a variety of conditions, including wet, dry, and snowy roads. These tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction in both wet and dry conditions, and they are also able to handle light snow. Some popular all-season tires for the Subaru Outback include the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the Continental TrueContact Tour, and the Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus.

Highway Tires

Highway tires are designed for drivers who spend most of their time driving on paved roads. These tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction and handling on dry and wet roads, and they are also able to handle light snow. Some popular highway tires for the Subaru Outback include the Michelin Primacy MXM4, the Continental PureContact LS, and the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack.

Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires are designed for drivers who spend a lot of time driving on unpaved roads, trails, and other off-road surfaces. These tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction on loose surfaces, and they are also able to handle mud, rocks, and other obstacles. Some popular off-road tires for the Subaru Outback include the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, and the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac.

Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed for drivers who live in areas with cold, snowy winters. These tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction on snow and ice, and they are also able to handle freezing temperatures. Some popular winter tires for the Subaru Outback include the Michelin X-Ice Snow, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Run-Flat Tires

Run-flat tires are designed to allow drivers to continue driving for a short distance even after a tire has been punctured. These tires have a reinforced sidewall that helps to support the weight of the vehicle, and they can typically be driven for up to 50 miles at speeds of up to 50 mph after a puncture.

Performance Tires

Performance tires are designed for drivers who want to improve the handling and performance of their Subaru Outback. These tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction and cornering ability, and they are also able to handle higher speeds. Some popular performance tires for the Subaru Outback include the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport, and the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R.

Mud and Snow Tires

Mud and snow tires are designed for drivers who live in areas with heavy snowfall or who frequently drive on muddy or snowy roads. These tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction on snow and mud, and they are also able to handle icy conditions. Some popular mud and snow tires for the Subaru Outback include the Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV, and the Michelin X-Ice Xi3.

Selecting Tires for Specific Outback Models

2019-2023 Models

Outbacks produced from 2019 onwards come with standard 18-inch wheels. Recommended tire sizes include 225/60R18, 225/65R17, and 225/70R16, with load indices of 94, 96, and 95 respectively.

2015-2018 Models

Outbacks from 2015-2018 utilize 17-inch wheels as standard. Recommended tire sizes are 225/65R17, 225/60R18, and 225/70R16, with load indices of 96, 95, and 95 respectively. The Baja Turbo model specifically requires 225/55R18 tires.

2009-2014 Models

2009-2014 Outbacks came with either 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. For 16-inch wheels, recommended tire sizes are 225/65R16 and 225/70R16, with load indices of 95 and 95 respectively. For 17-inch wheels, recommended tires are 225/60R18 and 225/65R17, with load indices of 95 and 96 respectively.

2005-2008 Models

Outbacks from 2005-2008 have 16-inch wheels as standard. Recommended tire sizes include 225/65R16 and 225/70R16, with load indices of 95 and 95 respectively.

2000-2004 Models

For models produced between 2000 and 2004, recommended tire sizes are 215/65R16 and 225/70R16, with load indices of 95 and 95 respectively. It’s important to note that some models may have come with 15-inch wheels, which require tires with a size of 205/70R15 and a load index of 95.

1995-1999 Models

Outbacks from 1995 to 1999 utilize 15-inch wheels. Recommended tire sizes for these models are 205/70R15 and 215/65R15, with load indices of 95 and 96 respectively.

Continental CrossContact LX25

This is the top pick for all-season tires for Subarus. They offer excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions, and they have a long tread life. They are also relatively quiet and comfortable.

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3

If you’re looking for an all-terrain tire for your Subaru, this is a great option. It provides good traction on both on- and off-road surfaces, and it has a durable construction that can withstand rough terrain.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

This is another great all-season tire for Subarus. It offers excellent traction and handling in all conditions, and it has a long tread life. It is also very quiet and comfortable.