The Subaru Outback is one of the most popular all-around vehicles for those who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re navigating snowy mountain roads, cruising along highways, or venturing off the beaten path, the right tires can significantly enhance the Subaru Outback’s performance, safety, and overall driving experience.
Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so choosing the best ones for your driving habits, local climate, and needs is paramount.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best tires for the Subaru Outback, offering detailed insights and a curated list of the top 10 tires available on Amazon. Whether you’re commuting in the city or heading to your favorite outdoor destination, we have you covered.
Key Considerations When Choosing Tires for Subaru Outback
When selecting tires for your Subaru Outback, there are several critical factors to consider. Let’s explore these elements in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
1. Tire Type
The first step in choosing the best tires for your Subaru Outback is determining the right type. Different driving conditions require different types of tires.
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All-Season Tires: These are the most common and versatile tires, providing a balance of performance, comfort, and safety for year-round driving in mild climates. All-season tires are suitable for both wet and dry roads but may not provide the best traction in heavy snow.
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All-Terrain Tires: Ideal for drivers who plan to take their Outback off-road. These tires offer rugged traction on dirt, gravel, and mud while still being decent on highways. However, they may be noisier and less comfortable than all-season tires.
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Winter Tires: If you live in an area with heavy snow, winter tires are a must. These tires are designed specifically for cold weather, providing superior grip on snow and ice, ensuring safe winter driving.
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Performance Tires: If you’re looking for maximum handling and performance for highway driving, performance tires are a great option. These tires focus on dry and wet road performance, offering excellent cornering and high-speed stability.
Choosing the right tire type largely depends on your driving needs and climate. Most Subaru Outback drivers will opt for all-season tires, as they strike a balance between comfort, performance, and versatility.
2. Tread Pattern and Traction
Tread patterns are designed to enhance traction on various road surfaces. Different tread patterns work better under certain conditions:
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Symmetrical Tread Patterns: These are commonly found on all-season tires, providing good balance and uniform traction on wet and dry roads.
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Asymmetrical Tread Patterns: These tires are ideal for wet and dry conditions, as the outer part of the tire has a larger surface area for dry road traction, while the inner part helps channel water away for better wet-road performance.
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Mud-Terrain Tread Patterns: Best for off-road enthusiasts, these tires have deep, aggressive patterns that provide superior grip on rough, muddy, or gravel roads.
For a Subaru Outback, a tread pattern that balances wet and dry performance while also handling light off-road conditions is often preferred.
3. Tread Life
Tread life refers to how long the tires will last before needing replacement. Tires generally come with a treadwear warranty, which is an estimate of the expected mileage a tire will last.
The average tread life of a tire is around 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the brand and model. Tires with longer tread lives may have a higher upfront cost, but they can save you money over time by lasting longer.
When choosing tires for your Subaru Outback, consider your driving habits and the distances you typically cover. If you do a lot of highway driving, you might prioritize longer-lasting tires with higher treadwear ratings.
4. Comfort & Noise
Driving comfort is a crucial factor when selecting tires. The right tires can reduce road noise, minimize vibrations, and provide a smoother ride. All-terrain and mud-terrain tires tend to be noisier than all-season tires, especially at high speeds.
If you drive mainly on highways and city streets, you may want tires that are optimized for a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Consider your preference for a quiet, smooth driving experience when choosing tires for your Subaru Outback.
5. Handling & Performance
The tires you choose will affect how your Subaru Outback handles corners, maneuvers in tight spaces, and responds to your driving input. If you’re someone who loves to take sharp corners and enjoy spirited driving, performance tires may offer better handling characteristics, including enhanced grip during turns and high-speed stability.
All-terrain tires are more focused on providing superior grip off-road, but they tend to offer a less responsive and comfortable ride on paved roads.
6. Fuel Efficiency
Low rolling resistance tires can help improve fuel economy. Tires that offer low rolling resistance reduce the amount of energy required to move your vehicle, leading to better mileage. If you’re looking to save on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint, investing in fuel-efficient tires can be a smart choice.
10 Best Tires for Subaru Outback Available on Amazon
Below is a curated list of the top 10 tires for the Subaru Outback available on Amazon. These tires were chosen based on their performance, customer reviews, and suitability for the Outback’s diverse capabilities.
1. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
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Type: All-Season Touring
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Best for: Quiet ride and long tread life
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Pros: Low noise, smooth handling, long tread life
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Cons: Not the best for extreme snow
2. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
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Type: All-Season
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Best for: All-weather performance
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Pros: Great wet traction, durable in rain/snow
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Cons: Higher price point
3. Continental TrueContact Tour
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Type: All-Season
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Best for: Fuel efficiency and comfort
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Pros: Excellent mileage, fuel-saving features, comfort-oriented
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Cons: Moderate snow performance
4. Michelin CrossClimate2
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Type: All-Season
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Best for: Snow and wet road performance
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Pros: Great in snow, excellent grip, smooth ride
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Cons: Premium price
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Amazon Link: View on Amazon
5. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
- Outlined White Letters
- Inflated Dimensions-Overall Width-10.6 inch. Overall Diameter-31.7 inch
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Type: All-Terrain
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Best for: Off-roading
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Pros: Durable, excellent traction on all surfaces
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Cons: Noisy on highways
6. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
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Type: All-Terrain
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Best for: Extreme off-roading
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Pros: Great for off-road adventures, long-lasting
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Cons: Loud on roads
7. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
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Type: All-Season Touring
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Best for: Luxury, comfort, and reliability
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Pros: Smooth, comfortable, quiet ride
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Cons: Not as rugged for off-road conditions
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Amazon Link: View on Amazon
8. General Grabber A/TX
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Type: All-Terrain
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Best for: Snow and off-road handling
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Pros: Great snow and off-road performance
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Cons: Road noise
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Amazon Link: View on Amazon
9. Firestone Destination LE3
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Type: All-Season
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Best for: Budget-conscious buyers
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Pros: Affordable, reliable for everyday driving
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Cons: Not suitable for harsh winter conditions
10. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
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Type: All-Terrain
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Best for: Off-road and daily driving balance
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Pros: Great for both off-road and highway, quiet
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Cons: Slightly less fuel-efficient
Important Aspects to Consider Before Buying Tires for Subaru Outback
When buying tires for your Subaru Outback, it’s important to consider more than just the type and price. Here are a few more critical factors that can affect your purchase decision:
1. Tire Size and Compatibility
Before purchasing any tire, ensure it’s the right size for your Outback. Check the owner’s manual for the correct tire size, or look at the sidewall of your current tires for this information. You’ll find a number that indicates the tire width, aspect ratio, and diameter, such as P225/60R17.
2. Price vs. Performance
There’s often a trade-off between price and performance. Premium tires tend to perform better but come at a higher cost. Consider your budget and driving needs carefully. Sometimes, a mid-range tire can offer the best value without compromising too much on performance.
3. Tire Rotation and Maintenance
Tire rotation is crucial for extending the life of your tires. Regular tire rotations ensure even wear, especially for vehicles like the Subaru Outback that have all-wheel drive. Make sure to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
4. Seasonal Tires vs. All-Season Tires
While all-season tires are great for year-round driving in moderate climates, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to switch to dedicated winter tires during the colder months. Winter tires are designed for better performance on snow and ice, offering superior grip and traction.
Conclusion
Choosing the best tires for your Subaru Outback can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, understanding your driving needs and considering key factors like tire type, tread pattern, handling, comfort, and tread life will help you make the right choice.
Whether you need all-season comfort for daily driving, off-road capability, or snow-ready performance, the tires listed above are among the best available on Amazon for your Outback.