The Subaru Outback is a crossover that genuinely earns its all-wheel-drive badge, which means the tires you bolt on matter more than they would on a soft road-only car. The factory rubber wears out fast and rarely matches the Outback’s real-world use, so picking a proper all season tire transforms wet braking, light-snow confidence and cabin quiet on long highway hauls.
We focused on the two sizes most Outbacks wear from the factory, 225/65R17 on Base and Premium trims and 225/60R18 on Limited and Touring trims, then ranked seven all season tires that actually fit and excel. Every pick below is judged on tread life, wet and snow grip, road noise and how well it suits the Outback’s mix of pavement, gravel and the occasional trailhead.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Michelin CrossClimate2 Best Overall Sizes 225/65R17 and 225/60R18, V-shaped directional tread, 3PMSF rated, 60,000 mile warranty |
9.5 |
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Continental CrossContact LX25 Best OEM Replacement Sizes 225/65R17 and 225/60R18, symmetric tread, EcoPlus technology, up to 70,000 mile warranty |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Michelin Defender2 Longest Tread Life Size 225/65R17, MaxTouch construction, 85,000 mile warranty, all season touring |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Bridgestone WeatherPeak Best Value 3PMSF Sizes 225/65R17 and 225/60R18, 3PMSF rated, 70,000 mile warranty, all weather |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Best All Weather Sizes 225/65R17 and 225/60R18, 3PMSF rated, 60,000 mile warranty, evolving traction grooves |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Best On-Road Handling Sizes 225/65R17 and 225/60R18, 3PMSF rated, 70,000 mile warranty, crossover touring |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail Best for Light Off-Road Sizes 225/65R17 and 225/60R18, 3PMSF rated, 65,000 mile warranty, all-terrain crossover |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Michelin CrossClimate2: Best Overall
The CrossClimate2 is the tire we point Outback owners to first, and it earns that spot by refusing to compromise. It brakes short on wet pavement, holds the road confidently in dry corners, and carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating that lets it handle the kind of light snow and cold mornings Outback drivers actually face. For a daily-driven AWD crossover that sees real seasons, that combination is hard to beat.
The honest weakness is that this is a directional tire, so the V-shaped tread can only be rotated front to back, never side to side, which limits how you can even out wear. It also asks for a real investment compared to mid-tier options. But if you want one tire that handles dry, wet and a snowy stretch without swapping to winters, the CrossClimate2 is the clearest answer for the Outback.
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for real winter and light-snow traction
- Thermal Adaptive tread compound that stays flexible in cold without going soft in summer heat
- PIANO Noise Reduction tuning for a notably quiet highway cabin
Pros: Genuinely excellent wet and dry braking, among the best in the class; Carries the 3PMSF snow rating so it doubles as a light winter tire; Long, even tread life backed by a strong mileage warranty
Cons: Sits at the premium end of the all season market; Directional tread means it can’t be cross-rotated, only front-to-back
2. Continental CrossContact LX25: Best OEM Replacement
If your Outback came on a Continental from the factory or you simply want a tire built around exactly this kind of vehicle, the CrossContact LX25 is the natural pick. It’s engineered for crossovers and SUVs, and it shows in the way it soaks up rough pavement while keeping road noise low. The long mileage warranty and reputation for even wear make it a low-stress choice for someone who racks up highway miles.
Where it gives ground to our top pick is winter. The LX25 is a solid wet and dry tire, but it doesn’t carry the Three-Peak snow rating, so if you regularly see real snow you’ll want a dedicated winter set or one of our 3PMSF picks instead. For mild climates and comfort-focused driving, though, it’s an outstanding match for the Outback.
- Tuned specifically for crossovers and SUVs like the Outback
- EcoPlus compound aimed at low rolling resistance and long tread life
- Comfort Ride technology that absorbs road imperfections smoothly
Pros: Very long tread warranty and even wear in real use; Quiet, plush ride that suits the Outback's comfortable character; Strong dry handling and dependable wet grip
Cons: Not 3PMSF rated, so it’s weaker in deeper snow; Steering feel is comfort-biased rather than sporty
3. Michelin Defender2: Longest Tread Life
For the high-mileage Outback driver who hates shopping for tires, the Defender2 is built to delay that day as long as possible. Its 85,000 mile warranty is among the longest you’ll find, and the MaxTouch construction is designed to keep the contact patch even so the tread wears slowly and uniformly. It rides quietly and stops dependably in the wet, which is exactly what most Outback commuters want.
The catch is availability. The Defender2 currently focuses on the 225/65R17 fitment, so owners of Limited and Touring trims on 18 inch wheels will need to look elsewhere. It also isn’t a snow tire, so cold-climate drivers should pair it with dedicated winters. Within its lane of long-life, quiet, road-focused touring on 17 inch Outbacks, it’s excellent.
- Class-leading 85,000 mile treadwear warranty
- MaxTouch Construction spreads forces evenly for slow, uniform wear
- Strong wet stopping power thanks to the updated tread compound
Pros: Exceptional tread life that can outlast many ownership periods; Reliable wet braking and quiet, composed highway manners; Backed by Michelin's well-earned durability reputation
Cons: Not offered in the 225/60R18 size for 18 inch trims; Not 3PMSF rated for serious winter duty
4. Bridgestone WeatherPeak: Best Value 3PMSF
The WeatherPeak is the tire we recommend when a buyer wants real cold-weather capability without stepping all the way up to the priciest options. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, so it actually bites in light snow and slush, and it pairs that with a 70,000 mile warranty that’s unusually generous for a snow-capable tire. For an Outback that lives where winter shows up but never gets brutal, it hits a sweet spot.
Compared to our top pick, the dry steering response is a little softer and the outright tread life isn’t quite at the very top of the chart. Those are fair trades given what it offers in all-weather grip for the money. If you want one quiet, snow-rated tire for year-round Outback duty, the WeatherPeak deserves a serious look.
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for confident light-snow traction
- 70,000 mile warranty that’s generous for a snow-capable tire
- Open shoulder design that clears water and slush effectively
Pros: Real snow rating without the premium price of the top tier; Long warranty for a 3PMSF all weather tire; Quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cons: Dry steering feel is a touch softer than the class leaders; Tread life trails the very longest-wearing touring tires
5. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: Best All Weather
The Assurance WeatherReady is Goodyear’s answer to the all-weather question, and it’s a smart fit for the Outback driver who wants snow capability built into a comfortable touring tire. Its standout trick is the Evolving Traction Grooves, channels that actually open up as the tread wears, so wet and snow grip holds up better as the tire ages rather than falling off a cliff at half tread. It’s also 3PMSF rated, so it’s genuinely useful when the weather turns.
Its warranty is on the shorter side at 60,000 miles, and in back-to-back dry driving it doesn’t feel quite as sharp as the CrossClimate2. For most Outback owners those are minor points against a tire that does the all-weather job well and stays comfortable doing it. It’s an easy recommendation for four-season climates.
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for year-round confidence
- Evolving Traction Grooves that open as the tire wears to keep grip
- Soybean-based compound that stays pliable in cold temperatures
Pros: Strong wet and light-snow traction in one tire; Grip stays consistent deeper into the tread life; Comfortable, quiet ride suited to the Outback
Cons: 60,000 mile warranty is shorter than some rivals here; Can feel slightly less crisp in dry cornering than the top picks
6. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3: Best On-Road Handling
The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is the pick for the Outback driver who actually enjoys the way the car steers and doesn’t want a tire that turns it into a marshmallow. Pirelli built it for crossovers with a focus on responsive, accurate steering and stable highway behavior, and on the Outback it adds a welcome bit of precision without sacrificing the 3PMSF snow rating or the long 70,000 mile warranty. It’s a satisfying tire to drive on.
The trade for that sharper feel is a ride that’s a touch firmer than the softest comfort options, and while wet grip is strong it isn’t the absolute best in this group. Neither is a dealbreaker. If your priority is a tire that keeps the Outback feeling planted and engaging while still handling four seasons, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is the one to shortlist.
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated all season for crossovers
- Engineered for responsive steering and stable highway tracking
- 70,000 mile warranty with even wear technology
Pros: More engaging, precise steering than most touring tires; Snow rated yet still composed and quiet on dry roads; Long warranty backs the tread life claims
Cons: Wet grip is good but not quite class leading; Firmer ride feel than the plushest comfort tires
7. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail: Best for Light Off-Road
Plenty of Outback owners bought the car precisely because it can leave the pavement, and for them the Wildpeak A/T Trail is the standout. It’s a crossover-specific all-terrain tire, so it brings real bite on gravel, dirt and rutted trailheads while keeping the size and load rating right for the Outback. It also carries the 3PMSF snow rating, which makes it a legitimate one-tire solution for someone who splits time between highways and back roads.
The compromise is the one every all-terrain makes. There’s a little more tread noise on the highway than a touring tire, and on wet or dry pavement it can’t match the braking of the road-focused options higher on this list. If your Outback actually sees dirt and you want a tougher, more adventurous tire that still survives the daily commute, the Wildpeak A/T Trail is the right kind of compromise.
- Crossover all-terrain tread for gravel, dirt and trailhead duty
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for snow capability
- Rugged sidewall styling with reinforced shoulder blocks
Pros: Far more capable on gravel and dirt than a standard touring tire; Snow rated and confident in loose, slippery conditions; Tough construction that suits adventurous Outback use
Cons: Slightly more road noise than pure touring tires; Wet and dry pavement grip trails the road-focused picks
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tires does the Subaru Outback use?
Most modern Subaru Outbacks wear one of two sizes from the factory. Base and Premium trims on 17 inch wheels use 225/65R17, while Limited and Touring trims on 18 inch wheels use 225/60R18. Always confirm the exact size printed on your driver-side door jamb sticker or the sidewall of your current tires before buying, since some model years and trims vary. Buying the correct size matters for the Outback because its all-wheel-drive system relies on all four tires having matching rolling diameters.
Do I need all four tires to match on a Subaru Outback?
Yes, and this is more important on an Outback than on a typical front-wheel-drive car. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels, and significant differences in tire diameter, brand or tread depth can confuse the system and strain the drivetrain over time. Replace all four tires together when possible, keep them the same model, and rotate regularly so they wear evenly. If you must replace only one or two, match the existing tread depth as closely as you can and place the newer tires according to your dealer’s guidance.
Are all season tires enough for snow on a Subaru Outback?
It depends on how much snow you actually see. A standard all season tire combined with the Outback’s all-wheel drive handles the occasional dusting fine, but for regular snow you want a tire carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, like the Michelin CrossClimate2, Bridgestone WeatherPeak or Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady on this list. Those are evaluated for real snow traction. If you live where winters are long and severe, a dedicated set of winter tires mounted from late fall to early spring will always outperform any all season tire, even on a capable Outback.
How long should all season tires last on an Outback?
It varies by tire and driving style, but the touring tires on this list carry warranties ranging from 60,000 to 85,000 miles, and many owners reach those numbers with disciplined maintenance. The single biggest factor in your favor is rotating every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, which matters doubly on an Outback because even wear keeps all four tire diameters matched for the all-wheel-drive system. Keeping the correct air pressure and getting an alignment when needed will also stretch tread life considerably. The Michelin Defender2 leads our list for sheer longevity.
Can I put all-terrain tires on a stock Subaru Outback?
Yes, in the right size. A crossover-focused all-terrain tire like the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail comes in the factory 225/65R17 and 225/60R18 fitments, so it bolts straight onto a stock Outback without a lift or fender modification. This gives you noticeably more grip on gravel, dirt and light trails while keeping the correct load rating and rolling diameter. The trade is a little more road noise and slightly longer wet braking distances on pavement, so choose an all-terrain tire only if you genuinely use the Outback off the beaten path.
Our Verdict
For the vast majority of Subaru Outback owners, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is the tire to buy. It combines class-leading wet and dry braking with a genuine snow rating and long, even tread life, which means most drivers can run one tire confidently through every season. Our runner up is the Continental CrossContact LX25, a quieter, comfort-focused choice tuned specifically for crossovers with an outstanding mileage warranty, ideal for milder climates where deep-snow capability isn’t a priority. Match either to your exact factory size and rotate often, and your Outback will reward you with grip, quiet and long life.
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