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Best tires for Subaru Outback

Best Tires for Subaru Outback: Enhance Your Driving Experience with the Right Tires

2022 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback, a name synonymous with reliability, versatility, and ruggedness, has been a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts and families alike since its debut in 1994. With its impressive all-wheel drive capabilities and spacious interior, the Outback has carved a niche in the automobile market, appealing to those who desire a perfect blend of off-road prowess and on-road comfort. Over the years, the Subaru Outback has consistently gained popularity in the United States, with sales reaching over 153,000 units in 2021 alone.

To ensure optimal performance, ride comfort, and safety, it is essential to select the right tires for your Subaru Outback. The latest generation of the Outback typically comes equipped with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. The standard tire size for 17-inch wheels is 225/65R17, while the 18-inch wheels require 225/60R18 tires. As for the Original Equipment (OE) tires, Subaru currently uses Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport to provide a smooth and comfortable driving experience from the start.

In this article, we will explore the best tire options for your Subaru Outback, taking into account various driving conditions and preferences, to help you make an informed decision and enhance your overall driving experience.

All season 3 peak mountain

3 peak mountain logo

As delineated in our distinguished article on the finest 225/65R17 tires, all-season tires have long been the favored choice in the American market, with this category firmly established over time. Two types of all-season tires exist: those bearing the three-peak mountain symbol and those adorned solely with the M+S designation. Our comparison of the Michelin Defender T+H (M+S) vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 (three-peak mountain) highlights that M+S all-season tires generally underperform in winter conditions but boast superior longevity.

For those residing in regions prone to heavy snowfall, all-season tires with the three-peak mountain symbol are undoubtedly an apt selection. Conversely, in areas with light snow or temperatures consistently above 45°F (7°C), a standard all-season tire bearing the M+S logo will suffice. Those who prefer tires with exceptional handling characteristics should consider the ultra-high-performance all-season segment.

Although the original equipment tires on the Subaru Outback are engineered to satisfy the vehicle’s requirements, many owners opt for alternative tires to better accommodate their driving predilections or conditions. Presented below are some exemplary three-peak mountain logo tires for the Subaru Outback.

1. Michelin Cross Climate 2

Once more, Michelin demonstrates its innovative prowess by revolutionizing the all-season tire segment with the groundbreaking, three-peak mountain certified CrossClimate, introduced to acclaim in 2015. Prior to this, the all-season tire market, primarily concentrated in America, was characterized by subpar winter performance. The CrossClimate proved that a tire could exhibit a slight decline in summer capabilities while dominating in winter conditions. Following the triumphant debut of the CrossClimate, competing tire manufacturers hastened to unveil their own comparable products, yet none have achieved the harmonious equilibrium embodied by the latest CrossClimate 2!

  • CrossClimate 2
    • Launch: 2020
    • Press test wins: 3/6
    • Strength: Well balance summer & winter performances. Excellent wear.

Check out our head to head comparison of CrossClimate 2 against its competitors.

CrossClimate 2 vs

2. Bridgestone Weatherpeak

Bridgestone’s answer to Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 materializes as the innovative WeatherPeak. This marks Bridgestone’s inaugural venture into the American all-season market with a three-peak mountain certified tire. Launched in 2022, the WeatherPeak boasts an extensive lineup catering to most A to C segment vehicles in the replacement market. According to recent Tire Rack findings, the WeatherPeak excels in comfort, yet falls short of top contenders in wet and dry performance.

  • WeatherPeak
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Good comfort.

Check our head to head comparison of WeatherPeak against its competitors.

WeatherPeak vs

3. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady, unveiled in 2017, accommodates a broad array of passenger cars and crossovers. Based on the latest test results, it demonstrates a formidable presence in snow and provides good comfort, but lacks potency in wet conditions.

  • Assurance WeatherReady
    • Launch: 2017
    • Press test wins: 0/2
    • Strength: Snow & comfort.

Check our head to head comparison of Assurance WeatherReady against its competitors.

Assurance WeatherReady vs

4. General AltiMAX 365 AW

Amid numerous rivals vying for the title of best all-season tire, General Tires recently introduced their cutting-edge touring all-season tire line, the AltiMAX 365 AW. This range diverges slightly from its previous all-season lineup, as the AltiMAX 365 AW bears the certified three-peak mountain label, rendering them effective legal snow tires. Launched in 2021, the AltiMAX 365 AW caters to the grand touring all-season segment, encompassing sizes from 15″ to 20″.

According to the evaluation findings, the AltiMAX 365 AW performed admirably in dry braking and handling, yet it struggled to attain the requisite wet traction to rival its competitors.

  • AltiMAX 365 AW
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong dry performer

Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX 365 AW against its competitors.

AltiMAX 365 AW vs

5. Firestone WeatherGrip

The Firestone WeatherGrip, debuted in 2019, predominantly accommodates passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers with sizes ranging from 15″ to 19″. Test results indicate the WeatherGrip performs moderately well in dry braking and handling, but is less impressive in wet conditions.

  • WeatherGrip
    • Launch: 2019
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Acceptable dry performance

Check out our head to head comparison of WeatherGrip against its competitors.

WeatherGrip vs

All season tires with (M+S)

Prior to the advent of snowflake-capable tires, most all-season tires bore the M+S logo, signifying mountain and snow capabilities. The M+S designation does not mandate passing any tests, leaving its implementation at the discretion of the manufacturer. This segment offers limited snow functionality, with its primary focus on longevity. Consequently, products in this category often underperform in wet conditions.

1. Michelin Defender2

This occasion saw us eagerly examining Michelin’s latest successor to the highly acclaimed Defender T+H—the Defender 2! The Defender series has long been a mainstay in the M+S all-season touring market, offering one of the highest UTQG wear ratings compared to its competitors. This tire line, introduced in 2022, spans a wide range of passenger cars and crossovers.

Based on test results, the Defender exhibits remarkable longevity while demonstrating a minor deficiency in wet conditions. Despite a slight compromise in conventional performance, the Defender 2 is undeniably a titan of mileage!

  • Defender2
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Excellent wear.

Check out our head to head comparison of Defender2 against its competitors.

Defender2 vs

2. Continental TrueContact Tour

Continental’s TrueContact Tour emerged as a response to the immensely popular Michelin Defender T+H, prioritizing wear. Introduced in 2018, it falls within the M+S and high UTQG wear rating categories. Test results indicate that the TrueContact Tour excels in wet performance but ultimately lacks the mileage prowess to rival the Defender 2. It is a commendable tire in wet conditions but falls short of Michelin in terms of longevity.

  • TrueContact Tour
    • Launch: 2018
    • Press test wins: 0/2
    • Strength: Excellent wet.

Check out our head to head comparison of TrueContact Tour against its competitors.

TrueContact Tour vs

3. Goodyear Assurance MaxLife

The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, launched in 2018, also belongs to the M+S and high UTQG wear rating categories. Catering to the touring and SUV segment with sizes ranging from 16″ to 20″, the Assurance MaxLife is a highly sought-after tire in this category. Test results reveal satisfactory wet performance; however, it significantly lags behind Michelin’s Defender 2 in mileage.

  • Assurance MaxLife
    • Launch: 2018
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet.

Check out our head to head comparison of Assurance MaxLife against its competitors.

Assurance MaxLife vs

4. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Pirelli’s Scorpion AS Plus 3, a relatively recent addition launched in 2021, encompasses a wide range of passenger cars and crossovers. Test results suggest that the Scorpion AS Plus 3 exhibits a refined driving experience on dry roads and respectable light snow traction, yet its wet performance does not measure up to leading competitors.

  • Scorpion AS Plus 3
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong dry & comfort.

Check out our head to head comparison of Scorpion AS Plus 3 against its competitors.

Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs

5. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra

Aiming to capture a portion of the high-mileage-focused all-season market, Bridgestone introduced the Alenza AS Ultra in 2021, offering 44 sizes ranging from 16″ to 22″. Test results demonstrate strong wet handling performance, but the tire falters in winter conditions.

  • Alenza AS Ultra
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet handling.

Check out our head to head comparison of Alenza AS Ultra against its competitors.

Alenza AS Ultra vs

6. General AltiMAX RT45

General’s AltiMAX RT45, unveiled in 2022, primarily caters to passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossover sizes. Designed and marketed specifically for the North American market, the AltiMAX RT45 represents General’s dedication to crafting optimal products for local consumers. Test results reveal commendable wet braking but a higher noise level compared to other tires.

  • AltiMAX RT45
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet.

Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX RT45 against its competitors.

AltiMAX RT45 vs

Summary

When selecting your next set of tires, consider your requirements and strive to find a tire that aligns with your needs. If you remain undecided and seek the best available option, Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 is undoubtedly a reliable choice. Alternatively, consult our detailed test report to determine which tires best suit your preferences. Enjoy!

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