Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-24
The Subaru Forester is a compact AWD crossover with genuine off-road capability in its Wilderness trim. Like all Subaru AWD vehicles, it benefits from careful tire matching across all four positions. Here are the best options.
Common Subaru Forester tire sizes
6th gen Forester (2025-current): 225/60R17 (Base, Premium), 225/55R18 (Limited and hybrid trims), 235/50R19 (Sport, Touring), 235/60R17 (Wilderness).
5th gen Forester (2019-2024): 225/60R17 (base, Premium, Wilderness), 225/55R18 (Sport, Limited, Touring).
4th gen Forester (2014-2018): 225/60R17 (2.5i, Premium, Limited), 225/55R18 (XT, Touring).
The Forester Wilderness ships on Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires — 225/60R17 through 2024, 235/60R17 from 2025 — with a modest factory suspension lift that brings ground clearance to 9.3 inches, up from 8.7 on the standard Forester.
Best tires: standard Forester
Michelin CrossClimate2: the best all-around tire for Forester owners. Available in both common sizes (225/60R17 and 225/55R18), excellent wet performance, 3PMSF winter rating — matches the Forester's all-weather character.
Continental CrossContact LX25: strong wet performance and fuel economy in a quiet touring package.
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack: the quietest option for Forester owners who prioritize cabin refinement.
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Best tires: Forester Wilderness
Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 225/60R17: the most popular Wilderness upgrade — better snow capability (3PMSF) than the OEM Yokohama with similar off-road grip.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015: the factory choice — if you want the same character with new tread, this is the direct replacement.
Subaru AWD tire matching (critical)
Like the Outback, the Forester's symmetrical AWD requires all four tires to be within approximately 2/32" of tread depth. Subaru strongly recommends replacing all four tires together.
If budget requires replacing only one or two: use a tire shaving service ($50–75 per tire) to match tread depth to the remaining tires. Do not install a new tire on an AWD Subaru next to significantly more worn tires without addressing the depth difference.
Best tires for the Subaru Forester by trim
| Trim | Tire | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Michelin CrossClimate2 | Best all-around tire; available in 225/60R17 and 225/55R18, excellent wet performance, 3PMSF winter rating |
| Standard | Continental CrossContact LX25 | Strong wet performance and fuel economy in a quiet touring package |
| Standard | Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack | The quietest option for owners who prioritize cabin refinement |
| Wilderness | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Most popular Wilderness upgrade; better snow capability (3PMSF) than the OEM Yokohama with similar off-road grip, in 225/60R17 |
| Wilderness | Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 | The factory choice — the same character with new tread, direct replacement |
Frequently asked
How much do Subaru Forester tires cost?
225/60R17 and 225/55R18 all-season tires: $110–160 per tire. A set of four installed: $440–640. Wilderness-specific A/T upgrade: $140–180 per tire.
Do I need all 4 tires replaced at the same time on my Subaru Forester?
Subaru recommends it — and for good reason. See the AWD tire matching section above. The tire shaving service is the practical alternative when replacing all four is not financially viable.
How do I know when my Forester needs new tires?
The quick test is a penny in the tread, but on a Subaru you also want to watch how closely the four are wearing together. Cracking, cupping, or a tire that is noticeably more worn than the others are all signals. Because the all-wheel drive is picky about matched tread, get them measured before one goes too far.
Is it worth buying used tires for a Forester?
Usually not on this vehicle. The all-wheel-drive system wants all four tires close in tread depth, and used tires are a gamble on how much life and even wear you are actually getting. If money is tight, a shop can shave a new set to match or point you to a solid budget all-season instead.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.