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 (2019-current): 225/55R17 (base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring), 225/60R17 (Wilderness).
5th gen Forester (2014-2018): 225/55R17 (most trims), 235/55R17 (XT).
The Forester Wilderness uses 225/60R17 with a factory 1.5-inch lift and standard all-terrain tires (Yokohama Geolandar A/T).
Best tires — standard Forester
Michelin CrossClimate2: the best all-around tire for Forester owners. Available in 225/55R17, excellent wet performance, 3PMSF winter rating — matches the Forester's all-weather character.
Continental CrossContact LX25: strong wet performance and fuel economy — available in 225/55R17.
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack: the quietest option for Forester owners who prioritize cabin refinement.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do Subaru Forester tires cost?
225/55R17 and 225/60R17 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.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-06-27. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.