By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is the off-road trim of the Outback: 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a shorter final-drive gear ratio tuned for low-speed off-road torque, and a factory-fitted all-terrain tire. It's Subaru acknowledging that Outback buyers were already doing rugged adventure driving and deserved a purpose-built answer.
Subaru Outback Wilderness tire sizes
The Outback Wilderness uses 225/65R17 on 17-inch alloy wheels — the same size as the Base and Premium trims, and a taller sidewall than the Limited/Touring trims' 225/60R18. The Wilderness spec deliberately uses a taller sidewall for better off-road cushioning.
The OEM tire is a crossover-tuned all-terrain tire — verify the exact brand and model on your build sheet, since Subaru has sourced more than one supplier for the Wilderness lineup. It's quieter and more refined than truck ATs while still providing genuine off-road capability.
Best tires for the Outback Wilderness
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (225/65R17): a strong replacement recommendation. It's engineered specifically for AWD crossovers like the Outback Wilderness, with the best balance of off-road grip, wet performance, 3PMSF winter rating, and road refinement in this size.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (225/65R17): the heavier-duty upgrade for Outback Wilderness owners who go harder off-road. The A/T3W is a truck-heritage AT tire in the Wilderness size, with more aggressive tread than the A/T Trail and more cut resistance.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S (225/65R17): the value all-terrain for the Outback Wilderness. It carries a 70,000-mile warranty with strong wet and winter performance, good for adventurous Outback owners who want to spend less than the Falken.
Frequently asked
What tire size does the Subaru Outback Wilderness use?
225/65R17 on 17-inch alloy wheels. Verify the exact factory tire brand/model on your build sheet.
Can you put regular Outback tires on the Wilderness?
It depends on trim. The Outback Wilderness shares 225/65R17 with the Base and Premium trims, but Limited, Onyx Edition, and Touring trims use 225/60R18 on a different wheel — those aren't directly interchangeable without remounting.
Do I need all-terrain tires on the Outback Wilderness?
The Wilderness ships with a crossover-tuned all-terrain because Subaru expects owners to use the extra clearance, so if you actually hit gravel, forest roads, or mud, matching that with an A/T makes sense. If you've settled into mostly pavement, a good all-weather tire rides quieter and lasts longer while still handling our winters. Match the tire to how you really use the car, not how it's badged.
Do I have to replace all four tires on my Outback Wilderness at once?
Usually, yes. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is sensitive to tread-depth mismatch, so replacing all four together, or keeping them within about 2/32 inch when you replace in pairs, protects the drivetrain. If one tire gets damaged early, a shop can sometimes shave a new one to match the others.
Where can I get Outback Wilderness tires installed near me in West Georgia?
We match you with trusted independent and all-terrain-focused shops around Carrollton and the wider West Georgia area for free. Because the AWD wants matched tires, it helps to use a shop that gets that and will set you up with an even, correctly sized set for how you drive.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.