The Subaru Forester shares a lot of DNA with the Outback, including the same symmetrical AWD system and the same sensitivity to tire matching. But the Forester is lighter and sits a bit taller, which changes the tire calculation slightly. Here’s what works best, whether you’re commuting in the suburbs or tackling forest service roads.
Forester Tire Sizes by Generation
| Generation | Years | Tire Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Gen | 2025+ | 225/60R17 (Base, Premium) · 225/55R18 (Sport, Limited, Touring, Wilderness) |
| 5th Gen | 2019–2024 | 225/60R17 (Base, Premium) · 225/55R18 (Sport, Limited, Touring) · 225/60R17 A/T (Wilderness) |
| 4th Gen | 2014–2018 | 225/60R17 (2.5i) · 225/55R18 (2.0XT, Touring) |
Like the Outback, the Forester Wilderness gets all-terrain tires from the factory (Yokohama Geolandar A/T on the 5th gen). All other trims come with all-season touring tires, typically Bridgestone or Yokohama.
Top All-Season Tires
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2
The all-weather champion for Subaru owners. The CrossClimate 2 carries 3PMSF winter certification while performing like a premium all-season in dry and wet conditions. For Forester owners in the Pacific Northwest, New England, or any region with unpredictable weather, this tire eliminates the need for seasonal swaps while providing genuine winter traction. The 60,000-mile warranty is strong for an all-weather tire.
Available in: 225/60R17, 225/55R18
3PMSF rated: Yes
Warranty: 60,000 miles
Price range: $165–$200 per tire
2. Continental CrossContact LX25
The best pure touring tire for the Forester. It prioritizes ride comfort and road noise over everything else, and it delivers. In the 225/60R17 size, the Forester’s cabin stays remarkably quiet. The 70,000-mile warranty is among the best in class, and wet traction is excellent — Continental’s +Silane compound maintains grip even on standing water.
Available in: 225/60R17, 225/55R18
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $155–$190 per tire
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
The go-to for Forester owners who actually use the 8.7 inches (9.2 on Wilderness) of ground clearance. Designed specifically for crossovers, the A/T Trail is lighter and quieter than truck-focused all-terrain tires. It provides real off-road traction on gravel, dirt, and moderate mud while keeping highway noise acceptable. The 3PMSF rating adds winter confidence.
Available in: 225/60R17, 225/55R18
3PMSF rated: Yes
Warranty: 65,000 miles
Price range: $145–$180 per tire
4. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
The longest warranty at 80,000 miles, combined with 3PMSF winter rating. For high-mileage Forester owners who want to minimize tire replacements, the Alenza AS Ultra provides the best long-term value despite a higher upfront cost. The NanoPro-Tech compound also helps the Forester’s boxer engine maintain fuel economy.
Available in: 225/60R17, 225/55R18
3PMSF rated: Yes
Warranty: 80,000 miles
Price range: $170–$205 per tire
Subaru AWD Tire Rules
The same AWD matching rules that apply to the Outback apply to the Forester — all four tires must be the same brand, model, and size with circumference variation under 1/4 inch. Replace all four at once whenever possible. If you must replace fewer than four, some tire shops offer tread shaving to match a new tire to the remaining worn ones. Ignoring this requirement risks expensive center differential damage.
Rotation schedule: Every 5,000-7,500 miles. The Forester’s AWD system distributes torque continuously, which can cause uneven wear if rotation is neglected. Most Subaru dealers include tire rotation with regular oil changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come on the Subaru Forester?
Base and Premium trims get 225/60R17 all-season tires (typically Bridgestone Dueler or Yokohama Avid). Sport, Limited, and Touring trims get 225/55R18. The Wilderness gets Yokohama Geolandar A/T all-terrain tires in 225/60R17.
Can I put all-terrain tires on a standard Forester?
Yes. The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail in 225/60R17 or 225/55R18 fits all trims and is the most popular A/T upgrade. Expect slightly more road noise and 1-2 MPG less than touring tires, but significantly better traction on unpaved roads and in snow.
Do I really need to replace all four tires at once?
On a Subaru, yes. The symmetrical AWD system requires tire circumference to match within 1/4 inch across all four wheels. Running mismatched tires — even two new and two worn of the same model — can strain the center differential and lead to costly repairs. This is the single most important tire rule for any Subaru.
