The Subaru Forester's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and crossover curb weight between 3,500 and 3,900 pounds demand tires that can handle year-round wet and snowy pavement without sacrificing daily comfort. Fifth-generation models (2019–2024) and the redesigned sixth generation (2025–present) share 225/55R18 and 225/60R17 fitments on most trims, though 2026 Sport, Limited, and Touring models moved to 19-inch wheels that shrink sidewall height and amplify road noise if you don't choose carefully. The Wilderness trim—carried forward from the fifth generation into the sixth—pushes even harder on tire selection, since its raised suspension and X-Mode dual-function traction control unlock light trail duty that standard touring rubber simply can't match. Choosing the right tire for 2026 means balancing pavement manners with enough snow and dirt capability to exploit what Subaru engineered into the chassis.
For the 2026 Subaru Forester, the Michelin CrossClimate2 (9.0 overall) leads all-season picks with 9.4 wet and snow ratings that complement symmetrical AWD, while the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive (8.9 overall) offers 3PMSF certification and crossover-specific tuning. Wilderness-trim owners should prioritize the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail (8.9 overall) for light trail grip without sacrificing on-road comfort.
This guide organizes tires by category—all-season touring, 3PMSF-certified all-weather, light all-terrain for Wilderness models, dedicated winter, quiet-cabin options, and budget-conscious picks—rather than forcing every compound into a single ranking. Subaru's symmetrical AWD and X-Mode technology shine brightest when matched with strong wet and snow scores, so even the all-season section skews toward tires that hold traction in adverse conditions. The Wilderness trim's raised ride height and trail-rated suspension benefit most from light all-terrain rubber that can handle fire roads and muddy campsite access without the harshness of truck-oriented tread blocks.
If you live where winter means frequent snow and ice, plan to mount a dedicated winter set and swap at the season; if your climate is mild with occasional flurries, the all-weather section offers 3PMSF-certified compounds that avoid the twice-yearly changeover. Sixth-generation Sport, Limited, and Touring buyers on 19-inch wheels should pay extra attention to comfort scores, since the shorter sidewall transmits more road noise and impact harshness than the 17- and 18-inch setups on base and Wilderness trims. Every pick below has been filtered for the Forester's minimum load index of 99 and evaluated against the specific demands of a compact crossover that weighs less than an Outback but expects the same all-road capability.
Ratings are calculated within each tire's category and are not directly comparable across sections—a 9.0 winter tire is benchmarked against other winter compounds, not against all-season rubber.
OEM Tires by Trim and Year
The Subaru Forester ships with different OEM tires depending on trim, wheel size, and production year. Here's the breakdown.
OEM tire suppliers and exact trim configurations vary by model year and production run. The tires listed below are commonly delivered for each wheel option but your specific vehicle may have shipped with a different brand or model. Tire SIZE is consistent within each trim; specific brand/model is not. Confirm against your driver-side door jamb sticker before ordering replacements.
| Trim / Wheel | OEM Size | OEM Tire(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Base / Premium 17" (both gens) |
225/60R17 | Yokohama Geolandar G91F Falken Ziex CT60 A/S |
| Sport / Limited / Touring 18" (5th gen) |
225/55R18 | Yokohama Geolandar G91F |
| Sport / Limited / Touring 19" (6th gen) |
225/55R19 | Yokohama Geolandar G91F |
| Wilderness 17" (5th gen) |
225/65R17 | Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 |
Subaru Forester Tire Sizes by Trim
Use the table below to find the correct tire size for your Subaru Forester trim. Sizes are factory-recommended; check the inside of your driver-side door jamb to confirm before ordering.
| Trim | Wheel | Tire Size |
|---|---|---|
| Base / Premium 17" (both gens) |
17″ | 225/60R17 |
| Base wheel unchanged across 5th and 6th gen; OEM tire suppliers consistent | ||
| Sport / Limited / Touring 18" (5th gen) |
18″ | 225/55R18 |
| 5th gen upper trims; 18" replaced by 19" on 6th gen | ||
| Sport / Limited / Touring 19" (6th gen) |
19″ | 225/55R19 |
| 6th gen upper trims; new 19" wheel size not offered on 5th gen | ||
| Wilderness 17" (5th gen) |
17″ | 225/65R17 |
| Wilderness 2022-2024 on 5th gen; 6th gen Wilderness announced but not yet released as of 2026 MY | ||
Our Top Picks at a Glance
A jump-list of every recommendation in this guide, grouped by use case. Click any tire to read its full review.
Best All-Season Tires for Subaru Forester
| Rank | Tire | Overall | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.0 | Mid-Priced |
| #2 | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 | Mid-Priced |
| #3 | General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 | Budget |
| #4 | Continental CrossContact LX25 | 8.8 | Mid-Priced |
| #5 | Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.7 | Budget |
Best All-Weather (3PMSF-Rated) Tires for Subaru Forester
| Rank | Tire | Overall | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.0 | Mid-Priced |
| #2 | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 | Mid-Priced |
| #3 | Vredestein Quatrac Pro | 8.4 | Mid-Priced |
Best Light All-Terrain Tires for Subaru Forester
| Rank | Tire | Overall | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 | Mid-Priced |
| #2 | Falken WildPeak A/T Trail | 8.9 | Mid-Priced |
| #3 | Continental CrossContact LX25 | 8.8 | Mid-Priced |
Best Winter Tires for Subaru Forester
| Rank | Tire | Overall | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 | 9.4 | Budget |
| #2 | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 | 9.2 | Budget |
| #3 | Vredestein Wintrac Pro | 8.7 | Mid-Priced |
Quietest Tires for Subaru Forester
| Rank | Tire | Overall | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.7 | Mid-Priced |
| #2 | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 | Mid-Priced |
| #3 | Continental CrossContact LX25 | 8.8 | Mid-Priced |
Best Budget Tires for Subaru Forester
| Rank | Tire | Overall | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 | Budget |
| #2 | Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.7 | Budget |
| #3 | Yokohama AVID Ascend GT | 8.1 | Budget |
Best All-Season Tires for Subaru Forester
All-season tires remain the default choice for Forester owners in temperate climates who prioritize year-round versatility, long treadwear, and highway comfort over maximum snow grip. The Forester's symmetrical AWD system pairs naturally with grand-touring and crossover-touring compounds that deliver strong wet braking and hydroplaning resistance, which matters more than dry-pavement performance for a vehicle rarely pushed to its handling limits. Look for wet scores above 9.0 and comfort ratings that preserve cabin quiet on the sixth generation's larger 19-inch wheels.
#1: MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE2
The Michelin CrossClimate2 earns top honors with a rare combination of 9.4 wet and 9.4 dry ratings alongside 8.8 snow performance that outperforms most traditional all-season rubber in light winter conditions. Its 9.1 treadwear score and 48 million miles of reported data make it a proven mid-priced choice for Forester owners who want a single set of tires year-round without compromising wet-weather confidence. The 8.9 comfort rating keeps road noise in check even on the sixth generation's 19-inch Sport and Limited wheels.
#2: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
Pirelli's Scorpion WeatherActive delivers crossover-specific sidewall construction and 9.4 wet grip that matches the CrossClimate2 while adding a slightly higher 9.5 dry score for responsive handling on paved roads. The 8.8 snow rating and 3PMSF certification give it an edge over non-certified touring tires when occasional flurries hit, and the 9.1 comfort score makes it one of the quietest options in the mid-priced tier. It's purpose-built for the Forester's curb weight and AWD torque distribution.
#3: GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45
The General AltiMAX RT45 brings budget-tier pricing with 8.8 wet and 9.2 dry ratings that nearly match mid-priced competitors, though its 7.7 snow score lags behind if you face regular winter weather. The 8.8 treadwear and comfort scores deliver long life and low cabin noise for daily commuting, making it a smart pick for Forester owners in mild climates who prioritize value. It's proven over 10 million reported miles and remains one of the best budget touring options for this crossover's load requirements.
#4: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
Continental's CrossContact LX25 balances 9.2 wet and 9.3 dry performance with an impressive 9.1 treadwear rating that promises extended life across the Forester's front-to-rear tire rotation intervals. The 8.3 snow score is adequate for light winter duty but trails dedicated all-weather compounds, so this tire suits temperate regions where wet traction and highway comfort matter more than deep-snow capability. Its 9.0 comfort rating and 23 million miles of field data make it a safe, predictable mid-priced choice for fifth- and sixth-generation models alike.
#5: VREDESTEIN HITRAC ALL SEASON
Vredestein's HiTrac All Season slots into the budget tier with 9.0 wet and 9.2 dry ratings that exceed its price point, though the 7.8 snow score keeps it best suited for warmer climates with only occasional cold snaps. The 8.9 comfort rating outperforms many mid-priced competitors and keeps road noise low on the Forester's cabin, while 8.7 treadwear suggests respectable longevity. It's backed by 14 million reported miles and offers European-brand refinement without the premium price.
Best All-Season Tires for Subaru Forester: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Michelin CrossClimate2 Mid-Priced | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | General AltiMAX RT45 Budget | Continental CrossContact LX25 Mid-Priced | Vredestein HiTrac All Season Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.0 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Wet | 9.4 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Dry | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Snow | 8.8 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| Comfort | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| Treadwear | 9.1 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 8.7 |
Best All-Weather (3PMSF-Rated) Tires for Subaru Forester
All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) certification that signals true winter grip without requiring seasonal swaps, making them ideal for Forester owners in regions with unpredictable snow or those who want year-round capability in a single set. These compounds sacrifice a bit of dry-pavement sharpness and tread life compared to pure touring rubber, but they unlock the full potential of Subaru's X-Mode dual-function traction in snowy conditions. The category is still maturing, so the picks below lean on tires with proven snow scores above 8.0 and strong wet ratings to complement the Forester's symmetrical AWD.
These picks rely on a data-light heuristic for this section — treat them as a directional starting point and weigh against your specific driving needs.
#1: MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE2
The Michelin CrossClimate2 leads the all-weather category with the same 9.4 wet, 9.4 dry, and 8.8 snow performance that earned it the top all-season spot, but its 3PMSF certification makes it the most versatile single-tire solution for 2026 Forester buyers facing variable winters. The 8.9 comfort and 9.1 treadwear scores mean you won't sacrifice refinement or longevity for that extra snow capability. With 48 million miles of field validation, it's the safest bet for owners who refuse to swap tires twice a year.
#2: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
Pirelli's Scorpion WeatherActive repeats its all-season performance here with 9.4 wet and 8.8 snow ratings, but the 3PMSF stamp gives Forester owners legal winter-tire status in regions that mandate it during snowy months. The crossover-tuned construction and 9.1 comfort score keep the sixth generation's 19-inch wheel setups quiet and composed on cold pavement. It's a mid-priced option that delivers both daily refinement and genuine winter confidence.
#3: VREDESTEIN QUATRAC PRO
Vredestein's Quatrac Pro offers a more affordable entry into 3PMSF territory with 9.0 wet and 8.1 snow ratings that suit Forester owners in moderate winter climates who want certified winter grip without dedicated winter-tire harshness. The 8.8 comfort score keeps road noise manageable, though the 8.2 treadwear rating trails the Michelin and Pirelli options if you rack up high annual mileage. It's backed by 27 million reported miles and represents solid mid-priced value for year-round crossover duty.
Best All-Weather (3PMSF-Rated) Tires for Subaru Forester: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Michelin CrossClimate2 Mid-Priced | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | Vredestein Quatrac Pro Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.0 | 8.9 | 8.4 |
| Wet | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.0 |
| Dry | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.1 |
| Snow | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Comfort | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Treadwear | 9.1 | 9.0 | 8.2 |
Best Light All-Terrain Tires for Subaru Forester
Light all-terrain tires are the natural match for the Forester Wilderness trim, delivering enough off-pavement traction for fire roads, gravel campsite access, and muddy trailheads without the highway drone and harsh ride of truck-oriented A/T compounds. These tires maintain higher on-road comfort and wet-pavement scores than traditional all-terrains while still offering open tread blocks and reinforced sidewalls that exploit the Wilderness's raised suspension and skid plates. Non-Wilderness Forester owners who occasionally venture onto dirt roads will also appreciate the added durability and snow performance these compounds deliver.
#1: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tops the light all-terrain category thanks to its 9.4 wet and 8.8 snow ratings that outperform many dedicated A/T tires on pavement, while still offering enough tread void and biting edges for dirt and gravel duty. Its crossover-tuned construction and 9.1 comfort score make it the quietest option for Wilderness owners who spend more time commuting than crawling. The 3PMSF certification ensures it handles the Forester's X-Mode snow and mud settings without drama.
#2: FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL
Falken's WildPeak A/T Trail is purpose-engineered for crossovers like the Wilderness, with 9.0 wet and 8.7 snow ratings that balance off-road capability with on-road civility better than truck-oriented all-terrains. The 8.7 comfort score keeps highway noise tolerable, and the 8.8 treadwear suggests it will outlast softer touring compounds even when faced with gravel and rocky trails. It's a mid-priced tire with nearly 10 million reported miles that delivers exactly what the Wilderness trim was designed to exploit.
#3: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
Continental's CrossContact LX25 rounds out the light all-terrain category with 9.2 wet and 9.3 dry ratings that prioritize pavement performance while still offering more sidewall protection and tread durability than pure touring rubber. The 8.3 snow score and 9.0 comfort rating make it ideal for Forester owners who occasionally venture onto dirt roads but spend most miles on asphalt. Its 9.1 treadwear and 23 million miles of data confirm it's a long-lasting mid-priced choice for crossover duty.
Best Light All-Terrain Tires for Subaru Forester: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | Falken WildPeak A/T Trail Mid-Priced | Continental CrossContact LX25 Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Wet | 9.4 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Dry | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Snow | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Comfort | 9.1 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
| Treadwear | 9.0 | 8.8 | 9.1 |
Best Winter Tires for Subaru Forester
Dedicated winter tires remain the gold standard for Forester owners facing consistent snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures, delivering traction and braking performance that no all-season or all-weather compound can match when roads turn truly hazardous. The Forester's symmetrical AWD helps you accelerate and climb in snow, but winter tires are what let you stop and corner safely, which matters more in real-world winter driving. Mount these on a second set of wheels in late fall and swap back to all-season rubber in spring for maximum year-round capability.
#1: BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK DM-V2
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 leads the winter category with a 9.4 snow rating and 9.2 wet score that exploit the Forester's AWD system to deliver confident traction on ice, packed snow, and slushy pavement. Its light-truck construction handles the crossover's 3,500- to 3,900-pound curb weight without feeling vague, and the budget-tier pricing makes it accessible for owners committed to seasonal wheel swaps. With 13 million reported miles and an 8.8 comfort rating, it's proven winter insurance for fifth- and sixth-generation models alike.
#2: BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS90
Bridgestone's Blizzak WS90 offers passenger-car refinement with a 9.3 snow rating that nearly matches the DM-V2 while delivering slightly sharper turn-in response on dry winter pavement. The 9.1 wet score ensures confident braking when roads transition from snow to slush, and the budget-tier pricing keeps a second wheel-and-tire set affordable. Its 8.5 comfort rating is lower than touring compounds, but that's typical of maximum-grip winter rubber designed for safety over silence.
#3: VREDESTEIN WINTRAC PRO
Vredestein's Wintrac Pro brings European winter-tire engineering to the mid-priced tier with an 8.9 snow rating and 9.1 wet score that balance ice grip with refined on-road behavior. The 8.7 comfort rating keeps cabin noise lower than the Blizzak options, making it a strong choice for Forester owners who log high winter mileage and prioritize daily comfort alongside safety. It's backed by 4.7 million reported miles and suits buyers who want a more sophisticated winter tire without stepping up to premium pricing.
Best Winter Tires for Subaru Forester: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Budget | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Budget | Vredestein Wintrac Pro Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Wet | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| Dry | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Snow | 9.4 | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| Comfort | 8.8 | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Treadwear | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.6 |
Quietest Tires for Subaru Forester
Cabin noise becomes a priority on the sixth-generation Forester's Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, where the move to 19-inch wheels shrinks sidewall height and transmits more road hum into the interior. These picks prioritize comfort scores above 9.0 and pair refined tread patterns with noise-dampening construction to preserve the Forester's quiet crossover character. Even fifth-generation owners on 17- and 18-inch wheels will appreciate the low-frequency drone reduction these tires deliver on highway commutes.
#1: PIRELLI SCORPION AS PLUS 3
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 leads the quietest-tire category with a 9.1 comfort rating and crossover-tuned tread blocks that minimize road roar on the sixth generation's larger wheels. Its 9.1 wet and 9.4 dry scores ensure confident handling in all weather, while the 8.9 treadwear rating suggests it will hold its quiet character across 40,000 miles or more. It's a mid-priced tire with 25 million reported miles that prioritizes refinement without sacrificing wet-weather safety.
#2: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
Pirelli's Scorpion WeatherActive repeats here with the same 9.1 comfort score that keeps highway noise low while adding 9.4 wet and 8.8 snow performance for year-round versatility. The crossover-specific sidewall construction absorbs impacts better than passenger-car compounds, which matters when the sixth generation's 19-inch wheels encounter potholes and expansion joints. Its 3PMSF certification means you won't sacrifice winter capability for cabin quiet.
#3: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
Continental's CrossContact LX25 rounds out the quiet category with a 9.0 comfort rating and 9.2 wet score that deliver serene highway cruising without compromising wet-weather confidence. The 9.1 treadwear rating ensures the tire maintains its low-noise character across multiple rotation
Quietest Tires for Subaru Forester: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Mid-Priced | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | Continental CrossContact LX25 Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Wet | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Dry | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Snow | 8.3 | 8.8 | 8.3 |
| Comfort | 9.1 | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Treadwear | 8.9 | 9.0 | 9.1 |
Best Budget Tires for Subaru Forester
If price is the deciding factor, these are the best-rated tires in the Budget price tier that still clear a 7.0/10 overall threshold.
#1: GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45
The General AltiMAX RT45 is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.8/10 overall in Grand Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#2: VREDESTEIN HITRAC ALL SEASON
The Vredestein HiTrac All Season is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.7/10 overall in Grand Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#3: YOKOHAMA AVID ASCEND GT
The Yokohama AVID Ascend GT is a reasonable option for this use case, with adequate Grand Touring All-Season performance and a sensible balance of strengths and trade-offs for the price.
Best Budget Tires for Subaru Forester: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | General AltiMAX RT45 Budget | Vredestein HiTrac All Season Budget | Yokohama AVID Ascend GT Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.1 |
| Wet | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| Dry | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Snow | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Comfort | 8.8 | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Treadwear | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
OEM Tire Replacement Guide
Your factory tires wore out — what now? For each trim, we recommend modern replacements within the same tire category as the OEM choice. If you want to upgrade across categories (e.g., to a 3PMSF all-weather), see the relevant section above.
Base / Premium — 17" (both gens)
Original equipment: Yokohama Geolandar G91F (CSTAS)
#1: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.9/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#2: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.8/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
Base / Premium — 17" (both gens)
Original equipment: Falken Ziex CT60 A/S (CSTAS)
#1: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.9/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#2: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.8/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
Sport / Limited / Touring — 18" (5th gen)
Original equipment: Yokohama Geolandar G91F (CSTAS)
#1: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.9/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#2: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.8/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
Sport / Limited / Touring — 19" (6th gen)
Original equipment: Yokohama Geolandar G91F (CSTAS)
#1: PIRELLI SCORPION WEATHERACTIVE
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.9/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#2: CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.8/10 overall in Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
Wilderness — 17" (5th gen)
Original equipment: Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 (ONAT)
#1: FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL
The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail is a strong pick for this use case. It scores 8.9/10 overall in On-Road All-Terrain and holds up across the metrics that matter most for this vehicle.
#2: FIRESTONE DESTINATION A/T
The Firestone Destination A/T is a reasonable option for this use case, with adequate On-Road All-Terrain performance and a sensible balance of strengths and trade-offs for the price.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Tires are easiest to compare within the same use case. Below, the recommended picks from each section side by side. Cross-section comparisons (e.g., a dedicated winter tire vs. an all-season) aren't apples-to-apples and would be misleading.
Best All-Season Tires for Subaru Forester
| Metric | Michelin CrossClimate2 Mid-Priced | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | General AltiMAX RT45 Budget | Continental CrossContact LX25 Mid-Priced | Vredestein HiTrac All Season Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.0 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Wet | 9.4 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Dry | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Snow | 8.8 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| Comfort | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| Treadwear | 9.1 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 8.7 |
Best All-Weather (3PMSF-Rated) Tires for Subaru Forester
| Metric | Michelin CrossClimate2 Mid-Priced | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | Vredestein Quatrac Pro Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.0 | 8.9 | 8.4 |
| Wet | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.0 |
| Dry | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.1 |
| Snow | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Comfort | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Treadwear | 9.1 | 9.0 | 8.2 |
Best Light All-Terrain Tires for Subaru Forester
| Metric | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | Falken WildPeak A/T Trail Mid-Priced | Continental CrossContact LX25 Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Wet | 9.4 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Dry | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Snow | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Comfort | 9.1 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
| Treadwear | 9.0 | 8.8 | 9.1 |
Best Winter Tires for Subaru Forester
| Metric | Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Budget | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Budget | Vredestein Wintrac Pro Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Wet | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| Dry | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Snow | 9.4 | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| Comfort | 8.8 | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Treadwear | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.6 |
Quietest Tires for Subaru Forester
| Metric | Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Mid-Priced | Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Mid-Priced | Continental CrossContact LX25 Mid-Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Wet | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Dry | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Snow | 8.3 | 8.8 | 8.3 |
| Comfort | 9.1 | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Treadwear | 8.9 | 9.0 | 9.1 |
Best Budget Tires for Subaru Forester
| Metric | General AltiMAX RT45 Budget | Vredestein HiTrac All Season Budget | Yokohama AVID Ascend GT Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.1 |
| Wet | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| Dry | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Snow | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Comfort | 8.8 | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Treadwear | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
What to Avoid
A few patterns that come up enough on owner forums to warrant a direct call-out — specifically for the Subaru Forester.
- Tires with a load index below 99 — the Subaru Forester is heavy enough that an under-rated tire is a safety problem, not a comfort preference.
- Run-flats unless the vehicle was originally equipped with them — the harsh ride is rarely worth it on a non-OEM application.
- Summer-only tires year-round in any climate that sees freezing temperatures — even dry-cold roads compromise summer compound grip.
Subaru Forester Tire FAQ
How often should I rotate tires on the Subaru Forester?
Every 5,000–7,500 miles is standard. Stick to the shorter end if you tow regularly or drive enthusiastically.
Will new tires change my fuel economy?
Yes — meaningfully. Switching from a low-rolling-resistance OEM tire to a more aggressive all-season can cost 1–3 MPG. See the "Best Tires for Maximum Range" section above for picks that minimise the hit.
Do I need an alignment with new tires?
Not strictly, but it's the cheapest insurance against premature wear. Alignment specs can shift over the life of the car; getting baseline numbers checked when you mount a fresh set is cheap relative to the cost of replacing tires that wore unevenly.
Are bigger wheels worse for tires?
Generally yes. Larger wheel diameters mean shorter sidewalls, which transmit more impact damage to the wheel and tire. On the Subaru Forester, the largest factory option will wear faster and ride harder than the smaller-wheel trims.
Real-World Owner Data
Every rating in this guide is built from real-world owner reviews — specifically, the customer survey data published by TireRack.com. That dataset aggregates thousands of miles of reported driving across every tire we cover, which makes it the strongest publicly available source for honest tire performance feedback. We publish those numbers transparently rather than treating tire reviews as a black box, because the math behind a recommendation matters as much as the recommendation itself.
Our goal is to supplement that with first-party owner reports from readers of this site — particularly from Subaru Forester owners, where vehicle-specific patterns (tire wear under instant torque, noise on quieter cabins, range hit from heavier compounds) are harder to read out of generic survey data. We're early in that effort, and we're committed to building it slowly and thoughtfully so the resulting dataset is honest and useful — not just louder. If you've put real miles on a set of tires on your Forester and would like to share your experience, reach out via the site's contact page; every report sharpens future updates to this guide.
Resources
For deeper specs, warranty details, or to find an authorized installer, here are the manufacturer pages for each brand featured in this guide.
Final Thoughts
The right tires for a Subaru Forester depend less on a single "best" label and more on how you actually drive the car. If you only ever buy one set during your ownership, an all-season pick like the Michelin CrossClimate2 handles 90% of what most owners need. If you live somewhere with real winter, run a dedicated winter set — the safety margin is genuine, not marketing. If you optimise for fuel economy, you give up some grip; if you optimise for grip, you give up some economy. There's no free lunch.
These picks are data-driven and get updated as new ratings come in. If you've put real miles on a set on your Subaru Forester, consider submitting your experience via the owner-data form above — that's how this guide gets sharper for the next owner reading it.
