Choosing the right tires for your Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. The correct set enhances safety, improves performance in various conditions, and maximizes the capabilities of your vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system. Whether you face harsh winters, seek off-road adventure, or simply want reliable all-year comfort, this roundup covers the top options to match your driving needs and lifestyle.
Our selection includes dedicated winter tires, rugged all-terrain models, and dependable all-season performers. Each tire is evaluated based on its features, intended use, and how well it complements the Crosstrek’s characteristics. This guide will help you make a confident decision for your next set of tires.
Our Top Tire Picks for the Subaru Crosstrek
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT 100S
- Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All Terrain Light Truck Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT(P) Street Radial Tire
- Yokohama GEOLANDAR MT G003 Mud Terrain Radial Tire
- MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S All Season Radial Car Tire
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
- Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 Light Truck Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Nokian Tyres WR G4 All-Weather Tire
- Continental TerrainContact A/T All-Terrain Tire
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT 100S
For Crosstrek owners who face severe winter conditions, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is a dedicated winter tire built to excel. Its directional tread pattern and specialized ice tread compound work together to provide reliable traction on roads covered in snow and hard ice. The design also efficiently channels water and slush away from the tire’s contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet winter roads.
Stability is a key benefit, thanks to the 3D TreadLock blades that interlock during cornering. This feature helps the tire maintain its shape under lateral forces for enhanced control. Furthermore, the center tread blocks use two-dimensional blades to preserve braking and acceleration power, giving you confidence when starting from a stop or slowing down on slippery surfaces.
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is engineered specifically for crossover vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek. It strikes an excellent balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a favorite for drivers who venture onto light trails. Its design includes 3D Canyon Sipe Technology and a deeper tread depth than a standard all-season tire, which provides a notable improvement in winter traction.
Durability and value are central to this tire. It comes with a substantial 65,000-mile limited tread life warranty, reflecting confidence in its long-term performance. The reinforced construction handles the demands of both pavement and rough terrain, ensuring your Crosstrek is prepared for a wide range of adventures without sacrificing daily drivability.
Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a versatile all-terrain tire designed for SUVs and trucks. It offers reliable all-season traction for drivers who split time between city streets and more challenging environments. Features like multi-angle sipes and sawtooth block edges help maintain grip on wet pavement and loose surfaces.
Its construction prioritizes durability. Large, interlocking tread blocks contribute to strong performance both on and off the road, resisting wear and tear. The rugged stepped shoulder is a thoughtful addition, providing extra biting edges for improved traction when driving through deep snow or mud, adding to the tire’s overall capability.
Yokohama GEOLANDAR MT G003
The Yokohama GEOLANDAR MT G003 is a serious mud-terrain radial tire for the most aggressive off-road use. With a high load capacity of over 3,000 pounds, it’s built tough for challenging environments where maximum traction is required. This tire is intended for drivers who frequently tackle rocky, muddy, or deeply rutted trails.
Its deep, aggressive tread pattern is designed to self-clean, ejecting mud and debris to maintain grip. While primarily focused off-road performance, it is a universal fit tire made with Yokohama’s quality standards. This is a specialized option for Crosstrek owners whose primary goal is conquering extreme terrain.
MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S
The MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S is a premium all-season tire renowned for its longevity and all-weather competence. It uses Michelin’s EverTread Compound, which is engineered to provide up to 10% more mileage in severe conditions compared to its predecessor. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who want a durable, long-lasting tire.
Safety features are impressive, with a focus on wet and winter weather. The tread design reduces the risk of hydroplaning and provides shorter braking distances on wet roads. It also delivers reliable traction on snow, offering more well-rounded performance than many standard all-season tires, perfect for year-round use in variable climates.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a top-tier winter tire, known for setting the standard in ice and snow traction. Its advanced Multicell Compound contains microscopic pores that help absorb water film on ice, resulting in a leader in control and stopping power on frozen surfaces. This technology provides a significant safety advantage in the coldest months.
Drivers can expect reliable handling in a variety of winter conditions, from deep snow to icy patches. The Blizzak series has a strong reputation for a reason, offering peace of mind when temperatures drop. For Crosstrek owners in regions with persistent snow and ice, this tire is a dedicated tool for maintaining mobility and safety.
Yokohama Geolandar AT G015
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a robust all-terrain tire that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort. It comes with a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and Yokohama’s 30-day satisfaction guarantee, showcasing the manufacturer’s confidence in its product. This tire is built to handle highway driving as well as weekend trail excursions.
A key certification for many drivers is the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, which this tire carries. This means it meets specific performance criteria for severe snow service, offering much better snow and ice performance than a standard all-season tire. It’s a great all-weather, all-terrain solution for the adventurous Crosstrek owner.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is designed as a true all-weather tire, capable in conditions beyond what a typical all-season tire can manage. Its tread compound remains flexible in cold temperatures to maintain grip on cold, wet, and snowy roads. This makes it a suitable option for drivers who experience moderate winter weather but don’t want to switch to dedicated snow tires.
The tire’s construction focuses on year-round performance and safety. While specific feature details are focused on its all-weather capability, the Assurance WeatherReady aims to be a single-tire solution for Crosstrek drivers facing four distinct seasons, providing reliable traction through spring rains, summer heat, fall chill, and winter snow.
Nokian Tyres WR G4
Nokian is a brand synonymous with winter expertise, and the WR G4 is their premium all-weather tire offering. It incorporates features like Smart Traffic Technology, which is designed to improve performance on both wet and dry pavement. As an all-weather tire, it is built to be driven year-round, even in snowy conditions.
Its fit type is listed as vehicle-specific, indicating a design tuned for particular vehicle characteristics, which can lead to optimized performance. With a solid load capacity, it is well-suited for the needs of a Subaru Crosstrek. This tire is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance, no-compromise tire that excels in all conditions without seasonal changes.
Continental TerrainContact A/T
The Continental TerrainContact A/T is an all-terrain tire that emphasizes a quiet and comfortable on-road experience without sacrificing off-road ability. It is engineered to provide a smooth ride and lower noise levels compared to more aggressive all-terrain tires, making it ideal for Crosstrek owners who spend most of their time on pavement but want the option for trails.
Its tread design offers reliable traction in various conditions, including light off-road environments and wet roads. Continental’s reputation for quality construction means this tire is built to last while providing the safety and performance characteristics that drivers expect from a leading tire manufacturer. It’s a smart, balanced choice for the active lifestyle.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tires For Your Subaru Crosstrek
Picking the right tires for your Subaru Crosstrek isn’t just about finding the right size. It’s about matching the rubber to your lifestyle and the conditions you drive in most. I’ve found that a little research upfront makes a huge difference in how the car feels, handles, and performs. Let’s talk about the key things I look for.
First, you need to decide on a tire category. This is the biggest choice. All-Season tires are the popular default, offering a balanced performance for dry, wet, and light winter conditions. If you deal with serious snow and ice every year, a dedicated Winter (Snow) tire is a game-changer for traction and safety. For those who take their Crosstrek off the pavement more often, an All-Terrain (A/T) tire provides a tougher sidewall and more aggressive tread for dirt, gravel, and rocky paths, though it might be noisier on the highway.
Next, pay close attention to the tire’s specifications and ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) gives you a rough idea of treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. A higher treadwear number suggests a longer-lasting tire. The traction grade (AA, A, B, C) indicates wet braking capability. Also, look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol if you need confident performance in snow; this means the tire meets specific severe snow service standards.
Finally, think about your priorities. Are you aiming for a quiet, comfortable ride with low rolling resistance for better fuel economy? Touring-style all-seasons are great for that. Do you want sharper handling and more responsive steering? Look at performance-oriented Grand Touring all-seasons. For the 10 best tires for Subaru Crosstrek: reviews & top picks, I always balance these factors: all-weather capability, ride comfort, tread life expectancy, and of course, value for your budget. Your ideal tire is the one that best supports how you actually use your vehicle, day in and day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the original tire size on a Subaru Crosstrek?
This depends on the year and trim level. Most commonly, you’ll see 225/55R18 on higher trims and 225/60R17 on base models. Some older models used a 215/65R16. The absolute best way to be sure is to check the sidewall of your current tires or the placard located on the driver’s side door jamb. Never guess on tire size.
Can I put all-terrain tires on my stock Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, you absolutely can, and it’s a very popular modification. Many all-terrain (A/T) tires are made in standard Crosstrek sizes. They will give you much better capability on dirt roads, gravel, and in light mud. Be aware that they often cause a slight decrease in fuel economy, can be a bit noisier on pavement, and may make the steering feel a little less responsive compared to a highway tire.
How often should I rotate the tires on my Crosstrek?
Subaru recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. This is crucial for the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system to function properly. Uneven tire wear can cause unnecessary strain on the drivetrain. I make it a habit to rotate mine with every other oil change to keep it simple and ensure even tread wear for the longest possible life.
Do I need to replace all four tires at the same time on my AWD Crosstrek?
This is strongly recommended, yes. Subaru’s AWD system is designed to operate with all tires having very similar tread depths. A significant difference (more than 2/32nds of an inch is often cited) can cause the system to work incorrectly, leading to potential binding or damage to the center differential. If you need just one tire, shaving a new one to match the wear of the others is an option some tire shops offer.
What’s the difference between all-season and all-weather tires?
This is a common point of confusion. Standard all-season tires are designed for three-season use: spring, summer, and fall. They can handle light snow. All-weather tires (marked with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol) are a relatively new category that is designed to be a true year-round tire, including more severe winter conditions. They use a more flexible rubber compound and a tread pattern better suited for snow and ice than a conventional all-season, making them a great single-tire solution for many drivers looking at the 10 best tires for Subaru Crosstrek: reviews & top picks.