Choosing the right tires for your Subaru Legacy is one of the most critical decisions you can make for safety and performance. The Legacy’s renowned all-wheel-drive system is only as effective as the four contact patches connecting it to the road. Whether you’re navigating summer thunderstorms, autumn frost, or deep winter snow, the correct tire can profoundly impact your car’s handling, braking, and overall driving confidence.
This guide cuts through the clutter to present a curated selection of ten excellent tire options suited for various driving needs and conditions. From dedicated winter specialists to robust all-weather champions, we’ve compiled a list to help you make an informed choice that complements your Legacy’s capabilities and keeps you secure on your journeys, no matter the forecast.
Top Tire Picks for Your Subaru Legacy
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV Winter Performance Tire
- Continental PureContact LS All Season Radial Tire
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Performance Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 All-Season Radial Tire
- General AltiMAX RT43 All-Season Radial Tire
- YOKOHAMA AVID ASCEND GT All-Season Radial Tire
- Firestone Weathergrip All-Weather Touring Tire
- Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire
- Toyo Tires EXTENSA A/S II
- Michelin Defender T+H All-Season Radial Car Tire
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV Winter Performance Tire
For Legacy drivers who face severe winter conditions, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is a top-tier specialist. It is engineered to provide first-class grip and stable handling on snow and ice, giving you the confidence to tackle the worst winter roads. The tire’s design focuses on maintaining an enjoyable driving feel, even when temperatures plummet, ensuring your Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system has the traction it needs to perform.
This tire represents a significant investment in winter safety, offering peace of mind when conditions are at their most challenging. Its performance characteristics are tailored for those who cannot compromise on mobility during the snowy months.
Continental PureContact LS All Season Radial Tire
The Continental PureContact LS is a premium touring tire that balances comfort, longevity, and all-season capability. Manufactured in Germany, it reflects a commitment to precision engineering and high-quality materials. This tire is designed for drivers seeking a smooth, quiet ride without sacrificing performance in wet or dry conditions.
Its construction promotes even wear and fuel efficiency, making it a smart long-term choice for your Legacy. The PureContact LS aims to provide a refined driving experience that complements the car’s comfortable and capable nature.
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Performance Tire
For the performance-oriented Legacy owner, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus delivers sharp handling and excellent grip. It features Pirelli’s Noise Canceling System (PNCS), which reduces road noise for a quieter cabin. The tire’s lateral siping is engineered to maximize cornering performance and dry grip while also promoting hydroplaning resistance.
Notably, the ELECT marking indicates it’s also developed for high-performance electric and plug-in vehicles, highlighting its low rolling resistance and robust construction. This makes it a future-proof option that can handle instant torque efficiently.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 All-Season Radial Tire
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 is built to be a true all-weather companion, earning the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) severe snow service rating. Its specialized tread compound remains adaptable across a wide temperature range, providing consistent performance. The AquaTred Technology features an enhanced pattern with sweeping grooves to evacuate water and slush effectively.
An innovative feature is the Evolving Traction Grooves, which are designed to maintain wet-weather performance as the tire wears. This focus on lasting safety and grip makes it a very compelling option for year-round security.
General AltiMAX RT43 All-Season Radial Tire
The General AltiMAX RT43 is a highly regarded touring tire known for its long treadlife and dependable all-season performance. It offers a solid balance of comfort, fuel efficiency, and wet-weather traction at a competitive value. This tire is a practical choice for daily commuting and long-distance travel in your Legacy.
Its durable construction and focus on longevity mean you can count on it for many miles of reliable service. For drivers looking for a no-nonsense, trustworthy tire, the AltiMAX RT43 is a strong contender.
YOKOHAMA AVID ASCEND GT All-Season Radial Tire
The Yokohama AVID ASCEND GT is designed as a premium touring tire that emphasizes a smooth and quiet ride. It integrates advanced tread compounds and pattern designs to provide reliable handling in various conditions, including light snow. The tire’s construction aims to reduce road noise, contributing to a more pleasant driving experience.
With a focus on comfort and consistent performance, the AVID ASCEND GT is well-suited for drivers who spend significant time on the highway and want a tire that minimizes fatigue.
Firestone Weathergrip All-Weather Touring Tire
The Firestone Weathergrip is an “all-weather” tire, a step above standard all-seasons, as it carries the 3PMSF severe snow service rating. It is built to provide confident wet and light snow performance year-round, potentially eliminating the need for a separate set of winter tires in some climates. It also comes with a substantial 65,000-mile limited treadwear warranty.
This tire offers a compelling combination of long-lasting performance and enhanced winter capability, making it an excellent value for drivers in regions with moderate but varied weather.
Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire
The Hankook Kinergy PT is a touring all-season tire focused on providing a comfortable and economical driving experience. It is engineered to offer low rolling resistance for better fuel economy and a long tread life. The tire’s pattern is designed to manage water effectively, promoting good wet-weather traction.
As a reliable and cost-effective option, the Kinergy PT delivers solid, everyday performance for the Legacy owner who prioritizes value and comfort over sporty handling.
Toyo Tires EXTENSA A/S II
The Toyo Extensa A/S II is a value-oriented all-season tire that doesn’t skimp on features. It boasts an impressive 75,000-mile limited tread life warranty on T and H-rated sizes, signaling Toyo’s confidence in its durability. The all-season tread is designed to provide reliable traction in a variety of conditions.
This tire is an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers who still want a dependable, long-lasting tire with a strong warranty for their daily commute and family trips.
Michelin Defender T+H All-Season Radial Car Tire
A benchmark in the touring all-season category, the Michelin Defender T+H is renowned for its exceptional longevity and all-weather confidence. It is engineered to provide outstanding treadwear, often exceeding its own impressive warranty, making it a very cost-effective choice over the long term. The tire delivers solid traction in wet and dry conditions and even light snow.
Michelin’s focus on durability and consistent performance makes the Defender T+H a top pick for drivers who want a “set it and forget it” tire that will last for tens of thousands of miles.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tires For Your Subaru Legacy
As a Subaru Legacy owner, I know that finding the right tires is about more than just a size match. It’s about matching rubber to road and weather to get the most out of the car’s excellent all-wheel-drive system. My first step is always to figure out what kind of driving I do most. Do I face harsh, snowy winters, or is it mostly rain and mild temperatures? This single question narrows down the field significantly.
For those of us in regions with four distinct seasons, a high-quality set of all-season tires is often the go-to choice. I look for models with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, which indicates they meet specific snow traction performance standards. These aren’t as capable as dedicated winter tires in deep snow, but they offer a great, safe compromise for light snow and cold pavement. If my area gets heavy, frequent snow, I personally wouldn’t hesitate to invest in a dedicated set of winter tires. The difference in control and stopping power is night and day.
Performance is another big factor. The Legacy is a comfortable cruiser, but it has a sporty side. I consider the tire’s speed rating and handling characteristics. A tire with a higher speed rating typically has a stiffer sidewall, which improves cornering response and steering feel. However, I balance this with comfort; a tire that’s too aggressive might transmit more road noise and vibration into the cabin, which can get tiring on long trips.
I always pay close attention to treadwear, traction, and temperature ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) system gives me a rough idea of how long a tire might last (treadwear), its wet braking capability (traction), and its ability to dissipate heat (temperature). A higher treadwear number suggests a longer-lasting tire, while an “AA” traction rating is the best you can get for wet grip. Finally, I set a budget. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I remember that tires are my only connection to the road. Investing in a solid, reputable set is an investment in my safety and the car’s performance. This guide for all seasons is about making an informed choice that fits my specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-season tires year-round on my Subaru Legacy?
Yes, you absolutely can, and for many drivers, this is the most practical solution. Modern all-season tires are designed to handle a wide variety of conditions, including dry pavement, rain, and even light snow. The key is to be honest about your local climate. If you experience harsh winters with consistent snowfall and temperatures that stay below freezing, a dedicated set of winter tires will provide superior safety and control. For those in more temperate zones, a good set of all-season tires is a perfectly capable year-round companion.
How does the Legacy’s AWD system affect my tire choice?
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a core part of the Legacy’s identity, and it demands respect when it comes to tires. The most critical rule is to ensure all four tires have the same brand, model, size, and, most importantly, similar tread depth. Mismatched tires can cause excessive wear and strain on the drivetrain components because the AWD system is constantly compensating for different rolling diameters. If you need to replace just one tire, it should be shaved down to match the tread depth of the other three, which is a service some tire shops offer.
What tire size should I get for my Legacy?
The correct tire size is specific to your Legacy’s year and trim level. The most reliable way to find your size is to check the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb; it will list the factory-recommended tire size and inflation pressures. You can also look at the sidewall of your current tires. Common sizes for newer models are 225/55R17 or 225/50R18. While it’s possible to go with a slightly different size, I always recommend consulting with a tire professional to ensure any change won’t interfere with your speedometer accuracy or vehicle clearance.
How often should I rotate the tires on my Legacy?
Subaru recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. This is especially important for an AWD vehicle like the Legacy to promote even tread wear across all four tires. Consistent rotation helps extend the overall life of your tire set and ensures the AWD system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary due to minor tread depth variations. Many drivers, including myself, simply have it done with every other oil change to make it easy to remember.
Are run-flat tires a good option for the Subaru Legacy?
Run-flat tires are an option, but they are not a standard fitment for the Legacy. The main advantage is the ability to drive for a limited distance after a puncture, which eliminates the immediate need for a spare tire. However, there are trade-offs. Run-flats often have a stiffer ride, can be more expensive, and may produce more road noise. Since the Legacy is tuned for a comfortable and quiet ride, switching to run-flats could compromise that characteristic. It’s a personal decision based on your priority for convenience over ride comfort.