Choosing the right tires for your Subaru Ascent is a critical decision that impacts safety, comfort, and capability. This three-row family hauler is designed for adventure, whether that’s a cross-country road trip or navigating snowy roads to the ski lodge. The correct set of tires will enhance its all-wheel-drive system, providing the confidence and performance your family relies on.
From rugged all-terrain options to refined highway-focused models, the market offers numerous choices tailored to different driving needs. Our roundup simplifies this selection by highlighting ten excellent tires known for their quality, durability, and positive user feedback. We’ve analyzed key features like tread life warranties, all-weather traction, and fuel efficiency to help you find the perfect match for your driving lifestyle.
Our Top Tire Picks for the Subaru Ascent
- Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All Terrain Tire
- Continental CrossContact LX25 All-Season Radial
- Kumho Crugen HT51 All-Season Light Truck Tire
- Firestone Destination LE3 Highway Terrain SUV Tire
- General Tire Grabber HTS60 All-Season Radial
- MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S All Season Radial
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus Highway Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 All-Season
- Firestone Destination LE3 in 235/55R19
- Continental CrossContact LX25 with EcoPlus
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All Terrain Tire
For Ascent owners who frequently leave the pavement, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is a compelling choice. Designed specifically for crossover and smaller SUV platforms, it provides a capable off-road look and performance without excessive noise or weight. Its 3D Canyon Sipe Technology and deeper tread pattern are engineered to deliver reliable winter traction, making it a true all-condition tire.
This model comes with a strong 65,000-mile limited tread life warranty, which is impressive for an all-terrain design. It strikes a practical balance, offering improved grip on loose surfaces while maintaining solid on-road manners for daily driving and long highway trips. It’s an ideal option for families who need their Ascent to handle light trails, campground access, and inclement weather with equal competence.
Continental CrossContact LX25
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a premium all-season tire built for drivers who prioritize safety and efficiency. Its standout feature is Continental’s EcoPlus Technology, which is designed to reduce rolling resistance. This can lead to better fuel economy and extended electric vehicle range, while also contributing to the tire’s long 70,000-mile limited warranty.
Safety in wet conditions is a key strength, with engineering focused on achieving short braking distances on rainy roads. The tread compound and pattern work together to resist hydroplaning and provide confident handling. For Ascents used primarily on paved roads, this tire offers a quiet, comfortable ride with the added benefits of long tread life and potential fuel savings.
Kumho Crugen HT51 All-Season Tire
The Kumho Crugen HT51 is a durable all-season option, particularly noted in its Light Truck (LT) construction with a 10-ply rating. This build offers increased strength and load-carrying capacity, which can be beneficial for Ascents that are regularly loaded to capacity or used for towing. It provides a robust foundation for family and cargo hauling duties.
As a highway-terrain tire, it is designed for predictable performance across various weather conditions encountered during typical driving. The reinforced construction helps resist damage from road hazards, contributing to its longevity. This tire is a practical choice for owners who need a tough, reliable tire for heavy-duty use without venturing off-road.
Firestone Destination LE3 Highway Terrain SUV Tire
Firestone’s Destination LE3 is engineered for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads but still expect dependable performance in rain and light snow. It features what Firestone calls its longest limited warranty, signaling strong confidence in the tire’s durability and tread life. The design aims for sustained performance throughout the entire life of the tread.
The tire’s compound and tread pattern are tuned to deliver a quiet and comfortable highway ride, which is important for a family vehicle like the Ascent. Its balanced capabilities in wet, dry, and winter conditions make it a versatile, no-surprises choice for year-round commuting and road trips. It represents a strong value in the highway all-season category.
General Tire Grabber HTS60
The General Grabber HTS60 is an all-season radial built to provide secure handling and braking. It is backed by a 65,000-mile limited tread life warranty, offering long-term value for high-mileage drivers. The tire’s construction focuses on delivering precise steering response and stable handling on both wet and dry pavement.
A key engineering goal for this model is superb wet braking performance. The tread design effectively channels water away to maintain contact with the road, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. For Ascent owners looking for a confident, communicative tire that performs well in rainy conditions and offers a lengthy warranty, the Grabber HTS60 is a strong contender.
MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S
The MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S is a highly regarded tire known for its exceptional longevity and all-season competence. Its MICHELIN EverTread Compound is formulated to provide up to 10% more mileage in severe conditions compared to its predecessor. This focus on durability makes it an excellent investment for drivers who plan to keep their Ascent for many years.
Beyond long life, it delivers outstanding safety features. The tread design offers a strong grip for shorter braking distances on wet roads and provides reliable traction in snow. Its ability to resist hydroplaning and maintain performance in various conditions has made it a favorite for SUVs and light trucks used for family transportation.
Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
Bridgestone’s Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is a premium highway tire that comes with an impressive up to 80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. This industry-leading coverage highlights its design focus on maximum tread life, making it ideal for drivers who accumulate high annual mileage on their Ascent.
This tire provides refined all-season performance with an emphasis on comfort and fuel efficiency. Compared to the previous Alenza model, it offers improved fuel economy, which can lead to cost savings over its long life. The ride is quiet and smooth, complementing the Ascent’s character as a comfortable long-distance cruiser for families.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 is engineered to be a true all-weather tire, carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol for severe snow service. Its specialized tread compound is designed to stay pliable and effective across a wide temperature range, from summer heat to winter cold.
Goodyear’s AquaTred Technology features an enhanced pattern with sweeping grooves to evacuate water and slush efficiently. The unique Evolving Traction Grooves are designed to maintain their water-displacing capability throughout the tire’s life, helping to ensure trusted wet traction as the tread wears. For Ascents in regions with harsh winters and rainy seasons, this tire provides year-round security.
Firestone Destination LE3 in 235/55R19
This is another size variant of the capable Firestone Destination LE3, specifically fitting Ascents with 19-inch wheels. It carries the same core benefits: Firestone’s longest limited warranty and a design focused on sustained, dependable performance throughout the tread’s life. The consistent wet, dry, and snow performance remains a key selling point.
For owners of Ascents with this specific wheel size, it offers a proven highway-terrain option that prioritizes a smooth ride and longevity. The tire’s construction helps absorb road imperfections, contributing to cabin comfort. It’s a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it type of tire for daily driving and family adventures on paved roads.
Continental CrossContact LX25 with EcoPlus
This entry represents the broader Continental CrossContact LX25 line with EcoPlus Technology. As a leading all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs, it combines multiple desirable attributes. The EcoPlus Technology is central to its design, aiming to optimize fuel efficiency, extend tread life, and provide strong wet braking performance.
The tire is built to deliver a quiet and comfortable driving experience without sacrificing safety or responsiveness. Its reputation for short stopping distances on wet roads is a major benefit for family safety. Drivers interested in the balance of eco-conscious engineering, long tread life, and confident all-season handling should consider this model for their Subaru Ascent.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Tires For Your Subaru Ascent
Choosing the best tires for your Subaru Ascent isn’t just about picking a name brand. It’s about matching a tire’s strengths to how and where you drive. Your Ascent is a capable, family-friendly SUV, and the right tires will make it safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. I always start by thinking about the climate I drive in most of the year. If you see all four seasons, including moderate snow, an all-weather or severe snow service-rated all-season tire is a fantastic choice. These offer great year-round performance without needing a seasonal swap.
For those in harsh winter climates, a dedicated set of winter tires is a game-changer for traction and braking on ice and snow. Conversely, if you live in a warm, dry region, a standard touring all-season or even a highway-terrain tire will focus on quiet comfort and long tread life. Next, consider your driving style. Do you prioritize a smooth, quiet ride for long road trips? Look for tires with comfort-focused technology. Do you take the Ascent on light trails or deal with rough roads? A tire with a stronger sidewall and more aggressive tread pattern will serve you better.
Finally, pay attention to the specs. Always match the tire size (like 245/60R18) to your Ascent’s original equipment. The load index and speed rating are also critical; your Ascent is a heavy vehicle, so you need a tire that can safely carry its weight. Checking reviews and professional tests for things like wet braking distance and snow traction can give you real-world data beyond the marketing. Remember, the goal is to find a tire that complements your Ascent’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, not works against it. Taking the time to think about these factors will lead you to the perfect set from any list of the 10 best tires for Subaru Ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a different size tire on my Subaru Ascent?
It’s possible, but I don’t recommend deviating far from the factory-recommended size without consulting a professional. The Ascent’s all-wheel-drive system is finely tuned to work with specific tire diameters. A significant size change can confuse the system, potentially causing damage. If you’re considering a different size for looks or off-road capability, it’s best to talk to a specialist tire shop that understands Subaru’s AWD requirements.
How often should I rotate the tires on my Ascent?
Subaru typically recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. Regular rotation is extra important on an AWD vehicle like the Ascent to ensure even wear across all four tires. Uneven wear can lead to vibrations, noise, and can even strain the drivetrain. I make a note in my maintenance log every time I do it to keep on schedule.
Are all-season tires good enough for winter in the Ascent?
Modern all-season tires are much better than they used to be, and many now carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning they meet severe snow service standards. These are a solid choice for light to moderate winter conditions. However, if you regularly drive through heavy snow, ice, and very cold temperatures, a dedicated winter tire will always provide superior traction, braking, and control. Your Ascent’s AWD helps you go, but winter tires help you stop and turn.
What’s the typical lifespan of tires on a Subaru Ascent?
You can usually expect between 50,000 to 70,000 miles from a set of high-quality touring all-season tires, depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. More aggressive all-terrain tires may have a shorter tread life. The key to reaching that mileage is keeping up with rotations, alignments, and proper inflation pressure.
Do I need to replace all four tires at the same time on my AWD Ascent?
Yes, this is strongly advised. Subaru’s AWD system requires all four tires to have very similar tread depths to operate correctly and avoid damaging the center differential. If you need to replace just one tire due to damage, it must be shaved down to match the tread depth of the remaining three. Because of this, replacing all four together is often the simplest and safest path when shopping for the 10 best tires for Subaru Ascent.