What are OEM tires for Subaru Outback?
OEM tires are the factory-installed tires that come on a Subaru Outback when you buy it new; they are chosen to balance safety, performance, and comfort for that specific model and trim.
Understanding what OEM tires do for the Outback
Original Equipment tires are tuned to work with the Outback’s suspension, all-wheel-drive system, and overall braking performance. They influence handling, grip in rain and snow, fuel economy, cabin noise, and ride comfort. Because Subaru updates wheels and tires across generations and trims, the exact tire size and model can differ from one Outback to another and from year to year. Always verify the exact specification on the door placard or in the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
OEM tires by generation and trim
Subaru has used a range of all-season tires as OE on the Outback, with sizes and wheel options evolving over time. The following notes provide a general guide, but precise specifications should be checked on the vehicle placard.
Fourth generation Outback (around 2010–2014)
- Common wheel sizes tended to be in the 17-inch range for many trims, with 16-inch variants on earlier or more basic configurations.
- Original tires were typically all-season radials from major brands, chosen to balance ride comfort, noise, and year-round grip.
- Branding and exact tread patterns varied by market and model year, but the goal remained consistent: reliable performance with Subaru’s AWD platform.
Vehicle owners should confirm the exact OE size and tire model for their specific year and trim via the placard on the driver’s door jamb or the owner’s manual.
Fifth generation Outback (around 2015–2024, continuing into current models)
- Many trims used 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 tires as a common baseline, while upper trims often moved to 18-inch wheels with 225/60R18 tires.
- All-season tires remained the standard OE choice, with some regional or trim-specific swaps—especially in sportier or weather-focused variants—leading to different tread designs.
- Brands historically included large manufacturers such as Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and others, depending on the market and production runs.
Because configuration changes by year and market, the exact OE tire size and model should be verified for your vehicle’s year, trim, and country of sale.
Special editions and regional variations
- Certain editions or markets (for example, Canada, Europe, or specific limited trims) may ship with alternative all-season tires or different wheel options.
- Winter-ready packages or more rugged variants could feature tires with deeper tread patterns or different sizing to match the intended use and climate.
Always check the tire placard, owner’s manual, or Subaru’s official specs for your exact vehicle to avoid mismatches.
How to identify and replace OEM tires on your Outback
Knowing your OE tire details helps ensure you replace like-for-like or choose a compatible alternative that preserves performance. The following steps guide you to the right specification.
- Check the door jamb placard: It lists the exact tire size, speed rating, and load index recommended for your Outback as built.
- Consult the owner’s manual or Subaru’s official online resources for your model year to confirm the OE tires’ brand and model if specified.
- Read the sidewall on your current tires for the size code (for example, 225/65R17 102T) to confirm the existing spec if the placard is not available.
- When replacing, decide whether to use the exact OEM tire model or a high-quality equivalent in the same size and performance class (e.g., all-season grand-touring tires).
If you’re unsure, a Subaru dealer or a tire shop can verify the correct size and recommend appropriate replacements that maintain AWD performance and warranty coverage.
OEM tires vs aftermarket: what to consider
Choosing OEM tires is about preserving the factory balance of ride, noise, and handling, especially with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system. Aftermarket tires can offer advantages in specific conditions (like ultra-high-performance or extreme winter tires), but mismatched sizes or tread patterns can affect traction control, stability, and fuel economy. If you replace tires, aim for a matched set across all four corners and maintain proper tire pressures and alignment for optimal performance.
In short, OE tires are the factory-titted baseline that ensure the Outback behaves as Subaru designed, while careful aftermarket choices can tailor performance to your climate and driving style—as long as you stay close to the original specifications.
Summary
OEM tires on the Subaru Outback are the factory-installed tires selected to complement the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system, suspension, and trim-specific goals. They vary by generation, trim, and region, with common baselines around 17–18 inch wheels and all-season tread patterns. For any replacement, verify the exact size and model from the door placard or owner’s manual, and consider whether an OEM-equivalent or a purpose-built aftermarket tire best fits your climate and driving needs. Keeping tires aligned, inflated to specification, and within the manufacturer’s warranty guidelines helps preserve the Outback’s intended performance and safety.
