What are the best tires for a Subaru Legacy?
Premium all-season tires are the best default for a Subaru Legacy; in snow-prone areas, dedicated winter tires are advisable, and in mixed climates, all-weather tires offer a versatile alternative.
The Subaru Legacy benefits from tires that balance quiet ride, predictable handling, and solid wear. Because many Legacy trims are equipped with all-wheel drive, tire choice also affects traction, braking, and stability. This guide outlines top options by category, with notes on size considerations and climate needs to help you pick the right rubber for your model year and region.
All-season tires for year-round driving
These tires are designed for drivers who want reliable grip in rain and light snow, quiet comfort, and long tread life without swapping tires seasonally. They work well for moderate climates and daily commuting.
- Michelin Defender 2 All-Season — long tread life, strong wet braking, and a quiet, comfortable ride.
- Continental TrueContact Tour — balanced performance, good wet grip, and competitive price/performance.
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus — low rolling resistance, comfortable ride, and solid year-round grip.
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady — dependable all-season with solid wet and light snow performance.
- General Altimax RT43 — budget-friendly option with respectable longevity and predictable handling.
In summary, all-season tires provide reliable, year-round performance for most Legacy drivers in temperate climates, with a clear trade-off in extreme winter or hot-weather performance compared with specialized tires.
All-weather tires for mixed climates
All-weather tires blend year-round usability with improved winter capability, making them a practical compromise for drivers who don’t want to swap tires twice a year but still face cold, snowy roads occasionally.
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 — versatile all-weather option with solid snow traction and stable handling in wet and dry conditions.
- Continental AllSeasonContact — well-rounded grip in dry, wet, and light winter conditions with good wear characteristics.
- Michelin CrossClimate 2 — strong performance across seasons, including snow, with a comfortable ride and low noise.
All-weather tires are a sensible choice if you want year-round capability without rotating to dedicated winter tires, especially in regions that experience periodic snow but are not extreme cold throughout the season.
Winter tires for snow and ice
For regions that routinely experience heavy snow, ice, and subfreezing temperatures, dedicated winter tires provide the best braking and traction on winter surfaces.
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 — excellent winter grip and confident stopping on packed snow and ice.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow — strong winter performance, good braking in cold conditions, and comfortable ride for a studless snow tire.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 — top-tier winter traction, especially in deep snow and icy conditions.
- Firestone Winterforce 2 — solid budget winter option with dependable snow performance.
In snow-prone climates, a dedicated winter tire is the safest choice for daily driving, improving braking, steering feel, and overall control on cold, slick roads.
Performance tires for spirited on-road handling
If you prioritize sharper steering response and confident grip in dry and wet conditions, particularly in milder winter regions, performance tires can enhance the driving experience while still offering usable winter capability when paired with appropriate driving precautions.
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 — high-grip, sport-oriented all-season with strong dry and wet performance and respectable winter capability for an all-season tire.
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus — sporty all-season with strong grip in wet and light snow, plus good tread life.
- Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season (or similar Sport profiles) — premium handling and responsive steering with solid all-season versatility.
These tires suit drivers who want better cornering and highway confidence in moderate climates while accepting that winter performance may not match a dedicated winter tire.
Choosing the right size and compatibility for the Legacy
Most Legacy models use 16- to 18-inch wheels, but exact sizes vary by year and trim. Always verify the tire size on the driver’s door placard and in the owner's manual, and match the load index and speed rating to the OEM specification. Subaru AWD benefits from consistent tire sizes across both axles to maintain balanced handling; if you replace only one tire, aim for a matching tire model and size and follow a proper rotation schedule.
Size and rating considerations
Check the door jamb sticker or owner’s manual for the exact tire size, load index, and speed rating recommended by Subaru for your vehicle. When in doubt, consult your local tire dealer to confirm compatibility with your specific Legacy model year and trim.
Practical selection tips
Consider climate, driving style, budget, and warranty. For frequent snow days, favor a dedicated winter or all-weather tire with the 3PMSF symbol. In warmer climates, prioritize tires with low rolling resistance for better fuel economy and longer tread life.
Tip: If you live in an area with a mix of conditions, you may choose a high-quality all-season or all-weather tire and rely on smart driving practices to stay safe in winter weather.
Summary
For most Subaru Legacy owners, premium all-season tires provide dependable year-round performance. If you face frequent snow, a dedicated winter tire is the safest option; if you want year-round convenience without swapping tires, all-weather tires work well. Always verify size, load index, and speed rating for your exact model year, and consider climate, driving style, and budget when choosing. Regular maintenance, proper rotation, and timely replacements help maximize safety and tread life.
What is the best all-season tire for a Subaru Legacy?
Mastercraft Courser Quest - Good all-season tire
Subaru Legacy is the kind of vehicle that will perform well on all-season tires, and if you're on the lookout for an affordable set, consider Mastercraft Courser Quest.
Why is Subaru discontinuing Legacy?
The reason for discontinuing is for the decrease in demand for mid-size sedans, and they want to put more energy towards EVS and SUVS. Subaru already dropped the Legacy in all markets outside of North America back in 2019. This is just Subaru of America following suit.
What brand of tires does Subaru recommend?
Top Tire Brands Recommended for Subaru Vehicles
Models like the Michelin CrossClimate2 all-weather tire and X-Ice Snow winter tire are favored for their versatility and safety. Continental: Offers innovative tread designs and durable compounds, excelling in all-season and all-terrain tires like the TerrainContact A/T.
How much are new tires for a Subaru Legacy?
Subaru Legacy tires can range in cost from $95 to $250+, depending on the tire type and size that you have on your Subie.
