What brand of tires does Subaru use?
There isn’t a single tire brand Subaru uses across all models. Original equipment tires come from multiple manufacturers depending on the model, year, trim, and regional specifications.
Why Subaru uses multiple tire brands
Regional variation and model-year differences
Subaru works with a variety of tire makers to meet performance targets, supply chain considerations, and regional driving conditions. The specific OEM tire brand is determined by the model and market, and can change between generations or even trims within the same model year.
Here are some brands that have appeared as original equipment tires on Subaru models across different markets and years.
- Michelin
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Yokohama
- Dunlop
- Toyo
- Nokian
- Pirelli
Note: This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. The exact OEM brand varies by model, region, and production run. For precise information about your car, check the tire sidewalls, the owner’s manual, or the dealer’s specifications for your VIN.
How to identify the exact OEM tire brand for your Subaru
To ensure you match the original equipment, follow these steps to verify the tire brand currently on your Subaru or to select the correct replacement brand for your model.
- Look at your current tires’ sidewalls to see the brand name printed along the sidewall.
- Check the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door jamb; it lists the recommended tire size and type.
- Consult the vehicle’s owner's manual for OEM tire specifications including speed rating and load index.
- Contact a Subaru dealer or authorized service center with your VIN to confirm the OEM tire brand for your exact model year and trim.
- When replacing, ensure the new tires meet Subaru’s performance requirements (size, load index, speed rating, and suitable tread pattern for AWD if applicable).
Following these steps helps ensure you maintain proper handling, traction, and warranty coverage.
Considerations when replacing tires on a Subaru
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive systems and vehicle dynamics place importance on tire compatibility. When choosing replacement tires, you should consider:
- Tire size and aspect ratio matching the original specifications
- All-season vs. all-terrain vs. winter tires and regional driving conditions
- Travel and wear patterns; balance and alignment
- Warranty coverage and road hazard protection offered by the tire brand
In most cases, Subaru owners can opt for any brand that meets the OEM specs; however, using tires with significantly different sizes or tread patterns can affect AWD performance and fuel economy.
Summary
Subaru does not designate a single tire brand as the universal OEM supplier. Instead, it sources original equipment tires from a range of manufacturers depending on the model, year, and market. To determine the exact brand for your vehicle, check the tire sidewalls, your owner’s manual, the VIN with a dealer, or Subaru’s official specifications. When replacing tires, ensure the chosen brand and model meet Subaru’s size, speed, load, and performance requirements to maintain safety, warranty, and AWD performance.
