What tires does Subaru put on their cars?
Subaru does not use a single tire brand across its lineup. The OEM tire brand and model vary by model, year, trim level, and market. In recent years, common suppliers have included Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Yokohama, Bridgestone, and Toyo, among others. To know the exact tire on your Subaru, check the door placard, the owner's manual, or contact a Subaru dealer or tire professional for the precise specification tied to your VIN.
Why tire choices vary across models and markets
Subaru tailors its original equipment tires to balance ride comfort, noise, handling, and all-wheel-drive performance for each model and region. Production runs, weather conditions, and collaboration with tire manufacturers mean the brand and model of the tires can differ between, for example, an Outback sold in North America and a Forester sold in another market. The result is a fleet with multiple OEM tire partners rather than a single universal brand.
Brands Subaru has used for OEM tires
The following brands have appeared as original equipment suppliers on various Subaru models. The exact brand and tire model depend on your vehicle’s year, trim, and market, so use these as a reference rather than a universal rule.
- Michelin
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Yokohama
- Bridgestone
- Toyo
These brands represent the most commonly observed OEM partners in recent Subaru deployments. Exact tire branding for your car should be verified with the placard on the driver's door jamb, the owner's manual, or a Subaru dealer, as it can change by model year and market.
How to identify the exact OEM tire for your Subaru
To ensure you replace tires with the correct original specifications, follow these steps to determine the exact tire brand and model that came with your vehicle.
- Open the driver’s door and read the tire size and recommended pressure from the placard. The placard will show the size you should use; it may not list the brand, but it confirms the OEM size and load/speed ratings.
- Inspect the sidewall of the currently mounted tires for the brand, model, size, and speed rating (e.g., Michelin X-Ice, 225/65R17 102T).
- Consult the vehicle’s owner's manual or the official Subaru online parts catalog for the OEM tire specification by year and trim.
- Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a Subaru dealer or a qualified tire shop to confirm the exact OEM tire that was installed for your build.
- If you’re replacing all four tires, prefer matching brand and model to maintain AWD performance and consistent handling.
Knowing the exact OEM tire helps maintain Subaru's intended balance of grip, ride quality, and all-wheel-drive behavior. If you’re unsure, a certified Subaru service center can verify the correct size and suggest appropriate replacements that preserve performance and warranty coverage.
Winter tires and AWD considerations
Many Subaru customers run winter tires in colder regions to maximize traction. When using winter tires, it’s often best to install a full set on all four wheels rather than mixing winter tires with all-season or summer tires, particularly on AWD models. This helps preserve predictable handling and prevents uneven traction between axles.
- Consider a dedicated winter tire set for severe climates and a separate summer/all-season tire set for milder regions.
- Winter tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended for winter use; follow the tire placard and the tire manufacturer’s guidelines.
- When switching between seasons, have the wheels rotated and balanced and verify the overall tread depth is sufficient on all tires.
Following these practices supports safe performance and helps preserve the intended all-wheel-drive balance that Subaru designs into its vehicles.
Summary
In short, Subaru does not ship every car with one fixed tire brand. The OEM tires vary by model, year, trim, and market, with brands such as Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Yokohama, Bridgestone, and Toyo commonly appearing in recent deployments. To know the exact tire on your car, check the door placard for size and pressure, inspect the tire sidewalls for brand and model, consult the owner's manual or Subaru’s parts catalog, and, if needed, confirm with a dealer. For winter-driving safety, many owners opt for a dedicated winter tire set on all four wheels to maintain AWD performance and predictable handling.
For further personalized guidance, provide your Subaru model, year, trim, and market, and I can help pinpoint the likely OEM tire brands and sizes for your vehicle.
