2016 Subaru Crosstrek Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

Welcome to your comprehensive tire and wheel specification guide for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these capable all-wheel-drive crossovers. Whether you are gearing up for a weekend off-road adventure or just replacing a worn-out set of daily commuter tires, knowing the exact factory specifications is critical for maintaining Subaru’s legendary AWD system and ensuring your safety on the road.

Quick answer: 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Tire Specs

Here is the essential tire and wheel data for your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek straight from the manufacturer:

• OEM tire size: 225/55R17
• Recommended cold tire pressure: 33 psi (Front) / 32 psi (Rear)
• Bolt pattern: 5x100
• Wheel size: 17x7.0J (Offset: +48mm)
• Load index/speed rating: 97H
• Spare tire size: T145/80D17 (Compact temporary spare)
• TPMS frequency: 315 MHz

Note: Always verify your specific vehicle's tire pressure on the driver's side door jamb placard, as slight variations can occur based on regional packages.

Tire sizes by trim

For the 2016 model year, Subaru kept things delightfully simple. Unlike many vehicles that feature staggered sizes or massive wheel upgrades on higher trims, the Crosstrek utilizes a uniform tire size across its lineup. This standard sizing helps maintain the vehicle's 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Trim Level	OEM Tire Size	Wheel Size
2.0i (Base)	225/55R17	17x7.0"
2.0i Premium	225/55R17	17x7.0"
2.0i Limited	225/55R17	17x7.0"
Hybrid / Hybrid Touring	225/55R17	17x7.0"

Recommended replacement tires

Because the Crosstrek appeals to both city drivers and outdoor enthusiasts, the tire market offers fantastic options tailored to how you use your vehicle. Here are my top recommendations based on performance, wear, and customer satisfaction:

• Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (All-Terrain) – Premium/Mid-Range Tier This is arguably the most popular replacement tire for the Crosstrek. It offers a rugged look, excellent light off-road capability, and features the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating for severe snow, all without ruining your highway ride quality.
• Michelin Defender T+H (All-Season) – Premium Tier If your Crosstrek never leaves the pavement, the Michelin Defender is top of its class. It provides an incredibly quiet ride, excellent wet traction, and a class-leading treadwear warranty.
• Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 (All-Terrain) – Mid-Range Tier Another excellent mild all-terrain option that comes as original equipment on many Subarus. It’s a great compromise between daily driving comfort and weekend dirt-road durability.

When to inflate to max load psi

Note: The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover, not a Heavy-Duty (HD) truck. Therefore, standard HD truck load inflation rules do not apply.

You should never inflate your Crosstrek's tires to the "Max PSI" listed on the tire's sidewall (which is often 44 or 51 psi). Doing so will result in a harsh ride, premature center tread wear, and a reduced contact patch that compromises traction. Always stick to the 33 psi front / 32 psi rear recommended by Subaru for normal driving, or up to 35-36 psi if the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and heavy cargo for a road trip.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper wheel installation is vital to prevent warped brake rotors and ensure wheel security.

• Bolt Pattern: 5x100
• Lug Nut Torque: 89 lb-ft (120 Nm)
• Thread Pitch: M12 x 1.25

Always tighten lug nuts in a star (crisscross) pattern using a calibrated torque wrench. It is highly recommended to re-torque the wheels after 50 to 100 miles of driving following a tire rotation or replacement.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Working on Subarus day in and day out, there are two primary tire-related issues Crosstrek owners need to be aware of:

1. AWD System Tread Depth Tolerance Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is highly sensitive to variations in tire circumference. All four tires must be within 2/32 of an inch of tread depth of one another. If you experience an unrepairable flat tire and the other three are significantly worn, you must either replace all four tires or have a single new tire "shaved" down to match the tread depth of the remaining tires. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to the center differential, resulting in a repair bill that dwarfs the cost of a set of tires.

2. Uneven Wear from Alignment/Lifts The Crosstrek is a very popular vehicle to modify with aftermarket lift kits. If you lift your 2016 Crosstrek, you must have a professional four-wheel alignment performed. Even in stock form, rear camber can drift out of specification over time, leading to accelerated wear on the inner edges of the rear tires. I recommend having your alignment checked annually.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.