2020 Subaru Crosstrek: Tire Size, Pressure, & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/60R17
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 33 PSI (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x100
• Wheel Size: 17x7.0" (Base, Premium, Limited, Hybrid)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 99H
• Spare Tire Size: T145/80D17 (donut-style)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek maintains a consistent tire and wheel setup across all its trim levels.

Recommended replacement tires

When it's time to replace the tires on your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, you have a wide range of excellent options. While the OEM tire is a solid all-season performer, many owners opt for tires that offer enhanced performance in specific areas like snow, off-road capability, or improved ride comfort and longevity. Here are a few popular choices across different price tiers:

• Michelin CrossClimate2 (Premium Tier): Known for its exceptional all-weather traction, including severe snow performance, the CrossClimate2 offers a quiet ride and long tread life. It's an excellent choice for drivers who want peace of mind in all conditions without sacrificing handling.
• Falken WildPeak A/T Trail (Mid-Range Tier): For Crosstrek owners who venture off the beaten path, the WildPeak A/T Trail is a fantastic option. It's designed specifically for crossovers and SUVs, offering a more aggressive tread for better grip on dirt and gravel while still maintaining good on-road manners and a relatively quiet ride compared to traditional all-terrain tires.
• General Altimax RT45 (Value Tier): A great all-season touring tire that provides a comfortable ride, good wet and dry traction, and a long-lasting tread. The Altimax RT45 is a solid choice for daily driving and offers excellent value.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is not a heavy-duty truck. Therefore, you should never inflate your tires to the maximum PSI listed on the tire's sidewall. This maximum pressure is for the tire itself under extreme load conditions as determined by the tire manufacturer, not for your specific vehicle. Always refer to the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side door jamb for the recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your Crosstrek (33 PSI front and rear).

Inflating to the max load PSI can lead to:

• A harsh and uncomfortable ride.
• Uneven tire wear (center wear).
• Reduced traction and braking performance.
• Increased risk of tire damage or blowouts, especially on rough roads.

Lug nut torque & pattern

The lug nuts on your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek should be torqued to 89.9 lb-ft (122 Nm). It is critical to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (cross-pattern) to ensure even clamping force and to properly seat the wheel against the hub. After driving the first 50-100 miles following a wheel removal or tire rotation, it's good practice to re-check the lug nut torque to ensure they haven't loosened.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Uneven Wear: While not exclusive to the Crosstrek, uneven tire wear can occur if tire rotations are neglected or if the wheel alignment is off. Neglecting regular rotations can lead to feathering or heel/toe wear, especially on the front tires. An annual alignment check is recommended.
• TPMS Sensor Malfunctions: The 315 MHz TPMS sensors can occasionally fail due to battery depletion or impact. A warning light on your dashboard indicates an issue. Replacement sensors will need to be programmed to the vehicle's TPMS system.
• Flat Spots (seasonal): If your Crosstrek is parked for extended periods in cold weather, especially with older tires, temporary flat spots can develop. These usually resolve after driving a few miles as the tires warm up, but they can cause vibrations until then.

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