2016 Subaru Forester — Tire Size & Pressure Guide

Quick answer

• OEM tire size: 225/60R17 on most 2.5i trims; 225/55R18 on 2.0XT (and some Touring packages)
• Recommended cold tire pressure (door placard): typically 33 psi front / 33 psi rear (some placards list 32–33 psi; always follow your driver-door label)
• Bolt pattern: 5x100 (5-lug, 100 mm PCD)
• Wheel size (OEM): 17x7 or 18x7; offset typically +48 mm (acceptable OEM range ~+48 to +55 mm)
• Load index & speed rating (OEM): usually 97–99 H or V depending on trim (non‑turbo H; turbo often V)
• Spare tire size: compact temporary spare—commonly T135/80D16 (17-inch wheel models may see T145/70D17). Verify on your spare’s sidewall.
• TPMS sensor frequency: 315 MHz (North America). Some non‑US markets use 433 MHz.

Tire sizes by trim

Notes:

• Subaru placards for the 2016 Forester commonly show 33 psi front/rear. Some variants may specify 32–33 psi; follow your specific door label when in doubt.
• Load index and speed rating vary by trim/tire: many 225/60R17 come 99H; many 225/55R18 come 97V/98V.

Recommended replacement tires

Selections below are well‑matched to Forester ride/handling and AWD needs. Prices are typical US retail per tire and vary by size and region.

• Budget ($):

  • General AltiMAX RT45 (touring all‑season) — good wet grip and treadlife; 225/60R17 or 225/55R18.
  • Cooper Endeavor (touring all‑season) — balanced ride, solid value.

• Mid‑range ($$):

  • Continental TrueContact Tour (touring all‑season) — excellent wet/braking and long treadwear.
  • Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S (performance all‑season) — sharper steering for those who want a bit more response, suitable for 2.0XT.

• Premium ($$$):

  • Michelin CrossClimate2 (all‑weather) — standout snow/wet performance with summer‑like dry grip; great for year‑round in four seasons.
  • Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack (touring all‑season) — very quiet, plush ride and long life.

• Winter/ice (if you see real winters):

  • Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 or Michelin X‑Ice Snow — fit both 17" and 18" sizes; mount as a full set of four on the same wheel diameter.

Tip: On Subaru AWD, keep all four tires the same brand/model/size with similar tread depth. If replacing only two, have the shop measure circumference; Subaru typically wants all four within about 1/4" (6 mm) rolling radius to protect the AWD system.

When to inflate to max load psi (HD trucks only)

The 2016 Forester is not an HD truck and does not use LT/E‑load tires from the factory. Do not inflate to the tire’s sidewall “max pressure” for normal driving. Use the door‑placard pressure (typically ~33 psi cold). Only consider higher pressures temporarily if carrying near‑GVWR loads and the tire manufacturer’s load table supports it—never exceed the placard for comfort/handling reasons, and never exceed wheel or tire limits.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Lug nut torque: 88.5 ft‑lb (120 N·m)
• Pattern: 5‑lug star pattern when tightening. Re‑torque after 50–100 miles on newly mounted wheels.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Cupping/feathering on all‑seasons: Often tied to worn struts/shocks or toe misalignment. Inspect suspension and align every 12 months/12k miles or after curb hits.
• Inner shoulder wear (rear): Can occur with heavy cargo and static negative camber. Keep tires at placard PSI and rotate every 5k–7.5k miles.
• AWD sensitivity to mismatched tires: Mixing brands or uneven tread depths can stress the center diff. Keep circumference matched; consider shaving new tires to match if installing pairs.
• TPMS sensor batteries aging: 6–10 years is typical. If the TPMS light flashes then stays on, one or more sensors may have failed. 2016 NA models use 315 MHz.
• Winter traction: OE all‑seasons (e.g., some Yokohama Geolandar variants) can be noisy as they age and are only moderate in snow. Consider dedicated winters or an all‑weather like CrossClimate2 in snowy regions.
• Cold‑weather PSI drops: Expect ~1 psi loss per 10°F drop; check pressures monthly and set when tires are cold.

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