2020 Subaru Forester: Tire Size & Pressure Guide

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/60R17 or 225/55R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 33 PSI (front) / 33 PSI (rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3
• Wheel Size: 17x7.0J or 18x7.0J
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 99H (225/60R17) or 98H (225/55R18)
• Spare Tire Size: T145/90D17 (temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

When it's time for new tires on your 2020 Subaru Forester, you have a wealth of excellent all-season options designed to provide a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and reliable performance in various conditions. Here are a few popular choices across different price points:

• Michelin Defender T+H (Premium Tier): This tire is a perennial favorite for its long tread life, excellent wet and dry traction, and quiet ride. It's a great choice for drivers who prioritize comfort and durability. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per tire.

• Continental CrossContact LX25 (Mid-Range Tier): The CrossContact LX25 offers a compelling blend of all-season capability, comfortable handling, and good fuel efficiency. It performs well in light snow and provides a confident feel on the road. These typically run between $150-$190 per tire.

• Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (Mid-Range/Off-Road Capable Tier): For Forester owners who venture off the beaten path or encounter more challenging weather conditions, the Wildpeak A/T Trail is an excellent hybrid option. It provides a more aggressive tread for improved grip on dirt, gravel, and snow, without sacrificing too much on-road comfort. Prices usually range from $160-$200 per tire.

• Goodyear Assurance All-Season (Value Tier): A solid, dependable choice for everyday driving, the Assurance All-Season offers good all-around performance at a more budget-friendly price. It delivers reliable traction in most conditions and a comfortable ride. You can often find these for $120-$160 per tire.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2020 Subaru Forester is a passenger SUV, not a heavy-duty truck. Therefore, you should never inflate your tires to the "Max. Press." listed on the tire's sidewall. This maximum pressure is for the tire itself, not for your specific vehicle application. Always adhere to the recommended cold tire pressures found on the tire placard located on the driver's side door jamb. Inflating to max load psi will result in a harsh ride, uneven tire wear, and potentially dangerous handling characteristics.

Lug nut torque & pattern

For your 2020 Subaru Forester, the lug nuts should be torqued to 89.9 ft-lbs (122 Nm). It is crucial to tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel against the hub. This prevents warped rotors and ensures the wheel is securely fastened. After driving approximately 50-100 miles after a wheel removal or tire rotation, it's good practice to re-check the lug nut torque to ensure they are still properly tightened.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

The Subaru Forester is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it can experience certain tire-related issues. Understanding these can help you maintain your tires and address problems proactively.

• Uneven Wear Due to Alignment: All-wheel-drive vehicles like the Forester are particularly sensitive to proper wheel alignment. Misalignment can lead to premature and uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges. Regular alignment checks (every 1-2 years or if you hit a significant pothole) are recommended.

• "Feathering" and Road Noise: Sometimes, Forester owners report a "feathering" wear pattern on their tires, where the tread blocks are slightly higher on one side than the other. This can be caused by alignment issues or worn suspension components, leading to increased road noise, often described as a droning or humming sound.

• TPMS Sensor Malfunctions: While not exclusive to the Forester, TPMS sensors can occasionally fail or give inaccurate readings. This could be due to a dead battery in the sensor or damage during tire mounting. If your TPMS light is on, it's important to have it diagnosed promptly.

• Tire Punchers and Damage: Due to its all-wheel-drive nature, it's critical that all four tires on a Subaru Forester are as close in circumference as possible. If you get a flat or significant tire damage, and the remaining tires have substantial wear, replacing all four tires might be recommended (or at least two on the same axle) to prevent undue stress on the AWD system. Consult with your tire professional.

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