2016 Subaru Outback — Tire Size & Pressure Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I frequently work on the fifth-generation Subaru Outback (2015-2019). The 2016 Subaru Outback is a phenomenal midsize crossover, highly dependent on its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. To keep that AWD system happy and prevent premature center differential wear, it is absolutely critical that you maintain proper tire sizing, pressure, and matching tread depths across all four corners.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2016 Subaru Outback’s tire, pressure, and wheel specifications.

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/65R17 or 225/60R18 (depending on trim)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 35 PSI Front / 33 PSI Rear
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 (5x4.5")
• Wheel Size & Offset: 17x7.0J or 18x7.0J with a +55mm offset
• Load Index & Speed Rating: 102H (17-inch) or 100H (18-inch)
• Spare Tire Size: T155/80R17 (Compact Temporary Spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Depending on the trim level of your 2016 Outback, it left the factory with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. Always verify your current tire size by checking the sidewall before ordering replacements.

Recommended replacement tires

Since the Outback is designed for versatility—handling both daily commutes and light off-road trails—tire selection is highly dependent on your driving habits. Here are a few top-tier recommendations:

1. Michelin CrossClimate2 (Premium): An outstanding all-weather tire. It provides exceptional dry grip, long tread life, and boasts the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating for excellent winter performance.
2. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (Mid-Range/All-Terrain): Specifically engineered for crossovers like the Outback. It offers a more aggressive sidewall and better off-road puncture resistance without sacrificing too much highway comfort.
3. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 (Mid-Range): Another fantastic, mild all-terrain option that perfectly complements the Outback’s rugged persona while keeping cabin noise to a minimum.
4. General AltiMAX RT43/RT45 (Budget-Friendly): A highly dependable touring all-season tire that delivers great longevity, a smooth ride, and excellent value for the money.

When to inflate to max load psi

Note: The max load PSI section is primarily intended for Heavy-Duty (HD) trucks. The Subaru Outback is a passenger crossover, not a heavy-duty towing rig.

For the 2016 Outback, you should always adhere to the door placard pressures (35 PSI Front / 33 PSI Rear) for normal driving. If you are fully loaded to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) with passengers and cargo, or if you are towing a light trailer (up to the 2,700 lb capacity for the 2.5L or 3,000 lb for the 3.6L), you may increase the rear tire pressure by 2 to 3 PSI (to roughly 36 PSI) to help stabilize the rear suspension and prevent sidewall flex. Never exceed the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall (typically 44-51 PSI).

Lug nut torque & pattern

Subaru transitioned the Outback from a 5x100 to a 5x114.3 (5x4.5") bolt pattern starting with the 2015 model year, giving owners access to a much wider variety of aftermarket wheels.

• Lug Nut Torque: 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm)
• Thread Size: M12 x 1.25
• Center Bore: 56.1 mm

When reinstalling wheels, always hand-thread the lug nuts first to prevent cross-threading, then tighten them in a star (crisscross) pattern to ensure the wheel seats evenly against the hub. Re-torque the lug nuts after 50 to 100 miles of driving.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

The most critical tire issue on any AWD Subaru is tread depth variance. Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system requires all four tires to be within 2/32-inch of each other in tread depth. If you experience a blowout or non-repairable puncture on a worn set of tires, you cannot simply replace one tire. Doing so can cause the center differential/transfer clutch to bind and overheat, leading to thousands of dollars in transmission repairs. You must either replace all four tires or have the single new tire "shaved" down by a specialty shop to match the remaining three.

Additionally, Outback owners who frequently venture off-road may experience accelerated shoulder wear if the vehicle's alignment is knocked out of spec. Have your alignment checked at least once a year, or immediately after a harsh impact.

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