2017 Subaru Outback Tire Size & Pressure Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/65R17 or 225/60R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (placard): 35 psi (front) / 33 psi (rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3
• Wheel Size: 17x7" or 18x7"
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 102H (17") or 100H (18")
• Spare Tire Size: T145/80D17
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Recommended Replacement Tires

Here are some of the most popular replacement tire options for the 2017 Subaru Outback, based on owner reviews and testing:

• $$$ (Premium): Michelin CrossClimate2 - An excellent all-weather tire that provides strong performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. Its unique tread design offers confident handling and a quiet ride, making it a top-tier choice for Outback drivers who want the best all-around performance without swapping tires seasonally.

• $$ (Mid-Tier): Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady - Another fantastic all-weather option that excels in wet and snowy conditions. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating severe snow service capability. It offers a great balance of longevity, comfort, and all-season traction at a competitive price point.

• $ (Value): Falken WildPeak A/T Trail - For the Outback owner who frequently ventures onto dirt roads or unpaved trails. This tire is more aggressive than a standard highway all-season but is still quiet and comfortable enough for daily driving. It provides excellent durability and traction in mixed-terrain conditions without the noise and harshness of a full all-terrain tire.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

• Lug Nut Torque: 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm)
• Lug Nut Socket Size: 19mm
• Tightening Pattern: Always tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. This prevents wheel vibration and potential damage to the wheel studs. Never use an impact wrench to fully tighten lug nuts; use a calibrated torque wrench for final tightening.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

Like many all-wheel-drive vehicles, the Subaru Outback is sensitive to tire size differences. The most critical issue to be aware of is the need for all four tires to be nearly identical in circumference.

• AWD System Sensitivity: If you replace only one tire due to a puncture, the new tire must be shaved down to match the tread depth of the other three. A significant difference in rolling circumference between tires can cause the center differential to bind, leading to premature wear and expensive driveline repairs. For this reason, it is highly recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear.

• Wheel Bearing Wear: Some owners have reported premature wheel bearing failure. While not always directly caused by tires, out-of-balance tires or tires with uneven wear can put extra stress on the wheel bearings, accelerating wear and leading to a humming or grinding noise that changes with vehicle speed.

• Alignment: The Outback's suspension is designed for a comfortable ride, but it can be susceptible to going out of alignment, especially if driven on poorly maintained roads. Misalignment is a primary cause of rapid and uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges of the tires. A four-wheel alignment should be checked annually or whenever you install new tires.

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