2018 Subaru Outback: Tire Size, Pressure, & Wheel Specs

Quick Answer

Here are the essential tire and wheel specifications for your 2018 Subaru Outback:

• OEM Tire Size: 225/65R17 or 225/60R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 33 PSI (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7 inches or 18x7 inches
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 102H (for 225/65R17) or 100H (for 225/60R18)
• Spare Tire Size: T145/80D17 (temporary use)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2018 Subaru Outback came with different tire sizes depending on the trim level:

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it's time to replace the tires on your 2018 Subaru Outback, you have a wide range of excellent options. Here are a few popular choices across different price tiers, known for their performance and value:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium Tier): This all-season tire is a perennial favorite for SUVs and crossovers, offering exceptional tread life, excellent wet and dry traction, and a comfortable, quiet ride. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per tire.

• Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring (Mid-Range Tier): Designed for a smooth and quiet ride, this tire also delivers confident all-season performance. It's a great choice for those prioritizing comfort and good handling. Prices typically range from $160-$190 per tire.

• Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (Mid-Range/All-Terrain Option): If you venture off-pavement occasionally or live in an area with unpredictable weather, the Wildpeak A/T Trail is a fantastic option. It provides a good balance of on-road manners and capable off-road traction without being overly aggressive. Expect to pay around $150-$180 per tire.

• General AltiMAX RT43 (Value Tier): A solid all-season performer that offers good all-around capabilities at a more budget-friendly price point. It's known for its decent tread life and reliable traction in various conditions. These typically run about $130-$160 per tire.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

The 2018 Subaru Outback is not a heavy-duty truck, so the "max load PSI" listed on the tire sidewall is not the recommended inflation pressure for normal driving conditions. Always follow the cold tire inflation pressures specified on your vehicle's door placard (33 PSI for the 2018 Outback) for optimal safety, handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. The max load PSI is a maximum pressure the tire can handle, not a recommended running pressure.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Properly torquing your lug nuts is crucial for safety. For the 2018 Subaru Outback, the lug nut torque specification is typically 89-9 lb-ft (120-130 Nm). Always use a torque wrench to ensure even and correct tightening. When re-installing a wheel, follow a star or criss-cross pattern to ensure the wheel seats properly against the hub and prevents uneven stress on the wheel studs.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

While the Subaru Outback is a reliable vehicle, some tire-related issues can arise:

• Uneven Wear Due to Alignment: All-wheel-drive vehicles like the Outback are particularly sensitive to proper wheel alignment. If you notice uneven tire wear (e.g., more wear on one edge of the tire), it's a strong indicator that an alignment is needed. This is especially important after hitting potholes or curb checks.
• Camber Wear: Some Outback owners have reported accelerated wear on the inner edge of their rear tires. This can be attributed to the vehicle's suspension geometry. Regular tire rotations and alignment checks can help mitigate this.
• Road Noise with Certain Tires: While modern Outbacks are generally quiet, some aggressive or worn-out tires can contribute to increased road noise. Choosing touring-oriented all-season tires often helps maintain a quiet cabin.
• TPMS Sensor Issues: TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors can occasionally fail due to battery depletion (they typically last 7-10 years) or damage during tire changes. If your TPMS warning light comes on and your tire pressures are correct, it might be a sensor issue. The 2018 Outback uses 315 MHz TPMS sensors.

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