When Your Subaru Forester Needs New Tires, These Are the Shoes You Want (2024)

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If there’s one capable crossover that’s beloved by both drivers and reviewers alike, it’s the Subaru Forester. This CUV is more than just adept; it performs particularly well on unpredictable roads, giving you the handling, control, and safety you need when you’re facing everything from serious winter weather to not-so-smooth roads.

But your Forester is only as smooth-riding and capable on the road as the tires it wears. When it’s time to swap out your OEM tires or replace worn ones, you want to make sure you’re picking out a set that’s grippy, responsive in all the right ways, and a fit for every kind of road (including snow and ice). We’ve rounded up our picks for the best tires for any Subaru Forester, covering you when it comes to value and road conditions, too.

Our Methodology

We chose the best Subaru Forester tires by diving into rankings, reviews, and recommendations from both experts on the Forester and real-life drivers who own this CUV. Our search started with an examination of options from top tire brands that make reputable products sized to fit Foresters of all trims, and we specifically focused on all-season and winter snow tires, the two most common choices you’ll want to consider. Our top picks were those that offered smooth, quiet rides at any speed, adept handling, plenty of grip and traction for dry and wet roads, and all-weather performance.

Summary List

• Best Overall: Michelin CrossClimate 2
• Best Value: Vredestein Quatrac Pro
• Honorable Mention: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Best Tires for Subaru Forester Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Michelin CrossClimate 2

Best Value

Vredestein Quatrac Pro

Honorable Mention

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Our Verdict on the Best Tires for Subaru Forester

We only came up with three tires as that’s all you really need to consider for your Forester. And when it comes to overall performance on a Subaru Forester, the Michelin CrossClimate 2

offers great all-around riding and responsiveness year-round. This tough and capable tire can adapt to changing road conditions, giving you plenty of versatility. And if you’re looking for a combination of quality, performance, and value, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro is another top choice you can try.

What to Consider When Buying Tires for Subaru Forester

Tires might look nearly identical and come in an array of the same sizes, but when you’re shopping for a new set for your Subaru Forester, you want products that perform better than the rest. Here’s what to look for, and what you can expect, while you’re shopping and comparing different tire choices.

Types of Tires for Subaru Forester

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are some of the most common you’ll find as you shop for your Forester. These tires are meant for every day, year-round use, though they perform best in sunny, dry weather to moderate rainy conditions. All-season Subaru tires offer a combination of water- and mud-evacuating grooves, grippy tread for good traction, and quiet riding. However, you won’t want to rely on this type of tire when you’re facing snow or significantly wet road conditions, as they aren’t made for these kinds of conditions.

All-Terrain Tires

If you plan to take your Forester off smooth city streets and highways, all-terrain tires may be a good fit. This type of tire is made to adapt to different kinds of terrain, allowing you to navigate rougher roads more smoothly and with increased traction. With wider tread grooves, increased stabilization, and sturdier shoulder, all-terrain tires are meant to handle the unpredictable. However, like all-season tires, they aren’t necessarily designed for all types of weather, though they do offer good road contact.

Snow or Winter Tires

When you live in a region that sees some serious winter weather, including snowfall, icy roads, and frequent rain, snow tires or winter tires are a good option. You can swap out your all-season or all-terrain tires ahead of winter’s arrival, and you’ll get increased traction, handling in wintry weather, and better evacuation with tread and grooves that are specifically designed for everything from slush to mud to water. Snow tires can up your Forester’s handling when the weather is unpredictable or more dangerous.

Tires for Subaru Forester Pricing

Getting your hands on new Forester tires doesn’t have to be exceptionally expensive; you can find single tires priced at just $99. However, the more rugged or specialized you need your tires to be, the more you’ll spend. All-terrain or winter snow tires, for example, can run more expensive and cost more than $200 per tire.

FAQs

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