The Subaru Crosstrek is an SUV with car-like road manners. The Crosstrek offers a spacious interior, comfy seats, and smooth road drive. A firm yet lenient suspension absorbs large bumps without much drama. At the same time, high ground clearance makes it off-road capable.
However, as good as the Subaru Crosstrek is, this SUV still needs a reliable set of tires to keep going on the highway and at the off-road park. That is where this article comes in. We’ve reviewed the 11 best tires for Subaru Crosstrek available on the market at the time of writing.
Which of the below-mentioned tires you may pick depends on your needs. Some drivers use the Crosstrek for everyday commuting. They would thus be better served with a set of all-season touring or grand touring tires. These tires offer a comfy ride and cost less than their rivals.
If you intend to test this SUV to its limits, high-performance tires might be a better option for you. Sure, these tires don’t last as long as their touring or grand-touring counterparts. Neither are they as pocket-friendly. Yet, HP tires are the best choice for enthusiast Crosstrek drivers.
Read on to find the best tires for your Subaru Crosstrek.
#1. Continental TrueContact – Best All-Season
What is the one area where the Crosstrek disappoints? Most drivers would point to under the hood. The base 152-hp engine is underpowered and takes a lot of time to get this small SUV to highway speed, regardless of whether you choose manual or automatic CIV transmission.
The Continental TrueContact has what it takes to balance this shortcoming.
EcoPlus Technology has slashed this tire’s weight and, by extension, rolling resistance. The result? A tire that responds more quickly to the power coming its way. That means that by installing the TrueContact, you’d be offsetting some of your Crosstrek’s sluggish acceleration.
Data released by Continental backs this claim.
The US tire brand’s own tests confirm that the TrueContact has much less rolling resistance than its predecessor. What’s more, this tire also has a 27% longer treadlife than the model it replaced, raising hopes about a long and safe road life.
Availability in a wide range of sizes is another factor that makes the TrueContact one of the best tires for Subaru Crosstrek. The large size range means that this tire can fit every trim of the Crosstrek. An 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, the highest of any tire in this review, further add to its appeal.
Bear in mind that this tire isn’t made for off-roading.
Even a weekend trip to the woods might be too much to handle for the TrueContact. A single-ply polyester casing means that this tire is designed for the highway and should always be driven on the highway. Snow- and ice-roads are no-go areas, too.
Pros
- Low rolling resistance and in turn fuel consumption
- Short braking distances for a tire in this category
- 80,000-mile treadwear warranty on some models
Cons
- Long braking distances on snowy and icy roads
#2. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady – Best Grand Touring
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady offers everything you get from our top pick. Plus, its reliable winter traction means you can count on this all-weather tire to safely carry you from point A to point B on snow- and ice-laden roads.
A soy-based all-weather tread compound is designed to stay useful 365 days a year. Unlike tread compounds used in all-season tires, which aren’t useful in frigid conditions, this tread compound keeps the tire’s original traction intact in harsh wintry conditions too.
The Assurance WeatherReady is among the minority of the grand touring tires that carry the Three Peak Snowflake Mountain (3PMSF) emblem. This emblem is only etched on tires that meet the rater’s strict criteria for safe performance in harsh wintry conditions.
Evolving Traction Grooves help this tire offer long-lasting wear. These grooves start widening as the tire starts wearing. So, when the tire’s standard grooves start losing traction, the Evolving Traction Grooves would replace them, both in form as well as in function.
Treadlife warranty (60,000 miles) is one area this tire could have done better. Especially when you compare it with that of our top pick. The TrueContact has all the attributes to last for 5-6 years with proper care. This tire, however, is backed to last 3-4 years only.
Pros
- Brilliant grip in wet and dry conditions
- Has the three-peak snowflake mountain symbol
- Keeps offering traction even as the tire loses a percentage of its tread depth
Cons
- Relatively short treadlife warranty
#3. General Altimax RT43 – Best All-Weather
The General Altimax RT43 ticks many boxes. This tire offers reliable all-season traction, has a comfortable and noise-free ride up its sleeve, and comes with useful tire maintenance indicators. Plus, its budget asking price means you won’t have to break the bank to afford it.
A twin layer tread compound distinguishes this tire from rivals. The upper layer, which is the firmer of the two, helps the Altimax RT43 retain its original shape for extended periods. The lower layer has been deliberately designed to be soft. So that it can soak up vibrations.
Sound Wave Suppression Technology has made this tire one of the quietest on the market. This technology works side-by-side with the twin-layer tread compound and independent tread blocks to dampen road disturbances. The result? A noise-free ride.
The Altimax RT43 comes with a lot of indicators for a touring tire. The ‘Visual Alignment Indicator’ (VAI) lets you check wheel alignment in your garage. The VAI is basically two sipes on opposite shoulder blocks. As long as they stay aligned, so are your SUV’s wheels.
Then there is the ‘Replacement Tire Monitor’. Rotate the RT43 and wait for the RTM inscription to appear. If the wording appears three times, the tread depth is still higher than the allowed legal limit (5-32) and you can continue driving the tire in a carefree manner.
Pros
- Comes with two highly useful tire indicators
- Has Sound Wave Suppression technology
- Twin cushion silica tread compound absorbs road vibrations
Cons
- Poor performance on snow and ice
#4. Michelin Premier A/S – Best Touring
The Michelin Premier A/S is one of the best touring tires for Subaru Crosstrek. This model comes with cutting-edge technologies, has a higher load rating than many of its rivals and offers dependable performance year-round. But its asking price might force you to look away.
A silica and sunflower oil tread compound deserves credit for this tire’s reliable year-round performance. Silica has made the tread flexible, enhancing this tire’s traction in wintry conditions. Sunflower oil, meanwhile, has made the tread firm for a reliable performance in the summer.
Comfort Control Technology exploits its computer-optimized tread pattern for an exciting dry performance. The EverGrip Technology, meanwhile, widens the tire’s grooves as its tread begins to wear. The result is long-lasting traction even as the tread depth nosedives.
A load rating just short of 3,000lbs means this tire can haul all the cargo you can pack inside your Crosstrek. The credit for this goes to twin steel belts used in the tire’s construction. Reinforced with spiral-polyamide cord, the steel belts also help the tire retain its original shape for long.
There is one area where the Premier A/S disappoints. Its 60,000 miles treadwear warranty is below-average for A/S tire. Even models from budget brands fare better on this count. Still, that shouldn’t obscure the fact that it’s one of the best tires for Subaru Crosstrek.
Pros
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Excellent traction on wet surfaces
- Has all the traits to outlast its treadlife warranty
Cons
- Smaller treadwear warranty than rivals
#5. Michelin Defender T+H – Best Highway Tire
The Michelin Defender T+H is designed to offer exceptional highway performance. This all-season touring tire’s steering response and straight line tracking are beyond exciting. So too is its high-speed stability, with its high warranty making the Defender T+H a complete package.
Michelin has used the same tread compound in this tire as it did with the LTX M/S. That is great news because it is its tread compound that enables the LTX M/S to offer reliable performance, regardless of whether you’re driving on sunbaked roads or frigid tarmac.
Wet traction is one area where this tire really shines. The credit for this goes to Michelin’s IntelliSipe Technology, which has provided this tire with innumerable biting edges. These biting edges plough through deep puddles of water to help the T+H remain stable.
Similar to the Premier A/S, this tire also comes with Comfort Control Technology. The result is also the same: comfortable and vibration-free ride on the road. The Defender T+H also has a mesh layer in its sidewall that prevents vibrations from entering the cabin.
An 80,000-mile treadlife warranty means you can count on this tire to last at least 4-5 years on your Crosstrek. Circumferential and lateral grooves help reduce the risk of hydroplaning, whereas independent tread blocks improve its grip in dry summer conditions.
Pros
- Superb handling and braking on dry surfaces
- Quiet and comfortable handling in most conditions
- Excellent treadwear warranty (80,000 miles)
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#6. Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 – Best High Performance
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 proves the axiom that good things come to those who wait. This high-performance tire spent three years in the making and features the technology that has made it the category-leader in ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tires.
The D, W, and S letters in its name refer to Dry, Wet and Snow. This means that this UHP all-season tire does the unthinkable: perform reliably over snow-laden roads. It does that thanks to Continental’s Sport Plus Technology and +Silane additives in its tread compound.
An asymmetrical tread design has been provided with traction grooves and chamfered edges. The grooves perform an admirable job of evacuating water from the tread area and resisting hydroplaning. The chamfered edges help this tire provide outstanding grip in all conditions.
QuickView Indicators and Tuned Performance Indicators are also on offer. The former will tell you if suspension or alignment issues have caused irregular wear. The latter, meanwhile, are visible in the form of a DWS lettering on the tread area.
When the D indicator wears out, it means the tire is no longer good for dry roads. If the W indicators wear away, the tire is trying to warn you that it is good for snowy and dry roads only. And when the S indicator wears out, that will be a signal that the tire isn’t safe for snowy driving.
Pros
- Offers excellent steering control and responsiveness
- Is useful in harsh wintry conditions
- Backed with a class-leading 50,000 mile tread warranty
Cons
- Tread life could have been better
#7. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 – Best Winter Tires
What is the one thing that unites Mazda CX5, Honda Civic, Ford Escape, and Subaru Crosstrek? Drivers of all these vehicles can trust the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 to safely carry them from point A to point B in harsh wintry conditions. Here’s why we’re so sure.
Unlike winter tires from the yesteryear, the Blizzak WS90 doesn’t require you to insert studs into the tread to remain useful on ice and hardpacked snow. This model’s tread compound, made of unique silica, has the flexibility needed to perform admirably in subzero temperatures.
The tread compound alone isn’t to credit for the WS90’s admirable winter performance though. Multicell technology – which traps the snow and ice between the tread area – also contributes to this tire’s excellent performance in inclement weather conditions.
Bear in mind that the Multi-cell structure covers only the first 55% of the tread depth. Once the tread has worn that beyond this limit, the tire’s snow performance would take a hit.
The Blizzak WS90 also has the biting edges to plough through snow and ice. Tread wear indicators (TWI’s) are also on offer. These are rubber bars that will become flush with the surface once the tread depth reaches the 2/32-inch limit, beyond which the tire will be useless.
Pros
- Superb braking power
- Great hydroplaning resistance
- Excellent traction on deep snow and ice
Cons
- Multi-cell structure features only the first 55% of the tread depth
#8. Cooper CS5 Grand Touring – Best Summer Tires
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring is an excellent choice for driving on dry roads. This tire’s high-speed stability, straight line tracking and steering responsiveness are second to none. Its braking and cornering are also above-average in a crowded tire market.
A coupled silica tread compound has done wonders for this tire’s performance. The compound is firm yet pliable to offer reliable grip and traction in dry and mildly wet conditions. Cooper has molded the compound into an asymmetric tread pattern to minimize wear.
Outboard shoulder blocks help this tire shine at high-speed stability. Together with the tread areas and massive tread blocks, they help provide the tire with a large contact patch. The result? Better contact with the road for improved performance in multiple conditions.
High-density sipes on the tire’s inboard shoulder and ribs have enhanced its wet performance. These sipes or biting edges help increase the CS5’s wet grip. At the same time, they give any water inside the contact patch an easy way out, thereby reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
Wear Square Indicators are on offer as well. As their name implies, these indicators will show how much tread is remaining. Stop using the tire once the WSI’s have become flush with the tread, for the tire’s traction beyond this point won’t be adequate.
Pros
- Comes with an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty
- Offers a quiet and comfortable ride
- Excellent wet performance
Cons
- Not usable in snowy conditions
#9. Pirelli Scorpion ATR – Best for Off-Roading
The Subaru Crosstrek cannot rival the performance of Jeep Wranglers or Ford Broncos on the dirt tracks or at the off-road track. Yet, there is nothing in this SUV’s owners’ manual that prohibits you from using it for light off-roading.
So, if you intend to take your Crosstrek off the road from time to time, the Pirelli Scorpion ATR is what you need. This all-terrain tire is designed to handle rocky terrain, wet or snowy conditions, as well as dirt and gravel roads without easily puncturing.
A silica enhanced tread compound joins its forces with a symmetric tread pattern to offer enhanced stability and traction on dry pavement. Radial shoulder grooves bring down braking distances, an area where this tire really comes into own.
Wet performance is all but guaranteed courtesy of the circumferential and lateral shoulder grooves, which also minimize the risk of aquaplaning. Aside from that, Pirelli’s exclusive tread blocks enhance the tire’s gripping power on sand, gravel, rock, and grass.
That this tire is built to last years can be gauged from the 40,000 miles tread guarantee. And you might find it good to note that it is available in 15- to 20-inch sizes, meaning this tire can be installed on almost all the trims of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Pros
- Impressive 40,000-miles warranty for an all-terrain tire
- Offers exceptional grip and traction for off-roading
- Reduced braking distances on slippery conditions
Cons
- Snow and ice traction could have been better
#10. Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring
The Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring highlights the things grand touring tires can do. This tire might be pricier than your standard grand touring tire. But its excellent riding comfort, class-leading wet traction and superb handling at high speeds help it justify the price.
Start with the riding comfort. Goodyear’s internal tests have shown that this tire is equipped with 20% higher cushioning than its major rivals. The higher amount of cushioning has enhanced its shock absorbing characteristics, keeping road vibrations to a minimum.
Goodyear’s ComfortEdge sidewall has taken the ride comfort to the next level. The sidewall’s outer layer is firm to offer responsive steering to the driver. Its inner layer, meanwhile, balances high speed handling with comfort for a sleep-inducing driving experience.
Industry-leading four wide circumferential grooves are also on offer. These grooves perform a fine job of not letting much water stay inside the contact patch for much longer. For this reason, this tire’s hydroplaning resistance and overall wet traction is enhanced.
Pros
- Offers an exceptionally comfortable ride
- Strikes balance between ride comfort and handling
- Comes with tread wear indicators
Cons
- Responsiveness could have been better
#11. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 shares many similarities with touring tires reviewed above. Carefree driving experience, excellent hydroplaning resistance and year-round usability – all of this you can expect from this tire. However, as you’ll see, it also suffers from a few fatal flaws.
Starting on a positive note, this tire is a massive beneficiary of Bridgestone’s NanoPro Technology. While decreasing the rolling resistance (and, by extension, fuel consumption) on one end, this technology has enhanced this tire’s traction on the other. The result is above-average overall performance.
Bridgestone backs these claims by stating that the EP422 Plus poses 23 percent less rolling resistance than its predecessor, while giving you an additional 20 miles per full tank.
Independent center blocks, notched shoulder design and symmetric tread pattern all improve the tire’s dry traction and handling. The combination also enhances the tire’s steering response, though the EP422 Plus is still nowhere as response as UHP tires.
In terms of flaws, the EP422 has several. The first is that it is available in only a limited number of sizes, meaning it is possible that this tire cannot be installed on some trims of the Crosstrek. Aside from that, its winter performance is ordinary for a grand touring tire.
Pros
- 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Above-average fuel efficiency
- Reliable levels of traction and grip
- Superb hydroplaning resistance
Cons
- Not for extreme wintry conditions
- Available in a limited number of sizes
Factors to Consider When Buying Tires for Subaru Crosstrek
Multiple factors would influence your decision when buying tires for your Crosstrek. They include the conditions you drive in, your budget and your driving style. These factors will determine whether you end up with a touring, grand touring, summer, winter, or high-performance tire.
Type
Crosstrek drivers usually pick from one of the following types of tires:
Touring Tires
While the Subaru Crosstrek can handle a variety of terrains, most people who buy this SUV end up driving it in urban scenarios. For such people, touring tires are the best choice. Touring tires offer everything an average Crosstrek driver needs. That too in a price most people can afford paying.
Touring tires’ treadlife warranty also set them apart. While other categories of tires struggle to cross the 40,000-mile threshold, premium touring tires come with 80,000 miles warranty. So, unless you deliberately cut them with a knife, they would easily last 4-5 years.
Grand Touring Tires
Grand touring tires stand in the middle of touring and high-performance tires. These models deliver the ride comfort and treadlife warranty of the former. However, they have a much stickier tread compound and are available at prices not everyone can afford paying.
Durability is another area where these tires shine. Sure, a grand touring tire might not last as long as a rival touring tire, but the different isn’t huge. Some premium grand touring tires are backed for 80,000 miles, exactly as long as any premium touring tire.
High-Performance Tires
While some enthusiast drivers might be satisfied with what grand touring tires have to offer, those who want more steering responsiveness and better high-speed handling might want to focus their attention on high-performance tires. Provided their budget allows them to.
High-performance tires, as their name implies, offer sheer performance. Stiff sidewalls and stickier tread compounds allows them to offer a precise steering input, responsive drive, and improved high-speed handling. Bear in mind, though, that they are not durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires do Subaru Crosstrek come with?
The Subaru Crosstrek comes with Yokohama Geolandar G95A tires. These tires offer decent dry traction, responsive steering and comfortable ride (for the most part). However, their tread life isn’t that big and many drivers complain about them getting noisy as they wear down.
Can I put all-terrain tires on my Crosstrek?
Yes. Subaru Crosstrek is more than capable of light off-roading, and if you are the sort of person who goes off-road once in a while, the Pirelli Scorpion ATR would be a perfect driving companion for your Crosstrek.
Conclusion
Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most dependable SUVs on the market. Sure, its sluggish acceleration won’t help you win any races. But pair your Crosstrek with a reliable set of tires, and the ride comfort will become so addictive you’ll start looking forward to the time spent behind the wheel.
