Tyre Recommendations for Subaru Outback (225/60/R18)

jrowls on 18/12/2021 - 10:34
Last edited 18/12/2021 - 10:43 by 1 other user

Hey all,

I need a new set of tyres on my Outback (2016 3.6r). Got a bit slippery in the mud a few weeks ago and they need to be changed anyway for next rego. I'd like something that isn't too loud or compromised on the highway as that's where most of our (small amount of) driving is, but a bit better off-road performance would be good as we have properties in the family that are AWD only access and it's a bit hairy in the wet. I've heard good things about Yokohama Geolandar A/T GO15s, and that seems to be about the right fit for our needs?

I'm in a bit of a bind about what to get as it's all a little confusing - the folks in the Outback forums seem to think that it's best to change wheel before changing tyre as there aren't so many options. I'm happy to do that if it broadens the tyre options or lowers the tire price - definitely not married to the stock rims.

Stock details:

Tyre: 225/60/R18
Wheel: 5 x 114.3

Appreciate input from someone who knows more about wheels and tyres than me!

• 

  Muzeeb on 18/12/2021 - 10:39

  Tire

  Wrong site. You are after USABargain.com

  • 

    jrowls on 18/12/2021 - 10:45

    +1

    Honestly I've never been sure which is 'right' and that much is evidenced in this post lmao

• 

  [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 11:07

  I got Michelin pilot sport 4

  • 

    Muzeeb on 18/12/2021 - 11:17

    +3

    Cool, but they are the complete opposite to the OPs requirements.

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 11:19

      Rotate the tyres

      • 

        Muzeeb on 18/12/2021 - 11:40

        +6

        That makes sense. Cheers

        OP. Here's your answer. Just rotate MPS4 tyres.

        /thread

        • 

          jrowls on 18/12/2021 - 13:24

          @Muzeeb: Hahahahaha mate honestly. What is this answer…

• 

  Euphemistic on 18/12/2021 - 11:22

  +1

  Consider getting 17” rims. Lower pressures when going slippy places.

  I’ve got Toyo And Hankook ATs. Toyo Seem OK. Hankook I got second hand and are a lot noisier and seem to be very hard compound - slippery when wet.

• 

  FoxJump on 18/12/2021 - 20:50

  +1

  Join
  https://m.facebook.com/groups/subarusoffroadaustralia/?ref=s…

  Ask there

  But g015 are great generally. You could spend more and get 16 or 17" rims maybe. Sometimes you can get rims from the other Subarus like brzs but I think those are 5x100

  • 

    jrowls on 18/12/2021 - 21:19

    Ah good shout, I didn't know there was a Subarus Offroad group - I'm just in the Outback owners one.

    I know that you can swap out for a 17" WRX rim for not too much cash as they are 5x114.3 too, but as I said I don't really know enough about tyres / wheels to know whether that is really beneficial. I don't want to put a lift kit on or go rock crawling or anything, just need better grip in the slippery stuff, and the snow.

    • 

      Euphemistic on 18/12/2021 - 21:45

      Wouldn’t be surprised if you could get older model 17s that fit too. Subaru seem fairly good about parts being interchangeable. Need to check if there are other models in the range with 17s, possibly OS models too.

      • 

        jrowls on 18/12/2021 - 22:02

        Nah I think pre about 2012 or so they were 5x100s on all the Subies so it would have to be fairly recent.

    • 

      FoxJump on 18/12/2021 - 21:49

      +1

      Make sure replacement rim is same width or more as original.

      Smaller rim let's you have bigger sidewall for the same size tyre. When you deflate you end up with more traction

    • 

      FoxJump on 18/12/2021 - 21:52

      +1

      go the smallest rim size that will clear the brakes and that you can be bothered spending money on

      Consider cost of the tyre that you want too, for the rim size you pick.

      Consider availability given covid and shortages.

      Go you can go up a size, maybe two. More size = more tyreprint when deflating.

      Make sure chosen tyre size doenst make you Speedo inaccurate.

      Bigger tires more expensive

• 

  brad1-8tsi on 19/12/2021 - 09:30

  +1

  Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport might be a good all rounder. I've got them on my Pajero Sport. I'd describe them as 80% highway focussed and 20% offroad.

  I had an Outlander with Geosqueelers about 10 years back (first of the CVTs??) and the Yokohamas were lethal in the wet. The first tyre I've driven on in years that aquaplaned at the slightest puddle. Also noisy around corners. Hopefully they've impoved.

  Maybe you just need to air down for that one driveway per year?

  • 

    jrowls on 19/12/2021 - 10:50

    Thanks Brad, I'll check out the Bridgestones.

    Hmm ok I hadn't heard that from anyone about the Geolandars, maybe they have fixed it recently.

    Oh nah it's more than a driveway and airing down issue, we're talking 30km long access roads with water crossings etc. Fine in most cars in the dry, but absolutely lethal in the wet and with no phone reception. Very nearly got stuck out there a few weeks ago after the deluge - boggy paddocks and slick highway tires! I could air down and that might help, but my theory is I need tires anyway - I don't need to carry an air compressor.

    • 

      brad1-8tsi on 19/12/2021 - 11:06

      As I said, mine was 10 years ago so hopefully improvements made. I thought the Outback was a great car on dirt roads but I was put off when buying this year as they haven't really progressed. They are under-powered and chew through fuel (IMO). So is the Pajero Sport but SuperSelect2 and locking rear diff won me over.

      The Geolander AT G015 is on the new Wilderness model so it would be a safe bet.

      In Pajero Sport Land the Pirelli ATR+ and Falken Wildpeak are highly regarded but maybe not available in your size?

    • 

      mapax on 19/12/2021 - 11:42

      +1

      That sounds great, I want an invite!

      Even with mud tyres I generally air down in the wet when using management tracks, not just for the added traction but to reduce wear/erosion on the track.

• 

  redvaldez on 20/12/2021 - 13:24

  +1

  Smaller wheels means more tyre sidewall, meaning when you deflate your tyres you'll have more tread on the ground. This is particularly relevant when you are driving on sand, because you want to 'float' on the sand rather than dig in. For what you are doing, I think a smaller rim would be splitting hairs - I wouldn't be deflating below 25 psi unless you actually get stuck, and the difference in tread on the ground at 25 psi on a SUV sized wheel is going to be pretty minor. It would be a different story if you did this kind of offroading regularly (or did beach work regularly, which involves lower pressures again).

  I agree that the Geolander G15s would be a good pick. I nearly bought a set for my Pajero Sport, but ended up buying the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus as part of the recent Mycar sale. A workmate has the Light Truck version on her Prado - it has a slight hum to it at highway speed, which may be more noticeable in a monocoque vehicle like your Outback - however the Passenger vehicle may not be as prominent.