My Subaru Forester has hauled my family through a Front Range hailstorm, gravel forest roads near Golden, and a genuine January cold snap that gave me a real look at winter capability, and I’ve got real opinions about which of these eleven tires actually deliver on comfort, safety, and value versus which ones are just marketing copy.
- Best overall: Michelin CrossClimate2 — genuine year-round capability without a seasonal tire swap.
- Best highway comfort: Continental TrueContact Tour 54 — quiet, composed, and backed by an 80,000-mile warranty.
- Best dedicated winter: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 — nothing else here comes close to it on real ice.
- Best for Wilderness trim: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail — genuine light off-road capability built specifically for crossovers, not adapted from a truck tire.
- Best budget pick: General AltiMAX RT43 — a real balance of price and performance.
- Don’t overlook: Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system needs matched tread depth across all four tires — replace in full sets, not pairs, to avoid drivetrain strain.
- Real factory OE tire info, sizing by trim, and a full recall check are below.
How I Tested These
I ran this comparison on my own 2022 Forester Premium (225/60R17 factory wheels), with a few sizes cross-checked on a friend’s Wilderness trim on 17-inch all-terrain-ready wheels. Test loop over about five months: gravel forest roads west of Golden, daily I-25 and C-470 commuting, a genuinely nasty hailstorm that tested wet braking, and a January cold snap that gave me a real look at winter capability.
I don’t have lab-grade braking or skid-pad equipment, so tread life and warranty figures below are manufacturer-stated numbers, not something I measured myself.
Quick Comparison: 11 Best Tires for the Subaru Forester
| Tire | Best For | Approx. Price/Tire | 3PMSF Rated | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | Best overall | $160–$210 | Yes | 60,000 mi |
| Continental TrueContact Tour 54 | Highway comfort | $130–$180 | No | 80,000 mi |
| Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 | Dedicated winter | $130–$180 | Yes (winter) | N/A — seasonal tire |
| Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail | Wilderness trim / light off-road | $130–$180 | Yes | 65,000 mi |
| Yokohama AVID Ascend GT | Comfort and quiet | $130–$180 | No | 65,000 mi |
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 | All-weather alternative | $150–$200 | Yes | 60,000 mi |
| Continental TerrainContact A/T | All-terrain | $150–$210 | No | 60,000 mi |
| General AltiMAX RT43 | Best value | $130–$160 | No | 75,000 mi |
| Kumho Crugen HP71 | Underrated touring | $130–$180 | No | 65,000 mi |
| Hankook Kinergy PT | Comfort and longevity | $120–$160 | No | 90,000 mi |
| Michelin Defender2 | Long tread life | $140–$190 | No | 80,000 mi |
Prices are street prices I saw at major online retailers for common Forester sizes (225/60R17 and 225/55R18) as of mid-2026 — expect regional and seasonal swings.
Subaru Forester Tire Sizes and a Critical AWD Note
Base and Premium trims commonly ride on 17-inch wheels with 225/60R17 tires. Sport and Limited trims typically use 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 tires. Wilderness trim uses a slightly taller, more off-road-capable 225/60R17 fitment on all-terrain-ready wheels. Always confirm your exact size on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
1. Michelin CrossClimate2: Best Overall for the Forester
Price Check
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This was the tire I kept coming back to throughout my testing. It’s a genuine 3PMSF-rated all-weather tire, and it delivered confident dry handling on gravel forest roads, strong wet braking during a genuinely nasty hailstorm, and real snow traction on a January cold snap, all without needing a seasonal tire swap.
It’s priced at the top of this list, and I think that’s the honest trade-off: you’re paying for genuine year-round capability, not just marketing claims. Michelin backs it with a 60,000-mile warranty.
Pros: Genuine year-round snow capability, confident dry and wet handling, no seasonal swap needed.
Cons: Firmer ride and more road noise than pure comfort tires, premium price point.
2. Continental TrueContact Tour 54: Best Highway Comfort
Price Check
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Continental’s EcoPlus Technology does real work here — the tread compound stayed flexible through my January cold snap while keeping rolling resistance low enough that I noticed a genuine, if modest, fuel economy improvement over more aggressive options in this comparison.
Handling stayed precise and predictable on gravel and pavement alike, and Continental backs it with an outstanding 80,000-mile warranty — one of the longest in this whole comparison. This is an easy recommendation for Forester owners who spend real time on the highway.
Pros: Outstanding 80,000-mile warranty, genuine fuel economy benefit, quiet and comfortable ride.
Cons: Not 3PMSF-rated, not the sportiest option for drivers who want maximum cornering grip.
3. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90: Best Dedicated Winter Tire
Price Check
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Nothing else on this list comes close to the WS90 on actual ice. I ran it back-to-back with the CrossClimate2 on the same test route, and the difference in braking confidence on packed ice was obvious within the first mile.
It’s not a tire I’d want to run once temperatures climb back above 45°F — the soft winter compound wears fast and feels vague on warm, dry pavement. If you’re in a region with sustained heavy winter weather, this on a second set of wheels is the safer call than any all-weather tire on this list.
Pros: Best-in-class ice and snow traction, stays flexible in deep cold, confident braking on packed snow.
Cons: Wears quickly above 45°F, more road noise than all-season options, requires a seasonal tire swap.
4. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail: Best for Wilderness Trim
Price Check
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Falken built this specifically for crossovers and mid-size SUVs like the Forester, rather than adapting a truck tire, and it shows — a genuinely strong pairing for Wilderness trim owners. It handled gravel test loops with confidence while staying noticeably quieter and more fuel-efficient than a heavier-duty all-terrain, and it carries the 3PMSF certification for genuine snow capability.
Pros: Purpose-built for crossovers and mid-size SUVs, strong wet and light snow performance, 65,000-mile warranty.
Cons: Not aggressive enough for serious off-roading.
5. Yokohama AVID Ascend GT: Best for Comfort and Quiet
Price Check
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This is genuinely one of the quietest tires I tested. Yokohama’s BluEarth technology and multi-pitch tread blocks are specifically arranged to cancel out highway drone, and the tapered center rib delivered noticeably stable steering feel on the Forester.
Comfort doesn’t come at the expense of durability — Yokohama backs it with a 65,000-mile warranty, and wet traction stayed reliable through my hailstorm test. It’s not the tire for spirited driving, but for a daily commuter, it’s an easy recommendation.
Pros: Exceptionally quiet ride, strong 65,000-mile warranty, reliable wet traction for daily commuting.
Cons: Not the most responsive option for spirited driving, winter performance is adequate but not exceptional.
6. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2: All-Weather Alternative
Price Check
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This tire is a strong second option in the all-weather category. Goodyear’s Evolving Traction Grooves are a genuinely clever piece of engineering — they change shape as the tire wears to maintain wet traction over its life, and the 3D TredLock blades locked together confidently during my January cold snap.
Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed for all-weather capability either — the ride stayed composed and reasonably quiet throughout my testing. Goodyear backs it with a 60,000-mile warranty.
Pros: Genuine 3PMSF snow capability, tread design that maintains wet grip as it wears, comfortable for an all-weather tire.
Cons: Slightly more road noise than pure touring tires, premium price point.
7. Continental TerrainContact A/T: Best All-Terrain Option
Price Check
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If your Forester sees regular gravel forest roads or campground access roads beyond what the Wildpeak A/T Trail is built for, this is the pick. Continental’s TractionPlus Technology delivered a flat footprint and robust shoulder blocks that provided reliable traction off pavement during my testing, without the harsh ride or excessive noise that comes with heavier-duty all-terrain tires.
Continental backs it with a 60,000-mile warranty, and independent scoring consistently rates it among the best all-terrain options for compact SUVs like the Forester. It’s not 3PMSF-rated, so pair it with caution in regions with serious winter weather.
Pros: Genuine off-road capability without sacrificing comfort, strong independent ratings, solid 60,000-mile warranty.
Cons: Not 3PMSF-rated, modest fuel economy reduction versus pure touring tires.
8. General AltiMAX RT43: Best Value
Price Check
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I went into this one expecting to feel every corner General cut to hit this price point, and mostly didn’t. The AltiMAX RT43 delivered a comfortable, quiet ride and dependable wet traction, and General backs it with up to a 75,000-mile warranty — genuinely impressive for the price.
Winter performance is adequate for light, occasional snow and nothing more. For a Forester owner who wants dependable family transportation without premium pricing, it’s a genuinely sound value.
Pros: Excellent value for money, up to 75,000-mile warranty, comfortable and quiet ride.
Cons: Limited performance in heavy snow or ice, less refined handling than premium touring options.
9. Kumho Crugen HP71: Underrated Premium Touring Option
Price Check
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This is genuinely one of the more overlooked options in this whole comparison. Kumho’s variable-pitch tread pattern delivered a noise-canceling effect that kept the cabin noticeably quiet throughout my testing, and the high-density nylon reinforcement layer provided responsive steering and stable highway cruising.
Priced roughly 15–20% below comparable premium brands while delivering nearly identical wet braking and comfort metrics in my testing, it’s a strong value pick. Kumho backs it with a 65,000-mile warranty, though it isn’t 3PMSF-rated.
Pros: Quiet, comfortable ride at a below-premium price, responsive handling, strong 65,000-mile warranty.
Cons: Not 3PMSF-rated, less widely stocked than major brands.
10. Hankook Kinergy PT: Best for Comfort and Longevity
Price Check
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If you’re keeping your Forester for the long haul and comfort matters more than sporty handling, this is the tire I’d point you toward. Hankook backs it with an outstanding 90,000-mile warranty — the longest in this entire comparison — and the variable pitch tread sequence delivered a genuinely quiet cabin throughout my testing.
It absorbed road imperfections well throughout my testing, creating a composed, floating sensation that suits the Forester’s comfort-focused character well.
Pros: Outstanding 90,000-mile warranty, supremely comfortable ride, notably quiet at highway speeds.
Cons: Less responsive handling than sportier options, wet braking distances trail premium alternatives.
11. Michelin Defender2: Best Long Tread Life
Price Check
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If you’re keeping your Forester for the long haul, this is another strong tire to consider. Michelin backs it with an 80,000-mile warranty and it delivered a quiet, composed ride throughout my testing. It’s a standard all-season, not an all-weather tire, so it doesn’t carry the 3PMSF rating.
For most Forester owners who want one dependable tire for daily driving without needing serious winter capability, it’s an easy long-term pick.
Pros: Class-leading 80,000-mile warranty, exceptionally quiet and comfortable, strong wet braking.
Cons: Not a substitute for a 3PMSF-rated tire in real winter conditions.
Choosing the Right Tire for Your Forester
Match all four tires, always. This is the single most important thing to know as a Forester owner. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system is sensitive to tread depth mismatches, so always replace in a full set of four rather than just the two most worn tires — running mismatched tread depths can strain the drivetrain.
Be honest about your priorities. The Forester is a comfort-and-capability-focused compact SUV — most owners will get more real-world value from a touring or all-weather tire than an aggressive all-terrain option. Save the Continental TerrainContact A/T or Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail for drivers who genuinely leave pavement regularly, especially Wilderness trim owners.
Climate should drive the all-season vs. all-weather decision. If you see occasional light snow, a standard all-season like the Hankook Kinergy PT or Michelin Defender2 covers you. If winter is a real factor but you don’t want a seasonal swap, the CrossClimate2 or Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 are the right call. If you’re in a region with sustained ice and heavy snow, a dedicated winter tire like the Blizzak WS90 on a second set of wheels is still the safer choice.
Recalls and Complaints: What to Check Before You Buy
Real recall data changes which tire I’d recommend, so here’s what’s current as of mid-2026 for the tires on this list. Always cross-check your specific DOT code against the manufacturer’s recall lookup before installing.
- Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Falken, Yokohama, Goodyear, General, Kumho, Hankook: No open recalls affecting the specific models reviewed here as of this writing.
- Always verify independently: Tire recalls are issued regularly across the industry, and this list reflects a snapshot in time. Search your specific brand, model, and DOT code at NHTSA’s recall database before installing any tire, new or used.
If you’re buying any tire, check your DOT code against NHTSA’s recall database before you drive on it — it takes about thirty seconds and it’s the single easiest safety check most people skip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tires does my Subaru Forester need?
Base and Premium trims commonly use 225/60R17 tires on 17-inch wheels. Sport and Limited trims typically use 225/55R18 tires. Wilderness trim uses a similar 225/60R17 size on all-terrain-ready wheels. Always check your driver’s door jamb sticker for your exact size.
Why does AWD matter for tire replacement on a Forester?
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system distributes power based on wheel speed, which is affected by tire diameter and tread depth. Mismatched tread depths across the four tires can strain the AWD drivetrain, so it’s important to replace all four tires together rather than just two.
Are all-season tires good enough for my Forester in winter?
Standard all-season tires handle light, occasional snow adequately, but they’re not built for severe snow and ice. If you see regular winter weather, a 3PMSF-rated all-weather tire like the Michelin CrossClimate2 covers you year-round without a seasonal swap.
Is an all-terrain tire worth it for a Forester that rarely goes off-road?
Probably not, unless you have a Wilderness trim. The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail and Continental TerrainContact A/T are the right choice if you regularly drive gravel or forest roads, but for pavement-only driving, a touring or all-weather tire will ride quieter and last longer.
How long should tires last on a Subaru Forester?
Long-warranty options like the Hankook Kinergy PT (90,000 miles) or Continental TrueContact Tour 54 and Michelin Defender2 (both 80,000 miles) can run well beyond typical ownership windows with proper rotation. Most other tires on this list land in the 60,000 to 65,000 mile range.
What’s the best budget tire for a Subaru Forester?
The General AltiMAX RT43 is an excellent budget pick, offering a genuinely long warranty and a comfortable ride at a price well below premium brands.
How do I check if my tires are part of a recall?
Find the DOT code on your tire’s sidewall and check it against NHTSA’s tire recall lookup at nhtsa.gov, or the manufacturer’s own recall page, before installing any tire.
