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If you own a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester, the tires you choose have a direct impact on safety, ride comfort, fuel economy, and handling in varied conditions. The right tires replace worn rubber with the correct size, load capacity, and compound to suit how and where you drive the Forester.This guide presents six shortlisted tire options that suit the Forester's weight, suspension, and typical use cases from daily commuting to light touring and winter driving. We evaluate each choice for wet and dry traction, tread life, ride comfort, and NVH. Read on to understand the decision factors and match a tire to your driving priorities.
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Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive 225/60R17 All-Season Tire |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Bridgestone WeatherPeak 225/60R17 All-Season Touring Tire (99H, XL) |  |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All-Terrain Tire 225/60R17 |  |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All-Season Tire 225/60R17 99H |  |
| Highest Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Season Tire 225/60R17 99H (Single) |  |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | STARFIRE Solarus AS All-Season Touring Tire 225/60R17 99H |  |
1. Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive 225/60R17 All-Season Tire
| Rim Size | 17 inches |
|---|---|
| Load Index | 99 |
| Speed Rating | H |
| Load Capacity | 1709 pounds |
| Seasons | Year Round |
The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is a grand-touring all-season tire built for drivers who prioritize a smooth, quiet ride and confident all-weather performance. Sized 225/60R17, it fits many compact SUVs and crossovers and is commonly used as an original-style replacement on vehicles like the Forester. The tire uses a non-directional tread and radial construction to reduce road noise and improve ride comfort while maintaining predictable handling on dry and wet pavement. It is also rated for light snow and year-round use, giving reasonable winter confidence without needing a winter-specific tire. Notable features include a 99 load index and H speed rating for standard passenger use, a 60,000-mile limited warranty, and a 4-ply construction that balances durability and comfort. Limitations include its focus on comfort rather than aggressive performance; drivers who want maximum wet grip, spirited handling, or deep-snow capability should consider sport or winter-specific tires instead.
Best for: Drivers seeking a quiet, comfortable all-season replacement tire for everyday commuting and light winter conditions on compact SUVs and crossovers who value tread life and ride quality.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who regularly push handling limits, require peak wet traction, or face prolonged heavy snow and ice should choose performance or winter tires instead.
- Comfort-oriented Grand Touring design reduces road noise and improves ride quality
- Year-round all-season tread provides capable wet and light-snow traction
- 60,000-mile limited warranty for long-term expected tread life
- Standard 99 load index and H speed rating suitable for typical passenger and crossover use
- Not optimized for aggressive wet traction or performance driving
- Limited capability in heavy snow compared with dedicated winter tires
Verdict: Choose this tire if you want a comfortable, quiet all-season replacement that balances long tread life and reliable everyday traction for a Forester-level crossover.
2. Bridgestone WeatherPeak 225/60R17 All-Season Touring Tire (99H, XL)
| Rim Size | 17 inches |
|---|---|
| Load Index | 99 |
| Speed Rating | H |
| Seasons | Year Round |
| Load Range | XL |
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak is a touring all-season tire built to deliver confident wet and light-snow performance while keeping road noise low for daily driving. It fits 17-inch rims and carries a 99H load/speed rating with an extra-load (XL) construction, so it handles heavier compact SUVs and crossovers within that fitment. The tread uses a symmetrical pattern and a compound tuned for year-round grip, including a 3-peak mountain snowflake certification that helps in occasional winter storms. For a performance-minded Forester driver this tire offers stronger wet braking and predictable handling in mixed conditions compared with generic all-seasons, plus a long limited-mile warranty that signals expected tread life. The trade-offs are that it is a touring-style tire rather than a dedicated performance summer or winter tire, so high-speed cornering grip and deep-snow capability will be behind specialty options. Expect a smooth, composed ride and reliable all-weather confidence for everyday driving and spirited commuting rather than track-focused performance.
Best for: Drivers who want a year-round tire that balances wet and light-winter performance with a comfortable, quiet ride for daily driving and occasional spirited commutes.
Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking maximum high-speed cornering grip or deep-winter traction should choose a dedicated summer or winter performance tire instead.
- Strong wet traction and improved winter performance with 3-peak mountain snowflake certification
- Quiet, comfort-oriented touring ride suitable for daily driving
- Extra-load (XL) construction and 99 load rating support heavier compact crossover loads
- Symmetrical tread and year-round compound for predictable handling across seasons
- Not a dedicated summer or winter performance tire so ultimate dry grip and deep-snow traction are limited
Verdict: Choose the WeatherPeak if you want a quiet, long-lasting all-season that prioritizes wet and light-snow confidence for a Subaru Forester without sacrificing everyday comfort.
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All-Terrain Tire 225/60R17
| Size | 225/60R17 |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 1709 Pounds |
| Tread Depth | 11 32nds |
| Construction Type | Radial |
| UTQG | 680AA |
The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is an all-terrain tire engineered for crossovers and smaller SUVs, balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort. It uses a crossover-specific construction and a silica-based compound to resist uneven wear and deliver confident handling in wet, dry, and snowy conditions; the tire carries Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Deep 3D Canyon sipes and an aggressive tread pattern provide biting edges for traction on loose surfaces while a rugged upper sidewall and 2-ply polyester construction improve resistance to punctures during light off-road use. Falken backs the design with a 65,000-mile limited tread life, which speaks to its longevity for mileage-focused buyers. Expect a slightly firmer ride than street-only tires and some increase in road noise compared with touring tires, which is the compromise for added off-road grip and durability. Overall, this tire is practical for drivers who split time between highway commuting and unpaved or winter roads and want a long-lasting, all-weather option.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a durable, long-wearing tire that can handle occasional off-road trails and winter roads while still performing well on daily highway commutes.
Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking the quietest possible highway ride or maximum fuel efficiency on paved roads should consider a dedicated touring or highway all-season tire instead.
- Crossover-specific construction tuned for CUV/SUV handling and stability
- Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for winter capability
- Durable 2-ply construction and rugged upper sidewall for improved off-road resistance
- Deep 3D Canyon sipes and aggressive tread pattern for all-weather traction
- 65,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life for long-term value
- Higher road noise and firmer ride compared with touring/all-season highway tires
Verdict: Choose the Wildpeak A/T Trail if you want a long-lasting, crossover-tuned all-terrain tire that handles winter and light off-road use without sacrificing everyday highway performance.
4. Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All-Season Tire 225/60R17 99H
| Rim Size | 17 Inches |
|---|---|
| Load Index | 99 |
| Speed Rating | H |
| Tread Type | Asymmetrical |
| Seasons | Year Round |
The Sailun Atrezzo SH408 is an all-season passenger tire designed to deliver predictable handling and year-round traction for everyday driving. Its asymmetrical tread with four circumferential grooves channels water to help resist hydroplaning and supports stable wet performance, while the staggered lug design aims to quiet road noise for a more comfortable ride. Typical use would be daily commuting and light highway driving where consistent grip in wet and dry conditions and a smooth ride matter more than extreme performance. The tire carries a 55,000-mile limited treadlife warranty and a 99H load/speed rating suitable for many compact crossover fitments. Trade-offs are that it is a budget-oriented tire focused on comfort and longevity rather than sporty cornering or winter-ice performance, so drivers seeking aggressive handling or dedicated winter capability should choose a different specialized tire.
Best for: Drivers looking for an affordable, long-wearing all-season tire that emphasizes wet-road confidence and a quiet daily-driving experience for a compact crossover.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who need spirited handling, track-capable performance, or a dedicated winter tire for icy conditions should look elsewhere.
- All-season tread with four circumferential grooves improves wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
- Staggered lug and asymmetrical design reduce road noise for a quieter, comfortable ride.
- Backed by a 55,000-mile limited treadlife warranty for longer expected service life.
- 99H load/speed rating fits many passenger car and compact crossover applications.
- Not engineered for high-performance cornering or severe winter ice and snow conditions.
Verdict: A budget-friendly all-season tire that delivers quiet, reliable wet and dry performance with a long treadlife warranty, making it a practical choice for everyday Forester driving.
5. MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Season Tire 225/60R17 99H (Single)
| Rim Size | 17 Inches |
|---|---|
| Load Index | 99 |
| Speed Rating | H |
| Tread Type | Directional |
| Seasons | Year Round |
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is an all-season touring tire built to deliver consistent, confidence-inspiring performance across varied weather. It combines a directional V-formation tread with a rubber compound tuned for wet grip and braking, which translates to shorter stopping distances in rain and on dry pavement compared with many competitors. The tread pattern and siping also provide usable snow traction, so it handles light winter conditions better than a typical summer tire while remaining quiet and comfortable for daily driving. Michelin advertises extended tread life and the CrossClimate2 shows durable wear characteristics, making it a good long-term replacement for an everyday SUV like the Forester. Installation is straightforward since this is a vehicle-specific fit size, but buyers should note it is a touring tire rather than a dedicated winter or high-performance summer tire, so drivers who need extreme snow capability or racetrack grip should consider specialized tires instead.
Best for: Drivers who prioritize dependable, low-maintenance year-round traction and long tread life for daily driving and commuting in a compact SUV.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who frequently face heavy snow, ice, or who demand track-focused high-speed handling should choose specialized winter or ultra-high-performance tires instead.
- Strong wet and dry braking performance compared with many competitors
- Directional V-formation tread offers improved all-season traction including light snow capability
- Advertised and observed extended tread life for longer replacement intervals
- Quiet, comfort-oriented touring ride suitable for daily driving on CUVs
- Not a dedicated winter tire so performance in deep snow and ice is limited
Verdict: Buy this tire if you want a reliable, long-wearing all-season replacement that improves everyday wet and dry braking for a 2019–2024 Subaru Forester.
6. STARFIRE Solarus AS All-Season Touring Tire 225/60R17 99H
| Rim Size | 17 Inches |
|---|---|
| Load Index | 99.0 |
| Speed Rating | H |
| Tread Type | Symmetrical |
| Seasons | Year Round |
The STARFIRE Solarus AS is an all-season touring tire designed to deliver predictable day-to-day performance and extended mileage. It uses a re-engineered tread compound, a solid center rib, and variable-pitch tread to reduce highway noise while maintaining stable handling on dry pavement. Deep shoulder slots and biting edges improve wet traction and light snow capability, and the tire carries a 50,000 mile treadwear warranty. For a 2019–2024 Subaru Forester with 17-inch wheels, this tire will feel composed on highway runs, quieter than many budget tires, and engineered to prioritize mileage and fuel economy. Expect competent wet braking and year-round usability rather than aggressive snow or sport performance. Limitations include a 4-ply construction and a standard speed rating that make it less suited for high-performance driving or severe winter conditions where a dedicated winter tire is required.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize proven reliability, quiet highway manners, and long tread life for routine commuting and light touring on a Forester, and who value high review counts and warranty backing when choosing tires.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who need maximum winter traction or sporty handling at high speed should choose a dedicated winter or performance tire instead.
- 50,000 mile treadwear warranty for long service life expectations
- Re-engineered compound and variable-pitch tread reduce road noise at highway speeds
- Shoulder Control Technology with deep slots and biting edges improves wet traction
- Solid center rib promotes straight-line stability and controlled steering response
- Not optimized for severe winter driving compared with dedicated snow tires
Verdict: A mileage-focused, quiet all-season tire that gives Forester owners dependable year-round traction and strong warranty support for risk-averse buyers.
Choosing the Right 2019-2024 Subaru Forester Tires: Key Factors to Consider
Correct Size and Load Rating
Getting the exact tire size and load rating recommended for your Forester is fundamental. The right size preserves speedometer accuracy, steering response, and ensures the tire contacts the road as intended. Using a lower load rating can risk overload, accelerate wear, and may affect braking distances, while an overly large tire can interfere with suspension travel and wheel well clearance.
Always check the placard on the driver's door or the owner's manual for factory sizes and recommended load indices. If you change wheel diameter, consider sidewall height to maintain overall rolling circumference close to factory specs, which keeps electronic stability and traction controls functioning correctly.
Tread Compound and Wet Traction
Tire rubber compound determines grip in wet and dry conditions and affects wear rate. For the Forester, which is often used in mixed weather, a balanced compound that provides consistent wet traction without wearing excessively is ideal. Look for siping patterns and groove designs that channel water away to reduce hydroplaning risk during heavy rain.
A softer compound can improve grip but may wear faster and increase rolling resistance. Conversely, a harder compound may last longer but sacrifice low-speed traction in wet or cold conditions. Match compound priorities to your local climate and driving style.
Tread Life and Warranty
Tread life influences long-term ownership cost and how frequently you will need replacements. Many tires offer mileage warranties; while those warranties do not predict individual results precisely, they indicate the manufacturer's expected wear profile. For Forester owners who cover high annual miles, a tire with a longer tread-life rating can be more economical despite a higher upfront cost.
Consider expected driving surfaces too. Frequent highway driving tends to produce even wear, while stop-start urban driving and rough roads can accelerate tread loss. Check for uniform wear features in the tread pattern and whether the tire has wear indicators to help you monitor remaining life.
Noise, Comfort, and Ride Quality
The Forester's suspension is tuned for a compromise between comfort and control, so tire choice should preserve that balance. Tread block size and pitch sequencing affect road noise. Tires with staggered pitch or variable block sizes typically reduce drone and offer a quieter cabin.
Sidewall construction also influences ride comfort. A more compliant sidewall smooths bumps but may introduce more flex in spirited turns. Consider how much you value a quiet, cushioned ride versus firmer handling when selecting a tire.
Winter Performance and All-Season Tradeoffs
If you drive the Forester in snowy or icy conditions, winter capability should be a top consideration. Dedicated winter tires use special compounds and tread patterns to maintain grip at low temperatures and evacuate slush or packed snow. All-season tires trade some winter-specific performance for year-round mileage and convenience.
Decide whether seasonal tire changes are practical for you. Many owners prefer using all-season tires paired with cautious winter driving, while those facing regular snow choose a dedicated winter tire for improved braking and lateral grip. Consider the local climate and commute distance when weighing this tradeoff.
Fuel Economy and Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance affects fuel consumption; tires engineered for lower rolling resistance can yield modest fuel savings over time. For owners focused on economy, look for tires with energy-efficient compounds and tread designs that minimize deformation at highway speeds.
Be aware that the quest for lower rolling resistance should not undermine safety. Tires that sacrifice wet traction or handling for marginal fuel gains are a poor tradeoff for a vehicle like the Forester, which benefits from balanced grip in varied conditions.
Understanding Forester Tire Sizes And Fitment
The Forester commonly uses a range of OEM tire sizes across the 2019-2024 model years and trim levels. Always verify the factory-recommended size and load index for your specific trim using the vehicle placard or owner's manual before choosing replacements. If you change wheel diameter, compensate with appropriate sidewall height to keep overall rolling circumference close to stock and maintain speedometer accuracy.
- Check the driver door placard for the exact size and PSI recommendations.
- When upsizing wheels, choose lower-profile tires only if sidewall clearance and ride comfort are acceptable.
- Match the load index to the vehicle's GVWR and typical cargo/passenger load.
All-Season Versus Dedicated Winter Tires
All-season tires offer balanced performance across a range of temperatures and are suitable for owners in mild climates. They reduce the need to swap tires seasonally and often deliver longer tread life than soft winter compounds. Dedicated winter tires, however, provide significantly better braking and cornering in snow and on ice due to specialized rubber and tread geometry.
- All-season: convenience, longer wear, acceptable winter performance in light snow.
- Winter tires: superior cold-temperature grip, better snow braking, recommended if you encounter regular heavy snow or ice.
How Tread Patterns Affect On-Road Behavior
Tread design governs water evacuation, steering precision, and how a tire wears over time. Directional patterns excel at channeling water to reduce hydroplaning, while asymmetric designs balance dry handling and wet grip. For the Forester, look for designs that support stable steering inputs and even wear across the contact patch to maintain predictable handling.
- Directional treads: great for wet-weather stability.
- Asymmetric treads: good balance of wet and dry performance.
- Symmetric treads: often quieter and easier to rotate for even wear.
When To Consider Touring Or Comfort-Oriented Tires
If you prioritize a quiet cabin and a plush ride for commuting and longer trips, touring tires are engineered for those goals. They usually have optimized pitch sequencing to minimize road noise, and compounds tuned for lower rolling resistance and longer life. These tires retain sufficient grip for everyday driving while improving overall ride refinement on the Forester.
- Touring tires often offer longer tread warranties and lower cabin noise.
- They are a good match for owners focused on mileage and comfort rather than aggressive handling.
Maintenance Tips: Rotation, Balancing, And Alignment
Regular maintenance keeps any tire performing safely and prolongs tread life. Rotate tires at manufacturer-recommended intervals to promote even wear. Proper wheel balancing prevents vibration at speed, and alignment ensures the tires contact the road evenly across the tread. Neglecting any of these can accelerate uneven wear and degrade handling.If you notice uneven wear patterns, vibration, or the vehicle pulling to one side, have alignment and balance checked. Proper maintenance also helps maximize the value of higher-mileage warranties.
- Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or per the owner's manual.
- Check wheel balance after any new tire installation.
- Have alignment checked if you hit a curb, pothole, or observe uneven wear.
Still looking for the perfect fit?
Select your Subaru Forester configuration to see the most relevant Tires recommendations
How We Chose the Best 2019-2024 Subaru Forester Tires
Our selection focused on real-world fitment and performance factors that matter specifically to 2019-2024 Subaru Forester owners. We filtered candidates by correct OEM-equivalent sizes and load index ratings appropriate for the Forester's curb weight, then prioritized tires with documented performance in wet traction and predictable tread-wear patterns.Evaluation criteria included: wet and dry braking performance, treadwear expectations and warranty coverage, comfort and noise characteristics on mixed road surfaces, winter capability for models used in cold climates, and rolling resistance which affects fuel economy. We also considered directional and asymmetric tread designs that aid water evacuation for the Forester's typical higher center-of-gravity handling.Excluded from consideration were tires intended solely for high-performance sports cars, heavy-duty truck tires with incompatible load ratings, and ultra-low-profile summer racing tires that do not suit the Forester's ride or handling balance. The final list balances reliability, all-season versatility, and targeted winter performance where applicable.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
What tire size should I fit on a 2019-2024 Forester?
The correct size depends on your Forester trim and any optional wheels. Check the driver's door placard or owner's manual for factory size and load index. If you change wheel diameter, choose a tire that keeps overall circumference close to stock.
Are all-season tires OK for winter driving in snow?
All-season tires handle light snow and cold temperatures reasonably well, but they are not as effective as dedicated winter tires in heavy snow or on ice. For regular winter conditions, a dedicated winter tire offers noticeably better braking and lateral grip.
How often should I replace Forester tires?
Replacement depends on mileage, driving style, and road conditions. Many tires show meaningful tread wear by 40,000 to 60,000 miles, but some last longer or shorter. Inspect tread depth, wear patterns, and the tread wear indicators to decide when to replace.
Can I buy tires online and have them installed locally?
Yes, many owners purchase tires online and arrange local installation. When doing so, confirm the correct size, load rating, and that your installer will handle mounting, balancing, and disposal of old tires.
How important is tire balancing and alignment for the Forester?
Very important. Proper balancing prevents vibration and premature wear, while correct alignment ensures even contact across the tread. Both improve handling, safety, and tread life on the Forester.
What does a tire tread wear indicator look like?
Tread wear indicators are small raised bars molded into the grooves across the tread. When the tread surface wears level with these bars, the tire has reached its legal or safe limit and should be replaced.
Final Verdict
Choose tires that match the Forester's factory size and load rating, then prioritise the performance attributes that reflect your driving: wet traction and tread life for mixed climates, or dedicated winter capability for snowy regions. Balance comfort and fuel economy needs against grip requirements.When in doubt, opt for a tire that provides predictable wet braking and even wear. Keep up with rotation, balancing, and alignment to extend life and maintain handling. With these priorities, you can select a safe, durable tire solution for your 2019-2024 Subaru Forester.
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