So you've proudly equipped your Subaru with an impressive RalliTEK lift, transforming its appearance into something truly eye-catching. However, as you admire the elevated stance and rugged charm, you can't help but feel that something's amiss. The stock tires and wheels, although dependable, don't quite complement the newfound aggressive, ready-for-anything look. This realization prompts you to dive into the world of tire shopping, and you quickly find yourself drowning in choices and questions, making it almost impossible to decide what's best for your beloved Subaru.
Fortunately, here at RalliTEK, we understand the dilemma and are more than willing to help you make this challenging decision. Among the myriad questions we receive regarding lifted Subarus, one of the most common inquiries revolves around tire selection. Our answer at RalliTEK is relatively straightforward: an excellent all-terrain tire is often the best choice, yet even within the realm of all-terrain tires, the options can be bewildering. Many renowned tire manufacturers now proudly adorn their all-terrain offerings with the coveted Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, signifying their tires' exceptional snow performance. Vehicles equipped with these tires are often spared the necessity of using tire chains during winter conditions on mountain passes—an essential consideration for the Subaru community, as tire chains are generally not recommended for use. Nevertheless, the selection of tires fitting Subarus is somewhat limited due to the need for clearances in most lifted Subarus, which can typically accommodate up to a 28-inch-tall tire.
When you turn to us for advice on tire selection for your lifted Subaru, we often find ourselves recommending the following options: the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, the Falken WildPeak A/T3W, the General Grabber AT2, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, or the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015. These tires all belong to the all-terrain category, offering a balanced tread pattern that's not overly aggressive, resulting in quieter road manners than mud-terrain tires. They perform excellently in year-round driving conditions and can handle various terrains your Subaru might encounter.
Among these, the BFGoodrich KO2 stands out as one of the most popular all-terrain tires, lauded for its exceptional reviews, long tread life, on-road comfort, and reliable traction on diverse terrains. Meanwhile, we've fitted our RalliTEK 2018 Outback with Falken WildPeak tires, and they've proven to be excellent companions. These tires boast impressive highway performance, effortlessly navigate gravel roads and light trails, and deliver robust traction in snowy and icy conditions. The General Grabber AT2 tires share a similar tread pattern with the BFG KO2 and have garnered positive reviews, with many praising their performance that parallels the KO2. On the other hand, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs feature the most aggressive tread pattern on our list, excelling as an all-around tire despite generating slightly more road noise due to their pronounced treads. Unfortunately, Goodyear's offerings are limited to a 29-inch-tall tire, limiting their application on Subarus. Last but not least, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 stands out for its relatively less aggressive tread design, geared toward users who primarily drive on-road with occasional light off-road excursions. The other tires strike a balance between on and off-road capabilities.
If you're planning any form of off-road adventure, installing a quality set of all-terrain tires is a necessity. Tires like those we've recommended are designed to withstand the rigors of rough off-road conditions, ensuring durability and peace of mind. Passenger car tires are ill-equipped for forest service roads, given their thin carcass, which makes them susceptible to punctures. By choosing any of the tires mentioned in this article for your Subaru, you'll gain the confidence to venture into the wilderness and make it back without fearing a flat tire stranding you in the middle of nowhere. If you still have questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to give us a call at 503-619-0055.
- Scott