Best Tires for Subaru Ascent: Complete Guide

8 Best Tires for Subaru Ascent

When it comes to owning an all-wheel drive SUV, many people end up purchasing a Subaru Ascent. This vehicle is the largest SUV option offered by Subaru and is perfect for families needing a lot of space while on the roads. Many people find that this vehicle is similar to a minivan in a lot of ways, especially how convenient they are for families, but they are definitely still in the sports utility vehicle category.

Finding tires might be more difficult than finding the vehicle, though, and for that reason we have put together a list of the top eight tires, all in different categories for your shopping convenience. When you choose a tire from this list, you are choosing a great option that has been picked by professionals for the Subaru Ascent.

When you explore the list below, you will find a wide range of tires that deliver a number of different things to drivers, from studdable winter tires to high performance all-season tires. Knowing what you need and the climate where you live will help you knock off several options before even getting started.

If you have any questions about the tires on your Subaru Ascent, always check with your local tire shop for clarification or to help steer you in the right direction. Knowing that your tires are the best option will allow you to drive comfortably and stay relaxed on the roads.

Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza Plus - Best All-Season Tire

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The Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza Plus tire is one that was designed to handle any climate, any weather condition and is able to perform very well in both rain or shine. With these tires on board, you will experience excellent handling with traction at all times. All-Season tires are often the most popular choice as they provide drivers with a lot of different features.

One thing you should know about this particular tire is that as they wear over time, the Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza Plus tire will wear evenly and will last a very long time. The tread pattern provides passengers with a very quiet ride inside the vehicle. Staying comfortable on the road is crucial to a positive experience while out driving. When you have excess road noise or vibrations, bumps or other discomfort, it makes it difficult to relax and enjoy your time on the roads. Bridgestone worked very hard to create a tire that allows you to have almost no road noise at all.

From warranties to excellent reliability on the roads, you will be thankful you went with an all-season tire to allow you to drive in both rain, snow or dry roads with ease. Sometimes the weather can change unexpectedly, but your driving habits will not have to change because your tires are able to handle just about anything.

Not only do these tires perform well, but they are known for their ability to not fade over time, making them an excellent choice for customers looking to step up the appearance of their vehicle. Some tires become dull-looking as time passes, but with these tires, the original color of the tire will always be how the tire looks.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 55,000-80,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 35-50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11-13”
• Tire Weight:  27-48 lbs
• Load Index: 99-116
• UTQG Treadwear: 540-800
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A-B

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza Plus tire comes in a wide range of sizes from 15”-22”, making it possible for you to find the perfect size for your Subaru Ascent.

What is the load capacity?

The load capacity for this tire depends on the size purchased but is anywhere from 1,709 - 2,756 pounds.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, this tire was given an 8.4 for road noise and an overall ride quality rating of 8.8.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV - Best Winter Tire

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When severe winter weather comes to town, chances are you will still have places you need to go. Life does not stop just because it decides to snow or sleet outside. Whether it is driving to your office or taking the kids to school, the weather cannot keep you from being where you need to be during the week. With a good set of winter tires on board, you don’t have to stop living, you can instead confidently and safely navigate the roads and get where you need to be!

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV tire is the perfect tire to help you navigate these intense weather situations. With a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, this tire has been tried and tested in the most extreme of situations and has been proven to be a great and safe option. Choosing a tire with this marking means that you are purchasing the safest option for your vehicle in these extremely cold conditions.

This tire comes in a studded version, allowing you to have even more grip with the road in deep ice or snow conditions. The 3D interlocking sipes also help your Subaru Ascent to stay in contact with the road, especially in situations where the road is covered in ice.

All winter tires need to be installed in a set of four for maximum traction and stability while driving in these less-than-ideal conditions. Most winter tires also come with directional tread that allows the tire to grip the road when driving through deep ice or snow. When dealing with directional tread you must remember that for rotating tires, you must always leave the tire on the original side it was installed in. Only rotating tires forwards and backwards allows the tire to always roll in the same direction, increasing traction with the road.

Specifications:

• Warranty: N/A miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 47-51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12-13”
• Tire Weight: 27-42 lbs
• Load Index: 99-117
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

This winter tire is available in sizes 16”-21”. With this wide range of sizes, you will find the perfect fit for your Subaru Ascent without any problems.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity is anywhere from 1,709 to 2,833 pounds.

How is the road noise?

Unfortunately, these tires do create more road noise than the average tire, but that is mostly a problem when the studs are installed.

Toyo Open Country AT III - Best All-Terrain Tire

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Having the freedom to drive on or off the road is something some Subaru Ascent drivers are seeking when purchasing their tires. The Toyo Open Country AT III tire is one that pairs well with the Subaru Ascent for a number of reasons. All-Terrain tires allow you to be adventurous at the drop of a hat and will keep you safe no matter what type of road you decide to drive on each day.

The Toyo Open Country AT III tire has traction with the road in both dry and wet conditions, but can also go from paved roads to rocky terrain at any time, all without any issues. This allows for freedom and adventure like you never could have imagined.

While not advertised as a winter tire, this tire has been given a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, so if you live somewhere with extreme winter conditions, these would be an excellent choice to put on your vehicle.

Most off-road tires tend to make more noise on the roads, but this particular tire was designed to make a comfortable drive for passengers inside the vehicle. This tire manufacturer spent time to perfect the way the tire was made to eliminate all extra road noise. From extreme comfort to freedom of driving where you wish, this all-terrain tire is the best off-road tire for the Subaru Ascent.

Specifications:

• Warranty:  miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 13”
• Tire Weight: 32 lbs
• Load Index: 108
• UTQG Treadwear: 600
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

From 15”-22”, you will find the perfect size tire for your Subaru Ascent.

What is the load capacity?

The max load capacity for the Toyo Open Country AT III tire is 2,183 pounds.

How is the road noise?

Customers have reported that this tire is very comfortable for passengers and drivers!

Continental TerrainContact H/T - Best Touring Tire

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The Continental TerrainContact H/T tire won the title for best touring tire for the Subaru Ascent for the ease of driving on H/T or “highway terrain”. Highway terrain tires are a lot like a touring tire in that it can travel long distances on paved surfaces with no trouble whatsoever.

With a tread design that allows for comfort, traction all year round, and ability to brake with ease on wet or icy roads, the Continental TerrainContact H/T tire is a great choice. If you find yourself frequently driving on the highway for long road trips or your commute to work, then equipping your vehicle with commercial all-season tires is the right move.

Highway driving is different than driving off of paved surfaces, so remember that these tires are designed for people that will spend the majority of their time driving on paved highways. For extreme winter weather driving, these tires are not the best option as they are not made for the frigid temperatures or for cutting through ice and snow. While rain is not a problem, deep snow covered roads might not be the best for this tire.

Backed by a warranty of 60k-70k miles, you can trust that the Continental TerrainContact H/T tire will be reliable during all seasons of the year. For light snow conditions, this tire will be able to navigate safely and easily through to your destination.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 60,000-70,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44-80 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12-14”
• Tire Weight: 29-57 lbs
• Load Index: 99-126
• UTQG Treadwear: 720-800
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A-B

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Continental TerrainContact H/T tire comes in a variety of sizes from 16”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

This tire can carry anywhere from 1,709 to 3,748 pounds, depending on the size you purchase for your Subaru Ascent.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, this tire was rated 8.8 for road noise and 8.9 for overall ride quality. That means that these tires provide a quiet ride and a lot of comfort while out on the roads.

Falken Ziex CT60 A/S - Best Performance Street Tire

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Having a tire that allows drivers to take risks on the road, all while having the benefits of an all-season tire is something many people can’t say no to. High performance tires are designed to handle higher speeds, take turns and corners quickly, and brake at a short distance.

The Falken Ziex CT60 A/S tire was the top ranked tire in this category for the Subaru Ascent. Many people reported that they were able to stay in contact with the road at all time with amazing traction and grip. Over time, you can expect these tires to wear evenly and have a long lasting tread life.

The design of the tire is such that drivers have great handling of the vehicle while traveling at these higher speeds. As the seasons change from spring to summer, summer to fall and fall to winter, you can expect traction no matter what the weather is doing outside.

This highly sought-after tire is frequently purchased by Subaru Ascent drivers who like to drive at faster speeds and generally take more risks than other drivers on the road. If you are going to be driving more aggressively, having the right tires on board will only increase your safety and performance of the vehicle.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 65,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11”
• Tire Weight:  34 lbs
• Load Index: 109
• UTQG Treadwear: 680
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Falken Ziex CT60 A/S comes in sizes 16”-20”.

What is the load capacity?

This tire can carry up to 2,271 pounds.

How is the road noise?

Generally speaking, this is a very quiet tire that allows for a comfortable drive from within the vehicle.

Cooper Discoverer SRX - Best Summer Tire

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The Cooper Discoverer SRX tire is often chosen by luxury vehicle owners that are looking for a tire to step up their driving to the next level. A touring tire is even more impressive when it also has qualities of an all-season tire and is best driven in the summer months of the year.

The ability to drive your vehicle whenever and wherever you wish is something that many people often take for granted. With a silica compound and the unique tread design, your tires will stay in contact with the road at all times, rain or shine.

As the tire wears over time, there are hidden sipes that appear to help lengthen the life of the tread. With excellent handling of the vehicle, this tire is one that Subaru Ascent drivers find pairs well with this vehicle.

Summer tires are a great choice for people who plan to spend a lot of time on the roads in their Subaru Ascent. You can expect a comfortable drive with traction in rain or shine. While it is not ideal for extreme temperatures, know that this tire is not built for winter weather driving. Backed by a warranty of 75,000 miles, this tire will take you places, literally.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 65,000-75,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44-51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11-13”
• Tire Weight: 29-43 lbs
• Load Index: 99-117
• UTQG Treadwear: 700-740
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A-B

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Cooper Discoverer SRX tire comes in a wide range of sizes from 16”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

This tire can carry anywhere from 1,709-2,833 pounds.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, the Cooper Discoverer SRX tire was given a rating of 7.7 for road noise and 8.0 for overall ride quality.

Maxxis Escapade CUV CV-01 - Best All-Purpose Tire

The all-purpose tire category winner goes to the Maxxis Escapade CUV CV-01 tire, a tire designed for crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). This tire is one that truly does it all, taking your Subaru Ascent to the next level.

When driving around town you can expect a very comfortable and smooth drive from within the vehicle with control at all times. At higher speeds, you need a tire that will allow you to stay in control and the Maxxis Escapade CUV CV-01 tire does just that. The handling and responsive tires will keep you as the one in control at all times while out driving.

The tread design helps to keep water out of the way so you can focus on driving straight and quick, even when it is raining outside. The various parts of the tread work together to create a tire that performs very well and allows you to drive as you wish.

Backed by a warranty of 60,000 miles, you will not be disappointed by these tires if you are in a situation with a need for speed. You will have an excellent grip with the road at both fast and slow speeds with this all-purpose tire on your Subaru Ascent.

Specifications:

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12”
• Tire Weight: 28 lbs
• Load Index: 109
• UTQG Treadwear: 520
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

These tires are available in one size: 19”.

What is the load capacity?

This tire can carry up to 1,925 pounds.

How is the road noise?

These tires have been reported to be very quiet and comfortable!

Pirelli P Zero PZ4 - Best Highway Tire

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This highway tire is perfect for people who enjoy driving in warmer temperatures with the option to travel at higher speeds and to take more risks behind the wheel. Most of the time people who have longer commutes or spend a lot of time driving around the city find that a highway tire is the best way to go.

Due to the fact that this is categorized as a summer and highway  tire, the manufacturer warranty will not apply if your tire compound cracks in cold temperatures. These tires only work when you are in a warmer climate, above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

The tread design helps the tire to save on fuel costs by having a low rolling resistance as well as a way to push excess water on the roads away to prevent hydroplaning. There are options when purchasing your tire to choose the internal structure that will help match with your driving style.

The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tire will allow you to drive how you wish in warmer weather, making the most of your summer as well as your Subaru Ascent.

Specifications:

• Warranty: None
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8-9”
• Tire Weight: 22-30 lbs
• Load Index:
• UTQG Treadwear: 320
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes are available in this tire?

The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tire comes in sizes 18”-22”.

What is the load capacity?

The max capacity is anywhere from 1,235-1,653 pounds, depending on the size of tire purchased.

How is the road noise?

On a scale of 1-10, this tire was rated 7.6 for road noise and 7.7 for overall ride quality.

Buyer’s Guide

What to Know Before Buying Tires for Subaru Ascent

• Driving Style - You need to ask yourself first and foremost how you plan to drive in your vehicle. If you are wanting to drive through thick snow, your needs will be different than someone who wants to drive for a long road trip. Once you know how you plan to drive on your tires it will help you to know what you are looking for in your tire choice.
• Driving Distance - A short commute is a lot less wear and tear on your tires than a cross country road trip. The amount of mileage you plan to put on your tires also plays into your decision on which to purchase. Some tires handle the mileage better than others and can help you stay safer while traveling longer distances. Whatever amount of mileage you plan to put on your vehicle and your tires needs to match with the tire’s ability to handle it or not.
• Driving Climate - Is it hot where you live? Is it cold? Most cold weather tires perform just fine when it is warmer outside, but a lot of tires are designed to function above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature and weather conditions will determine what tires you can knock off your list, and will hopefully point you to where you need to be.
• Driving Comfort - Most of the tires listed above are considered to be very comfortable for passengers inside the vehicle, but there are a few that scored lower than others on the amount of road noise created. If road noise bothers you, be sure to check with your tire salesman to make the best choice for your Subaru Ascent.
• Driving Terrain - Not all tires are created equally and some are only made for basic highway driving and nothing else. In other words, not all tires are designed to be taken off of paved roads, so if you plan to go off-roading, then you need to find a tire that will support this and allow for you to have a great time without damaging your tires or putting you in an unsafe situation.
• Size - There are several different trim levels on this vehicle that can handle different sizes of tires. Make sure you are aware of your trim level and the size of tire you will need before purchasing. The four options for trim levels for the Subaru Ascent are Base, Premium, Limited and Touring.
• Ride Quality -  Different types of tires create different comfort levels for passengers inside your Subaru Ascent. If passenger comfort is at the top of your list when considering which tire to purchase, make sure you check the reviews and ratings for ride quality and road noise. Ride quality is slightly different than road noise, but the two do go hand in hand and are crucial for consideration when purchasing new tires.
• Online Purchase - Buying tires online can be very convenient and much simpler than going to a tire store, discussing options with a salesman and waiting for them to be installed. When you purchase online, however, you must be completely sure of what you need before you complete your transaction.
• Reviews - Taking the time to read reviews and ratings on the tire you choose before purchasing will allow you to see what other customers have said about the tire you are about to buy. If the majority of the reviews are not positive, you will know that it is probably a good idea to keep on looking for something else. If they are positive, then you will know you have landed on an excellent tire for your Subaru Ascent.
• Tread - Generally speaking, the only tires that have directional tread are those in the winter tire category. If you end up choosing a tire with directional tread, make sure you are aware so the tires are properly cared for and rotated the right way. Failure to do so will result in less traction for your vehicle with the road.

The right tire will make your time owning a Subaru Ascent more enjoyable and a lot less stressful. With the right tires on your vehicle, you can drive on your desired terrain and at the right time of year as well as allowing you to stay as safe as possible when the weather isn’t as ideal as you might like.  

Any other questions or concerns you might have in regards to your new tire purchase can be discussed and answered by your tire salesman at your local tire shop.