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How to Choose Tires for a Subaru with Symmetrical AWD

Choose tires by your Subaru’s exact placard and manual specifications—not by the Symmetrical AWD name alone. Here’s how to confirm fit and compare alternatives.
Entry183 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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Start with the tire placard and owner’s manual for your exact Subaru model year, trim, and wheel package. Subaru recommends replacing tires with the same tires originally equipped; if you choose another brand, it strongly recommends matching the original size and style. “Symmetrical AWD” does not identify a universal tire size or model.

1. Confirm the specification for your Subaru

Find the tire placard on the vehicle and check the owner’s manual. Use those vehicle-specific sources to confirm the specified tire size and required ratings; the correct fit can vary by model year, trim, and wheel package. Subaru’s tire replacement guidance recommends the same tires as originally equipped, which Subaru says were chosen specifically for the vehicle. Its tire replacement tips also direct owners to the manual. If you cannot confirm a candidate tire against those specifications, ask a Subaru retailer or qualified tire retailer to verify the fit.

2. Preserve the original size and style when changing brands

If the original tire is unavailable or you are considering another brand, Subaru customer-service guidance strongly recommends choosing the same size and style as originally equipped. Ask the retailer to check the proposed tire against your exact vehicle rather than relying on the AWD label alone. A tire that seems suitable for one Subaru may not be appropriate for another model or wheel package.

3. Keep the four tires compatible

Subaru’s owner’s manual AWD warning guidance says that, on the vehicle covered by that manual, the AWD warning can flash if tires of different diameters are fitted or if pressure is excessively low in any tire. The manual warns that continuing to drive with the flashing warning can damage the powertrain. Warning behavior and instructions are model-specific, so consult the manual for your Subaru.

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#1 Best Overall
Fullway HP108 205/55R16 91V SL All Season Performance Radial Four Tires
  • Product Overview: The Fullway HP108 are 205/55R16 91V SL-Standard Load, 4 Ply Rated Performance Tires Manufactured For Passengers
  • Driving Conditions: All Season Traction, UTQG 380AA
  • Styling and Construction: Four Black Sidewall, Radial Construction, 16 Inch Tires
  • Load Index and Speed Rating: Load Index 91 Supports up to 1356 lbs Per Tire and Speed Rating V Certified to 149 mph
  • Additional Note: Tires Only - Rims/Wheels Not Included

For the warning described in that manual, stop safely and check for different tire diameters, a puncture, or pressure loss. If the warning continues or you suspect tire damage, seek service rather than continuing to drive on the assumption that the tires are compatible.

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4. Compare confirmed-fit tires for your driving

Only compare options after fitment has been confirmed. Consider the conditions you drive in and the qualities that matter most to you:

Rank #2
Sale
Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger Tire
  • Designed for use on passenger cars
  • Backed by a 55,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life
  • Specialized tread pattern provides solid handling and traction
  • Optimized footprint promotes stability and reliable traction
  • Circumferential grooves enhance wet handling and hydroplaning resistance by funneling water out of the tread
  • Season and conditions: Choose a tire appropriate for the temperatures, roads, and weather you encounter.
  • Wet or snow traction: Compare performance information relevant to the conditions you regularly face.
  • Tread life and noise: Weigh expected longevity and cabin comfort against your priorities.
  • Price: Compare the purchase cost of tires that meet your Subaru’s specifications.

These are comparison criteria, not a Subaru ranking. The cited Subaru sources do not test or rank specific replacement tires, so they do not establish a single “best” option.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Fullway HP108 205/55R16 91V SL All Season Performance Radial Four Tires
Fullway HP108 205/55R16 91V SL All Season Performance Radial Four Tires
Driving Conditions: All Season Traction, UTQG 380AA; Styling and Construction: Four Black Sidewall, Radial Construction, 16 Inch Tires
$254.93
SaleBestseller No. 2
Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger Tire
Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger Tire
Designed for use on passenger cars; Backed by a 55,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life
$79.08
Bestseller No. 3
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 215/55R17 94V Tire
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 215/55R17 94V Tire
50,000 mile warranty; All-Season Touring Tire; Ideal for consumers looking for plenty of miles, good traction and fuel economy
$72.08
Bestseller No. 4
Fullway HP108 215/60R16 99V XL All Season Performance Radial Four Tires
Fullway HP108 215/60R16 99V XL All Season Performance Radial Four Tires
Driving Conditions: All Season Traction, UTQG 380AA; Styling and Construction: Four Black Sidewall, Radial Construction, 16 Inch Tires
$284.93
Best Value
Set of 4 (FOUR) Mastertrack M-TRAC CUV 225/60R18 100V Tires
  • Size: 225/60R18, Tire Only - Wheel/Rim Not Included. Each tire comes with a complimentary Road Hazard Warranty and Tread Wear Out Warranty. Coverage applies to specific failures such as bulges, air leaks, or blowouts occurring within 3 years of purchase and and within the first 4/32nds of an inch of tread wear (Since October 1, 2025).
  • Advanced Tread Blocks: Optimized design delivers superior wet handling and minimizes road noise, ensuring a more refined driving experience.
  • Shoulder Blocks: The increased tread pattern stiffness enhances handling and cornering stability, delivering precise steering response for modern SUVs.
  • Lateral Grooves: Four wide drainage channels effectively prevent hydroplaning while delivering dependable traction in all seasons.
  • Enhanced Siping: Engineered to improve handling performance across diverse road conditions while minimizing uneven wear for enhanced durability and safety.
Rank #4
Fullway HP108 215/60R16 99V XL All Season Performance Radial Four Tires
  • Product Overview: The Fullway HP108 are 215/60R16 99V XL-Extra Load, 4 Ply Rated Performance Tires Manufactured For Passengers
  • Driving Conditions: All Season Traction, UTQG 380AA
  • Styling and Construction: Four Black Sidewall, Radial Construction, 16 Inch Tires
  • Load Index and Speed Rating: Load Index 99 Supports up to 1709 lbs Per Tire and Speed Rating V Certified to 149 mph
  • Additional Note: Tires Only - Rims/Wheels Not Included
Rank #3
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 215/55R17 94V Tire
  • 50,000 mile warranty
  • All-Season Touring Tire
  • Ideal for consumers looking for plenty of miles, good traction and fuel economy
  • M+S Rated (mud and snow)
  • Manufactured by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

5. Use this selection checklist

  1. Identify your Subaru’s model year, model, trim, and wheel package.
  2. Check the tire placard and owner’s manual for the required size and ratings.
  3. Prefer the original-equipment tire, or have a retailer confirm that an alternative matches the original size and style and is suitable for your vehicle.
  4. Compare confirmed-fit choices against your seasonal needs, driving conditions, and priorities.
  5. Follow your specific owner’s manual if an AWD warning appears; arrange service if the warning persists or damage is suspected.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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