Quick Summary
The 2017 Subaru Outback comes with either a 225/65R17 or 225/60R18 tire size, depending on trim, and matching all four tires closely matters more on this vehicle because of its symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Tread wear, tire pressure, and alignment all shift with the seasons, so checking them regularly does more for tire life than picking a size based on price alone. Confirming the exact size on the door jamb sticker beats guessing from trim level, since tires may have changed since the vehicle left the factory.
Replacing tires often starts with a simple question: what is the correct 2017 Subaru Outback tire size for my vehicle? Subaru equipped the 2017 Outback with two different factory tire sizes across its trim lineup. Choosing an incorrect size can affect the vehicle's ride height, handling, speedometer readings, and all-wheel-drive system.
The Outback is built for year-round driving, so its tires can face everything from hot pavement and long highway trips to wet roads and winter conditions. Haynes Manuals has helped vehicle owners handle maintenance for decades, and this guide explains the available tire sizes for the 2017 Outback along with several maintenance checks that can help keep those tires performing properly.
Tire Size for 2017 Subaru Outback: Which One Fits Your Trim?
The 2017 Outback came in two tire sizes depending on trim level:
- 225/65R17, fitted to the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium trims
- 225/60R18, fitted to the 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, and 3.6R Touring trims
The numbers in a tire size describe its dimensions. The first number represents the tire width in millimeters. The second indicates the aspect ratio, which expresses the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire's width. The number following the "R" identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
For example, the 225/65R17 has a taller sidewall than the 225/60R18. Both use a 225 mm-wide tire, but they are designed for different wheel sizes and have different overall dimensions.
For the most accurate information, check the owner's manual or the tire information label inside the driver's door jamb. This is especially important if the tires were replaced or the wheels were changed after the vehicle left the factory.
Why Getting the Size Right Matters on AWD Vehicles
The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is designed around consistent tire rotation between all four wheels. Significant differences in tire diameter can affect the system and place additional stress on drivetrain components.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- All four tires should match in size and tread depth as closely as possible
- Mixing significantly different tread patterns can affect handling in wet or icy conditions
- Uneven tire diameters can cause premature wear on drivetrain components
This is part of why sticking with the factory-specified size for your trim, or a size with the same overall diameter, makes more sense than choosing based on looks or price alone.
Checking Tread Wear and Pressure Through the Seasons
Year-round driving exposes tires to changing road and weather conditions, while normal use can cause different tires to wear at different rates. The front and rear tires may experience different loads during braking, cornering, and acceleration, which is why regular tire rotation can help distribute wear more evenly.
Tire pressure also changes as temperatures fluctuate. Pressure generally decreases in colder conditions and increases as temperatures rise. Checking it at least once a month can help identify a slow leak before it becomes a larger problem.
A wheel alignment check is also worth adding to this routine, especially after hitting a pothole or curb. Misalignment causes tires to wear at an angle, which shortens their lifespan even when pressure and rotation are handled correctly. Haynes Manuals covers alignment specs and tire maintenance procedures inside our Subaru Outback repair manual, useful for anyone who wants exact specifications rather than general guidelines.
Keeping Your Outback Road Ready
Knowing the correct tire size for your 2017 Outback is the starting point, but tread wear, pressure, and alignment all affect how those tires perform over time. Staying on top of these details keeps handling predictable in any season and helps you get the most life out of a set of tires before replacement becomes necessary.
For owners who want a reference covering tire specs, alignment procedures, and broader maintenance for this generation Outback, our Subaru Outback DIY manual walks through what to check and when. Not sure which manual fits your specific Outback? Get in touch with our team, and we'll help you find the right one.
FAQs
What tire size does a 2017 Subaru Outback need?
It depends on trim level. The 2.5i and 2.5i Premium use 225/65R17, while the 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, and 3.6R Touring use 225/60R18.
Why does tire size matter more on an all-wheel drive Outback?
Symmetrical AWD depends on all four tires rotating at nearly the same rate. Mismatched sizes can strain the drivetrain and affect handling over time.
Where can I confirm my Outback's exact tire size?
Check the sticker inside the driver's door jamb or the owner's manual. This confirms the original factory size even if tires have been replaced since.
