If you’re looking to take your Subaru Outback off road and really explore, you’ve come to the right place.

While some folks might think of the Outback as a lifted wagon, and others might confuse it with a crossover, the reality is the Outback has always been in a class of its own. And it’s always been extremely capable with surprising amounts of ground clearance and the brand’s patented symmetric all-wheel drive system.

But those features will only get you so far. To really tackle the rough stuff off-road you need capable tires, not the sort of things the lawyers and accountants at a mainstream automaker want to equip on a car. And to be honest, off-road-capable tires just aren’t what most folks want or need – so it makes sense that a car like the Outback comes equipped with all-seasons from the factory.

Best Subaru Outback Off-Road Tire

Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015

Our top choice overall for an off-road capable tire for a vehicle like the Outback, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is an extremely well-rounded package.

Good looks: check. Impressive off-road grip: check. Civilized on-road manners: check. Actual winter performance: check.

On top of all that, it comes with a solid 60,000 mile treadwear guarantee. That’s about 5,000 miles shorter than some of the newest all-terrain tires, but this Yokohama is also surprisingly well-priced.

   

Best Winter-Ready Subaru Outback Tire

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S

While not quite as badass looking at the BFGoodirch tires a little further down this list, we really do love the look of these Coopers. From the tread to the sidewall, it’s obvious that any Outback equipped with these tires isn’t going to the drivethrough at Starbucks. Well, not just the drivethrough at Starbucks.

With the serious off-road grip that Cooper is known to deliver in its all-terrain lineup, the 4S model is certified for extreme winter performance too. And if you’re a Subaru owner, that’s probably a top priority for you!

 

Best Performance All-Terrain Subaru Outback Tire

Pirelli Scorpion ATR

If you value your on-road driving dynamics as much as off-road grip, these are the tires for you.

A quick look at the tread pattern compared to other tires on this list and it’s obvious these are a different sort of all-terrain tire. Rather than five rows of knobby tread blocks, the center section of this tire is a lot busier, with less void space and more rubber. As a result, it’s not as capable off-road, but it’s still a true all-terrain tire and performs surprisingly well.

On-road, however, it offers excellent dry and wet grip, strong braking and handles directional changes with an immediacy you won’t get on other all-terrain tires. It’s also built for better on-center feel at highway speeds and will deliver a luxury SUV ride for any vehicle.

   

Best Budget Subaru Outback Off-Road Tire

Hankook Dynapro AT2

There are some fantastic tires on this list if you’re looking to get out and explore. Unfortunately, some of them come with pricing to match. And we understand that while you might want to get a little further off-road, you also might want to have some money left over to buy a tent for when you get there.

That said, we’d recommend the Hankook Dynapro AT2 as our best budget solution.

While it doesn’t have quite the level of off-road grip as some of the others, it’s still vastly superior to stock rubber. It’s a solid on-road performer, though perhaps a bit louder than the rivals as well. And on the warranty side, it’s got 60,000 mile tread life guarantee, which isn’t anything to complain about.

   

Most Capable Subaru Outback Off-Road Tire

BFGoodrich T/A KO2

If you really want to tackle the rough stuff and not get stuck, there’s really just one option. Our number one pick for off-road tires, the BFG T/A KO2 delivers extreme grip in on rock, in the mud, in dirt, sand, whatever.

The most extreme looking tire in this group, looks are not deceiving here.

Better yet, they are incredibly durable with a reinforced sidewall that’s 20 percent thicker than a standard tire, helping prevent against slashes and side punctures.

Plus, while historically the KO2s never came with any sort of tread life warranty, BFGoodrich now backs some sizes of the tire with a 50,000 mile guarantee.

We will warn you that on-road performance, including braking performance, is diminished compared to a conventional all-season and these are noisier than a typical tire too.