2020 Subaru Forester Premium Tire Size
The 2020 Subaru Forester is a versatile compact SUV that caters to a wide range of drivers, from weekend adventurers to daily commuters. Understanding the tire sizes for different trims is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Let’s break down the tire specifications for the 2020 Subaru Forester Premium across its various trims.
Stock Tire Sizes by Trim
The 2020 Subaru Forester comes in several trims, each with specific tire size requirements. Below is a comprehensive overview of the stock tire sizes for each trim level.
| Trim Level | Front Tire Size | Rear Tire Size | Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Premium | 225/60R17 | 225/60R17 | 17 x 7.0 inches |
| Forester Sport | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 | 18 x 8.0 inches |
| Forester Limited | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 | 18 x 8.0 inches |
| Forester Touring | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 | 18 x 8.0 inches |
Tire Size Breakdown
– Forester Premium
– Front Tire Size: 225/60R17
– Rear Tire Size: 225/60R17
– Wheel Size: 17 x 7.0 inches
The Forester Premium is equipped with 17-inch wheels, providing a balanced ride and decent ground clearance. The 225/60R17 tires offer good traction and stability, making it suitable for both city driving and light off-roading.
– Forester Sport
– Front Tire Size: 225/55R18
– Rear Tire Size: 225/55R18
– Wheel Size: 18 x 8.0 inches
The Sport trim gains larger 18-inch wheels, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty appearance and handling. The 225/55R18 tires provide a lower profile, which can improve cornering performance but may sacrifice some ride comfort compared to the Premium.
– Forester Limited
– Front Tire Size: 225/55R18
– Rear Tire Size: 225/55R18
– Wheel Size: 18 x 8.0 inches
Similar to the Sport trim, the Limited also features 18-inch wheels and the same tire size. This trim is designed for those who want a bit more luxury without compromising on performance.
– Forester Touring
– Front Tire Size: 225/55R18
– Rear Tire Size: 225/55R18
– Wheel Size: 18 x 8.0 inches
The Touring trim maintains the sporty 18-inch wheels and tire size, offering advanced features and a premium driving experience.
Why Tire Size Matters
Choosing the right tire size is essential for several reasons:
- Handling and Performance: Different tire sizes can affect how your vehicle handles corners and responds to steering inputs.
- Fuel Efficiency: The right tire size can improve fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance.
- Ride Comfort: Tire size impacts ride quality. Larger tires may provide a stiffer ride, while smaller tires can offer more cushioning.
- Safety: Proper tire size ensures that your vehicle maintains optimal traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Understanding the stock tire sizes for your 2020 Subaru Forester Premium is vital for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Always consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic before making any changes to your tire setup.
Exploring Tire Options for the 2020 Subaru Forester Premium
When it comes to the 2020 Subaru Forester Premium, tire size plays a crucial role in how your vehicle performs on the road. While the stock tire size is important, many owners often seek to understand the smallest and largest tire options available. This can help enhance performance, improve comfort, or even elevate the overall look of your Forester. Let’s dive into the smallest and biggest tire sizes, along with some recommendations based on owner feedback and forum discussions.
Stock Tire Sizes Recap
As previously noted, the standard tire size for the 2020 Subaru Forester Premium is 225/60R17. However, many owners are curious about the potential for upsizing or downsizing their tires.
Smallest Tire Size
For those looking to downsize, the smallest tire size that can fit without major modifications is typically around 215/65R17. This size may offer:
- Better ride comfort due to a taller sidewall, which can absorb bumps more effectively.
- Potentially improved fuel efficiency because of reduced rolling resistance.
- Less weight, which can marginally improve acceleration.
However, going smaller can have some downsides:
- Reduced handling performance, especially during cornering.
- Increased risk of tire sidewall damage from potholes and rough terrain.
Biggest Tire Size
On the flip side, many owners are interested in upsizing their tires for improved aesthetics and performance. The largest tire size that can generally fit without extensive modifications is 235/55R18. This size can provide:
- Enhanced grip and traction, particularly in wet or off-road conditions.
- A more aggressive stance, giving your Forester a sportier look.
- Improved cornering stability due to a wider tire footprint.
However, be aware of the potential drawbacks of upsizing:
- Increased road noise, which may affect ride comfort.
- Potential decrease in fuel efficiency due to higher rolling resistance.
- Possible rubbing against wheel wells or suspension components, especially when turning or hitting bumps.
Best Tires Based on Owner Feedback
Selecting the right tires is crucial for performance and safety. Here are some of the top recommendations based on discussions from various automotive forums and feedback from Subaru owners.
All-Season Tires
1. Michelin Premier LTX
– Known for excellent wet and dry traction.
– Offers a comfortable ride and long tread life.
– Highly rated for noise reduction.
2. Continental TrueContact Tour
– Provides a good balance of performance and comfort.
– Excellent tread life and fuel efficiency.
– Great wet weather handling.
Winter Tires
1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
– Exceptional grip on snow and ice.
– Offers a quiet ride compared to other winter tires.
– Highly rated for overall winter performance.
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
– Known for superior traction in extreme winter conditions.
– Eco-friendly tire with low rolling resistance.
– Provides a comfortable ride even in harsh weather.
Off-Road Tires
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
– Excellent for off-road adventures and rugged terrain.
– Offers great durability and resistance to punctures.
– Provides a confident grip on various surfaces.
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
– Known for its aggressive tread design, perfect for off-road use.
– Provides good traction in mud and snow.
– Suitable for both on-road and off-road performance.
Final Thoughts on Tire Selection
Choosing the right tire size and type for your 2020 Subaru Forester Premium is essential for optimizing performance, comfort, and safety. Whether you are looking to downsize for comfort or upsize for performance, always consider the trade-offs involved. Pay attention to feedback from fellow Subaru owners and automotive forums to make an informed decision that best suits your driving needs.