The Subaru Crosstrek is a crossover all-wheel drive compact SUV. With its reliable system, you can go on any adventure. You might wonder what the biggest tire size is that you can use for the Crosstrek. Read this post to learn the answers we gathered for you.
Subaru owners commonly use big tire sizes such as the P215/75/R15 and the P235/75/R15. The diameter size for these tires is 27.7 and 28.8 inches, respectively.
These sizes are suitable for off-roading adventures. You get higher ground clearance and a taller sidewall if you choose these tire sizes.
If you have smaller tires, you can upgrade to a bigger size with or without a lift kit. Using big tires can enhance the car's driving performance. Read further to learn more about tire sizes for the Crosstrek.
Tire Sizes For the Subaru Crosstrek
Having the proper tires is important for your stock Subaru Crosstrek. You can count on its outstanding handling, especially on rough terrain.
The Subaru Crosstrek is the Japanese brand's entry-level, subcompact crossover SUV. It was introduced in 2012 to replace the Outback Sport in North America.
It is currently in its last year of production for the second generation (GT), which started in 2018. New tires will also come out in the third generation (GU) that will launch in 2023.
For the 2022 model line, all Crosstrek trims come with a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer Engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard. The 2022 Crosstrek currently has five (5) trims, namely:
- Base
- Premium
- Sport
- Limited
- Crosstrek Hybrid
Standard Tire And Wheel Sizes
Here are the tire sizes available for the trims:
- Base, Premium, Sport– 17 x 7 inch aluminum-alloy wheels in P225/60/R17 98H all-season tires
- Limited – 18 x 7 inch aluminum-alloy wheels in P225/55/R18 98H all-season tires
- Hybrid – 18 x 7 inch lightweight, high-strength aluminum-alloy wheels in P225/55/R18 98H low rolling resistance all-season tires
Bigger Tire Sizes For Your Stock Crosstrek
When you're planning to embark on an off-roading adventure, you can opt for either of these two tire sizes and corresponding measurements:
- Worry-free fit: P215/75/R15 - 27.7 inch diameter
- Advanced fit: P235/75/R15 - 28.9 inch diameter
With these tire sizes, you can get higher ground clearance and taller sidewalls for added comfort, regardless of whether the Crosstrek has lift modifications.
On the other hand, the preferred snow tires are P225/65/R17. They have minor rubbing issues with the front mudflaps, so a solution is to remove them. Below are two common options:
- P215/75/R15 – 27.7 inch diameter
- P235/75/R15 – 28.8 inch diameter
Changing from standard 17-inch rims to 15-inch, heavy-duty, off-road compatible rims brings a more aggressive setup without risking overall performance.
Pros And Cons Of Tire Sizes
With various tire sizes available for the Crosstrek, it can help to know the pros and cons. Continue reading below to learn more.
Bigger Tire
- Advantages:
- Improves handling due to a wider diameter for better traction and grip
- Enhances the stability of the Crosstrek while cornering
- Adds braking capability
- Aggressive stance
- Handles greater weight limits at greater speeds
- Disadvantages:
- More expensive
- Fuel consumption increases
- Reduced turning radius
- Slow acceleration
- Rough ride quality
- Wears out faster
Smaller Tires
- Advantages:
- Smooth ride
- Cheaper
- Disadvantages:
- Poor handling
- Weaker performance
Based on the points above, a bigger tire size allows you to have a better driving experience. Ultimately, it is your choice to stick with smaller tires or to be daring and go with bigger ones. It depends on how you want to use the Crosstrek.
Can You Use Aftermarket Tires On A Crosstrek?
Yes, you can use aftermarket tires, but they may affect fuel consumption. Also, the speedometer might show inaccurate readings.
The tires you buy should follow the wheel dimensions and bolt requirements of your Crosstrek model. However, there are tires that match well with the Crosstrek.
Click here to buy this Michelin tire on Amazon.
Will You Need A Lift Kit To Accommodate Bigger Tires?
Using a body lift kit is not necessary to fit the bigger tires. However, you should consider the suspension height. At stock height, you can do a 235/75, but you should have plans to lift the vehicle body in the future.
If you have a first-generation Crosstrek, it will have smaller wheel wells. In this case, trimming is necessary if you don't want to use a lift kit. You should use a lift kit that's compatible with the year and model of your Crosstrek.
Click here to buy this lift kit on Amazon.
How To Use A Lift Kit With The Crosstrek
If you plan to add bigger tires with a lift kit, follow the process below:
- Set the parking brake of the vehicle and add some supports for the rear tires.
- With a floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle. Secure the vehicle with a pair of jack stands.
- Loosen the lug nuts of the tires with a 19mm socket. Remove the front wheels.
- Remove the brake cable and the ABS cable.
- Use a floor jack to support the lower control arm, then disconnect the lower sway bar link.
- Remove all of the strut-to-knuckle bolts and remove the strut.
- Add the strut spacer before reinstalling the strut.
- Fasten the lift kit nuts on top of the strut spacer.
You can refer to the lift kit manual if it's available. If you are not sure how to use the kit, take your car to a mechanic.
How To Read Tire Sizes
When choosing which tire is best for your Crosstrek or any other car, you should know the size that's appropriate for your car.
Car tire information can be found in the car's front doorjamb, the owner's manual, or on the tire sidewall. To help you choose the proper tires for your car, here is a guide to the tire size information markings:
Metric Sizing
SUVs, light pickups, and passenger cars mostly come with either Euro-Metric or P-Metric tires. As standardized by the Tire and Rim Association, the P-Metric designation starts the sequence with the letter P for the passenger car type.
Width
The initial number indicates the tire width, denoted in millimeters. It indicates the measurement starting from one sidewall to another.
For example, the standard Crosstrek tire size is P225/60/R17, where the passenger tire indicates a nominal width of 225 millimeters.
Aspect Ratio
The number after the first slash mark indicates the tire aspect ratio. It gives you a profile of how tall the tire is.
The standard Crosstrek tire size P225/60/R17 indicates an aspect ratio of 60 percent, which means that the tire's height is 60% of its width.
Low-aspect ratio tires such as the 60-series enable greater vehicle performance advantages compared to 75-series tires.
Construction
You will see the tire construction in the Subaru tire code. The codes can either have the following letters:
- R for radial
- D for diagonal
- B for bias ply
In the United States, radial tires are the most prevalent, which illustrates that the internal ply cords of your tire are in a radial direction, one bead over the other, perpendicular to the direction of rotation.
Rim Diameter
The tire construction type is the rim diameter code which indicates the rim mounting of the tire measured in inches. For P225/65/R17, it indicates that a 17-inch rim fits on the tire.
Load Index
The load index tells you how much weight your tires can sustain when inflated. The load index, ranging from 1 to 150, represents a carrying capacity from 99 to 7385 pounds. For Subaru Crosstrek tires, the load is 98H.
Speed Rating
You should also check the speed rating of the tires. The speed rating designates the maximum speed at which a tire can operate safely.
The spare tire must have at least the same tire speed rating as the Original Equipment Rating to maintain your vehicle's speed capability.
When tires with different speed ratings match your car, the tire with the lowest speed rating indicates the vehicle's attainable top speed.
In Closing
Two big tire sizes for a stock Subaru Crosstrek are P215/75/R15 and the P235/75/R15. The diameter for these tires is between 27.7 and 28.8 inches.
These tire sizes are common among owners who want to use their Crosstreks for off-roading. Big tire sizes have more enhanced capacities and strength.
You can add big tires to the Crosstrek with or without a lift kit. When choosing the tires, you must consider certain factors to get the right size.
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