The 2013 Subaru Outback sits in the modern wagon-crossover space that made the model especially appealing to drivers who wanted all-weather confidence without moving to a larger SUV. Its blend of everyday utility, car-like road manners, and Subaru’s outdoor-oriented identity makes tire choice more than a routine maintenance decision. This Outback uses either 215/70R16 or 225/60R17 radial tires, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. Available options range from all-terrain styling to whitewall presentations, which creates a noticeably different look from one tire to the next. The key is confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter first, then choosing a tire that matches how the vehicle is driven and presented.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Subaru Outback
The 2013 Subaru Outback uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and its wheel diameter. One fitment uses a 16-inch rim and the other uses a 17-inch rim, so confirming the exact trim and wheel size is the first step before comparing brands, sidewall appearance, or intended use.
The 215/70R16 size identifies a metric radial tire with a 215 millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. On the 2013 Subaru Outback, this size is used in a modern radial construction and brings the selection question toward tire character rather than old-versus-new construction choices. Available examples include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic offerings, with sidewall treatments ranging from raised white letter to wide whitewall. This size is the one to evaluate when the Outback is equipped with the 16-inch wheel setup and the buyer wants to compare utility-minded versus appearance-driven tire choices.
Fit(s): 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, and 3.6R Limited
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
The 225/60R17 size is a metric radial format that uses a 225 millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 17-inch rim. For the 2013 Subaru Outback, it serves as the other primary fitment and applies to the larger wheel package used across several sub-models. The available product selection in this size centers on a radial tire with a narrow whitewall presentation, which gives it a more distinctive visual character than a plain black sidewall tire. This is the size to confirm when the vehicle has 17-inch wheels and the goal is matching the correct fitment before focusing on appearance.
Tire fitment for the 2013 Subaru Outback varies by sub-model, so the exact trim matters before a tire is selected. Most covered versions use the 17-inch setup, while the 2.5i uses the 16-inch size.
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2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i uses the 215/70R16 radial tire size rather than the 17-inch fitment found on the other covered trims. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important before comparing all-terrain, whitewall, or other style-oriented tire choices.
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited uses the 225/60R17 radial tire size. Tire selection here starts with the 17-inch wheel fitment, then moves to the available sidewall presentation and any product-specific specifications that affect the overall look of the vehicle.
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium uses the 225/60R17 radial size. That keeps the fitment question straightforward, but it is still worth confirming the actual wheel setup if the vehicle has seen wheel changes or other modifications over time.
The 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R uses the 225/60R17 radial tire size. Buyers looking at this trim should focus first on the correct 17-inch fitment, then compare the available tire presentation and specifications that best suit regular road use.
The 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited also uses the 225/60R17 radial tire size. Since this trim shares its primary fitment with several other Outback versions, the main task is confirming the wheel diameter and then choosing the tire appearance that suits the vehicle.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2013 Subaru Outback Tires for Sale
Available 2013 Subaru Outback tire choices vary by size, brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment. The 215/70R16 fitment includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic options with raised white letter and wide whitewall styles, while 225/60R17 currently centers on a Travelstar narrow whitewall radial.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2013 Subaru Outback, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing between wheel diameter, sidewall style, and road-use priorities.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Subaru Outback?
The 2013 Subaru Outback uses either 215/70R16 or 225/60R17 tires. The 2.5i uses 215/70R16, while the 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, and 3.6R Limited use 225/60R17.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the vehicle has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. If the Outback has had wheel changes at some point, check the actual rim diameter on the vehicle before selecting a tire, since choosing by model name alone can lead to the wrong size.
What size rim does a 2013 Subaru Outback use?
A 2013 Subaru Outback uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 215/70R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, and the 225/60R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the most important fitment check because a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. It is smart to confirm the wheel marking directly if the vehicle has aftermarket wheels, replacement rims, or a spare setup that may not match the original trim configuration.
Why does the 2013 Subaru Outback have more than one tire size?
The 2013 Subaru Outback has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel packages. The 2.5i uses 215/70R16, while the Limited, Premium, and 3.6R versions covered here use 225/60R17.
Even though those sizes are fairly close in overall tire height, they are not the same fitment because they pair with different rim diameters. That makes trim identification and wheel confirmation the practical decision point before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or the look you want the Outback to carry.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2013 Subaru Outback tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 2013 Subaru Outback sub-model: 215/70R16 for the 2.5i or 225/60R17 for the other covered trims. From there, compare construction, rim compatibility, load figures, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire is meant to emphasize utility or a more distinctive visual style.
The available choices show how different the same vehicle can look depending on tire selection. A raised white letter all-terrain presentation gives a different impression than a wide or narrow whitewall, so the right choice depends on how the Outback is used, how original or customized you want it to appear, and whether the wheel setup remains stock.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 Subaru Outback tires?
Sidewall styles available for the 2013 Subaru Outback include raised white letter, wide whitewall, and narrow whitewall, depending on tire size. The 215/70R16 options include RWL and wide whitewall styles, while the 225/60R17 option shown here uses a narrow whitewall.
That gives the Outback owner a real appearance choice instead of only a size decision. Sidewall style does not change the basic fitment requirement, but it can change the entire visual tone of the vehicle, so it helps to decide early whether the goal is a more utility-focused look or a more custom, whitewall-oriented presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 Subaru Outback?
Available brands for the 2013 Subaru Outback include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, and Travelstar. Brand availability depends on which tire size the vehicle uses, so the 16-inch and 17-inch fitments do not offer the same product mix.
That size-specific availability matters because brand choice is tied to both wheel diameter and the look of the tire itself. A buyer comparing products should first confirm the correct fitment, then review the differences in tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and load information instead of choosing a brand name without checking the actual application.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 Subaru Outback?
A period-style 2013 Subaru Outback tire choice starts with the correct trim-specific size, then moves to the sidewall presentation that best matches the vehicle’s intended look. Whitewall options are available in both the 16-inch and 17-inch fitments, while the 215/70R16 size also offers a raised white letter all-terrain alternative.
The practical difference is visual rather than fitment-related, so the best approach is deciding whether the Outback should look more road-oriented, more customized, or more utility-driven. Since period-style and factory-original are not always the same thing, owners pursuing strict authenticity should compare the tire’s appearance with vehicle-specific brochures, photos, or marque references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 Subaru Outback?
On the 2013 Subaru Outback, construction is less of an appearance debate than it is on older collector vehicles because the primary fitments are radial tires. The visible difference here comes more from sidewall treatment and tire style than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That means a restored or carefully kept Outback will usually be defined visually by whether it wears narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or raised white letter tires. Owners focused on presentation should match the correct size first, then choose the sidewall style that supports the vehicle’s intended look without overlooking wheel diameter and overall fitment requirements.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Subaru Outback?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Subaru Outback. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowered ride height, or body alterations can all change how a 215/70R16 or 225/60R17 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance it has during turning or suspension movement.
That is why the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle matter as much as the model name. Any Outback that has been altered should be checked for fender clearance, steering clearance, and wheel compatibility before a new tire is selected, especially when replacing tires on a vehicle that may no longer match its original trim setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Subaru Outback on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Subaru Outback on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter, look over the valve stems, and confirm that the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model. It is also wise to check inflation, lug torque, and visible clearance around the suspension and fenders.
A short road test should follow, with attention to vibration, rubbing, or any pull that suggests a mounting or alignment issue. On a vehicle used for family hauling or highway travel, it also helps to review tread condition on the remaining tires if only part of the set is being replaced so the overall setup stays consistent.
How often should tires on a 2013 Subaru Outback be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Subaru Outback should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Pressure, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, and slow air loss are all worth checking, especially on a vehicle that sees seasonal driving, rough roads, or long stretches between maintenance visits.
Monthly visual checks are a sensible routine, and a closer inspection before longer trips adds another layer of confidence. An Outback that sits for extended periods should also be checked for age-related deterioration and flat spotting, since low-use vehicles can develop tire issues even when the tread still appears serviceable.
