Best Tires for the Subaru Legacy 2.0GT Spec B

I left a previous review in 2020 and I’ll start this one, how I finished the last. Quite a few of the poor reviews relate to the run-flat version or BMWs, which are probably running run-flats. Those tires have a separate page on this website and if they were removed from this NON run-flat page, these tires would score higher.

My first review at 3,000 miles was very positive and I’m pleased to say things carried on in a similar vein. My only two concerns were “wear” and given I’m writing this review over 5 years and another 50,000 miles later, answers that one. In fact, most of the tire widths still have 2-3mm left (must be my Jim Clark driving style [I wish]), but my performance estate runs some negative camber and the inner shoulders were shot.

The other was cold temperatures, which I understand afflicted the previous RE040, but not these tires. Sub 5 degrees on damp back roads was not a problem.

In short, dry / wet grip, feedback and handling were all top notch, especially running an extra 2.5psi, which made the car feel even more “planted” and inspired additional confidence. Being 93XL load, compared to the OE 89SL, they needed an extra 0.5psi in any case. Comfort was still reasonable, I didn’t notice any noise and economy was as expected.

Finally, I hardly noticed any deterioration in performance near their end of life, as I was still chasing down faster metal on cold damp back roads with confidence. Perhaps the odd slight twitch through standing water, which is only to be expected, given the loss of tread.

Would I buy again? Without doubt, although Bridgestone no longer make them in my size, so I’ve gone for a set of Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, as I’m on a budget and these mid-market tires have reviewed well since their launch.

These were already fitted to my fresh import in 2018 and while I find most tires aren't worth writing about, these were eye widening. Best performance tires I've ever had, with pin sharp turn-in and what seemed like unlimited grip in both dry and wet, summer or winter. Gave me the confidence to push-on down UK back roads in all weathers. Main down side was the very firm ride, feeling every irregularity in the road. Subaru recommends relatively low tires pressures, especially on the rear and I believe this contributed to bold shoulders at 17,500 miles, so I now run an extra 2psi. These are no longer available in my tire size and so I've switched to the older RE050A, which actually seem a better compromise for a performance family estate, with a more compliant ride, while retaining most of the performance. Just waiting to see how they wear.

The car came as a fresh import with four Bridgestone Potenza S001, for which I'll leave a separate review. However, for the purposes of comparison, I would say they had the sharpest turn-in of any tire I've ever driven, very "sporty" and with excellent grip in both the dry & wet, although all at the exense of comfort, with a very "crashy" ride. Unfortunately, the S001 were no longer available in my slightly unusual tire size and so I plumped for the older RE050A, which seemed a bit of a retrograde step, given the RE050A was launched in 2004 and replaced by the S001 in 2011. I'd also heard it performed better in hotter climates. Nevertheless, the S001 were so good and these RE050A would have been the OEM fitment on my Subaru, when the car was built in 2006. I needn't have worried, turn-in isn't quite as sharp, but it is still very good, with excellent dry (and more importantly) wet grip, even on cold wet UK back roads I failed to find the limit, giving me the confidence to push on regardless. And what's more, they are noticeably more compliant than the S001, giving a noticeably smoother ride, which for a performance family estate, makes for a better compromise. I don't really notice tire noise, as I'm either cruising with the stereo on or pressing on, when the engine note takes center stage. As for fuel consumption, I wouldn't expect my 301ps / 278lbft AWD estate to sip at the cup of economy, while I'm giving it the beans and I doubt whether a set of eco tires would make much of a difference. My only concern at this stage is wear, as I've heard bad things and the Treadwear Rating of only 140 is half that of the S001, but so far so good. One final point, is that I've noticed most of the poor reviews seem to relate to the Run-flats.

I am coming from usibg Neuton NT5000 (was good) to Bridgestone RE003 (had better grip) to this. And it feels like a totally different car. Grip is phenomenal from stand still to taking corners. Braking has improved a lot too. Can't speak for the wear as I have only had it for less than 1000km. Will update this review aa the tire ages.

bought a set for my subaru legacy gt. as the car is 4 wheel drive cant fault the tires. gripping and handling well. well over the speed limits can feel the softness of the side walls but then they are not meant for racing. cheap tires abot 160 delivered. i'd say not bad for what they are. buy again? don't know at the moment. will see when time comes

I have gone through 2 sets (of 4). Generally happy with them, but when they start to wear, it goes really quickly. There seems to be a break-in period for the first 5000km or so. They aren't as grippy during the break-in period. I am trying a set of Bridgestone RE003 now to compare them to. Will report back once those are about worn. Curious if anyone has used the the NT512s? They have a higher profile tire I'd prefer 45 vs these 225/40/18.

I'll keep it brief. Coming from Maxxis Z3 these tires are day and night difference on the road esp in wet conditions. One thing is for sure these tires love high tire pressures. So if you have a 3400 lb car be sure to run around 35psi, i was at 32 psi and I tell u the difference between 35 and 32 was night and day (subaru). I'll certainly buy again, and I recommend these tires as a nice budget grippy tire.

Cant fault these tires to be honest! Chucked a new set on my AWD Subaru Legacy GT Spec B here in New Zealand after doing a lot of research, they handle like a dream!! Price is also excellent, this may be a budget economy brand tire from China but they got this one right!

Driven like a bat out of hell in both dry and average wet conditions and still held up nice, only peev - but thats only because I am me is that you get a little bit of rolling road noise if you driving on highway with really smooth tarseal, but thats only because I am used to the quietness of Bridgestone Potenza RE002's.

With that being said though, my car is an AWD so AWD+GOODRIDE SA07 = Awesomeness! I dont know they would do in a FWD or RWD car though....

FYI though - do not buy the lower spec Goodride SV308's as they are crap for spirited driving!