Do 15 wheels fit on a crosstrek?

Yes, 15-inch wheels can fit a Crosstrek in some cases, but it’s not a universal or officially supported option for every year or trim. Compatibility depends on the wheel’s bolt pattern, center bore, offset, and brake clearance, as well as keeping the overall tire diameter close to stock to protect the vehicle’s AWD system and speedometer accuracy.

Key compatibility factors

To determine whether 15-inch wheels will work on your Crosstrek, you must verify several core specifications and clearance issues. The Crosstrek uses a 5x100 mm bolt pattern with a center bore around 56.1 mm, and most 15-inch aftermarket wheels need to match that pattern and bore or require hub rings. The offset and width must also align with what the brake components and fender arches can accommodate. Finally, the tire size you select should keep the overall diameter close to the stock setup to avoid adverse effects on the AWD system and speedometer.

These criteria form the foundation for a safe, road-ready fitment, but exact numbers vary by generation and trim. Always confirm with a reputable wheel-and-tire shop or a Subaru dealer before purchasing.

• Bolt pattern and center bore: The wheel must be 5x100 mm with a center bore near 56.1 mm (hub-centric rings may be needed if the bore is larger).


• Offset and width: Look for a wheel width typically around 6.0–6.5 inches with a positive offset in roughly the +35 to +50 mm range to maintain alignment and avoid rubbing.


• Brake clearance: The 15-inch wheel must clear the calipers and brake rotors without contacting them under all suspension travel and steering conditions.


• Tire diameter: Choose a 15-inch tire size that yields an overall diameter close to the stock setup (within a small tolerance, often cited as a couple percent) to preserve speedometer accuracy and AWD performance.


• TPMS and fitment: Ensure the vehicle’s TPMS sensors work with the new wheels and that mounting hardware, including lug nuts, is compatible.


• Warranty and safety: Aftermarket wheels can affect warranty coverage and, in some cases, safety systems. Verify with the dealer or manufacturer.

Concluding note: If a 15-inch option meets the bolt pattern, bore, offset, and brake clearance, and you select tires that keep the overall diameter in line with stock, a 15-inch setup can be viable. However, it is not guaranteed across all Crosstrek years and trims, so professional confirmation is highly recommended.

Practical steps to verify fitment

Follow these steps to determine whether 15-inch wheels will fit your Crosstrek in practice.

1. Identify your Crosstrek’s year and trim and confirm the factory-recommended wheel sizes from the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer.


2. Check the bolt pattern, center bore, and hub diameter of the 15-inch wheels you’re considering (5x100 mm and ~56.1 mm bore are typical for Subarus).


3. Verify the wheel width and offset (ET) to ensure adequate clearance from the brake calipers, suspension components, and fender liners.


4. Confirm brake clearance by performing a physical fitment test with the wheel mounted and the wheel turned to full lock, checking for contact at full suspension travel.


5. Choose tire sizes that keep the overall diameter within a few percent of stock; consult a tire professional to calculate exact diameters for your current setup.


6. Ensure TPMS sensors, lug hardware, and hub rings (if needed) are compatible with the new wheels; have them installed and calibrated if required.


7. Assess warranty and safety implications with your dealer or Subaru support before making a change, especially if the vehicle is under warranty or leased.

Concluding note: If any step reveals clearance issues or significant diameter differences, proceed with caution or opt for a larger-diameter wheel (e.g., 16–18 inches) that Subaru officially supports for your model year.

Alternatives and recommendations

Winter wheels and tires

Many Crosstrek owners opt for a dedicated winter setup in a larger or smaller wheel size than the summer setup. A 15-inch winter wheel can offer lower tire costs and broader winter tire availability, but you’ll still need to ensure the same bolt pattern and clearance as described above. A properly chosen winter tire package can provide improved traction without compromising safety in cold months.

Factory-size and certified aftermarket options

Sticking with factory-recommended sizes or using certified aftermarket wheels designed specifically for the Crosstrek reduces the risk of clearance or calibration issues. If you’re set on a smaller-diameter wheel for any reason, look for wheels that Subaru or a reputable retailer explicitly lists as compatible with your year and trim.

Professional fitment and calibration

If you’re determined to pursue a 15-inch setup, have a professional shop perform the fitment and verify all systems afterward. They can confirm brake clearance, mount-and-balance wheels, install hub rings if needed, adapt TPMS sensors, and check the vehicle’s ABS/traction systems for any changes. They can also advise on whether any software recalibration is necessary for the AWD system and speedometer accuracy.

Summary

In short, 15-inch wheels can fit a Crosstrek under certain conditions, but they are not universally compatible across all years and trims. The key is ensuring matching bolt pattern and center bore, appropriate offset and width, sufficient brake clearance, and an overall tire diameter that mirrors the stock setup. Given the complexities and potential implications for AWD performance and warranty, consult a knowledgeable wheel-and-tire professional or your Subaru dealer before making any changes. If you prefer a safer, officially supported path, consider sticking with the stock size or exploring 16–18 inch wheels that Subaru designates for your model year.

What year to stay away from a Subaru Crosstrek?

Years to potentially avoid for the Subaru Crosstrek include the 2016 and 2018 models due to issues like drivetrain vibrations, infotainment problems, and oil consumption. The early years of the first generation, specifically 2013-2015, should also be approached with caution due to common issues like oil consumption and head gasket problems with the 2.5-liter engine. 
Years with more reported issues

• 2016: Has been associated with drivetrain vibrations and faulty infotainment systems. 
• 2018: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, glitchy technology, and a serious safety concern regarding the rear wheels kicking out, causing fishtailing. 
• 2013-2015: These early models, particularly with the 2.5L engine, are prone to head gasket problems and excessive oil consumption. The 2012 Impreza shared this generation and also had issues with its CVT and oil consumption. 

Other years to consider

• 2017: Generally considered a safer bet with fewer reported issues and recalls. 
• 2019: While some sources suggest avoiding it due to numerous recalls and a significant number of complaints related to the ECM software causing unexpected engine stalls, other owners have reported it as reliable. 
• 2021: This model year has received positive marks for reliability. 
• 2023: This year is often recommended as one of the better choices in the second generation. 

What size tires can I put on my Subaru Crosstrek?

Common Subaru Crosstrek tire sizes include 225/55R17, 225/60R17, and 225/55R18, with the specific size depending on the model year and trim level. 

• 225/55R17: Often found on base and premium trims. 
• 225/60R17: A common size for many models. 
• 225/55R18: Typically found on higher trims.
• 225/65R17: An option for those looking for a slightly larger tire, especially for off-roading, that can often be fitted without a lift. 

What cars fit 15 inch rims?

• C-MAX 2007-2010.
• EcoSport 2013-2022.
• Escort 2014-2024.
• Falcon 1988-1994.
• Focus 2005-2018.
• Focus C-MAX 2003-2007.
• Galaxy 1995-2006.
• Scorpio 1985-1998.

Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?

Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek model line entirely, but the Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) was discontinued in the U.S. due to slow sales and Subaru's strategic shift toward new hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) platforms that will be shared with Toyota. Subaru is still producing the standard Crosstrek and is developing new hybrid and EV models based on its new Global Platform, which will offer a new hybrid system for the Crosstrek in the future. The discontinuation of the manual transmission option was also driven by declining demand. 
This video discusses the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru's future plans for electrification: 46sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025

• Hybrid model discontinued: The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid was dropped after a short run in the U.S. because it only accounted for a small percentage of total sales. 
• Strategic shift to new platforms: Subaru is focusing on developing new hybrid and EV models using its new Global Platform, which is designed to accommodate these powertrains. The company is working with Toyota on future EV platforms to improve profitability and innovation. 
• Manual transmission phased out: The manual transmission option was discontinued due to declining sales, as a small percentage of buyers opted for it compared to automatic transmissions. 
• Standard Crosstrek remains available: The gasoline-powered Crosstrek continues to be a popular and available model. 
• Future hybrid return: Subaru has stated that it will launch a new hybrid Crosstrek in the future, likely with a new hybrid system and on the new Global Platform. 

This video explains the changes coming to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, including updates to the powertrain options: 55sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Nov 4, 2024