What rims fit a Subaru Forester?
Rims for a Subaru Forester are generally limited to wheels that share a 5x100 bolt pattern and a 56.1 mm center bore. Most aftermarket 5x100 wheels will fit, provided you verify offset, width, and brake clearance for your exact year and trim.
Across Forester generations, the basic fitting geometry has remained consistent, but brake sizes, suspension tuning, and fender clearance can vary by model year and trim. This article explains how to verify compatibility, what sizes are common, and practical steps to ensure a safe, proper fit.
Core wheel-fit criteria
Before shopping, confirm these fundamental specs so you buy rims that mount without issue.
- Bolt pattern: 5 lug on a 100 mm circle (5x100).
- Center bore: 56.1 mm; if your wheel has a larger bore, hub-centric rings may be required to center it on the hub.
- Brake and caliper clearance: larger brakes on some trims can interfere with spoke design or barrel depth; ensure the wheel clears the calipers and rotors.
- Offset and width: keep the wheel offset and width close to stock to preserve handling and avoid rubbing; large deviations may necessitate fender work or spacers.
- Lug nuts and seat type: verify that lug hardware matches the wheel and hub; use OEM-recommended fasteners and torque specs.
Concluding: If bolt pattern and center bore match and offset/width stay within a reasonable range, most 5x100 Forester wheels will fit with proper verification. Consult a wheel specialist or the dealer for your exact year and trim before purchasing.
Common rim sizes and what they mean for Forester fit
Widespread Forester upgrades typically fall within 16–18 inch diameters, with 17-inch wheels being especially popular for a balance of ride comfort and grip. The listed ranges describe typical practice; exact compatibility depends on year, trim, and tire choice.
- 16x6.5 to 16x7 wheels, commonly used on older or base models; generally easy to fit with modest offset.
- 17x7 wheels, a very common upgrade size that maintains good ride quality and clearance on most trims.
- 18x7.5 wheels, frequently chosen for higher trims or sport-oriented setups; may require checking brake clearance and fender room.
- 19x7.5 or 19x8 wheels exist in the aftermarket but are more likely to risk caliper/fender interference and may require adjustments.
Concluding: While 16–18 inch wheels are the mainstream choice for Forester owners, 19-inch wheels are doable with careful fitment checks, and some trims may require modifications to maintain proper clearance.
Practical steps to verify fitment
Use these steps to confirm rims will fit your specific Forester without surprises at install or on the road.
- Obtain the exact bolt pattern, center bore, and lug hardware specs for your model year from the owner's manual or Subaru's official spec sheet.
- Compare factory wheel width and offset to the candidate wheel—aim for a similar or slightly wider/narrower footprint with a compatible ET value.
- Use a fitment calculator or consult a tire/wheel shop to validate offset against your suspension and tire size plans.
- If possible, perform a physical test-fit or mock-up to check caliper clearance, spoke clearance, and potential rubbing at full steering lock and suspension travel.
- Use hub-centric rings if the wheel’s center bore is larger than the Forester’s hub; torque specs must be followed and lug nuts tightened to factory values.
Concluding: If clearance or interference is detected, you may need a different offset, a narrower tire, or a different wheel width. When in doubt, involve a professional for a precise fitment assessment.
Forester wheel compatibility by generation
First and second generations (1997–2008)
These early models share the 5x100 bolt pattern and a 56.1 mm center bore, but brake sizes and ride geometry vary by trim. Favor wheels in the 16–17 inch range with careful attention to offset to maintain suspension and fender clearance.
Third generation (2009–2013)
Continued 5x100 layout with some trims receiving larger brakes. When upgrading, confirm caliper clearance for wider or lower-profile tires and verify offset keeps wheels inside the fenders.
Fourth generation (2014–2018)
Still 5x100; many owners opt for 17 or 18 inch wheels. Ensure the chosen offset and width do not introduce rubbing at full suspension travel, especially on models with sportier brake kits.
Fifth generation (2019–present)
Maintains the same 5x100 pattern and 56.1 center bore. Modern brake packages can affect clearance, so verify fitment with your specific trim and check for fender clearance with 18–inch or larger wheels.
Summary
The overarching rule for Forester rims is straightforward: choose wheels that match the 5x100 bolt pattern and 56.1 mm center bore, and keep offset and width in a range that preserves factory ride and clearance. Most aftermarket wheels in 5x100 will fit across generations, but exact compatibility depends on brake size, suspension tuning, and trim. Always verify the year-specific specs, and seek professional guidance if you’re planning a significant size change or a wheel with unusual offset.
What bolt pattern is a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester's bolt pattern is 5x100 for models up to and including 2018, and 5x114.3 for models from 2019 onward. This means older Foresters use a 5-lug pattern with a 100mm bolt circle diameter, while newer models use a 5x114.3 (or 5x4.5) bolt pattern.
- 2018 and older: 5x100 bolt pattern
- 2019 and newer: 5x114.3 bolt pattern
Do all subarus have the same wheel bolt pattern?
No, not all Subarus have the same bolt pattern; most use either the common 5×1005 cross 1005×100 or 5×114.35 cross 114.35×114.3 patterns, but this depends on the model and year. For example, older models and some WRX/STI versions from 2014 and earlier often use 5×1005 cross 1005×100, while newer models like the 2015+ WRX, and 2019+ Forester have a 5×114.35 cross 114.35×114.3 pattern.
Common Subaru bolt patterns
- 5×1005 cross 1005×100: Used on many older models, including the Subaru Impreza, Crosstrek, BRZ, Legacy (1990–1999), and Forester (1997–2008).
- 5×114.35 cross 114.35×114.3: Used on many newer models, such as the WRX (2015–present), the Outback (2005–present), the Legacy (2000–present), and the Forester (2009–present).
Why patterns differ
- Model and year changes: The bolt pattern can change with a new generation or platform update to accommodate different brakes, wheel, or drivetrain components.
- Specific models: Some high-performance models, like the WRX STI, have had their own specific patterns that can be different from other Subaru models of the same era.
How to confirm
- Check vehicle specifications: Always verify the bolt pattern for your specific model and year before purchasing new wheels or tires.
- Consult a professional: If you are unsure, contact a dealership or a wheel and tire specialist for confirmation.
Will Outback wheels fit on a Forester?
Yup! Seen a few people take the 17 inch Outback wilderness wheels and put them on their '19-'24 foresters.
What Subaru has a 5x114.3 bolt pattern?
If you're looking for the latest, most advanced wheels with the 5x114. 3 bolt pattern, 2015 WRX wheels, 2015 STI wheels, 2018 STI wheels, 2020 STI wheels, 2021 STI wheels, and 2022 WRX wheels are all great choices.
