What size are Forester wheels?
Most Forester models use 17-inch wheels as the standard size in recent years, with 16-inch wheels appearing on older or entry-level trims and 18-inch wheels on certain higher-trim or sport variants. Always verify the exact specification on the driver’s door placard or in the owner’s manual.
The wheel size for a Subaru Forester can vary by model year, trim level, and regional market. This article outlines typical stock sizes you’re likely to encounter and provides a practical guide to confirm the correct wheel size for your specific vehicle.
Typical wheel sizes by generation
Below is a quick guide to the common wheel diameters you’ll see on Forester models, noting that exact sizes depend on year, trim, and market. Use the placard or manual to confirm yours.
- Older and early-generation Foresters often shipped with smaller wheels, commonly around 15 to 16 inches in diameter (often 15" steel wheels on base models). Throughout the era, 16" wheels were also common on mid-level trims.
- Mid-2000s models generally featured 16-inch wheels as standard, with 17-inch wheels offered on higher trims or as an option.
- Modern generations (roughly 2014–present) typically use 17-inch wheels as standard, with 18-inch wheels available on higher trims (such as Limited or Touring in some markets).
- Between 2019 and the early 2020s, many Forester trims continued to use 17-inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels remained optional or standard on top trims in certain markets.
- Current or recent models (2020s) commonly come with 17-inch wheels as standard equipment, and 18-inch wheels can be found on higher-spec variants or in sport-oriented packages.
Notes on aftermarket wheels and fitment: while you can install wheels that match the diameter, ensure the width, offset, and bolt pattern are compatible and that the overall diameter remains within the vehicle’s design tolerances.
Notes on aftermarket wheels and fitment
Aftermarket wheels should match the vehicle’s bolt pattern (typically 5x100 mm for many Foresters), proper offset (ET), and hub bore size. Incorrect fitment can affect braking clearance, ABS/traction control calibration, and speedometer readings. When in doubt, consult a professional or refer to Subaru’s official specifications for your exact model year.
How to confirm the wheel size for your Forester
To ensure you get the correct wheel size for maintenance, tires, or wheels replacements, use the following steps:
- Check the driver’s door jamb placard. Look for a line labeled Wheel Size or Rim Size and note the diameter (for example, 17x7J or 18x7.5J).
- Consult the owner’s manual or an official Subaru service document for your model year’s recommended wheel diameter and tire size.
- Examine the wheel itself or the tire sidewall: the wheel size is sometimes stamped on the back of the wheel (e.g., 17x7 or 18x7.5). The tire size (e.g., P225/60R17) indicates the nominal wheel diameter as well.
- Know the bolt pattern and offset: Subaru Foresters typically use a 5x100 mm bolt pattern, with varying wheel offsets. If you’re buying aftermarket wheels, verify 5x100 and compatible offset (ET) as well as hub bore size.
- If you’re unsure, contact a Subaru dealer or use a VIN-based parts look-up service to confirm the exact wheel size for your specific vehicle configuration.
Correct wheel size is essential not only for fit but also for safety and performance, including proper tire fitment, braking clearance, and speedometer accuracy.
Summary
In short, Forester wheel sizes typically range from 16 to 18 inches, with 17 inches being the most common in recent generations and 18 inches appearing on higher trims. Always verify with the door placard or manual and consider the bolt pattern and offset when replacing wheels. A quick VIN check or consultation with a dealer can confirm the exact specification for your particular vehicle.
What is the bolt pattern on a Subaru Forester 2025?
The 2025 Subaru Forester has a 5x114.3mm (5x4.5") bolt pattern. This is a change from older Subaru models, which used a 5x100mm bolt pattern, so wheels from those models will not fit the new Forester.
- Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3mm
- Center Bore: 56.1mm
- Important Note: Wheels from older Subaru Foresters (pre-2019) with the 5x100mm bolt pattern are not compatible and will not fit.
What is the bolt pattern on a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester's bolt pattern depends on the model year: older models have a 5x100 pattern, while newer models (2019 and newer) have a 5x114.3 (or 5x4.5) pattern. For example, the Forester SF (1997-2002) and SJ (2012-2018) generations use a 5x100 pattern, whereas the SK (2019-2024) generation uses a 5x114.3 pattern.
5x100 bolt pattern
- Applicable models: Most Subaru Foresters through the 2018 model year, including the SF, SG, SH, and SJ generations.
- Years: 1997–2018.
5x114.3 bolt pattern
- Applicable models: Subaru Foresters from the 2019 model year forward.
- Years: 2019–present.
- This is also sometimes written as 5x4.5.
What size wheels are on a 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5 I?
This reconditioned 17” x 7” factory OEM 5-spoke wheel came standard on the Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 2.5i Touring for the year 2014. It was also standard on the 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited for the years 2015 & 2016.
What size are the wheels on a Subaru Forester?
Subaru Forester wheel sizes vary by year, with common options including 17-inch and 18-inch diameters, and some models using 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. The bolt pattern is typically 5x100 for models older than 2018 and 5x114.3 (also known as 5x114) for newer models from 2018 and up.
Common wheel specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17", 18", 19", or 20" |
| Bolt Pattern | 5x100 (older models) or 5x114.3 (2018 and newer) |
| Common Rim Width | 7 inches or 7.5 inches |
| Common Offset | Typically around 48mm48 m m48𝑚𝑚 (ET48), but can vary |
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How to find your specific size
- Check your owner's manual: This is the best way to find the exact specifications for your vehicle.
- Look at the wheel itself: The size and other specifications are often printed on the wheel, either on the back or on a sticker.
- Consult a dealership or parts store: They can look up the correct size using your vehicle's VIN.
