What size tires and wheels will fit a 2018 Subaru Forester XT?
In short, the 2018 Forester XT typically uses 18-inch wheels with 235/50R18 tires. Replacement wheels and tires must preserve the 5x100 bolt pattern, a hub bore around 56.1 mm, and an appropriate offset (roughly in the high 40s to low 50s millimeters) to avoid clearance issues. This article breaks down the factory specs and practical guidance for choosing compatible sizes.
Stock wheel and tire sizes for the 2018 Forester XT
Understanding the original setup helps you measure compatibility and avoid fitment problems. The XT’s factory configuration is as follows:
- Wheel size: 18x7.5 inches
- Tire size: 235/50R18
- Bolt pattern: 5x100
- Hub bore: 56.1 mm
- Offset: approximately +48 to +50 mm
These numbers are the baseline for evaluating any replacement wheels or alternate tires. Always verify exact specifications on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle, as regional variations can occur.
How to choose non-stock sizes safely
When considering sizes outside the factory spec, you should aim to keep overall diameter, load rating, and clearance within Subaru’s tolerances. The following guidelines help predict fitment and avoid issues such as rubbing or altered speedometer readings.
- Keep the bolt pattern and hub bore identical: 5x100 bolt pattern and ~56.1 mm hub bore are non-negotiable for proper mounting and centering.
- Aim for an offset close to stock: roughly +48 to +50 mm on 18x7.5" wheels is typical; large deviations can push the wheel inward or outward and cause rubbing or steering changes.
- Maintain similar overall diameter: stay within about ±3% of the stock diameter (roughly 28.5–29.5 inches for typical XT setups) to preserve speedometer accuracy and drivetrain loading.
- Wheel width matters: 7.0–7.5 inches is commonly used on the XT; wider wheels (e.g., 8.0 inches) can fit if the offset and tire width are matched to avoid rubbing.
- Choose appropriate tires: if you switch to a different tire size, ensure the aspect ratio and width maintain the overall diameter; confirm load and speed ratings meet or exceed original specifications.
Converting to a non-stock setup requires careful selection and professional confirmation. The key is matching the axle fitment, brake clearance, and fender clearance with a wheel/tire combination that keeps the vehicle within Subaru’s designed tolerances.
Practical steps to verify fitment for your vehicle
Follow these steps to confirm any wheel and tire changes are appropriate for a 2018 Forester XT:
- Check the owner’s manual and door placard for the exact recommended sizes for your VIN.
- Consult a reputable tire and alignment shop to assess clearance, brake caliper clearance, and fender rubbing with proposed sizes.
- Use a wheel offset calculator or consult the wheel manufacturer’s fitment guide to compare offsets and backspacing.
- Test fit on the vehicle if possible, and consider a professional alignment and recalibration if you alter tire diameter by more than a few percent.
- Avoid using spacers or aggressive offsets without professional verification, as they can affect AWD performance and safety systems.
In summary, the safest path is to stick with the factory 18x7.5-inch wheels and 235/50R18 tires for the Forester XT, and only move to alternative sizes after confirming bolt pattern, hub bore, offset, and overall diameter with a qualified technician.
Summary: For a 2018 Subaru Forester XT, the standard fitment is 18x7.5" wheels paired with 235/50R18 tires, using a 5x100 bolt pattern and about +48 to +50 mm offset. If you seek non-stock sizes, preserve the essential fitment criteria (bolt pattern, hub bore, offset, and diameter) and have a professional confirm compatibility to maintain safety and performance.
What size tires come stock on the Forester XT?
What size tires come on a Subaru Forester? Most modern Subaru Foresters come with either 225/55R18 tires or 225/60R17 tires. Other Forester models come with tire sizes including 225/55R17 tires and 215/65R16 tires. New for 2025, the Subaru Forester will come stock with 235/50R19 tires on both sport and touring trims.
Why was Forester XT discontinued?
Same reason they got rid of the XT. Not enough people bought them compared to the regular model. Sales of regular model go up, you need higher production. Easiest way to do that is to kill off the niche models.
What size tires are on a 2018 Forester XT?
The 2018 Subaru Forester XT trims, including the 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring, use a P225/55R18 tire size. Other non-XT trims of the 2018 Forester use a different size (P225/60R17), so it is crucial to check the specific model for correct fitment.
- P225/55R18: 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0XT (Premium & Touring):
- Other 2018 Forester trims (2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium): P225/60R17
What wheels will fit my Subaru Forester?
Most Subaru Foresters come with 16'' rims, 17'' rims, 18'' rims, or even 19" rims depending on year model and trim level. Regardless of which size rims you rock on your Forester, we've got a huge selection of wheels ready and waiting for you.
