2002–2008 · estate / SUV
The second-generation Forester came on 15, 16 or 17-inch wheels at ET48, with 18s on the Japanese-market STi Version. Owners tend to go one of two ways: taller all-terrain tyres, often with a small lift, or lower and wider for turbocharged XT builds.
5x100 bolt pattern · 56.1 mm centre bore · Stock wheels: 16 × 6.5, 15 × 6, 17 × 7, 18 × 7.5 inch · Stock tyres: 215/60 R16, 205/70 R15, 215/55 R17, 225/45 R18
Updated 2026-10-31 · Medium source confidence. Check your exact trim and market. How we check specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern | |
| Stock tyre sizes | |
| Centre bore | 56.1 mm |
| Fastener and thread | Wheel nut, M12x1.25 |
| Tightening torque | Confirm in your handbook |
Factory options vary by trim and market. Match your car to the row below and check its tyre placard before using it as a baseline.
| Trim | Axle | Wheel | Tyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| X / XS and most 2.0 and 2.5 grades, 16-inch | Front and rear | 16 × 6.5 inch, ET48 | 215/60 R16 |
| Base 2.0 (Europe and Japan), 15-inch | Front and rear | 15 × 6 inch, ET48 | 205/70 R15 |
| 17-inch grades, including turbo models | Front and rear | 17 × 7 inch, ET48 | 215/55 R17 |
| STi Version (Japan, SG9), 18-inch | Front and rear | 18 × 7.5 inch, ET48 | 225/45 R18 |
Read these before choosing wheels for the Forester: they explain the offset, fitment and hub numbers in this guide.
Starting points for a build. Read the notes with each setup, especially if your car is lowered or has different brakes.
215/70 R16 is the usual taller tyre for SG owners heading off road. Offroadium's Forester guide lists it for the SG with slight rubbing on an unlifted car, and Rallitek lists it as a standard size for a 1–3 inch lift. It is about 6% taller than the factory 215/60 R16, so the speedometer will under-read.
Check the exact setup
There is no confirmed range for this car yet. Compare a known wheel with your proposed size and measure both sides.
Measure before ordering
A maximum width has not been confirmed. Tyre shape, ride height and alignment all change the available space.
These figures belong to the setups described here. Combining the widest wheel with either end of the offset range does not guarantee a safe fit. For how ET moves the wheel in and out, read wheel offset explained; for how far the tyre can sit out, see flush, poke and tucked fitment.
Upload a photo and start with a look that suits the Forester. Try the wheels, colour and stance before you spend on parts.
An AI preview shows the look. It cannot verify physical fitment.
These tools start with the X / XS and most 2.0 and 2.5 grades, 16-inch front size. Choose your own trim or axle in the calculator if it differs.
5x100 with a 56.1 mm hub bore and M12x1.25 wheel nuts.
Mostly ET48: 15x6, 16x6.5, 17x7 and the STi Version's 18x7.5. Some optional 17 and 18-inch sizes are ET42 to ET45.
215/70 R16 is the common choice, with slight rubbing on an unlifted car. Larger sizes such as 235/70 R15 need about a 2-inch lift and trimming of the liners and mud flaps.
Not for 215/70 R16, though it may rub slightly at full lock. Rallitek's chart pairs 1–3 inch lifts with 215/75 R15, 215/70 R16 and 225/60 R17.
Factory tyre (tire) sizes for the 2002–2008 Subaru Forester SG are 215/60 R16, 205/70 R15, 215/55 R17 and 225/45 R18, depending on trim. Your tyre placard shows the size for your car.
Factory wheels are 16 × 6.5 inch, 15 × 6 inch, 17 × 7 inch and 18 × 7.5 inch, depending on trim. The stock table lists the offset for each.
56.1 mm. Aftermarket wheels with a larger bore need hub-centric rings sized to it.
This guide is a starting point, not a fitment guarantee. Specs can differ by market, trim and previous modifications. Confirm all sizes, clearances and fastener requirements with a qualified wheel and tyre professional before buying or fitting parts.
More guides from Subaru or cars with the same bolt pattern. A matching pattern alone does not make a wheel interchangeable.