Subaru Forester Bolt Pattern, Wheel & Tire Sizes
TL;DR
Bolt pattern depends on generation: older Foresters (up to 2018) are 5x100, newer ones (2019+) are 5x114.3. Center bore (56.1 mm) and stud thread (M12x1.25) have stayed the same across the change.
Bolt pattern changed with the SK generation
The Subaru Forester is not a single-pattern vehicle across its life. Fitment databases (wheel-size.com) show the SH (2008-2013) and SJ/SJ Facelift (2012-2018) generations sharing a 5x100 bolt pattern, while the SK and SK Facelift generations (2019 onward) moved to 5x114.3 (also written 5x4.5 inch). The redesigned current generation (SL, 2025+) has continued with 5x114.3 in the sources we could check.
Center bore and stud thread
Across both bolt patterns, fitment data consistently lists a 56.1 mm center bore and M12 x 1.25 stud thread for factory wheels. Aftermarket wheels with a larger center bore opening use a hub-centric ring to take up the difference - do not run a wheel with a smaller bore than the hub.
Stock wheel and tire sizes by generation
Wheel and tire sizes vary by trim within each generation (base models typically get smaller wheels with a taller tire sidewall; sport/touring trims get larger wheels with a lower-profile tire). The table below lists factory ranges we could verify; always cross-check the exact size for your trim.
| Generation / years | Bolt pattern | Centre bore | Stud thread | Stock wheel sizes | Common tire sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH (2008-2013) | 5x100 | 56.1 mm | M12x1.25 | 6.5J-7J x 16-17, ET48 | 215/65R16, 225/60R17, 225/55R18 (higher trims) |
| SJ / SJ Facelift (2012-2018) | 5x100 | 56.1 mm | M12x1.25 | 7J x17, 7.5J x18, 8J x19 | 225/60R17, 225/55R18, 245/50R18 / 245/45R19 (XT trim) |
| SK / SK Facelift (2019-2024) | 5x114.3 | 56.1 mm | M12x1.25 | 7J x17 ET48, 7J x18 ET48, 7.5J x19 ET48 | 225/60R17, 225/55R18, 225/50R19 |
| SL (2025-present) | 5x114.3 | 56.1 mm (unconfirmed for this generation - verify on your car) | M12x1.25 (unconfirmed for this generation - verify on your car) | 17-18 inch factory ranges reported, exact widths not independently confirmed | 225/60R17 (confirmed factory-fit tire, Yokohama Geolandar G91) |
Always confirm on your own car
Specs can vary by market and by mid-cycle running changes. Before buying wheels or tires, confirm the exact bolt pattern, center bore, and load rating using your own vehicle's driver-side door placard, the owner's manual, the markings stamped on your current wheels and tires, and (for towing-related tire load questions) the manufacturer's towing guide.
Summary
| Bolt pattern (2008-2018, SH/SJ) | 5x100 |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern (2019-present, SK/SL) | 5x114.3 |
| Center bore | 56.1 mm (confirmed for SH/SJ/SK; verify for SL) |
| Stud thread | M12 x 1.25 |
| Common factory wheel diameters | 16, 17, 18, 19 inch depending on generation and trim |
| Common factory tire sizes | 215/65R16, 225/60R17, 225/55R18, 225/50R19 |
| Authoritative source for your exact car | Driver's door placard, owner's manual, current wheel/tire markings |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Forester: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Subaru Forester bolt pattern change?
Yes. Generations up to the SJ Facelift (roughly 2008-2018) use a 5x100 bolt pattern, while the SK generation introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year switched to 5x114.3, a change carried into the current SL generation.
What is the center bore on a Subaru Forester?
Fitment databases list 56.1 mm as the factory center bore across the 5x100 and 5x114.3 Forester generations we could verify. If you buy aftermarket wheels with a larger bore opening, use a hub-centric ring rather than assuming the fitment is identical.
Can I put SK-generation (2019+) wheels on an older Forester?
Not directly, because the bolt pattern changed from 5x100 to 5x114.3 between the SJ Facelift and SK generations. Wheels made for a 5x114.3 Forester will not bolt onto a 5x100 hub without an adapter, which is not a fitment we recommend without a wheel shop's input.
Where do I find the exact wheel and tire size for my specific Forester?
Check the sticker on the driver's door jamb (placard), which lists the OEM tire size and often the wheel size, or your owner's manual. The bolt pattern and center bore are not on the placard, so cross-reference those with the markings on your current wheels or a shop's fitment lookup.