Subaru Outback Bolt Pattern, Wheel & Tire Sizes
TL;DR
Pre-2015 Outbacks are 5x100, 2015+ Outbacks are 5x114.3 - always confirm against your own door placard or wheel markings before buying wheels.
Subaru Outback bolt pattern by generation
The Outback's bolt pattern is not the same across its whole production run. Multiple wheel-fitment databases agree that a change happened around the 2015 model year: earlier cars use a 5x100 mm pattern, later cars use 5x114.3 mm. These two patterns are not interchangeable, so it matters which generation you have.
Centre bore and stud thread
Centre bore is listed as 56.1 mm and the wheel stud thread as M12x1.25 for both the 5x100 and 5x114.3 eras of the Outback, based on fitment-database listings and aftermarket lug-nut compatibility charts that span 1994 through the current model. If you are fitting aftermarket wheels with a larger centre bore, you will need hub-centric rings; wheels with a smaller bore will not fit without machining.
Stock wheel and tire sizes
Factory rim and tire sizes vary a lot by trim, engine and model year, and older generations (1995-2014) are not consistently documented across sources, so exact factory sizes for those years are best read directly off your own tire sidewall or door placard rather than assumed. For the 2015-2019 (BS) generation, commonly listed factory fitments are 17 and 18 inch wheels with 225/60R17 or 225/55R18 tires depending on trim. For the current 2020-and-newer (BT) generation, listed factory wheel sizes include 7Jx17, 7.5Jx17 and 7Jx18/8Jx18, with tire sizes such as 225/65R17, 245/60R17, 225/60R18 and 245/55R18 depending on trim (base, Limited, Wilderness, etc.).
Where to get the number that matches your exact car
Because trims and market variants differ, always confirm the wheel and tire fitment for your specific car using one of these sources:
- The tire and loading information placard on the driver's door jamb
- The sidewall of your currently fitted tires (size is molded directly into the rubber)
- Your Subaru owner's manual
- A Subaru dealer parts department, using your VIN
| Generation / years | Bolt pattern | Centre bore | Stud thread | Stock wheel sizes | Common tire sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BG/BH/BP/BR (1995-2014) | 5x100 | 56.1 mm | M12x1.25 | 15-17 in, varies by year/trim (not fully documented) | Varies widely by year/trim - check placard |
| BS (2015-2019) | 5x114.3 | 56.1 mm | M12x1.25 | 17-18 in | 225/60R17, 225/55R18 |
| BT / BT Facelift (2020-2025) | 5x114.3 | 56.1 mm | M12x1.25 | 7Jx17, 7.5Jx17, 7Jx18, 8Jx18 | 225/65R17, 245/60R17, 225/60R18, 245/55R18 |
Summary
| Pre-2015 bolt pattern | 5x100 |
|---|---|
| 2015+ bolt pattern | 5x114.3 |
| Centre bore | 56.1 mm |
| Stud thread | M12x1.25 |
| 2015-2019 stock wheels | 17-18 in |
| 2020+ stock wheels | 17-18 in (7-8J) |
| Authoritative source | Driver's door placard / owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Outback: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Subaru Outback bolt pattern really change?
Yes. Wheel-fitment databases consistently show 1995-2014 Outbacks using a 5x100 mm bolt pattern and 2015-and-newer Outbacks using 5x114.3 mm. A wheel built for one pattern will not bolt onto a hub drilled for the other, so always check which generation you own before buying wheels.
Is the centre bore the same on every Outback?
Fitment listings for both the older 5x100 cars and the newer 5x114.3 cars show a 56.1 mm centre bore. If you fit a wheel with a larger factory bore, use hub-centric rings to take up the gap; do not assume this without checking the wheel you are buying.
What size are the lug nuts on an Outback?
M12x1.25 thread is listed across Outback model years by both fitment databases and aftermarket lug-nut kits sold as fitting 1994 through current models. Torque specs are not something we can responsibly quote without your exact owner's manual, so check that for the correct tightening torque.
Where can I find the exact wheel size for my specific Outback?
Check the tire and loading placard on your driver's door jamb, read the size molded into your current tire sidewalls, look in your owner's manual, or ask a Subaru dealer parts desk using your VIN - factory fitment varies by trim and these sources will match your exact car.