About This Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2016 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2016 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Cosmis Racing MRII wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Cosmis Racing for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Cosmis Racing MRII creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Cosmis Racing MRII on the Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2016
I walked around this Forester for twenty minutes just to soak in the lines. Putting 18x8.5 Cosmis Racing MRII wheels on this SJ chassis was a bold move. The +22 offset pushes these wheels way out compared to the tucked factory look.
That low offset creates a massive amount of poke. You definitely need those coilovers to dial in the negative camber. Without that adjustment, you would shred your tires on the fender liners immediately.
The MRII design features a distinct six-spoke pattern that feels right at home here. It clears the factory 2.0XT calipers with room to spare. You will not need any spacers to get the faces to sit right.
These wheels feature a decent barrel lip depth for an 8.5-inch wide wheel. That depth adds a layer of aggression that the stock wheels completely lack. It turns a grocery-getter into a rally-inspired street machine.
The hub bore on these fits the Subaru perfectly without needing hub-centric rings. That makes for a smooth ride without any vibration at highway speeds. I always stress the importance of a clean fit at the hub.
You have to watch the inner fender liners, though. At full lock, these tires will likely kiss the plastic shielding. A quick heat gun session or a trim will fix that issue in minutes.
The coilovers tighten up the body roll and tuck the tires into the wheel wells. This stance looks purposeful and mean. It transforms the tall, awkward Forester profile into a planted, aggressive beast.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2016 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you want to keep your handling predictable. A square 18x8.5 setup is the gold standard for these AWD platforms. You want to keep your tire rotations easy and your mechanical sympathy high.
Don't chase a crazy offset unless you are ready to roll your fenders. A +35 to +40 offset is much safer for a daily driver. If you go as low as +22 like this build, be prepared to manage your camber.
Invest in high-quality coilovers before you buy your wheels. Cheap springs will ruin your ride quality and leave you with uneven gaps. You want full height and dampening control to dial in your fitment.
Avoid excessive tire stretch if you actually drive the car hard. I see too many guys running undersized tires for the "look." Use a meatier tire to protect those expensive rims from potholes.
Common mistakes usually involve buying wheels that are too wide for the stock suspension. You will hit the struts if you go wider than 8.5 inches without proper offset math. Always measure twice and buy once.
Style and Build Analysis
The custom finish on these MRII wheels is the real showstopper. It catches the light and shifts tones depending on how the sun hits the metallic flake. It perfectly complements the Forester’s body lines without clashing.
The spoke design provides a clean look that highlights the braking components. It feels industrial and rugged, which matches the Subaru brand identity. It doesn't look like a cheap show car wheel.
This stance changes the entire road presence of the Forester. It looks like it belongs on a gravel stage or a local track day. Most builds I see are boring, but this one has real attitude.
The proportions feel balanced despite the aggressive offset. The 18-inch diameter keeps enough sidewall to look functional. Many people go too big, but this size is spot on.
I have seen hundreds of Subaru builds, but this one stands out. It avoids the tired trends and does its own thing. It proves that the SJ platform has serious potential if you pick the right parts.
Why We Love This Build
This Forester looks like it wants to hunt corners. The way those custom Cosmis wheels fill the arches makes the whole car look lower and wider. When the sun hits the custom finish, the metallic flakes pop with a deep, liquid glow that demands your full attention. It feels alive sitting there on the tarmac.
I love builds that take a practical platform and give it a shot of adrenaline. This isn't just about showing off; it is about making a reliable machine look as sharp as it handles. Every time I see this Forester, I want to jump in and drive it hard.
This is exactly how you mod a daily driver. It looks mean, it rides tight, and it turns heads everywhere it rolls. Build it like this and you will never regret the choice.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2016
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Cosmis Racing MRII
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: Custom
- Tires: Nexen NPriz RH7 225/55 27.7″x8.9″ / 225/55 27.7″x8.9″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring owners run 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
