About This Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 2016 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 2016 sits on a set of 17×8 / 17×8-inch Motegi MR148 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Motegi 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 2.5i Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Motegi MR148 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Motegi MR148 on the Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 2016
I stood right next to this Forester at the show, and the fitment on these Motegi MR148s is spot on. These wheels measure 17x8 with a 38 offset, which pushes the face out just enough to kill that sunken stock look. The stance looks aggressive without crossing the line into obnoxious territory.
The 38 offset works perfectly with the 2016 Subaru platform. It clears the front brake calipers easily, so you do not need to worry about scraping or spacer interference. You get a nice, flush profile that lines up with the factory fenders.
Since the owner lifted the suspension, the wheel gap behaves differently than a stock setup. The 17-inch diameter leaves plenty of room for meaty sidewalls. I noticed how the tires fill the space nicely without looking stretched or ballooned.
You need to watch out for the inner fender liner if you decide to go with a massive tire size. Even with the lift, full-lock turns can sometimes get tight on the rear plastic lining. I recommend checking those plastic clips before you head off-road.
The hub bore fits the Subaru center perfectly, which keeps everything vibration-free at highway speeds. You get that solid, planted feeling you want when you are carving up a canyon road. I love how the wheel design keeps the weight down while maintaining structural integrity.
Looking closely at the spoke design, the MR148 features a flat, rally-inspired face that hides brake dust well. The barrel lip depth is subtle, adding a bit of character without being too flashy. It captures that rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic that the Forester platform demands.
Overall, this 17x8 setup is the gold standard for this generation of Subaru. It balances form and function without forcing you to hack up your fenders or compromise your alignment. It is a smart, clean choice for a daily driver that spends its weekends on the trail.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 2016 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 17x8 size for the best balance of weight and performance. Going wider than 8 inches often leads to clearance headaches with the suspension struts. Trust me, I have seen plenty of guys try to force 9-inch wheels and regret it immediately.
Aim for an offset between 35 and 40 for that perfect flush look. Anything lower than 35 will poke too much and spray mud all over your doors. Anything higher than 40 will make your wheels look like they are hiding under the car.
I always suggest a square setup for these AWD Subarus. Running the same wheel and tire size at all four corners keeps your differential happy and your handling predictable. Do not even think about staggered setups unless you are building a dedicated show queen.
For tires, grab something with an all-terrain tread pattern to match the lift. A 225/60/17 or 235/60/17 fits the wheel well and provides enough cushion for rough gravel. You want that sidewall to do some of the work when the pavement ends.
Avoid cheap hub-centric rings if you can, or just get wheels that match the Subaru center bore. Nothing ruins a drive faster than a steering wheel that shakes at 65 miles per hour. Quality parts save you time and money in the long run.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish on these Motegi wheels is the real MVP here. It pops against the paint, giving the Forester a custom, high-end feel. Bronze is arguably the best color for a lifted Subaru because it looks great whether it is clean or covered in trail dirt.
The MR148 design pays homage to classic rally wheels, which fits the Forester’s soul perfectly. It looks like it belongs on a stage in Finland, not just a mall parking lot. The clean lines of the spokes prevent the wheel from looking too busy or cluttered.
Proportions are everything on a car like this. The 17-inch diameter creates a balanced visual weight that complements the extra height from the lift kit. It makes the car look purposeful and strong, rather than just lifted for the sake of being tall.
Compared to other builds I see, this one stays true to the car’s roots. Too many owners slap massive, chrome street wheels on these crossovers and ruin the look. This build celebrates the utility of the Forester while adding a massive dose of style.
When you look at the car from the side, the bronze wheels draw your eyes down. It connects the lift and the tires into one cohesive package. It is a masterclass in tasteful modification that proves you do not need over-the-top parts to make a statement.
Why We Love This Build
This Forester is exactly what a modern adventure rig should look like. The bronze Motegi finish catches the afternoon sun, glowing in a way that turns heads at every stoplight. It strikes the perfect balance between rugged capability and refined street style.
I love how the wheels sit flush against the fenders, giving the car a wide, planted stance. Seeing this thing parked with its tires biting into the gravel makes me want to grab my keys and hit the nearest mountain trail. It is an inspiring build that honors the spirit of the Subaru brand.
This is how you modify a daily driver without sacrificing the things that make it great. It is functional, it is aggressive, and it is undeniably cool. Grab a set of these wheels and turn your Forester into the rig you have always wanted.
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 2.5i Premium 2016
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Motegi MR148
- Wheel Size: 17×8 / 17×8
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 225/65 28.5″x8.9″ / 225/65 28.5″x8.9″
- Suspension: Lifted
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×8 / 17×8-inch wheels fit my Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium? 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 2.5i Premium owners run 17×8 / 17×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
