About This Subaru Forester XT Premium 2011 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Forester XT Premium 2011 sits on a set of 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch Work Emotion CR 2P wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Work 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 XT Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Work Emotion CR 2P creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Work Emotion CR 2P on the Subaru Forester XT Premium 2011
I walked around this Forester at the show and the Work Emotion CR 2P fitment truly grabbed me. We are looking at a 19x8.5 square setup with a 42 offset all around. This choice hits the sweet spot for the SH chassis without overdoing the width.
The 42 offset keeps the wheels tucked nicely inside those factory fenders. You get that clean, flush look without needing to pull the metal or cut the liners. It flows perfectly with the body lines of the XT.
Caliper clearance usually scares people on these Subarus, but the CR 2P design clears the front brakes easily. You do not need massive spacers to get these to spin. The spokes clear the hardware while keeping the face look aggressive.
The 19-inch diameter fills the wheel wells much better than the stock 17s. We noticed the barrel depth is subtle but adds a nice sense of dimension. It gives the car a sophisticated, custom look that factory wheels just cannot match.
Since this owner runs coilovers, the fender gap is dialed in tight. We checked the clearance at full turn and saw zero rubbing issues. The setup is tight, but it remains fully functional for daily driving.
Hub bore matching is critical here so use the right hub-centric rings. If you skip those, you will feel a nasty vibration at highway speeds. We always recommend getting this part right the first time to protect your investment.
The 8.5-inch width provides a solid contact patch for the tires. It keeps the steering feel sharp and predictable on back roads. You get the perfect balance between show and go on this platform.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester XT Premium 2011 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to an 8.5 or 9-inch width. Anything wider requires aggressive rolling and potential camber adjustments that kill your tire life. We always prefer a square setup for better rotation and handling.
For offsets, keep your numbers between 35 and 45. Going lower than 35 pushes the wheel out too far and ruins the handling geometry. You want to keep the scrub radius close to stock settings.
Tire choice makes or breaks this fitment. We suggest a 245/40/19 tire to keep the overall diameter close to factory specs. This keeps your speedometer accurate and prevents any unwanted rubbing on the strut housings.
Don't be afraid to roll your rear fenders slightly if you plan to go lower on your coilovers. It is cheap insurance against tire shredding on big bumps. A quick roll ensures you can drive the car hard without any worries.
Common mistakes usually involve buying cheap, heavy wheels that ruin the suspension feel. We always tell our readers to invest in quality two-piece wheels like these Works. The unsprung weight savings make a noticeable difference in how the Forester corners.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish on these CR 2Ps is absolutely perfect for this paint color. It provides a cool, industrial contrast that looks refined rather than flashy. It is a mature choice that upgrades the whole vibe of the XT.
The split-spoke design of the Work Emotion series looks right at home on a Japanese wagon. It bridges the gap between rally heritage and modern street style. It feels like a natural evolution of the Subaru aesthetic.
When you stand back, the proportions are spot on. The 19-inch wheels pull the car down to the ground visually. It eliminates that awkward high-riding SUV look and turns it into a proper performance hauler.
Compared to the other builds we feature, this one stands out for its restraint. It doesn't scream for attention with neon colors or massive lips. It commands respect through clean lines and high-end manufacturing.
We see a lot of Foresters, but this one has a specific weight to it. The wheels look like they belong on the car from the factory floor. It is a masterclass in selecting the right parts for the right machine.
Why We Love This Build
I cannot stop looking at how the sunlight catches the Gunmetal finish of those Work wheels. They have a depth that creates a serious, purposeful aesthetic against the Forester’s body. Every time the car rolls into the light, the spokes pop and highlight the aggressive stance.
This build stops us in our tracks because it is truly cohesive. It turns a practical family hauler into something you actually want to park and look at after a drive. It proves that you do not need to ruin a car to make it stand out.
If you own an XT, this is the blueprint you need to follow. It is functional, beautiful, and mean in all the right ways. Go get yourself a set of these and transform your ride today.
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 XT Premium 2011
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Work Emotion CR 2P
- Wheel Size: 19×8.5 / 19×8.5
- Offset: 42 / 42
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 245/40 26.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 26.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Forester XT Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru Forester XT 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 XT Premium owners run 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
