About This Subaru Forester XT Touring 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Forester XT Touring 2013 sits on a set of 18×9 / 18×9-inch Cosmis Racing MR7 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 XT Touring builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Cosmis Racing MR7 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Cosmis Racing MR7 on the Subaru Forester XT Touring 2013
I walked around this Forester for twenty minutes at the last meet. Those 18x9 Cosmis Racing MR7s completely transform the sleepy SUV aesthetic. We see a lot of builds, but this specific +25 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the metal.
The 9-inch width brings a aggressive stance that the stock wheels never offered. That +25 offset is aggressive for a Forester chassis, so expect the wheels to poke just a hair past the fenders. It creates a wide, purposeful look that screams track-ready machine.
We checked the caliper clearance and it is absolutely perfect. The MR7 spoke design flares out beautifully, leaving plenty of room for those stock XT stoppers. You will not need any spacers to make these clear the hubs.
The hub bore fits the Subaru platform like a glove. We always preach about proper hub-centric rings, and this build uses them to keep everything vibration-free at high speeds. It makes a huge difference in the steering feel.
Because the owner threw on a set of coilovers, the fender gap is non-existent. You have to be careful with your tire choice here, though. If you go too meaty, you will definitely rub the plastic liners on big bumps.
The barrel lip on the MR7 looks deep and menacing. It adds a layer of depth that makes the wheel look much larger than 18 inches. It is a bold choice for a crossover, but it works surprisingly well.
I would warn you to keep an eye on your rear quarter panels. Since the offset is so low, a roll or a slight pull might be necessary if you plan to carry heavy passengers. Do not skip that step if you want to keep your paint intact.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester XT Touring 2013 Owners
If you want to run this setup, you need to commit to the coilovers. Stock struts will not give you the clearance or the look required to pull off an 18x9 wheel. Do not try to cheat the suspension work.
We always suggest a square setup on these AWD Subaru platforms. Running the same size at all four corners keeps your differential happy and your handling predictable. Do not mix and match sizes unless you want expensive mechanical headaches.
Stick to an offset between +25 and +35 for that flush look. Anything higher than +35 will sink the wheels into the arches and ruin the aesthetic. We have tested both, and +25 is the sweet spot for that aggressive poke.
Tire stretch is a hot topic, but keep it mild. A 245/40/18 tire usually offers the best balance of looks and rim protection. You get a nice squared-off sidewall that looks purposeful without being dangerous.
Avoid the common mistake of buying cheap, heavy wheels. The Cosmis MR7s are built tough, which is exactly what a Forester needs when you hit a pothole. Cheap wheels will crack, and you will regret that purchase within a month.
Style and Build Analysis
The choice of a white finish on this Forester is a stroke of genius. It pops against the body color and brings a raw, rally-inspired vibe to the car. It makes the whole vehicle look much faster just sitting in a parking space.
The MR7 spoke design is classic and clean. It avoids the clutter of modern, overly complicated wheels. It keeps the eyes focused on the clean lines of the Forester bodywork.
Proportions are the secret sauce of a good build. By dropping the car and pushing the wheels out, the owner fixed the awkward factory height. The Forester finally looks like it belongs on the road rather than the grocery store aisle.
We have seen plenty of Foresters, but most people play it safe with bronze or gunmetal. This white-on-body contrast sets this build apart from the sea of grey and black SUVs at the show. It takes confidence to rock white wheels, and it pays off.
The road presence is undeniable. You see this thing coming from a block away, and the wheels look like they are rotating at a million miles an hour. It is a masterclass in how to build a daily driver with serious character.
Why We Love This Build
I love this car because it refuses to be boring. The white Cosmis wheels catch the sunlight and make the whole Forester shine, turning an otherwise sensible family hauler into a street-legal weapon. Seeing it parked with that perfect coilover drop makes my heart beat a little faster every time.
This build stops us in our tracks because it is executed with total confidence. The stance is spot-on, the colors are brave, and the hardware is reliable. It proves that you do not need a sports car to build something that looks truly special.
If you have been thinking about pulling the trigger on some wheels, this is your sign. Build the car you want and do not look back. Just get the fitment right and drive the hell out of it.
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 Touring 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Cosmis Racing MR7
- Wheel Size: 18×9 / 18×9
- Offset: 25 / 25
- Wheel Finish: White
- Tires: Nankang NS-25 215/40 24.8″x8.5″ / 215/40 24.8″x8.5″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Forester XT Touring owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9 / 18×9-inch wheels fit my Subaru Forester XT 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 XT Touring owners run 18×9 / 18×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
