2013 Subaru Forester Speaker Sizes and Audio System Guide
2013 Subaru Forester Speaker Sizes and Audio System Guide
This page covers the 2013 Subaru Forester speaker layout, factory speaker locations, and the key notes you should know before planning an upgrade. Equipment can vary by trim, body style, and audio package, and factory amplifier details should be verified by trim. Selected audio systems may also include tweeters if equipped. Use the trim table below to compare speaker counts and audio equipment across versions.
Data verified by Nick Marchenko, PhD
Speaker Size Chart – 2013 Subaru Forester
Use this table as the main reference. Fitment depends on trim, factory audio package, mounting depth, and adapter availability.
| Location | Type | Factory Size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Door | Full-Range | 6.5 inch | |
| Rear Door | Full-Range | 6.5 inch | |
| Front | Tweeter | 1 inch | if equipped |
Generic speaker location diagram. The table above shows the specific factory sizes for this vehicle. Exact location details may vary by body style and trim.
Recommended Speakers for the 2013 Subaru Forester
Selected aftermarket speakers that match the factory sizes for this vehicle. Always verify mounting depth, connector type, and audio package before ordering.
6.5" Speakers
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Speaker Count by Trim – 2013 Subaru Forester
Speaker count and audio equipment vary by trim and factory audio package. This table lists known configurations from our database.
| Trim | Speakers | Amplifier | Radio | Navigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5X Touring 4dr All-wheel Drive | 7 | – | – | – |
| 2.5XT Touring 4dr All-wheel Drive | 7 | – | – | – |
| 2.5X Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive | 6 | opt | – | – |
| 2.5X 4dr All-wheel Drive | 4 | opt | – | – |
| 2.5X Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive | 4 | opt | – | – |
| 2.5XT Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive | 4 | – | – | – |
Data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Verify with the window sticker or dealer before ordering audio components.
Vehicle and Audio System Specifications
This block helps identify the vehicle and its audio system configuration for fitment decisions.
Crossover vs SUV – Audio Differences
Body style can affect rear speaker placement, cargo-area acoustics, and which factory audio package was selected, so equipment should be checked by vehicle configuration. For this model, the listed speaker layout is the same across the available data, but trim and audio package can still change speaker count and amplifier setup.
What Speakers Fit the 2013 Subaru Forester?
Aftermarket fitment should start with the factory speaker locations listed above, but diameter alone is not enough. The 2013 Subaru Forester uses 6.5 inch full-range speakers in the front and rear doors, and front tweeters if equipped. Before buying, check mounting depth, bracket fit, connector type, and whether your vehicle has a premium or factory-amplified audio system, since equipment can vary by trim and audio package. Factory amplifier details should be verified by trim and audio package.
Usually Safe Upgrades
- If your vehicle uses the front door location, look for 6.5 inch full-range speakers that match the factory opening and mounting depth.
- If your vehicle uses the rear door location, 6.5 inch full-range speakers are the starting point for fitment checks.
- If your vehicle has front tweeters, choose 1 inch tweeters only if the vehicle is equipped with that location.
- If your vehicle has a factory-amplified setup, confirm speaker compatibility before ordering replacement speakers.
- If your vehicle includes a factory subwoofer, verify the audio package first, since subwoofer equipment is not listed for this model year.
Check Before Buying
- Confirm whether your Forester has the 4, 6, or 7 speaker audio setup listed for your trim.
- Measure mounting depth and check for any adapter or bracket requirements before choosing speakers.
- Verify connector style so the replacement speakers match the vehicle wiring.
- Check whether the front tweeter location is present before ordering tweeters.
- Review trim and audio package details to see whether a factory amplifier is present on your vehicle.
Installation Notes
The 2013 Subaru Forester uses 6.5-inch full-range speakers in the front and rear doors, and some trims may also include front tweeters if equipped. Speaker count can range from 4 to 7 depending on trim and audio package, so verify the exact setup before ordering parts. Panel removal is required for access, and you should work carefully around clips and trim pieces to avoid damage. Check wiring before disconnecting anything, especially on vehicles with factory audio options, since amplifier details should be verified by trim and audio package. Speaker depth should also be checked during selection, because fitment can vary with the door opening and mounting location. Mounting adapters and harness adapters may be needed to match the factory openings and connectors. If your vehicle has the factory subwoofer, confirm the system layout before choosing replacement components. After installation, test each speaker location for balance, polarity, and proper operation before reassembling the panels.
Moderate difficulty, since door panel removal, fitment checks, and wiring verification are important for a clean installation.
Common Mistakes When Replacing Speakers
The 2013 Subaru Forester can vary a lot by trim and audio package, so the safest upgrade starts with verifying the exact equipment on the vehicle.
- Buying based only on the body-style label instead of checking actual speaker locations on the vehicle.
- Assuming every trim uses the same speaker count when this Forester ranges from 4 to 7 speakers depending on trim and audio package.
- Skipping factory amplifier verification, even though amplifier details should be checked by trim because some versions may include one and others may not.
- Choosing replacement speakers without measuring mounting depth and confirming the connector style at each location.
- Treating the front tweeter as standard instead of checking whether it is equipped on the specific vehicle before ordering parts.
- Reassembling the door panels before testing polarity, balance, and sound from each speaker location after installation.
Generation & Model Family
The 2013 Subaru Forester belongs to the Third generation (SH) - Facelift (2011–2013) family. Nearby model years often share similar speaker locations and audio layouts, but exact fitment can vary by trim and audio package – verify before ordering.
Recommended Upgrade Path
The 2013 Subaru Forester uses a simple factory speaker layout, but equipment can vary by trim and audio package. Some versions also include tweeters, and factory amplifier details should be verified before planning upgrades. A smart upgrade path starts with the front stage, then adds bass or power only if your goals call for more output.
| Goal | Best Upgrade Path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Better clarity | Upgrade the front door speakers first, then add front tweeters if equipped or improve the front stage with higher-quality components. | Front-stage upgrades usually make the biggest difference in vocals, detail, and overall clarity because that is where most of the listening focus comes from. |
| More bass | Add an aftermarket subwoofer to complement the factory speakers and keep the low end from relying on the door speakers alone. | A dedicated subwoofer gives deeper bass and reduces strain on the main speakers, which helps the system sound fuller at higher volume. |
| Louder sound | Properly matched speakers and amplifier integration can improve volume and reduce distortion. Verify factory amp or premium system integration before adding aftermarket amplifiers. | Higher output works best when the speakers and amplification are matched correctly, especially on trims where audio equipment can vary. |
| Budget improvement | Replace the front door speakers first with same-size replacement speakers with correct mounting brackets. | The front doors handle the most important everyday sound, so upgrading them first gives the best value when you want a noticeable improvement without a full system overhaul. |
| Factory look | Use same-size replacement speakers with the correct mounting brackets and harness adapters for a clean install that preserves the factory wiring and appearance. | This approach keeps the interior looking original while improving sound, and it avoids unnecessary changes to the dash or door panels. |
Mounting Adapters and Wiring
The same nominal diameter does not guarantee a direct mount. Before ordering, confirm:
- Speaker depth: Aftermarket speakers often have larger magnets – measure available depth at each location.
- Mounting brackets: Door locations typically need a bracket or spacer to clear the window regulator and achieve correct mounting depth.
- Wiring harness adapters: Use a plug-and-play harness adapter to preserve factory wiring.
- Tweeter mounting cups: Replacing OEM tweeters may require surface-mount cups or brackets depending on the location.
- Factory or premium amplified systems: If the vehicle has a premium or factory-amplified audio system, confirm how the factory radio, amplifier, and speakers are connected before adding aftermarket amplifiers. Depending on the setup, a line output converter, DSP, integration harness, or professional installation may be needed.
- Connector type: Factory connectors vary by trim and model year – confirm compatibility before splicing or using an adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are the front door speakers in a 2013 Subaru Forester?
The front door speakers are 6.5-inch full-range units. Front tweeters are 1 inch if equipped, so check the audio package before ordering parts.
What size are the rear door speakers?
The rear door speakers are 6.5-inch full-range units. This size is listed for the model year data provided, so it is the main rear fitment to verify.
Does the 2013 Forester have a factory subwoofer?
A factory subwoofer is not listed in the data provided. If your vehicle has an upgraded audio package, confirm the exact equipment before choosing replacement parts.
Do I need mounting adapters for speaker replacement?
Mounting adapters may be needed depending on the speaker design and trim. The factory locations are 6.5-inch front and rear doors, but the final install setup should be checked against the vehicle.
Can I replace the speakers without replacing the radio?
Yes, speaker replacement can be done without changing the radio. The trim data shows different audio setups, so it is smart to confirm the speaker count and factory equipment first.
How do I verify the factory amplifier on this Forester?
Factory amplifier details should be verified by trim and audio package. Some trims list an optional amplifier, while others show different audio setups, so the exact system can vary.