2014–2018 Subaru Forester Car Stereo, Speaker & Dash Kit Fitment
A 2014–2018 Subaru Forester accepts a single- or double-DIN aftermarket stereo using a Metra dash kit, with steering-wheel controls retained through a plug-and-play harness. Factory front and rear door speakers are commonly 6.5″ (confirm your trim — Limited/Harman Kardon cars are amplified and may differ).
2014–2018 Subaru Forester fitment at a glance
| Factory stereo / aftermarket fit | Single or Double DIN with a Metra dash kit (factory radio opening adapted to a 1-DIN or 2-DIN receiver) |
|---|---|
| Front speaker size | Commonly 6.5" front-door — confirm with us |
| Rear speaker size | Commonly 6.5" rear-door — confirm with us |
| Factory amplifier | Limited trims with the Harman Kardon system run an external factory amp — keep it with an amp-retention interface |
| Steering-wheel controls | Yes — retained with a plug-and-play harness |
| Typical install time | 1–2 hours |
| DIY difficulty | Intermediate DIY (or installed at our Chilliwack shop) |
Reported factory speaker sizes vary by trim and source — base trims are commonly 6.5" in the doors, while Harman Kardon (Limited) cars use amplified speakers that may differ. We've seen 6×9" front / 6¾" rear quoted for some configs, so don't cut anything until your exact trim is confirmed — send us your VIN or trim and we'll match the right speaker and adapter in a minute.
The 2014–2018 Forester (the SJ generation) is a straightforward stereo upgrade: the factory radio bay adapts cleanly to a 1-DIN or 2-DIN receiver with the right Metra kit, so you can add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without butchering the dash. The catch is wiring — Foresters use a CAN-based setup, and Limited trims add a Harman Kardon amp — so the adapter matters more here than on most cars. Below are the dash kits we stock for your Forester; pair one with a head unit, or have our Chilliwack techs handle the harness and amp retention for you.
The exact parts that fit your Subaru Forester
These are the dash kits and wiring harnesses we stock for the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester. Pair any with a head unit below — it’s plug-and-play, no cutting.
Dash Kits (turns the dash opening into a single/double-DIN slot)
Now pick your upgrade
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto receivers that drop into the dash kit above.
Shop head units →Upgrade the factory speakers while the door panels are off — biggest sound-per-dollar.
Shop speakers →Add real low-end. We’ll point you to a sub + amp that fits the Subaru Forester.
Shop bass →Don’t want to DIY? We install it.
Order the kit online, or have our certified techs install your Subaru Forester stereo, speakers or sound system at our Chilliwack shop. Drivers come in from across the Fraser Valley & Greater Vancouver.
2014–2018 Subaru Forester stereo upgrade — FAQ
What size speakers fit a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?
Base-trim Foresters most commonly take 6.5" speakers in the front and rear doors. Reported sizes do vary by trim and source — some configurations are quoted with larger front speakers — and Limited trims run an amplified Harman Kardon system that behaves differently. Don't order or cut until your exact trim is confirmed; send us your VIN and we'll match the right speaker and any mounting adapter.
Can I put a double DIN / Apple CarPlay stereo in my Forester?
Yes. With the Metra 95-8902 double-DIN dash kit, a 2014–2018 Forester takes a full double-DIN CarPlay / Android Auto receiver. The kit adapts the factory radio opening for a clean, OEM-style fit. Prefer a smaller deck? The 99-8902 single-DIN kit gives you a 1-DIN stereo plus a storage pocket.
Will I lose steering-wheel controls or the backup camera?
No — with the correct plug-and-play harness your steering-wheel controls keep working, and a compatible head unit retains the factory backup camera (standard on most 2014–2018 Foresters). On Limited / Harman Kardon cars we add an amp-retention interface so you keep full output. Subaru's CAN wiring is fussy, so we'll spec the exact adapter for your trim — just ask.
What dash kit do I need for a 2014–2018 Forester?
For a double-DIN stereo, use the Metra 95-8902. For a single-DIN stereo, use the Metra 99-8902. Both are Subaru Impreza/Forester ('08-up) kits that fit the 2014–2018 Forester dash, and both are in stock above with live pricing.
Can Audiomotivez install it for me?
Absolutely. We install Subarus regularly at our Chilliwack shop, with customers driving in from Abbotsford, Mission, Langley and across the Fraser Valley. The Forester's CAN wiring and optional Harman Kardon amp are exactly the kind of thing worth having done right. Order the kit online for DIY, or book an install — call 604-792-4070.