How To Choose the Best Light Bulbs For Subaru Forester? Complete Guide

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: November 9, 2023

Automotive light bulbs inside the Subaru Forester’s headlights illuminate your way at any hour and under any sky, ensuring your safety as you traverse various terrains.

Alas, all things must pass, including these light sources. Eventually, bulbs dim and necessitate replacement. It's crucial to know the exact bulb size your Subaru Forester requires for low or high beams.

Maybe you’re pondering an enhancement of your Subaru Forester’s light bulbs for something more robust and vivid, and you're considering which aftermarket LED or HID kits are your best bet.

Does this resonate with you?

Key considerations when selecting light bulbs for Subaru Forester?

One might think choosing a light bulb for your Subaru Forester is a walk in the park. Yet, there are several factors to ponder. Prior to purchasing, assess the following:

• The specific location of the light bulb replacement;
• Base type;
• Light bulb output;
• Bulb type (size);
• The bulb's color temperature

Identifying the right bulb base for Subaru Forester

Observe the bulbs: one is for the headlight, another for the cabin’s illumination. They differ in size and base type. Each position in the Subaru Forester has a unique base – it’s imperative to select bulbs that fit each specific socket.

The right bulb base is crucial for:

Compatibility

Bulbs for a Subaru Forester are designed in various sizes and bases. The base connects the bulb to the vehicle's socket. An incorrect base can cause electrical issues or prevent the bulb from working. It's akin to placing a square peg in a round hole.

Electrical Safety

An inappropriate base might lead to short circuits or blown fuses, potentially resulting in costly repairs or safety hazards on the road. The right bulb maintains the electrical circuit's integrity.

Lighting Efficiency

A correct base ensures the bulb fits snugly in the socket, essential for optimal lighting. A misaligned bulb can cause uneven lighting or shadows, compromising visibility.

Longevity

Bulbs with the appropriate base are less likely to come loose or sustain damage from movement, preventing premature failure and frequent replacements.

For ease in selecting the right base for your bulbs, refer to our comprehensive guide, which lists the Subaru Forester bulb sizes or sockets for each position.

What are the different types of Subaru Forester bulbs?

The Subaru Forester may use bulbs that differ in structure and light emission source. Presently, the three primary types of Subaru Forester bulbs are halogen, LED, and xenon. Each type offers certain benefits and drawbacks, allowing motorists to choose according to their preferences.

Below is a succinct overview of each Subaru Forester bulb type.

Halogen Headlights for Subaru Forester

Emission Source

Halogen bulbs utilize a tungsten filament within a glass envelope filled with halogen gas to emit light.

Brightness

These bulbs generate a warm, yellowish hue and are praised for their dependability and cost-effectiveness.

Construction

Their design includes a tungsten filament and a tiny capsule filled with halogen gas, which helps recycle the tungsten back onto the filament, thereby extending the bulb's life.

Pros:

• Affordability;
• Flexibility;
• Produces a light that is gentle on the eyes of other drivers.

Cons:

• Relative to others, the light output is less intense and degrades over time, diminishing brightness significantly within a few years;
• Limited lifespan;
• High operating temperatures can lead to damage of the reflector or glass.

Upgrading Subaru Forester to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

Emission source

LEDs function as electrons traverse a semiconductor, creating light efficiently.

Brightness

LED bulbs for the Subaru Forester are notably bright and energy-efficient, offering a broad spectrum of colors with extensive longevity.

Construction

Compact in design, LED bulbs consist of numerous diodes on a circuit board, encased in durable plastic or glass.

Pros:

• Superior luminosity compared to halogen bulbs;
• Extended lifespan;
• Diode lamps emit negligible heat, preventing overheating;
• Availability in various colors and shades.

Cons:

• Risk of failure if not installed correctly;
• Potential for car system errors – the vehicle’s computer may not detect the bulb, leading to error messages.

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Is it feasible to install HID or Xenon in stock Subaru Forester headlights?

Emission source

Xenon or High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs create light with an electric arc between electrodes in a xenon gas-filled quartz tube.

Brightness

They emit a bright, daylight-mimicking white light.

Construction

These bulbs are complex, featuring an arc chamber and electrodes to generate the intense arc needed for illumination.

Pros:

• Unmatched brightness;
• Wide color temperature range;
• Efficient energy consumption.

Cons:

• Require precise alignment to avoid dazzling other drivers;
• Cannot be installed in standard reflector lenses without proper lenses to prevent discomfort to other road users;
• Complex setup with additional equipment like ignition blocks, voltage regulators, and extra wiring.

Selecting the ideal color temperature for Subaru Forester headlights

Subaru Forester bulbs vary in light color emission, which is measured in Kelvin.

Lower Kelvin numbers indicate a warmer, yellowish light. Higher values produce a blue, brighter light. A common choice is 6000K bulbs, providing a clear, moderately intense light.

What additional factors should you consider when choosing a light bulb for Subaru Forester?

When selecting a light bulb, various factors need to be considered to ensure satisfaction with your purchase. Here are the main ones you should always take into account while selecting a light bulb for your Subaru Forester:

Luminous Flux Output (Lumens): 

The luminous flux, measured in Lumens, indicates the brightness of the bulb. A higher Lumen value suggests a brighter light output, which can improve visibility on the road, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions.

Voltage

It's essential that the voltage rating of the bulb matches that of your Subaru Forester's electrical system. The correct voltage ensures the bulbs operate efficiently and avoid electrical issues.

Wattage

Wattage refers to the power consumption of the bulb. Choosing bulbs with wattages that your Subaru Forester can support is critical. Higher wattage bulbs may offer more light but can place undue strain on the electrical system.

Water-/Dust Resistance

A higher IP (Ingress Protection) rating signifies superior resistance to water and dust, vital for external bulbs like the headlights and taillights, assuring durability and reliability even in tough weather conditions.

Manufacturer

Opt for reputable manufacturers known for high-quality automotive bulbs. Established brands often provide warranties and are synonymous with reliability, minimizing the risk of premature failures.

Which bulbs to choose for different Subaru Forester positions?

The bulb's functionality will vary depending on its intended location in your vehicle.

In some areas, you may require exceptionally bright bulbs (head and tail lights), or you might just need bulbs that have longevity (dashboard, glove box compartment light).

We have compiled several key tips to keep in mind when choosing a light bulb for the various positions in your Subaru Forester.

Headlight bulbs for Subaru Forester

Popular light bulb sizes: 

• H1;
• H4 (9003);
• H7;
• H11;
• 9005 (HB3);
• 9006 (HB4).

Headlights are a vital component of your Subaru Forester, illuminating the path ahead while making your presence known to others on the road. It is crucial to choose reliable bulbs that will not falter, regardless of weather conditions. If budget allows, consider xenon lamps for their brightness and longevity. Remember, xenon lamps should only be installed with the appropriate optics to prevent blinding other drivers.

If cost is a concern, LED bulbs are a viable alternative. They provide comparable performance to xenon lamps but are more affordable and do not require complex modifications for installation.

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Subaru Forester Fog Light Bulbs

Popular light bulb sizes:

• H11;
• H3;
• 9006 (HB4);
• 9005 (HB3);
• H8;
• H10.

Fog lights play a critical role in your safety, particularly in challenging weather conditions like rain or fog. It's essential that these bulbs perform reliably at all times. For fog lights, we recommend diode bulbs with a color temperature of 6000K-7000K.

Subaru Forester Turn Signal Light Bulbs

Popular light bulb sizes:

• 1157 (BAY15d);
• 3157 (T25);
• 7443 (T20);
• 1156 (BA15s);
• 3156 (T25);
• 7440 (T20).

Ensuring your maneuvers on the road are transparent to other drivers is essential for safety. Turn signals serve the vital purpose of indicating your intended direction changes. It's imperative that these signals are highly visible from a distance.
Thus, LED bulbs are the recommended choice for this role. The color choice should be based on the position and regulations:

• Orange bulbs - for front and rear turn indicators;
• Red bulbs - for the rear turn signals (in the US). Otherwise, orange bulbs are universally applicable for all turn signal positions.

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Subaru Forester Brake Light Bulbs

Popular light bulb sizes:

• 1157 (BAY15d);
• 3157 (T25);
• 7443 (T20);
• 1156 (BA15s);
• 3156 (T25);
• 7440 (T20).

Brake lights, like turn signals, are crucial for communicating your actions to fellow drivers. Visibility is key, as it allows others ample time to respond to your actions, preventing accidents.

For brake lights, opt for bright LED bulbs in red. Seek out reliable manufacturers to ensure these bulbs have a long service life and won't fail when you need them most.

Subaru Forester Dome / Map Light Bulbs

Popular light bulb sizes:

• 194 (T10);
• 168 (T10);
• 921 (T15);
• 578 (Festoon);
• 6411 (Festoon);
• 31mm (Festoon).

Interior lighting is key for those moments when passengers need to read or you need to consult a map while parked. Standard halogen bulbs are adequate for this purpose - their light sufficiently illuminates confined spaces, and given their infrequent use, they will last a long time.

Subaru Forester Dashboard Light Bulbs 

Popular light bulb sizes:

• 74 (T5);
• 194 (T10);
• 168 (T10);
• 37 (T5);
• 2721 (T5).

These bulbs illuminate the Subaru Forester's dashboard. In other words, they allow you to clearly see your vehicle's instrument readings, such as the speedometer and tachometer, along with other crucial indicators.

Many modern Subarus come with a digital dashboard that doesn't require bulb replacements, but for older models, LED bulbs can offer a distinctive aesthetic. You can select diode bulbs in various colors to create a personalized look that pleases the eye.

It's important, however, to ensure that the bulbs do not glare and distract you while driving.

To Wrap Everything Up

When selecting light bulbs for your Subaru Forester, consider factors such as luminous flux (lumens), voltage, wattage, as well as water and dust resistance, and the manufacturer's reputation.

Whether you're choosing bulbs for the head and tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, dome (map light), or dashboard lights, ensure that the size and type are compatible with your vehicle. Also, consider the brand's track record for product longevity.