What Speakers Does Subaru Use? (Factory & Premium Guide)

Subaru primarily uses unbranded factory paper-cone speakers in their base and mid-level trims, while high-end trims like the Limited and Touring feature premium Harman Kardon audio systems. Additionally, Subaru offers a dealer-installed Rockford Fosgate upgrade for specific models like the Crosstrek and Forester to enhance power and clarity.

Understanding What Speakers Does Subaru Use in Every Model

If you find your music sounding “muddy” or lacking bass, you aren’t alone. In my years of testing and upgrading Subaru audio systems, I’ve noticed a significant gap between their base components and their premium offerings. Most entry-level Subaru Imprezas, Crosstreks, and Foresters come equipped with lightweight, 20-watt speakers made of treated paper.

While these get the job done for talk radio, they struggle with high-volume music. However, if you opt for a premium trim, you’ll find a world-class Harman Kardon setup designed specifically for the cabin acoustics of a Subaru Outback or Ascent. Knowing what speakers does subaru use is the first step in deciding whether to stick with factory sound or invest in an aftermarket overhaul.

TL;DR: Quick Key Takeaways

• Base Trims: Feature generic, unbranded 4-ohm paper cone speakers (usually 4 to 6 total).
• Premium Trims: Utilize Harman Kardon systems with up to 12 speakers and dedicated Class-D amplifiers.
• Optional Upgrades: Many models offer a Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker kit as a “factory-backed” accessory.
• The Weak Link: Most factory Subaru speakers use small magnets and plastic frames, which limit bass response.
• DIY Friendly: Subaru uses standard 6×9-inch and 6.5-inch mounting locations, making them easy to upgrade.

The Breakdown: What Speakers Does Subaru Use by Trim Level?

Subaru categorizes its audio into three distinct tiers. Based on my experience dismantling door panels across the entire lineup, here is how the hardware differs.

The Standard Factory Setup

Most Subaru vehicles (Base and Premium trims) ship with standard unbranded speakers. These are characterized by:

• Materials: Pressed paper cones with foam surrounds.


• Power Handling: Generally rated at 15W to 25W RMS.


• Sound Profile: Heavy on the midrange but lacks “crispness” in the highs and “thump” in the lows.

The Harman Kardon Premium System

Found in the Limited, Touring, and Wilderness trims, this system is a massive step up. It features GreenEdge technology, which allows the speakers to produce more sound with less power consumption.

• Component Count: Usually 9 to 12 speakers.


• Amplification: Includes a multi-channel DSP (Digital Signal Processing) amplifier usually hidden under the front passenger seat.


• Integration: Tuned specifically for the glass and seat materials of that specific model.

The Rockford Fosgate Accessory Kit

For those who bought a base or premium trim but want more “kick,” Subaru offers a Rockford Fosgate upgrade.

• Included: This usually consists of two high-efficiency front door speakers and a compact digital amplifier.


• Compatibility: Most common in the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester.


• Vibe: It focuses on loud, punchy audio without requiring a total rewiring of the car.

Technical Specifications: Sizes and Impedance

When asking what speakers does subaru use, you must consider the physical dimensions if you plan on a DIY replacement. Subaru is remarkably consistent with their mounting patterns.

Common Speaker Sizes in Modern Subarus (2015–2024)

• Front Dash: 3.5-inch tweeters or mid-range speakers.
• Front Doors: 6×9-inch woofers (in most models like the Outback and Forester).
• Rear Doors: 6.5-inch or 6.75-inch full-range speakers.
• Subwoofer: 8-inch or 10-inch (Exclusive to Harman Kardon packages, usually located in the rear cargo sidewall).

The “Ohm” Issue (Impedance)

One thing we always warn DIYers about is impedance. Most aftermarket speakers are 4-ohm. However, some Harman Kardon systems in Subarus use 2-ohm speakers. If you swap a 2-ohm factory speaker for a 4-ohm aftermarket one without changing the amp, your volume will be cut in half. Always check your specific model’s wiring schematic before buying parts.

Step-by-Step: How to Upgrade Your Subaru Speakers

If you’ve decided the factory paper cones aren’t cutting it, upgrading is a weekend project that even a beginner can handle. I have performed this on my own 2021 Crosstrek, and the difference was night and day.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You will need:

• A panel removal tool (plastic pry bar).


• A Phillips head screwdriver.


• Metra 72-8104 (or similar) speaker wiring adapters (so you don’t have to cut wires).


• Replacement speakers (I recommend Kicker or JL Audio for Subarus).

Step 2: Remove the Door Panel

Start by prying the small plastic cover behind the door handle and removing the screw. There is usually another screw hidden inside the armrest pull handle. Once those are out, use your pry tool to pop the clips around the perimeter of the door.

Step 3: Swap the Speakers

Unscrew the factory speaker (usually 4 screws). You will notice how light the factory speaker is—the magnet is often no larger than a quarter! Connect your new speaker using the wiring harness adapter and screw it back into the factory bracket.

Pro Tip: If your new speaker is a 6.5-inch but the factory hole is for a 6×9, you will need a mounting bracket adapter.

Step 4: Add Sound Deadening

Since you have the door panel off, I highly recommend applying a few sheets of Butyl rubber sound deadener (like Dynamat) to the inner door skin. Subarus are notorious for “road noise,” and this simple step makes your new speakers sound twice as expensive.

Why Subaru Chooses These Specific Speakers

From an engineering perspective, Subaru’s choice of Harman Kardon for their premium trims isn’t just about branding.

1. Weight Savings: Harman Kardon’s GreenEdge speakers are incredibly light. This helps Subaru maintain their fuel economy and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive performance.
2. Durability: The base paper speakers are surprisingly resistant to the temperature swings found in outdoor-oriented vehicles. However, they lack the longevity of carbon fiber or poly-coned aftermarket units.
3. STARLINK Integration: The audio system is tied directly to the Subaru STARLINK safety system. This is why it is difficult to replace the head unit (the screen), making speaker upgrades the most effective way to improve sound quality.

Expert Advice for Better Sound in Your Subaru

I’ve spent hundreds of hours tuning car audio, and here is what I tell every Subaru owner:

Don’t just change the speakers; change the acoustics.
The thin metal in Subaru doors acts like a tin can. Even if you keep the factory speakers, adding closed-cell foam rings (Fast Rings) around the speaker face will direct the sound through the door grille rather than letting it bleed into the door cavity.

The “Hidden” EQ Settings.
On many newer Subaru Starlink head units, there is a “Virtual Bass” or “Loudness” setting. Turn these OFF if you install aftermarket speakers. These settings are designed to “boost” low-quality factory speakers and will actually cause distortion on high-quality aftermarket ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Subaru Outback have a subwoofer?

Only models equipped with the Harman Kardon premium audio system have a factory subwoofer. It is typically a 10-inch unit located in the passenger-side rear cargo panel. Base models do not include a dedicated subwoofer.

Can I upgrade my Subaru speakers without changing the head unit?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, because the Subaru Starlink screen controls climate and safety features, we recommend keeping the head unit and simply upgrading the speakers and adding a “hidden” compact amplifier if needed.

Is the Harman Kardon system worth the extra cost?

For most drivers, yes. It provides a much fuller soundstage and better clarity at highway speeds. However, if you are a true audiophile, you can achieve better sound for less money by buying a base trim and installing high-end aftermarket components like Focal or Morel speakers.

What speakers does Subaru use in the WRX?

The WRX follows the same pattern: the Base and Premium trims use unbranded factory speakers, while the WRX Limited and GT trims feature an 11-speaker Harman Kardon system with a 504-watt equivalent amplifier.