I have an '09 with the stock steel wheels and ran about 60k miles on BFG Long Trail TA Tours and am now about 11k miles into a set of Michelin LTX M/S's, both of these in 215/70x16. (I also put some miles on the stock 215/65's and ran a set of 225/65 Continentals for about 25k miles till one tire was destroyed.) You should be able to order OEM '09-13 wheels from a dealer, or you may be able to find a set of takeoffs from someone who has moved to alloys.

It won't be an autocrosser with this size on them, but on my '09, I pick up about an inch in diameter, a bit more belly clearance, like them in the snow and muddy trails. I don't know how the '14 suspension is calibrated, buy my '09 is a leaner in turns to begin with, and with a decent amount of air (32-35 lbs) in the 215/70's, I don't feel that I lose much cornering grip. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a GREAT tire--I ran thru 3 sets of the old LTX M/S variations on a full size Ford van.

I have an old BMW for playing in the twisties, and also a '16 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T which actually corners flatter than the Subaru.

Hope this helps...I think the Outback used a 215/70x16 as the stock size for a while, as did the Honda Element, maybe the CR-V also. I like the 70 sidewall height for blasting thru Detroit chuckholes (and have bent more than a few wheels in my life with 50, 55, and 60 series tires...)

Good luck,
George

 

Will the 16 inch wheels on the 3rd generation models work on the 4th generation models?

 

I believe so....48 mm offset, 5x100 bolt pattern. 16" steel wheels with the same specs were used on some year Outbacks and Legacies also, and I think even the styled steel wheels on earlier gen Foresters will work. As I said, some of the Outbacks even used 215/70x16" tires. Imprezas used a 55mm offset (set-in was further)...so make sure you get the 48mm offset if possible.

I think all the steel wheel apps are 6.5" wide, which is a good width for a 215/70. Here's a really good interchange chart. Not sure if the pre-TPMS year wheels will fit your car, but my '09 has TPMS. Understanding Tires and Wheels: FAQ, Subaru sizes, codes

Good luck,
George