About This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Motegi MR118 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Motegi for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Motegi MR118 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Motegi MR118 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked up to this 2017 WRX Premium and immediately noticed the stance. We see a lot of aggressive setups, but these 18x8.5 Motegi MR118s hit the sweet spot for a daily driver. The 35 offset pushes the wheels just far enough to fill the arches without looking ridiculous.
That 35 offset is perfect for this VA chassis. It gives the car a much wider track than the factory wheels. You get that flush look that we all crave without needing to hack up your fenders.
The 18-inch diameter keeps the proportions right for a rally-inspired sedan. I checked the clearance on those front calipers, and the MR118 design leaves plenty of room. You will not have any issues with brake interference here.
Since this car runs the stock suspension, the gap is still noticeable but manageable. The wheels sit nicely inside the well, and you do not have to worry about the tire scrubbing the inner liner. It is a clean, functional setup.
I looked closely at the hub bore and fitment. Everything lines up exactly as it should on the Subaru 5x114.3 pattern. No vibrations, no nonsense, just a solid bolt-on upgrade.
The spoke design on the MR118 is relatively flat, but it adds a rugged, industrial vibe. It looks like it belongs on a car that actually sees dirt and gravel roads. It is a no-nonsense aesthetic that fits the Subaru brand perfectly.
Just keep an eye on your tire choice if you decide to lower the car later. With a 35 offset, you might get a tiny bit of rub if you go too wide on the rubber. For now, on stock height, it is totally safe.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you own a VA WRX, stop overthinking your wheel purchase. An 18x8.5 or 18x9 setup is the gold standard for this platform. Anything wider and you are just asking for alignment headaches and fender rolling.
We always tell people to stick with a square setup. Staggered wheels on an AWD platform like this will eat your center differential for breakfast. Keep the same width at all four corners to keep your drivetrain happy.
The 35 to 40 offset range is your best friend. A 35 offset like this Motegi setup gives you that aggressive poke. If you want something more conservative, aim for 40 or 45 to keep the tires tucked under the fenders.
Don’t fall into the trap of using cheap wheel spacers. If you buy the right offset wheels the first time, you won't need them. Spacers just add unnecessary stress to your wheel bearings.
When picking tires, match your width to your goals. A 245/40/18 tire is the perfect match for an 8.5-inch wide wheel. It provides enough sidewall to protect the rim while giving you plenty of grip for the twisties.
Avoid massive tire stretch if you want actual performance. It looks cool for the 'gram, but it kills your ride quality and ruins your grip. Keep a meaty tire on there and enjoy the way the car actually handles.
Style and Build Analysis
The matte black finish on these MR118s changes the whole personality of the car. It transforms the WRX from a standard commuter into something that looks ready for a stage rally. Black wheels against a clean paint job always pop.
I love how the spokes are simple and bold. There are no crazy curves or weird angles here. It is just a classic, rally-inspired multi-spoke design that stands the test of time.
The proportions are spot on. Because the wheels are black, they blend into the tire sidewall, making the entire wheel-and-tire package look like one solid unit. It makes the car look hunkered down and ready for action.
We have featured plenty of flashy, chrome, or bronze builds on the site lately. Coming back to this matte black setup is refreshing. It is understated, aggressive, and undeniably cool.
The stance isn't slammed, but it feels purposeful. Every time we see this car on the road, it looks like it is moving even when it is standing still. That is the hallmark of a great wheel choice.
This isn't a build that screams for attention at a car meet. Instead, it earns respect from people who know what they are looking at. It is a masterclass in clean, functional modification.
Why We Love This Build
I walked around this WRX for ten minutes, just admiring how the light hit those black spokes. It is not trying too hard, yet it pulls off a look that turns heads at every stoplight. The black Motegi wheels fill out the arches with a toughness that the factory alloys simply lack. It feels like the car finally found its true identity.
There is a raw, mechanical honesty to this build that we really respect. It reminds us that you don't need a massive budget or air suspension to make a car look incredible. Sometimes, a quality wheel with the right offset is all you need to change your perspective. This Subaru is built to be driven, and it looks damn good doing it. Go get yourself a set.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Subaru WRX Premium 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Motegi MR118
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru WRX Premium? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Subaru WRX Premium owners run 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
