About This Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2016 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch AVID1 AV20 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose AVID1 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 AVID1 AV20 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV20 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2016
I walked around this 2016 WRX at the last meet and the stance immediately caught my eye. The 18x9.5 AVID1 AV20s are a massive upgrade over those factory rollers. The 22 offset pushes these wheels way out toward the fender edge for a super aggressive look.
That 22 offset is a bold choice for a stock suspension setup. You get that flush look, but you definitely dance right on the edge of rubbing. The wheels fill the arches without needing a spacer, which keeps the hub bore seating clean.
We checked the caliper clearance and it is tight but safe. The spoke design of the AV20 gives the brakes enough room to breathe behind the face. You get a nice concave profile that makes the wheel look deeper than a flat-faced rim.
The width of 9.5 inches provides a much meatier contact patch than the skinny stock wheels. You will feel that extra grip the moment you toss the car into a sharp corner. The barrel lip depth gives the car a serious, track-focused aesthetic.
Since this car runs on stock suspension, you have a bit of vertical clearance to play with. However, watch out for the rear fenders on big highway dips or heavy compression. The tire sidewall will definitely want to kiss the fender liner if you hit a bad enough bump.
The hub bore fits the WRX platform perfectly with the right rings. I always tell guys to double-check their hub rings to prevent any annoying high-speed vibrations. This setup turns the WRX from a standard daily driver into something that demands a second look.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Owners
If you want this look, start with a 9.5-inch width for that ideal stance. I always push for a square setup on these AWD Subarus to keep the handling predictable and tire rotations easy. Staggered setups on these cars usually just cause unnecessary headaches.
For the offset, stay between 35 and 38 if you want to avoid rolling your fenders. Pushing out to a 22 offset like this build is awesome, but be ready to pull or roll the metal. Don't skip the alignment rack after you bolt these on.
Tire choice changes everything when you run a 9.5-inch wheel. A 255/35/18 tire is the sweet spot for a nice, square shoulder that resists rubbing. If you go wider, you are asking for fender interference on every single turn.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs if you go with a higher offset wheel. Proper hub-centric spacers are fine, but they add unnecessary stress to your wheel bearings. Get the offset right from the factory and you will save yourself a ton of trouble.
Most guys make the mistake of buying wheels that are too narrow for the WRX body lines. The car has wide, flared hips, so you need the width to fill that space properly. Don't be afraid to go wide, just pay attention to your alignment specs.
Style and Build Analysis
The black finish on these AV20s creates a sinister, monochromatic vibe. It contrasts sharply against the factory paint and gives the car a much heavier, more planted road presence. It really highlights the aggressive body lines of the 2016 model year.
I love the multi-spoke design of the AV20 because it mimics classic JDM styles. It keeps the aesthetic clean without being too busy or flashy. The dark finish hides brake dust better than silver wheels, which keeps the build looking fresh for longer.
This car sits with a purposeful, street-ready stance that looks ready for a rally stage. The proportions feel balanced, even with the aggressive offset pushing the tires out. It avoids the "clown car" look that happens when wheels stick out way too far past the fenders.
Compared to other builds we see at the shop, this one feels very deliberate. The owner didn't go for a wild color; they stuck to a proven formula that works with the WRX chassis. It looks like a car that gets driven hard every single weekend.
Visual impact comes down to the depth of the wheel face. The concave spokes on the AV20 give the car a high-end, custom feel that the stock wheels simply cannot match. It is a textbook example of how a simple wheel swap changes the entire personality of a vehicle.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX is pure automotive candy. The black AVID1 AV20s draw your eye straight to the wheel wells, making the whole car look lower and wider than it actually is. When the sun hits those black spokes, the metallic finish pops and highlights the deep concave design perfectly.
We see thousands of cars, but this specific setup hits the mark because it feels honest. It is an aggressive, no-nonsense look that makes a stock-height WRX feel like a track-prepped machine. The way the tires square off against the fenders creates a profile that makes you stop and stare every time.
Builds like this remind me why we started this site in the first place. It is accessible, stylish, and hits that perfect sweet spot of form and function. This is exactly how a 2016 WRX should look in the wild. If you want a setup that commands respect, this is your blueprint.
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 2016
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV20
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Continental A/t Sport 265/35 25.3″x10.4″ / 265/35 25.3″x10.4″
- 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 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-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 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
