About This Kia Forte GT 2020 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Bronze Kia Forte GT 2020 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Option Lab R716 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Option Lab for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Kia Forte GT builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Bronze exterior with the Option Lab R716 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R716 on the Kia Forte GT 2020
I walked around this Forte GT for twenty minutes just to soak in the lines. Putting an 18x8.5 setup on this chassis transforms the stance immediately. The 35 offset pushes the wheel face out perfectly flush with the factory fenders.
We see a lot of guys struggle with clearance on the Kia platform. These R716s clear the stock GT calipers with room to spare. You do not need to hunt for spacers here.
The 8.5-inch width provides a solid footprint without ballooning the tire. It creates a square shoulder that looks aggressive. The hub bore matches up nicely, so vibration stays at zero.
I looked closely at the fender gap while it sat on coilovers. The drop brings the top of the tire right to the edge of the metal. You get that clean, tucked look without sacrificing all your travel.
Those spokes on the R716 have a killer geometry. They open up the wheel well and show off the brakes. The barrel depth adds just enough visual weight to ground the car.
Be careful if you decide to go any lower than this build. The inner fender liner is a common rubbing spot on these Kias. A quick heat gun treatment on the liner will solve that headache.
This fitment hits the sweet spot between performance and aesthetics. It keeps the car drivable while giving it a proper road presence. I honestly would not change a single millimeter on this setup.
What We Recommend for Kia Forte GT 2020 Owners
Stop trying to fit 19-inch wheels on this car. You lose all the sidewall comfort and the ride becomes a nightmare. Stick with 18s for the best balance of handling and style.
The 35 offset is your best friend on the Forte GT. Anything higher tucks the wheel too far inside. Anything lower starts to poke and creates massive rock chip issues.
Ignore the urge to run a staggered setup on this front-wheel-drive machine. Square setups let you rotate your tires properly. It keeps the handling predictable during hard cornering.
Do not cheap out on your tire choice. A quality 225 or 235 wide tire makes the R716 look much better. Too much stretch just makes the setup look unfinished and weak.
Check your coilover damping settings before you drive hard. Soften the rear slightly to keep the tires from slapping the liners. Proper adjustment makes or breaks a daily driver build.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze paint on this Kia is a bold choice that pays off. Most owners play it safe with black or silver. This color choice demands attention every time the sun hits it.
The R716 wheels provide a sharp contrast against that bronze body. The finish of the wheel cuts through the darkness of the arches. It creates a look that feels both custom and factory-correct.
I love how the wheel design mimics the aggressive spirit of the GT trim. It looks fast even when the car sits parked. The proportions feel balanced from every single angle.
Compared to other Forte builds, this one stands apart. Many guys slap on random wheels that kill the design language. This setup embraces the car's natural aggression instead of fighting it.
This is a masterclass in selecting the right aftermarket parts. It stays true to the Kia aesthetic while turning the volume up to eleven. You can tell the owner actually enjoys driving this car.
Why We Love This Build
This Kia Forte GT stops us in our tracks for a reason. The way the light dances off that bronze paint is mesmerizing. When the Option Lab wheels catch the sun, the whole car looks like a piece of art.
It sits so low and mean that it looks glued to the pavement. You can feel the intention behind every single modification. It isn't just another economy car with wheels thrown on it.
I want to grab the keys and take this thing for a canyon run. It makes you feel like a kid again just looking at it. This is exactly how you build a modern daily.
This is the blueprint for a perfect Kia build.
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: Kia Forte GT 2020
- Vehicle Color: Bronze
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Tires: Federal SS595 225/35 24.2″x8.9″ / 225/35 24.2″x8.9″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Kia Forte GT 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 Kia Forte GT? 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 Kia Forte GT 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.
