About This Kia Forte LX 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Kia Forte LX 2017 sits on a set of 18×8 / 18×9-inch Aodhan LS001 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Aodhan 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 LX builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Aodhan LS001 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Aodhan LS001 on the Kia Forte LX 2017
I walked up to this Forte and immediately noticed the aggressive stance. Running 18x8 in the front and 18x9 in the rear creates a wild profile for a commuter car. The 15 offset pushes these wheels way out toward the fender edges.
This setup is not for the faint of heart. That 15 offset sits significantly more aggressive than the factory Kia specs. You definitely deal with some major poke on this platform.
The Aodhan LS001 design gives us plenty of room for the stock brake calipers. We saw no contact issues between the barrel and the dust shield. The hub bore matches up nicely, but definitely run some hub-centric rings to keep everything vibration-free.
The 18x9 rear wheel features a decent amount of lip depth for an entry-level cast wheel. It adds a premium look that the stock steelies just cannot touch. You get that deep, industrial feel that really pops against the body lines.
Because this car runs stock suspension, the wheel gap is still quite visible. The tires have a lot of room to move before they kiss the inner liner. However, hit a nasty bump mid-turn and you might hear a little bit of rubbing.
Those fenders are completely untouched right now. If you decide to drop this car on coils, you will need a fender roll immediately. Without that, you risk shredding your sidewalls on the metal lip.
The multi-spoke design of the LS001 draws the eye outward to the edge of the rim. It makes the car feel wider than it actually is. It is a bold choice that transforms the economy-car vibe into something much more aggressive.
What We Recommend for Kia Forte LX 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, proceed with caution. A 15 offset is very aggressive for the Forte. We usually suggest staying closer to a 35 offset if you want a flush fitment without major body mods.
I suggest a square 18x8 setup for daily driving. It makes tire rotations much easier and keeps the handling predictable. Staggered setups look cooler, but they add unnecessary complexity to a front-wheel-drive platform.
Do not skip on the tires. If you run these Aodhans, pick a tire with a slightly rounded shoulder. It helps mitigate rubbing issues when you hit those deep dips in the road.
Watch out for spacer math. Since the LS001 wheels already push out so far with the 15 offset, you really do not need any spacers. Adding them will just push your wheels into the fender metal.
My biggest piece of advice is to lower the car. These wheels look a bit lost with the stock wheel gap, no matter how cool the design is. Even a mild lowering spring will bridge that gap and make the fitment look intentional.
Always double-check your bolt pattern and lug nuts. The Kia Forte uses a 5x114.3 pattern, which is super common in the aftermarket world. Just make sure you get the right conical seat lug nuts to keep those wheels locked down tight.
Style and Build Analysis
The Machined Accents finish on these LS001 wheels is the star of the show. It catches the sun every time the car moves down the street. It creates a high-contrast look that makes the wheel design jump out against the tire.
The spokes have a sharp, technical geometry that works well with the Kia’s modern front end. It looks like a factory-optional wheel from a much more expensive trim level. It elevates the entire aesthetic of the LX model.
I love how the light plays across the machined surfaces. It breaks up the dark mass of the tire, giving the wheel a sense of motion even when the car is parked. This is how you change the character of a car without a full body kit.
Compared to other builds, this one stays clean and focused. Many people overdo it with wild colors or huge wings. This Forte relies on simple, high-quality hardware to do the talking.
The proportion of the 18-inch wheel feels just right for the Forte’s body size. It fills the wheel wells enough to look substantial without making the car look like a cartoon. It’s a balanced build that feels right at home at any local meet.
Overall, the stance is the most striking feature. It is aggressive, unapologetic, and totally changes how the car sits on the pavement. You cannot walk past this car without stopping to look at the wheels.
Why We Love This Build
This Kia Forte proves that you do not need a luxury sports car to build something that turns heads. The way the Machined Accents catch the late afternoon light is pure magic. It makes the whole car look fast, even when it is just sitting at the curb.
We love the gutsy choice of the 15 offset. It gives the car a wide, planted footprint that you rarely see on a base-model sedan. The Aodhan LS001s bring a level of aggression that finally matches the Kia’s sharp styling.
This is the kind of build that makes us fall in love with the hobby all over again. It is clean, bold, and entirely custom. Get yourself a set and change your perspective.
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 LX 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Aodhan LS001
- Wheel Size: 18×8 / 18×9
- Offset: 15 / 15
- Wheel Finish: Machined Accents
- Tires: Federal SS595 225/40 25.1″x8.9″ / 225/40 25.1″x8.9″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Kia Forte LX owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8 / 18×9-inch wheels fit my Kia Forte LX? 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 LX owners run 18×8 / 18×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
