About This Kia Optima EX 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Kia Optima EX 2013 sits on a set of 20×8.5 / 20×8.5-inch XXR 559 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose XXR for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Kia Optima EX builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the XXR 559 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: XXR 559 on the Kia Optima EX 2013
I walked around this Optima for twenty minutes at the last show. Putting a 20x8.5 setup on this chassis is a bold move that pays off. The +38 offset sits perfectly flush with the factory fenders without needing aggressive spacers.
The XXR 559 design fills the wheel wells like they were meant for this car. We checked the caliper clearance and found plenty of room for the stock EX brakes. You won't have any interference issues with the hub bore either, provided you use the right rings.
That 20-inch diameter really stretches the visual lines of the Optima. It makes the car look longer and much more planted. The 8.5-inch width provides a clean profile that avoids that balloon-tire look.
Air suspension completely changes the game for this specific build. When the owner dumps the bags, the fenders tuck right over the top of the tire beads. It creates that seamless aesthetic that every builder chases.
Watch out for rubbing if you drive at lower heights. The inner plastic fender liners will catch the tire if you go too low without rolling the edges. I suggest trimming those liners back just a hair to save your rubber.
The spoke design on the 559s draws the eye straight to the center of the wheel. It creates a sense of motion even when the car sits completely still. We love how the barrel depth adds just enough dimension to keep things interesting.
Overall, this fitment hits the sweet spot for a daily-driven show car. It balances form and function without making the car impossible to drive. This is exactly how you dial in a K5 platform.
What We Recommend for Kia Optima EX 2013 Owners
Don't just buy wheels because they look cool in a catalog. If you daily your Optima, stick to an 18 or 19-inch wheel for better tire sidewall protection. Road hazards will destroy a 20-inch setup if you aren't careful.
For the best look, we always push for a square setup on this car. Running the same width front and rear makes tire rotations easy. It also keeps the handling predictable during cornering.
Aim for offsets between +35 and +40 for the best flush look. Anything lower than +30 will likely poke past the fenders and require a pull. You want that clean look, not a hack job with rolled lips.
Tire choice matters more than people admit. We suggest a slight stretch to clear the fender arches when you air out. A 225 or 235-width tire usually provides that perfect balance of grip and clearance.
Avoid cheap hub-centric rings at all costs. Spend the extra money on high-quality aluminum rings to prevent steering wheel vibrations. We see too many guys ignore this simple detail and ruin their ride quality.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish on these XXRs is absolute perfection against the Kia's body paint. It provides a moody, industrial contrast that looks expensive. It changes tone depending on the light, shifting from dark grey to a deep metallic shimmer.
These wheels look like they belong on a much more expensive Euro sedan. The split-spoke pattern adds a touch of aggression that the stock Optima desperately needs. It makes the car look sharper and more focused.
We see a lot of Optimas at these meets, but most run generic black wheels. This build stands out because the color choice respects the car's original design language. It feels cohesive rather than forced.
The stance is aggressive but elegant. When the car drops on the bags, the wheels tuck into the bodywork with surgical precision. It gives the Optima a wide, predatory road presence that demands a second look.
This build proves that you don't need a massive budget to create something special. You just need a clear vision and an eye for the right proportions. It remains one of our favorite modified Kias to date.
Why We Love This Build
I still think about this Optima every time I see a stock EX on the road. The Gunmetal 559s catch the setting sun in a way that highlights every curve of the body. It turns a standard commuter sedan into a genuine head-turner that commands respect in any parking lot.
The way the fenders sit perfectly against the tire bead is pure automotive art. We love seeing builders take a platform like the Kia and elevate it through thoughtful wheel choice and air suspension. It inspires us to keep pushing boundaries on our own projects.
When this thing airs out, it looks like a concept car that escaped the factory floor. Do yourself a favor and get this setup on your ride immediately.
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 Optima EX 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: XXR 559
- Wheel Size: 20×8.5 / 20×8.5
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Lexani LX-Twenty 225/35 26.2″x8.9″ / 225/35 26.2″x8.9″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Kia Optima EX owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 20×8.5 / 20×8.5-inch wheels fit my Kia Optima EX? 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 Optima EX owners run 20×8.5 / 20×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
