About This Kia Optima EX 2019 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Kia Optima EX 2019 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch AVID1 SL02 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 Kia Optima EX builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 SL02 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 SL02 on the Kia Optima EX 2019
I walked up to this Optima and immediately noticed the stance. Running 18x8.5 all around gives this sedan a serious, planted look. We opted for the +35 offset to push those wheels right to the edge of the fender line.
The SL02 design clears the stock calipers with room to spare. You will not have any clearance issues with the factory brake hardware on this EX trim. The hub bore matches up perfectly, so you can forget about annoying vibration issues.
When you look at the barrel, the depth is subtle but adds a nice touch of aggression. The spoke design arcs outward just enough to catch the light. It breaks up the flat face of the wheel nicely.
Since the car is on stock suspension, the wheel fills the arch gaps surprisingly well. You get a much cleaner profile than the factory alloy setup. The 18-inch diameter keeps the ride quality comfortable for daily driving.
We checked for rubbing during full-lock turns, and everything clears. You avoid that annoying fender liner contact that ruins your day. The clearance remains safe even when the suspension compresses over bumps.
The +35 offset is the secret sauce here. It sits flush without making the car look like a cartoon. It strikes that perfect balance between style and mechanical safety.
What We Recommend for Kia Optima EX 2019 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 18x8.5 width. It is the gold standard for the Optima platform. Anything wider and you risk rubbing the inner liners or suspension struts.
The +35 offset is our absolute favorite for this generation. It brings the wheel out enough to fill the void without needing to roll your fenders. Keep it simple and keep your paint job intact.
We always suggest a square setup for a daily driver like this. It allows for tire rotation and keeps your handling predictable in the rain. Staggered setups look cool, but they just create headaches on a front-wheel-drive sedan.
Don't fall for the trap of buying massive wheels that ruin your ride. Stick to 18s or 19s if you must, but 18s offer the best tire selection. You want enough sidewall to protect those rims from our terrible city potholes.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can help it. They just introduce unnecessary points of failure to your hub assembly. Get the right offset from the start and you will never look back.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gloss Black finish against this specific body color is a masterclass in contrast. It makes the car look darker and more intentional. The shine of the clear coat on these wheels demands attention from every angle.
The SL02 design features clean, sharp lines that match the Optima’s aggressive front fascia. It feels like an OEM+ upgrade that Kia should have offered from the factory. It elevates the entire aesthetic of the vehicle instantly.
I love how the proportion fills the wheel well. It eliminates that awkward "sunken wheel" look that plagues so many stock sedans. The car looks ready for the road instead of sitting on stilts.
Compared to other builds I have seen, this one is remarkably cohesive. Many owners go too wild with flashy colors or aggressive widths. This setup proves that restraint often yields the best results.
The stance gives the car a lower center of gravity visually. Even without lowering springs, the car commands the road with more authority. It is a subtle change that makes a massive impact on the street.
Why We Love This Build
This Optima hits the sweet spot for me. When the sun hits those Gloss Black SL02s, the whole car just pops against the asphalt. It looks like a proper executive sedan with a hidden wild streak.
We love that the owner kept the suspension stock but chose wheels that make the car look lowered anyway. It shows that smart offset choices beat expensive coilover kits every single time. It is clean, functional, and looks mean.
Every time I walk past this build, I stop and stare for a second. It proves you do not need a massive budget to transform your daily driver. Go get yourself a set and watch your car transform.
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 2019
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 SL02
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gloss Black
- Tires: Vercelli 225/45 26″x8.9″ / 225/45 26″x8.9″
- Suspension: Stock
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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
