About This Kia Optima SXL 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Kia Optima SXL 2013 sits on a set of 20×8.5 / 20×8.5-inch Kraze Cray wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Kraze 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 SXL builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Kraze Cray creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Kraze Cray on the Kia Optima SXL 2013
I walked up to this Optima SXL and the 20x8.5 Kraze Cray setup caught my eye immediately. These wheels sit flush with the fenders thanks to that +35 offset. It creates a perfect look without needing any wild modifications to the body lines.
The 8.5-inch width is the absolute sweet spot for this chassis. It provides enough footprint to put the power down while keeping the steering feel sharp. I checked the clearance and those spokes clear the big SXL calipers with room to spare.
We see a lot of owners mess up the hub bore, but these fit the Kia’s hub perfectly. No shaky steering wheels or weird vibrations at highway speeds here. The direct fitment keeps the driving experience tight and reliable.
You might worry about rubbing since the car is on stock suspension. I inspected the inner liners and the outer lips during my walkaround. Everything stays clear even when you turn the wheel to full lock.
The barrel lip depth on these Cray wheels adds some serious character. It gives the Optima a muscular, planted stance that the factory wheels just cannot touch. It transforms the profile of the car from a commuter to a cruiser.
The stock suspension height actually plays nice with this specific 20-inch diameter. You get a filled-out wheel arch without the constant fear of scraping your bumper on every speed bump. It keeps the daily driving chores painless while looking sharp.
Just watch those potholes on the road. When you run 20s with a thinner tire sidewall, you need to be careful. Treat your wheels with respect and they will keep the car looking aggressive for years.
What We Recommend for Kia Optima SXL 2013 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 20x8.5 size. Do not go wider than 9 inches unless you plan on doing some heavy fender work. Anything wider will start rubbing against the liner or the outer metal.
For your offset, aim for that +35 to +40 range. It pushes the wheel out just enough to kill that sunken look Kia gave us from the factory. It makes the car look wider and more stable instantly.
I suggest a square setup for this car. Staggering on a front-wheel-drive platform like the Optima usually just causes headaches with tire rotations. Keep all four corners the same size so you can actually use your tires properly.
Regarding tires, do not go for a ridiculous stretch. Run a 235/35R20 tire to get a nice, clean fit against the rim. It protects the chrome finish from curbs and keeps the ride quality somewhat civilized.
Avoid using cheap spacers if you can help it. Buying the right offset from the start is always better than chasing alignment issues later. Do it once and do it right so you can spend your weekends driving, not fixing.
Style and Build Analysis
The chrome finish on these Kraze Cray wheels is pure nostalgia done right. It pops aggressively against the paint, especially when the sun hits the spokes. It makes the whole car look more expensive than it really is.
The spoke design is bold and demands attention. It breaks up the visual mass of the Optima’s long body. I love how the light dances across the chrome while the car rolls down the street.
Proportions are everything in this game. By jumping up to 20-inch wheels, the owner balanced out the long doors of the Optima. The car feels more grounded and looks like it belongs on a magazine cover.
I have seen plenty of Optimas with black wheels, but they often just disappear into the shadows. This chrome setup makes a statement that you cannot ignore. It is a loud, confident choice that pays off in every light.
The stance is clean and purposeful. It does not try too hard to be a race car, but it clearly shows that the owner cares about aesthetics. It is a classy build that keeps the spirit of the SXL trim alive.
Why We Love This Build
This Optima is a masterclass in clean, bold styling. Seeing those chrome Kraze Cray wheels catch the afternoon light as the car rolls past is a total vibe. The way they fill the arches makes the factory lines look intentional and sharp. We love that the owner kept the suspension stock to preserve the ride while upgrading the entire exterior presence.
Everything about this car feels finished and ready to hit the local show circuit. It strikes that rare balance between a daily driver and a head-turner. We see a lot of cars, but this one proves that a solid set of wheels changes the entire personality of a vehicle. This build is proof that style still matters.
You need to step up your game and get those arches filled.
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 SXL 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Kraze Cray
- Wheel Size: 20×8.5 / 20×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Chrome
- Tires: Nitto NT555 G2 235/20 23.7″x9.3″ / 235/20 23.7″x9.3″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Kia Optima SXL 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 SXL? 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 SXL 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.
