About This Kia Soul EX 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Kia Soul EX 2017 sits on a set of 20×9 / 20×11-inch XXR 968 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 Soul EX builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the XXR 968 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: XXR 968 on the Kia Soul EX 2017
When I first walked around this 2017 Kia Soul, the aggressive width of the XXR 968s caught me off guard. Running a 20x9 up front and a massive 20x11 in the rear transforms this boxy commuter into a wide-body menace. You do not see many Souls rocking this much hardware under the fenders.
The 35 offset on the front wheels tucks perfectly against the stock strut assembly without catching the brakes. Those XXR 968 spokes have enough concave depth to clear the calipers easily. You get a clean look that sits flush with the quarter panels when the air bags drop.
That 15 offset on the rear 20x11 wheels creates a deep dish that looks purely menacing. Because this car sits on full air suspension, you can dial in the perfect camber to tuck those rear tires when you park. It is a bold move that demands respect at every local meet.
The hub bore on these XXRs requires hub-centric rings to ensure a vibration-free ride on the highway. I noticed the inner barrels clear the rear trailing arms by a hair, so watch your clearances there. You definitely need to keep an eye on your inner liner wear.
The fender gap vanishes completely once the air bags deflate. The tires sit just millimeters away from the inner fender lip, creating that perfect dumped aesthetic. You must roll your fenders if you want to drive this low without chewing up your rubber.
These wheels turn the Kia Soul into a real road presence. The sheer width of the rear setup changes the entire footprint of the vehicle. It creates a square, planted look that stock wheels could never achieve.
Just keep an eye on your alignment specs after you air out. Running this much width means any major bump will test your fender rolling job. Proceed with caution, but enjoy the insane look once you get it dialed in.
What We Recommend for Kia Soul EX 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, start by sourcing high-quality adjustable control arms. You need that extra camber adjustment to pull off an 11-inch wide wheel in the back. Do not attempt this fitment without a way to fine-tune your alignment.
For the front, stick to a 9-inch wide wheel to keep your steering feel sharp. Going wider up front will lead to heavy rubbing at full lock during tight turns. Stick to an offset between 30 and 35 for the best clearance.
We always suggest a square setup if this is your daily driver. While the staggered look on this build is legendary, a square 9-inch setup makes tire rotations much easier. It also keeps your handling predictable in the rain.
Tire stretch is a requirement here, not an option. You need a slight stretch on those 11-inch rear wheels to clear the fender arches when you air out. Find a shop that knows how to mount tires on wide, aggressive barrels.
Do not skimp on your lug nuts or hub rings. When you run wheels this wide, you put extra stress on your wheel bearings and studs. Use high-grade steel hardware to keep everything bolted down tight.
Measure twice before you buy your rubber. Every millimeter matters when you are trying to tuck a 20-inch wheel into a Kia chassis. Take your time and get the math right the first time.
Style and Build Analysis
The Flat Black finish on these XXR 968s changes the entire vibe of the Soul. It hides the brake dust while making the wheels look like dark voids under the car. It contrasts beautifully against the paint, giving the car a serious, industrial aesthetic.
The multi-spoke design of the 968s complements the angular lines of the 2017 Soul. These wheels do not look out of place; they look like they were meant to be there. The design is bold, loud, and impossible to ignore.
We have seen plenty of Souls, but this one stands apart. The way the wheels fill the arches creates a stance that feels grounded and heavy. Most builds look like they are floating, but this one looks pinned to the asphalt.
The proportions on this build are spot on for the custom scene. The massive 20-inch diameter fills the wheel wells perfectly, eliminating that awkward gap. It makes the car look smaller, tighter, and much more aggressive.
When the sun hits these Flat Black wheels, the spokes cast sharp shadows that define the car's profile. It is a masterclass in how to change a car's character with just a set of wheels and some air. This is how you modify a modern commuter.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this Kia Soul in person reminds me why we modify cars. It takes a humble, boxy platform and turns it into a show-stopper with a few smart choices. The Flat Black XXR 968s catch the light just right, anchoring the car to the ground when the air suspension dumps the chassis.
The sight of those massive 20x11 rear wheels tucked neatly inside the arches makes our jaws drop every time. It is a brave, unapologetic build that ignores the rules of traditional commuting. We love the grit and the vision that went into this setup.
If you want to turn heads and push boundaries, follow this blueprint. This build proves that any car can be cool if you have the right wheels and a vision. Grab a set and go own the streets.
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 Soul EX 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: XXR 968
- Wheel Size: 20×9 / 20×11
- Offset: 35 / 15
- Wheel Finish: Flat Black
- Tires: Lexani LX-Twenty 235/35 26.5″x9.3″ / 275/30 26.5″x10.8″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Kia Soul EX owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 20×9 / 20×11-inch wheels fit my Kia Soul 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 Soul EX owners run 20×9 / 20×11-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
