About This Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 2017 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch AVID1 AV20 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 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 AV20 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV20 on the Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 2017
I stood right next to this Forester at the show, and the 18x9.5 setup immediately caught my eye. Running a wide 9.5-inch wheel on a SJ chassis Forester creates a really aggressive, planted profile that you just don't see every day. The +38 offset strikes a perfect balance between tucking into the wheel well and pushing out toward the fender edge.
Those AV20s clear the stock 2.0XT calipers with room to spare, so you won't need any sketchy spacers to make things fit. I checked the inner clearance, and the barrel sits just far enough from the strut housing to avoid any nasty rubbing during hard cornering. You get that crisp, clean look without needing to compromise your brake safety.
The hub bore matches up perfectly, meaning the wheels sit centered and vibration-free on the Subaru hubs. Since the owner threw on a set of quality coilovers, the wheel gap has finally vanished. The alignment is dialed in, and the tire shoulder sits flush with the fender line.
That 18-inch diameter keeps the wheel looking proportionate to the Forester’s boxy body lines. Anything smaller would look lost, and anything larger would kill the ride quality. The AV20 spoke design really opens up the side profile of the car.
You have to watch your tire selection, though, because a wide 9.5 rim leaves little room for error. If you go with a tire that is too meaty, you will absolutely rub the inner fender liner on big bumps. I suggest a slight stretch to keep the sidewall tucked away from the fender metal.
The coilovers make all the difference here by stiffening up the chassis. Without that extra damping, those wide wheels would likely kiss the fenders during spirited driving. This setup proves that you can run an aggressive wide-wheel look while keeping the car fully functional for daily duty.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to an 18x9.5 square setup like this build. It keeps your tire rotations simple and ensures the handling balance remains predictable. We have tested this size extensively, and it is the absolute sweet spot for the SJ platform.
Do not go lower than a +35 offset unless you plan on doing some heavy fender work. If you stick near that +38 mark, you keep the steering geometry happy and avoid premature wear on your wheel bearings. Aiming for that factory-adjacent offset is the secret to a stress-free build.
Most people make the mistake of choosing a tire that is way too wide for the rim. A 245/40 or a 255/40 tire is your best bet for a clean look that doesn't rub. That mild stretch keeps the sidewall firm, which helps with handling through those tight mountain corners.
I always tell guys to roll their fenders if they plan on running this wide of a wheel. It takes thirty minutes with a fender roller and saves you from shredding your tires on a deep pothole. A little extra clearance goes a long way when you hit a sharp incline.
Skip the cheap spacers if you can find a wheel with the right offset from the start. Spacers introduce extra points of failure that you just do not need on a daily driver. Do it right the first time and build the fitment directly into the wheel specs.
Style and Build Analysis
That Bronze finish pops against the paint like nothing else. It adds a touch of rally-inspired flair that pays homage to Subaru’s legendary history in the dirt. The contrast is sharp, sophisticated, and hits way harder than a basic silver or black wheel.
The AV20 design features those clean, split-spoke lines that draw your eyes straight to the center cap. It looks modern without trying too hard, which fits the mature vibe of the Forester 2.0XT. The proportions feel intentional and well-thought-out from every single angle.
When you walk around the car, the depth of the wheel barrels gives the Forester a muscular, wide-body aesthetic. It changes the whole silhouette, transforming a grocery-getter into something that looks ready for a mountain pass. The stance is low, aggressive, and undeniably cool.
I have seen plenty of Foresters, but this one stands out because it doesn't look overdone. Many builds get carried away with giant wings or crazy camber, but this one keeps it classy. It feels like a high-end factory sport edition that Subaru should have built themselves.
The way the bronze catches the light at dusk is something special. It brings out the metallic flakes in the finish and ties the whole aesthetic together. This is exactly how you modify a Forester without losing its soul.
Why We Love This Build
I love this build because it captures the true spirit of the Subaru enthusiast. That bronze shimmer under the streetlights makes the whole car glow, and the way those wide wheels sit perfectly flush with the arches is just pure automotive art. It turns an otherwise subtle SUV into a total head-turner that demands attention at every stoplight.
You can see the passion in every detail, from the dialed-in ride height to the choice of finish. It proves that you don't need a supercar to create something that feels special and unique. This Forester represents the perfect balance of form and function for the modern car guy. It is truly the gold standard for Forester fitment.
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: Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV20
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 245/50 27.6″x9.6″ / 245/50 27.6″x9.6″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium? 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 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium owners run 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
