About This Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch AVID1 AV42 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 Touring builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 AV42 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV42 on the Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2017
I saw this Forester in person last week, and the fitment is spot on. We are looking at an 18x8.5 setup with a +35 offset all around. This square configuration keeps the handling predictable and makes tire rotations a breeze.
The +35 offset pushes the wheels out just enough to sit flush with the fenders. You get that aggressive stance without needing to pull or roll your metal. It fills the wheel wells perfectly compared to the sunken stock wheels.
I checked the caliper clearance while we were parked at the meet. The AVID1 AV42 spoke design offers plenty of room for the factory 2.0XT brakes. You will not have any annoying interference issues here.
The hub bore sits well on the Subaru platform, though you should always run hub-centric rings. Proper rings prevent those high-speed vibrations that ruin your drive. Never skip this small but vital step.
This car sits on lowering springs, which changes the game entirely. The drop tightens that unsightly fender gap and makes the wheels look even larger. It turns a grocery getter into a mean machine.
Be careful on big dips or heavy loads with this offset. If you run a meaty tire, you might graze the plastic fender liner on the rear. A quick trim with a heat gun solves that problem in minutes.
The barrel lip depth on the AV42 adds a nice touch of dimension. It gives the wheel a bit of muscle without looking like an over-the-top drift build. It is just clean, functional, and purposeful.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2017 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 18x8.5 size. It is the goldilocks zone for this chassis. Anything wider than 9 inches starts to fight for space against the suspension struts.
For offsets, stay between +30 and +38. Anything lower than +30 puts too much stress on your wheel bearings. Anything higher than +40 starts to look like a stock wheel tucked too deep.
We always suggest a square setup for these AWD Subarus. Staggered wheels mess with the center differential and can cause long-term drivetrain issues. Keep all four wheels and tires identical.
Avoid excessive tire stretch if you actually drive your Forester hard. You want a sidewall that offers a bit of protection from potholes. A 245/45/18 tire is usually the sweet spot for a meaty look.
Do not cheap out on lug nuts when installing these. Get a set of quality steel extended lugs to match the bronze finish. Cheap aluminum lugs will strip and leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish against the paint on this Forester creates an immediate visual pop. It breaks up the monotony of standard silver or black wheels. Bronze has a warmth that glows when the sun hits the spokes.
The AV42 design features a classic multi-spoke layout that screams rally heritage. It pays homage to Subaru’s history while keeping the car firmly in the modern era. The proportions balance the boxy lines of the Forester body.
I noticed how the wheels change the entire road presence of the SUV. It no longer looks like a family hauler parked at the mall. It looks ready for a mountain pass or a spirited canyon run.
This build feels cohesive because nothing is overdone. It avoids the "try-hard" aesthetic of excessive negative camber or poke. The car looks purposeful and balanced from every single angle.
Compared to other builds we have featured, this one stands out for its simplicity. Most people overcomplicate the fitment and ruin the utility of the car. This owner understood exactly how to upgrade the look without losing the soul.
Why We Love This Build
I cannot stop looking at how the bronze AVID1s catch the fading afternoon light. The Forester sits low and mean, transforming its bulky silhouette into something truly athletic and refined. Every time the wheels spin, the finish flickers like liquid metal against the dark pavement.
This build works because it respects the spirit of the 2.0XT platform. It takes a practical machine and gives it a massive injection of personality and grit. We love seeing owners push their cars to look this sharp without sacrificing daily comfort.
You owe it to yourself to get a set of wheels that make you look back every time you walk away. This Forester does exactly that, and it inspires us to go drive. Go get your fitment dialed in right now.
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 Touring 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV42
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: General G-max As-07 245/50 27.6″x9.6″ / 245/50 27.6″x9.6″
- Suspension: Lowered on Springs
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 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 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring? 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 Touring 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.
