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 19×10.5 / 19×10.5-inch Work Emotion M8R wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Work 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 Work Emotion M8R creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Work Emotion M8R on the Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2017
I stood right next to this Forester at the show, and the fitment on these 19x10.5 Work Emotion M8Rs is absolutely aggressive. Running a 10.5-inch width on an SJ chassis requires serious commitment to the craft. That +22 offset pushes the face out right to the absolute limit of the factory fender lines.
Most people think a Forester can’t handle a square 10.5 setup, but this build proves them wrong. We checked the inner clearance, and the air suspension allows for a perfect tuck when the car airs out. The hub bore matches up clean, and those massive spokes give the build a solid, planted look.
Clearance for the factory 2.0XT brakes is a non-issue with this specific M8R design. The barrel depth creates a deep, concave profile that makes the wheel look even wider than the tape measure suggests. It honestly fills the wheel wells in a way the stock setup never could.
You have to watch the fender liners, though, because that +22 offset is pushing it. Without the air ride, you would be fighting constant rubbing on every single bump in the road. We noticed the inner barrel clears the strut housing just enough to keep things running smooth.
The spokes on the M8R have a specific geometry that catches the light beautifully near the hub. This concave shape creates a visual weight that balances the boxy body lines of the 2017 Touring perfectly. It transforms a grocery-getter into a total show-stopper.
Running this setup requires you to pay attention to your alignment specs. You need a bit of negative camber to pull the top of the wheel inside that fender lip. Once you dial in the air pressure, the car sits at the perfect height for a aggressive, static-style look.
Seeing the way the white finish pops against the wheel well liners is a masterclass in contrast. Every detail here shows that the owner understands how to manipulate space and geometry. It is bold, it is wide, and it is exactly how you modify a Forester.
What We Recommend for Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, start with the suspension. Do not even attempt a 10.5-inch width on stock struts or simple lowering springs. You need the adjustability of air or a very stiff coilover setup to prevent tire carnage.
For most daily drivers, we recommend sticking to a 19x9.5 range with a +35 or +38 offset. This keeps the wheels closer to the factory geometry while still giving you that wide, aftermarket appearance. You get the look without the headache of custom fender work.
Always stick to a square setup if you want to keep your AWD system happy. Subaru differentials do not like mismatched tire diameters, so keep the rubber consistent on all four corners. We have seen too many owners ruin their center diffs by guessing on sizing.
If you choose to run a aggressive 10.5, prepare to roll your fenders and possibly pull them slightly. Stretching a tire is usually required to tuck the rubber under the steel when you air out. It is a necessary evil when you want to push the limits of fitment.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can help it. A proper wheel choice, like the Work M8R, should fit the hub correctly without needing extra hardware. Always prioritize structural integrity over a few extra millimeters of poke.
Style and Build Analysis
The choice of white wheels on this colorway is a bold move that pays off immediately. White finish on deep-dish wheels adds a level of brightness that draws the eye straight to the rolling gear. It breaks up the dark lines of the Forester body and gives it a rally-inspired aesthetic.
I love how the M8R design feels both modern and industrial at the same time. The eight-spoke layout is clean and simple, which contrasts well with the complex body curves of the 2017 XT. It avoids looking cluttered, even with such a wide footprint.
Proportions are the secret sauce of this build. The 19-inch diameter fills the arch perfectly, leaving just enough room for the air system to do its work. The car looks like it belongs on a track, yet it maintains that distinct Forester silhouette we all know.
Compared to other Foresters I have seen, this one feels intentional rather than just thrown together. The stance is deliberate, and every inch of the wheel fits the theme of the build. It is not trying to be a race car, but it certainly looks like one.
The road presence is honestly intimidating. When this thing rolls down the street, people stop and stare because they are not used to seeing a crossover with this kind of aggressive stance. It is a bold statement that changes the entire vibe of the vehicle.
Why We Love This Build
We absolutely love this build because it breaks every rule in the book for a family hauler. Seeing the white Work M8Rs catch the sunset while the Forester sits slammed on the pavement is pure automotive art. It turns a boring commuter into a masterpiece of stance and style.
The way the wheels fill the arches makes the car look like a wide-body build without even touching the fenders. It is sharp, clean, and shows real passion for the platform. This is the kind of car that inspires us to get back into the garage and start turning wrenches again.
This Subaru is a total game-changer for the Forester community. Go big or go home, because this build just won the day.
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: Work Emotion M8R
- Wheel Size: 19×10.5 / 19×10.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: White
- Tires: Nexen N Fera AU7 245/40 26.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 26.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
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 19×10.5 / 19×10.5-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 19×10.5 / 19×10.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
