About This Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009 sits on a set of 17×8.5 / 17×8.5-inch XXR 555 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 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the XXR 555 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: XXR 555 on the Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009
I walked around this 2009 WRX and honestly, the fitment hit me instantly. We are looking at a square setup of 17x8.5 XXR 555 wheels with a +35 offset all around. That choice fills the arches perfectly without looking like a desperate cry for attention.
The +35 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders. On this specific body style, that offset provides that aggressive stance we all crave. You get just enough poke to make the car look purposeful and planted.
Clearance is always the big worry with these Subarus. I checked the front calipers, and the XXR 555 design clears the stock WRX brakes with room to spare. You won't need spacers to clear the hardware here.
The 17-inch diameter keeps the sidewall chunky enough for actual driving. We love 18s, but 17s on this chassis give you a better tire selection for spirited canyon runs. It balances form and function better than a massive wheel ever could.
I noticed the hub bore matches up nicely with the Subaru’s 56.1mm hub. Always use hub-centric rings if you want to avoid those annoying high-speed vibrations. This build got it right by keeping everything centered and tight.
Since the owner is running coilovers, the drop really makes the fitment work. You have to watch the inner fender liners during hard cornering, though. A little bit of rubbing is the price we pay for a slammed look, but the coilovers help stiffen it up enough to keep the metal off the tires.
The barrel design on the 555 gives it a deep enough look without sacrificing structural integrity. It feels like a wheel built for the street, not a fragile show piece. I would trust this setup for a daily driver in a heartbeat.
What We Recommend for Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009 Owners
If you want to replicate this, stay within that 8.5 to 9-inch width range. Anything wider than 9 inches on this chassis will force you to run way too much camber. You want to drive your car, not just park it, so keep the geometry sensible.
For offsets, stick between +30 and +40. The +35 we see here is the absolute sweet spot for a flush look. If you go lower than +30, you will be rolling fenders until your fingers bleed.
We always suggest a square setup for these cars. Staggered wheels on an AWD platform like the WRX will destroy your center differential over time. Do not do it, unless you want to spend a fortune on a new transmission.
Tire choice matters just as much as the wheel specs. I recommend a 235/45/17 or a 245/40/17 tire for this width. You get a clean look without needing a crazy stretch that ruins your ride quality.
Do not skip the fender roll if you plan on going low. It gives you the clearance you need to avoid chewing up your sidewalls on bumps. A professional roll keeps the paint from cracking and saves your tires.
Avoid buying cheap, no-name lug nuts for your new wheels. Get a set of extended open-ended lugs to match the aggressive aesthetic. It is a small detail that shows everyone you actually know how to build a car.
Style and Build Analysis
The XXR 555 wheels transform this WRX from a standard commuter into something that demands a second look. The multi-spoke design feels timeless and aggressive against the wide hips of the 2009 body style. It looks like it belongs on a rally stage.
The finish on these wheels provides a sharp contrast to the car’s factory paint. We have seen these wheels in silver and black, and both work wonders. The light catches the spokes perfectly when the car is rolling down the highway.
The stance is what really seals the deal for me. It is not overly aggressive or "stanced" in a way that breaks the car. It looks like a proper performance build that someone actually enjoys driving every single day.
I compare this to other builds we see at meets, and it stands out because it is clean. Many owners get carried away with giant wings or absurd camber angles. This build focuses on the fundamentals: good wheels, good tires, and a proper drop.
It captures that raw, mechanical vibe that defined the late 2000s tuner scene. When you look at the proportions, everything feels balanced and intentional. It is a masterclass in how to upgrade a WRX without losing its soul.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this WRX in the morning light is something else entirely. The sun hits the barrel of the XXR 555s, and you can see every clean line of the car’s aggressive bodywork. It sits low, tight, and ready to attack any corner you throw at it.
We love this build because it ignores the hype and sticks to what works. It is honest, functional, and looks like a total beast parked on the street. It makes me want to go back to my own garage and start turning wrenches immediately.
This car reminds us why we fell in love with the WRX platform in the first place. It is a driver’s car that looks as fast as it feels. Build your car like this, and you will never regret it.
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 Impreza WRX Premium 2009
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: XXR 555
- Wheel Size: 17×8.5 / 17×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Tires: Accelera 651 Sport 215/40 23.8″x8.5″ / 215/40 23.8″x8.5″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Impreza WRX Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×8.5 / 17×8.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru Impreza WRX 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 Impreza WRX Premium owners run 17×8.5 / 17×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
