About This Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2016 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch Option Lab R716 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Option Lab for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Option Lab R716 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R716 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2016
I walked up to this 2016 WRX Premium and immediately noticed the stance. We see a lot of these cars, but the Option Lab R716 wheels in 18x9.5 +35 make a massive difference. That offset is the gold standard for this VA chassis.
The 9.5-inch width fills those wheel wells perfectly without looking like a monster truck. We love how the +35 offset pushes the wheel right to the edge of the fender. It creates that aggressive, flush look we all chase.
Caliper clearance is never an issue with the R716 design. The spokes curve out just enough to clear the stock Subaru brakes easily. You get plenty of room to grow if you decide to upgrade to big brakes later.
I checked the hub bore and it fits the Subaru hub like a glove. You won't deal with any annoying vibrations at highway speeds. Everything feels solid and planted on the tarmac.
The barrel depth on these wheels adds a great touch of character. It gives the WRX a deep, motorsport-inspired profile that stock wheels just lack. The design feels purposeful and sharp.
Since the owner installed coilovers, the fender gap is non-existent. You have to be careful with your tire choice to avoid rubbing the liners. A 255/35 tire is your best bet for a clean fit without massive fender work.
We always warn guys to watch the rear fenders on these cars. If you go too low, the inner plastic liner will catch the tire under hard cornering. Keep your alignment specs tight and you will avoid the dreaded fender rub.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Owners
If you want to copy this look, stick to the 18x9.5 square setup. We always preach square setups for the WRX because it keeps the AWD system happy. You can rotate your tires and make them last twice as long.
Do not mess around with staggered wheels on this car. It ruins the handling balance and confuses the center differential. Stick to the same size on all four corners for the best performance.
Offset is where most guys fail on their first build. Stay in the +35 to +38 range for that perfect flush fitment. Anything higher than +40 starts to look sunken and weak under the fenders.
We see a lot of people try to stretch tires for a "drift" look. Don't do it on a daily driven WRX. A 255/35 or 265/35 tire provides the best protection for your wheels and the best grip for the road.
Budget for a good alignment after you install your coilovers. Dialing in a bit of negative camber helps tuck the top of the tire perfectly. It makes the car look aggressive and handles way better in the canyons.
Style and Build Analysis
The Bronze finish on these R716 wheels pops against the factory paint. It’s not too flashy, but it demands attention every time the sun hits it. It screams rally heritage without being over the top.
I love how the spoke design complements the sharp lines of the VA body. The wheels look fast even when the car sits completely still. They provide a technical, clean aesthetic that elevates the whole build.
Proportions are everything when we build a car. These wheels look like they belong on the WRX from the factory. The sizing choice makes the car look beefier and more capable than a stock model.
We’ve featured plenty of WRXs, but this one hits a sweet spot. Some builds go too far with gaudy colors or huge spacers. This setup shows that restraint produces the most impressive results on the street.
The stance gives the car a lower, wider, and more aggressive road presence. It sits exactly how a performance sedan should sit. It’s functional, it’s stylish, and it looks ready for a spirited drive.
Why We Love This Build
When I stood next to this WRX, the sunlight caught the Bronze finish and turned it into liquid gold. The wheels fill the arches with such precision that it looks like a factory prototype. Every time I see this car, it stops me in my tracks because it’s just so clean and cohesive.
This isn't a show car that can't move; it’s a machine built to be driven hard. The combination of the R716 wheels and the dialed-in coilover setup creates a profile that is pure automotive perfection. It makes me want to head straight to the garage and start ordering parts for my own project.
This is the blueprint for how to build a 2016 WRX properly. Don't overthink it, just build it right.
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 WRX Premium 2016
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 255/35 25″x10″ / 255/35 25″x10″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX 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 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 WRX 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.
