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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch XXR 559 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 WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the XXR 559 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: XXR 559 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2016
I walked around this VA-chassis WRX for twenty minutes and the stance blew me away. We see a lot of these cars, but the 18x8.5 setup with a +20 offset changes the game entirely. That aggressive offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fender lines.
The XXR 559 features a clean, thin-spoke design that hides almost nothing. It lets you see those stock WRX calipers clearly, though they look a bit small behind the open barrels. You won't struggle with hub bore issues here, as these wheels fit the Subaru 56.1mm center bore perfectly.
Running a +20 offset on an 8.5-inch wide wheel creates a massive poke on a stock-body WRX. You definitely need some camber adjustment to pull those tires tucked under the metal. Without that air suspension, you would be chewing through your tire sidewalls every time you hit a bump.
The air setup is the secret sauce for this specific fitment. At ride height, it looks dialed in, but when it dumps, the wheel tucks right into the arch. It solves the rubbing nightmare that this aggressive offset usually creates on a static build.
Check your fender liners if you run this setup without air. The front inner plastics will take a beating unless you heat them up and push them back. We always warn guys that +20 is a bold choice for this platform.
The barrel design on the 559 gives it a deceptive amount of depth. Even with a modest 8.5-inch width, the spokes look purposeful and sharp. It avoids that cheap, flat-faced look that ruins so many budget wheel choices.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, start with your goals for the car. A +20 offset is for the guys who want an aggressive, wide look and don't mind a little fender work. If you want a daily driver that handles well, stay closer to +35 or +38.
Stick to a square setup on the WRX platform. Staggered wheels on an AWD car like this will kill your center differential over time. We keep all four corners identical to protect your drivetrain from unnecessary stress.
Tire choice matters as much as the wheel itself. You need a slight stretch if you plan to slam the car on bags like this one. A 235/40R18 tire gives you that clean, rounded sidewall look without looking unsafe.
Don't fall into the trap of buying massive spacers just to fix a bad offset choice. Pick the right offset from the start so you don't add extra strain to your wheel bearings. Quality hub-centric rings are non-negotiable for a vibration-free ride.
Measure twice and buy once. I see too many owners grab wheels they like without checking the actual brake clearance for the VA chassis. The XXR 559 clears the WRX brakes easily, but always double-check if you upgrade to big brake kits later.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish against the white paint of this WRX is a masterclass in contrast. It pops without looking like you tried too hard. Bronze sits perfectly between a flashy chrome and a boring black or silver.
The XXR 559 design feels fast even when the car sits parked. The thin spokes draw your eye toward the center cap and out to the lip. It gives the WRX a lighter, more athletic profile than the heavy factory wheels.
When the air suspension drops the frame to the ground, the proportions look spot on. The wheels fill the arches just enough to make the car look planted and mean. It has that authentic street-machine vibe that draws a crowd at any meet.
I compare this to other builds we see at the shop, and this one wins on simplicity. There are no crazy wide-body kits or over-the-top wings here. It proves that the right wheels and a good drop are all you really need.
The sunlight hits the bronze finish and changes the tone from a dull copper to a bright gold. It highlights the intricate curves of the 559 spokes perfectly. This is how you build a car that stays relevant for years.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this WRX roll into the lot at sunset made us stop what we were doing. The bronze XXR 559s catch the last rays of light, making the whole car glow against the asphalt. It is rare to see a fitment this aggressive that still looks classy and refined.
The way the air suspension brings the fenders down to kiss the top of the tires is pure perfection. It is not just a car; it is a vision of what a daily-driven Subaru should look like. We love how it balances raw performance looks with clean, understated style.
This build inspires us to go back to the garage and tighten up our own projects. It proves that you do not need a massive budget to make a massive impact. Go grab a set and make your own mark.
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: XXR 559
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 20 / 20
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Brav Bravuris 3 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
