About This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Enkei EDR9 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Enkei 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 Enkei EDR9 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei EDR9 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked around this WRX for twenty minutes just to soak in the stance. The 18x8.5 Enkei EDR9 wheels sit perfectly on the factory hubs of this 2017 platform. We opted for a +35 offset, which pushes the face right to the edge of the fender line.
The +35 offset is the secret sauce here. It fills the wheel wells significantly better than the sunken factory wheels. You get that aggressive look without resorting to obnoxious spacers.
Clearing the factory WRX calipers is a non-issue with this design. The EDR9 features a clever spoke geometry that keeps everything away from the brake hardware. I never worry about clearance with Enkei’s engineering.
We paired these wheels with a set of lowering springs to close that factory gap. The drop tightens up the suspension travel and keeps the tires tucked nicely. You get a much sharper turn-in during spirited driving.
Watch your inner liners if you decide to go any lower than this build. The current setup is safe, but aggressive bumps can still cause light rubbing on the plastic liners. Always keep an eye on those fender tabs.
The hub bore fits the Subaru platform like a glove. We always recommend hub-centric rings if you want to avoid those annoying high-speed vibrations. This build stays buttery smooth at triple-digit speeds.
The barrel depth on these 18-inch rims feels substantial for a street car. It gives the wheel a bit of a dish without ruining the overall proportions. The design looks purposeful and built for the track.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
When you start shopping for a VA-chassis WRX, stick to the 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 range. We find that 18x8.5 with a +35 offset gives you the best mix of handling and style. Anything beyond that requires fender rolling or excessive negative camber.
Avoid staggered setups on these cars. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system hates mismatched rolling diameters. Always run a square setup with identical tires on all four corners to save your center differential.
Don't fall for the trap of buying cheap, heavy wheels. You bought a rally-bred machine, so keep the unsprung weight down. The EDR9 is light enough to keep the steering feel sharp and responsive.
If you run wide tires, consider a slight roll of the rear fenders. It prevents that annoying scrub when you hit a dip at highway speeds. A little extra clearance goes a long way toward peace of mind.
We always tell guys to buy quality lug nuts too. Don't ruin a brand-new set of Enkeis with hardware store junk. Invest in extended studs if you plan on tracking the car regularly.
Style and Build Analysis
The black finish on these wheels provides a sinister contrast against the factory paint. It gives the WRX a moody, aggressive aesthetic that screams performance. The matte-ish texture hides brake dust better than any glossy finish ever could.
The multi-spoke design of the EDR9 feels classic yet modern. It doesn't look like a trend-chaser that will feel dated in two years. It flows perfectly with the sharp, angular body lines of the 2017 sedan.
Stance is everything with this car. By lowering the center of gravity, we made the car look planted and ready for a stage rally. It has that "ready to pounce" look even when it sits still in a parking lot.
Most WRX builds go for crazy bright colors or chrome. This black-on-body approach keeps the car feeling sophisticated and cohesive. It isn't trying too hard, which makes it stand out even more.
The proportions look spot on from every single angle. You can tell this owner understands the importance of visual balance. It is a clean, honest build that avoids the cringe-worthy mods seen on other cars.
Why We Love This Build
This car hits the sweet spot between a daily driver and a weekend canyon carver. The Enkei EDR9 wheels transform the factory proportions into something much more muscular and refined. We love how the black spokes disappear into the shadows while the tires hug the pavement tightly. It looks like a factory performance special that Subaru forgot to build.
Every time I see this car, I get the itch to go out and work on my own project. It serves as a masterclass in tasteful modifications that actually improve the driving experience. This build proves that you do not need thousands of dollars to change the personality of your car. It is pure automotive perfection.
This WRX is exactly how we would build one ourselves.
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 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Enkei EDR9
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Dunlop Signature HP 225/40 25.1″x8.9″ / 225/40 25.1″x8.9″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
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.
