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 Raijin 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 Raijin creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei Raijin on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked around this VA chassis WRX for ten minutes yesterday. These 18x8.5 Enkei Raijin wheels hit the perfect sweet spot for a daily-driven street build. The 35 offset pushes the face out just enough to sit flush with those factory fenders.
Most stock wheels on this platform look tucked and sad. By moving to this +35 offset, we gain a wider track width and a much more aggressive stance. It fills the wheel wells without needing to hack up the bodywork.
Caliper clearance on the stock WRX brakes is never a massive issue with these Enkeis. The Raijin design features a smart spoke architecture that creates plenty of room for the front calipers. You will not deal with any annoying interference here.
The hub bore fits perfectly on the Subaru 56.1mm hub. I always suggest using a quality set of aluminum hub-centric rings to keep everything vibration-free at highway speeds. Trust me, do not skip that step.
The coilovers on this car really pull the whole look together. By dropping the ride height, we tighten up that fender gap and showcase the slim spokes of the Raijin. It looks tight but functional.
I checked for rubbing, and this setup stays clean under compression. Even with a decent drop, the 8.5-inch width provides enough clearance against the inner fender liners. You can drive this hard without worrying about shredded rubber.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you own a 2017 WRX, stop overthinking your wheel choice. An 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 setup remains the gold standard for this chassis. Anything wider than that often requires fender rolling or extreme camber settings.
Stick to a square setup for daily driving. It lets you rotate your tires properly and keeps the handling neutral. Staggered setups on an AWD Subaru usually cause more headaches than they are worth.
Aim for offsets between +35 and +38 for that perfect flush look. If you go lower than +30, you will likely poke past the fenders. That leads to rock chips and potential rubbing issues on hard cornering.
Do not cheap out on tires when you mount these wheels. A high-performance summer tire in a 245/40/18 size matches the Raijin perfectly. It provides enough sidewall to protect the rim while offering plenty of grip.
Avoid using spacers if you can help it. Buying the right offset from the start keeps your wheel bearings happy and your steering feel direct. Always aim for a bolt-on fitment that just works.
Style and Build Analysis
The Black finish on these Raijins looks absolutely menacing against the factory paint. It gives the WRX a raw, track-ready aesthetic that feels right at home on the street. Light hits the split-spoke design and creates some killer depth.
The thin spokes keep the design from looking too bulky or heavy. I love how they draw your eye directly to the rotors and calipers behind the wheel. It makes the whole car feel lighter and more agile.
Compared to other builds, this one stays tasteful and clean. We see so many WRX owners throwing on gaudy, oversized wheels that ruin the driving dynamics. This build proves that less really is more when you pick the right design.
The proportions feel balanced from every single angle. The wheels don't overpower the body, but they definitely command attention. It looks like a factory performance model that Subaru should have built themselves.
The black-on-black or dark contrast theme works every time. It keeps the WRX looking aggressive without screaming for attention in the wrong way. This car looks like it wants to hunt corners.
Why We Love This Build
When this WRX rolls into the lot, the sunlight dances across the black spokes and turns heads instantly. The car sits low, hugs the road, and looks ready to attack a mountain pass at a moment's notice. The stance feels intentional and perfectly dialed for the VA chassis.
I love seeing a build that balances aggressive aesthetics with real-world usability. These Enkei Raijin wheels transform the personality of the car, turning a commuter into a proper machine. It is a masterclass in how simple, smart mods change everything.
You need to see this fitment in person to truly appreciate it. It is the kind of setup that makes you look back every time you park. This build sets the bar for every WRX owner out there.
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 Raijin
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- 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 18×8.5 / 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.
