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 TMS 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 TMS creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei TMS on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked around this VA-chassis WRX for twenty minutes straight. The 18x8.5 Enkei TMS wheels look like they belong right here on the assembly line. That 45 offset keeps the face tucked perfectly under the fender line.
We see a lot of aggressive setups, but this square 18x8.5 configuration works best for daily driving. It maintains that factory-like scrub radius while cleaning up the stance. You get zero poke, which keeps the paint safe from rock chips.
Clearing the factory WRX calipers is always a headache with aftermarket wheels. The Enkei TMS design provides plenty of barrel clearance for the stock braking hardware. I verified the hub bore matches up perfectly, too.
Those coilovers tighten up the wheel well gap significantly. Since the width stays modest at 8.5 inches, you avoid those nasty rubbing issues during hard cornering. The suspension compression stays predictable even at speed.
Look closely at the spoke design on these wheels. The geometry flows toward the center in a way that makes the 18-inch diameter look substantial. It creates a cleaner profile than a flat-faced wheel ever could.
I checked for inner clearance near the strut towers. There is just enough room to prevent contact during full lock turns. You won't hear any embarrassing scraping sounds pulling into the local coffee shop.
The black finish hides brake dust better than any bright silver option. It keeps the car looking clean even after a spirited drive through the canyons. This setup is truly the gold standard for a practical street build.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you own a 2017 WRX, stop buying wheels that poke out past the fender. We always recommend sticking to a +38 to +45 offset range. This keeps the suspension geometry happy and the steering feel crisp.
Don't fall for the staggered setup trap on an all-wheel-drive platform. We strictly run square setups to keep the differential healthy and tire rotations easy. Keep all four corners identical for the best handling balance.
Tire choice matters just as much as the wheel specs. We suggest a 245/40R18 tire to pair with the 8.5-inch width. It offers a nice square sidewall that protects the rim from curb rash.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can help it. They introduce unnecessary vibrations and add stress to your wheel studs. If your offset is correct, you never need to run them.
Check your alignment after you install your coilovers. A bit of negative camber makes the car handle better and ensures the tires clear the fenders. Do it right the first time so you can drive with confidence.
Style and Build Analysis
The black-on-body color scheme creates a menacing, cohesive aesthetic. The Enkei TMS wheels do not scream for attention, but they demand respect. They provide that subtle, dark contrast that every WRX owner craves.
These wheels feature sharp, clean lines that match the aggressive edges of the VA body. The proportions look balanced from every single angle. It isn't overdone or obnoxious like some of the track builds we feature.
Road presence here is subtle but undeniable. When the car sits parked, the dark finish makes the wheels disappear into the shadows of the wheel arches. It gives the WRX a grounded, hunkered-down look.
I have seen hundreds of WRX builds, and this one stands out for its restraint. Many owners get carried away with neon colors or massive offsets. This build proves that quality parts and smart sizing win every single time.
The visual weight of the car feels perfectly centered over the axles now. Every detail, from the lug nuts to the center caps, feels intentional. It is a masterclass in clean, functional modification for a street car.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX hits the sweet spot between a track weapon and a daily driver. The black Enkei TMS wheels catch the light in the most subtle way possible. When you see the car rolling down the highway, the stance looks absolutely dialed. It does not try too hard to be noticed, yet you cannot look away. The total package feels complete, finished, and ready for any road you throw at it. This is exactly how a Subaru should look when it rolls out of a enthusiast's garage. If you want a setup that balances style with real-world performance, this is your blueprint. Build it once, build it right, and drive it until the wheels fall off.
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 TMS
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 45 / 45
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Federal SS595 235/40 25.4″x9.3″ / 235/40 25.4″x9.3″
- 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.
