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 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch Kansei Tandem wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Kansei 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 Kansei Tandem creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Kansei Tandem on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
When I first walked around this 2017 WRX, the stance immediately caught my eye. The 18x9.5 setup fills those arches perfectly. Choosing a +22 offset pushes the face out right to the fender line.
This wide offset creates a massive presence on the VA chassis. We rarely see this level of aggression without looking like a monster truck. The Kansei Tandem design leaves plenty of room for those stock calipers too.
You won't find any annoying brake clearance issues with these spokes. The barrel depth adds a level of visual weight that the stock wheels completely lack. It gives the car a grounded, planted aesthetic.
The hub bore fits the Subaru platform like a glove. We always preach proper hub-centric rings, and this setup delivers that smooth ride. You get zero vibration even when pushing through canyon corners.
Because this build runs air suspension, the fitment changes based on the user's mood. At ride height, the car looks track-ready and purposeful. When aired out, the tire tucks right up against the fender liner.
We need to talk about potential rubbing, though. With a +22 offset, you must watch your rear quarter panels. If you do not roll those fenders, the tires will eventually chew into the metal.
Always check your alignment settings after installing these wheels. A little bit of negative camber makes all the difference here. It turns a potential rubbing nightmare into a flawless, flush show setup.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want this exact look, you need to commit to the 9.5-inch width. Anything narrower just leaves the car looking tucked and weak. We see too many owners settle for 8.5-inch wheels and regret it later.
For the VA platform, a +35 offset is the safer, conservative choice. However, we love the +22 aggression if you are ready to do the fender work. You choose your level of sacrifice based on how much work you want to put into the body.
We always suggest running a square setup on these AWD cars. It keeps the handling predictable and allows for proper tire rotations. Staggered setups on a WRX usually just ruin the balance and eat your differential.
Regarding tires, stay away from extreme stretch unless you want that specific drift look. We prefer a meaty 255/35 profile to keep some sidewall protection. It saves your rims from those nasty potholes we all hit.
Do not skip out on quality lug nuts when installing these wheels. Cheap hardware ruins the finish on these beautiful bronze spokes. Invest in a set of extended steel lugs to complete the package.
Finally, stop guessing your offsets and measure twice. Every car sits slightly differently depending on your specific coilover or air setup. Use a fitment tool before you drop the cash on a new set.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish on these Kansei Tandems is nothing short of striking. It provides a warm, metallic contrast against the flat or metallic paint of the WRX. Bronze is the classic choice, and for good reason.
The six-spoke design feels like a modern nod to the rally roots of the Subaru brand. It looks clean, simple, and functional. You can see the aggressive geometry of the spokes even when the car is parked.
When the sun hits the bronze finish, the wheels really come to life. They transform from a subtle brown to a bright, shimmering gold in the light. It adds a premium touch to a car known for its utilitarian plastic trim.
This car holds its own against any build we have featured at the shop. The proportions are spot on because the wheels don't overwhelm the design. Everything flows from the front bumper to the rear wing.
Most WRX owners go for black wheels and lose all the detail in the shadows. This bronze setup preserves every line of the wheel design. You can appreciate the craftsmanship from ten feet away.
The stance makes the car look wider and lower than the factory ever intended. It is the perfect balance between a daily driver and a show-stopper. We could stare at these deep-dish faces for hours.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops us in our tracks every single time we see it roll into the lot. The combination of the air suspension and the aggressive +22 Kansei Tandems creates a profile that screams speed. The bronze wheels glow against the pavement, making the whole car look like it belongs on a pedestal.
We love this build because it feels authentic and honest. It does not try too hard with loud stickers or obnoxious body kits. Instead, it relies on perfect fitment and a killer wheel choice to dominate the street.
If you want to transform your own WRX, take notes from this owner's playbook. Buy the good wheels, dial in your stance, and don't be afraid of a little fender work. You will never look back once you get your fitment this tight.
Get the wheels and change the game.
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: Kansei Tandem
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Nankang NS-25 215/40 24.8″x8.5″ / 215/40 24.8″x8.5″
- 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 18×9.5 / 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.
