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
I walked around this VA chassis WRX for twenty minutes straight at the show. The 18x9.5 square setup on these Kansei Tandems looks absolutely perfect. That +22 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the factory fenders.
Running a +22 offset on a VA WRX is a bold move. Most guys play it safe with +35, but this fitment demands attention. It creates that aggressive, wide look that everyone chases.
The Kansei Tandem barrel design gives you plenty of room for big brakes. I checked the front calipers and there is plenty of clearance to spare. You will not have any issues with those factory Subaru calipers hitting the spokes.
Air suspension completely changes the game here. When this car airs out, the wheel tucks just inside the fender lip. It is a tight tolerance, but it looks spot on.
You need to be careful with your alignment settings at this width and offset. If you do not dial in enough negative camber, you will destroy your tires. Watch your rear fender liner clearance closely when you drive aired up.
The hub bore fits the Subaru platform like a glove. We always recommend running hub-centric rings to keep everything vibration-free. You want a smooth ride even when you are slammed on the pavement.
The split-spoke design gives the wheel a classic motorsports vibe. It feels sturdy and purposeful without looking too heavy. It is the exact aesthetic this WRX needed to stand out in the parking lot.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want this look, prepare to do some serious work. You cannot just bolt on 18x9.5 +22 wheels and expect a stress-free experience. You need coilovers or air suspension to make the geometry actually function.
A square setup is the only way to go for the VA platform. It keeps your handling predictable and makes tire rotations much easier. We always suggest keeping all four corners identical for these builds.
Don't ignore your tire choice when running an aggressive offset. You should look for a tire with a slightly rounded sidewall to help with fender clearance. Avoid blocky, square-shoulder tires if you plan on running this low.
Many owners make the mistake of buying wheels that are too narrow. If you stick with an 18x8.5, you will never get that flush look you see here. Push for the 9.5-inch width to get the profile right.
Fender rolling might be necessary depending on your exact ride height. Even with air, you want to make sure the metal is not going to slice your sidewalls during a turn. Measure twice and roll once.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gray finish on these Tandems is a masterstroke. It creates a subtle, industrial contrast against the vibrant Subaru body paint. It feels much more sophisticated than a standard gloss black wheel.
The proportions of this car are dialed in perfectly. The spokes flow outward toward the lip, which makes the wheels look larger than 18 inches. It gives the car a hunkered-down, ready-to-pounce stance.
I have seen a lot of WRX builds, but this one hits differently. Many owners go for flashy colors that distract from the car's lines. These wheels complement the aggressive front bumper and fender flares instead of fighting them.
The way the light hits the gray finish while the car is moving is incredible. It changes shade depending on the angle, adding a layer of depth. It makes the car look expensive and carefully thought out.
This build proves that you do not need a crazy body kit to turn heads. You just need the right offset and a clean wheel choice. It is a masterclass in modern street style.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops us in our tracks because it balances aggression with true refinement. When the air system dumps, the gray Kansei Tandems tuck perfectly against the arches, creating a silhouette that looks like it belongs on a track. The way the wheels catch the light makes the whole car look planted and mean.
We love this build because it feels authentic and intentional. Every single inch of this fitment serves a purpose, from the specific offset to the tire stretch. It is the kind of setup that makes you look back every single time you walk away from the car.
Stop settling for boring fitment and build something that actually grabs people by the throat. This car is a blueprint for what a clean VA WRX should look like.
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: Gray
- Tires: Cosmo MuchoMacho 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.
