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 17×8.5 / 17×8.5-inch Method MR502 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Method 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 Method MR502 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Method MR502 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked up to this WRX at the meet and immediately noticed the stance. Running 17x8.5 Method MR502s on a stock suspension setup is a bold, functional choice. The plus-38 offset pushes these wheels just far enough past the hub face to give the car a wider, more purposeful track. It fills the wheel wells perfectly without looking like a circus wagon.
We see plenty of owners go for 18s or 19s, but 17s are the smart move here. The smaller diameter lets you run more sidewall, which is exactly what a rally-bred platform like the VA chassis needs. It keeps the ride compliant while protecting the rim from potholes. Plus, the MR502 design clears those stock WRX calipers with room to spare.
The hub bore matches up cleanly, so you don't have to worry about annoying vibrations at highway speeds. I checked the clearance against the front struts and found plenty of breathing room. You won't face any contact issues when turning the wheel to full lock, which is a massive win.
The barrel lip depth on these Methods isn't massive, but it adds a nice layer of visual texture. The spokes reach out to the edge of the rim, making the wheel look larger than it actually is. It hides the brake dust well, too, which is a huge bonus for daily drivers.
Since the car runs stock suspension, you have a slight gap between the tire and the fender liner. Some might want to lower it, but I think this height works for the rally aesthetic. You don't have to stress about the fender metal cutting into your tires on steep driveways.
If you push the car hard in the canyons, keep an eye on the front inner liner. That plus-38 offset is aggressive enough that you might get a tiny bit of rub if you stuff the tire into a massive dip. For 99 percent of the time, though, this fitment is dead on.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want to upgrade your WRX, start with the 17x8.5 size. It is the sweet spot for this platform because it balances weight and tire choice perfectly. Anything wider usually forces you into fender rolling, and I hate hacking up a clean chassis.
Stick to a square setup every single time. Staggered setups on an AWD Subaru are a recipe for differential disaster. You want identical diameters at all four corners to keep the drivetrain happy and your wallet intact.
When you pick tires, don't go for a crazy stretched look. A 245/45/17 tire fits this wheel width beautifully and provides a meaty, square sidewall. It gives you the grip you need to actually use the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Avoid spacers if you can help it. They put extra stress on your wheel bearings and often create steering feedback issues. With a +38 offset, the wheel already sits where it needs to be for a flush look.
The biggest mistake I see? People buying cheap wheels that weigh a ton. The Method MR502 is built for abuse, not just looks. Invest in a wheel that can handle the potholes you will inevitably hit on your morning commute.
Style and Build Analysis
The MR502 brings a raw, industrial vibe that completely changes the WRX personality. Most people put flashy, thin-spoke wheels on these cars, but the chunky, multi-spoke design of the Method looks like it belongs on a rally stage. It turns the car into a machine instead of just a commuter.
The finish on this specific set catches the light beautifully. It breaks up the factory paint color and gives the sides of the car some serious muscle. I love how the wheel face stays relatively flat, which gives the car a broad, planted road presence.
Compared to the other builds we feature, this one feels honest. It isn't trying to be a show-only stance car with negative camber that kills the tires in a month. It is a car that looks ready to tackle a gravel road or a wet track day without skipping a beat.
The proportions are spot-on because the tire sidewall matches the aggressive nature of the wheel design. When you look at the car from a front three-quarter angle, the wheels look tucked just right under the fenders. It creates a cohesive, aggressive silhouette that makes the factory bodywork pop.
We always say that wheels make the car, and this is the perfect proof. It takes a car that looks good from the factory and gives it an edge that turns heads everywhere. It is a masterclass in how to mod a daily driver without sacrificing the soul of the vehicle.
Why We Love This Build
We love this build because it captures the true spirit of the WRX platform. It trades the trend-chasing thin spokes for a set of rally-inspired hoops that scream utility and speed. When the light hits those MR502s, the whole car takes on a tougher, more deliberate aesthetic that demands your attention in the parking lot.
This isn't a trailer queen; it is a car built to be driven hard and enjoyed daily. The fitment fills the arches with just enough muscle to make the car look planted and ready for anything. It turns a standard WRX into a car that looks like it belongs in the woods, not just the suburbs.
Stop overthinking your wheel choice and just build this.
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: Method MR502
- Wheel Size: 17×8.5 / 17×8.5
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Tires: Vercelli Strada II 235/45 25.3″x9.3″ / 235/45 25.3″x9.3″
- Suspension: Stock
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 17×8.5 / 17×8.5-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 17×8.5 / 17×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
