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 Motegi MR148 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Motegi 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 Motegi MR148 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Motegi MR148 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked around this VA-chassis WRX for an hour at the show, and the fitment on these Motegi MR148s is spot on. Running an 18x9.5 square setup with a +35 offset fills the wells perfectly. This width pushes the wheel out just enough to look aggressive without needing a widebody kit.
The +35 offset is the golden ticket for the 2017 WRX. It brings the face of the wheel flush with the fenders, giving the car a planted, hunkered-down look. You get that extra track width without constantly fighting rubbing issues on every bump.
I checked the caliper clearance closely, and these Motegis clear the stock WRX brakes with room to spare. You don't have to worry about the spokes hitting the front calipers. The hub bore matches up nicely too, so you avoid those annoying vibrations from cheap centering rings.
The barrel lip on the MR148 gives the car a deep, purposeful look that factory wheels just lack. The spokes have a sharp, technical design that channels air and draws the eye right to the center cap. It looks like a rally car that escaped the stage for a coffee run.
Since this car sits on the stock suspension, the gap is still visible, but the wider track hides it better than the OEM skinny wheels. The tires don't look lost in the arches anymore. It changes the whole stance of the vehicle.
You have to be careful if you plan on dropping the car later, though. If you go lower on coilovers, you might need to roll the rear fenders to keep the tires from kissing the metal. For now, on stock height, it is a clean, stress-free setup.
Watch your tire choice carefully to avoid inner fender liner rub. A 255/35 tire is probably the safest bet here to keep the geometry predictable. Stick to that, and you will have zero headaches on the street.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want to nail the fitment on your WRX, stick to the 18x9.5 range. It is the perfect balance between looks and performance for this chassis. Anything wider starts to require more aggressive rolling or pulling of the fenders.
For offsets, keep it between +35 and +38. The +35 we saw on this build is the absolute sweet spot for that flush look. Go higher and you tuck into the wheel well, but go lower and you risk rubbing your paint off on the fender lips.
Forget about staggered setups on a Subaru. AWD systems hate different tire diameters, so keep it square. Running the same size at all four corners lets you rotate your tires properly and keeps your differentials happy.
I see guys ruin their builds by trying to cram tires that are too wide. Don't fall for the "more grip" trap if you aren't tracking the car every weekend. A 255/35 or 265/35 setup provides plenty of bite for spirited canyon runs.
Do not skip out on quality hub-centric rings if you need them. Using cheap spacers or neglecting the center bore is a recipe for a shaky steering wheel at highway speeds. Do it right the first time so you can enjoy the drive.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish on these Motegi wheels creates a killer contrast against the WRX body lines. Bronze isn't just a trend; it works perfectly with Subaru's heritage. It looks sophisticated yet ready for a gravel stage.
The MR148 design is angular and sharp, which mirrors the aggressive front bumper of the 2017 Premium trim. It gives the car a modern edge that makes the stock wheels look like heavy paperweights. The proportions feel balanced, not overdone.
When the sun hits the bronze finish, the wheels really come to life. They aren't too flashy or gaudy, just a deep, metallic glow that demands attention. It breaks up the monochrome look of the car without screaming for too much notice.
This car holds its own next to more expensive builds because the stance is so honest. It’s not slammed to the point of being undrivable, and it isn't tucked away like a grocery getter. It sits exactly where a performance sedan should.
I have seen hundreds of WRXs, but this one sticks in my mind because of the simplicity. The owner didn't clutter the car with unnecessary aero. They let the wheels do the heavy lifting, and it absolutely works.
Why We Love This Build
This Subaru WRX is a masterclass in how small changes define a build. That bronze finish against the paint catches every bit of light on the street. Seeing it roll by, the wheels fill those arches with purpose and authority. It looks like it belongs on a rally stage instead of a parking lot.
We love this setup because it respects the spirit of the VA chassis. It is functional, aggressive, and perfectly suited for the daily grind or a weekend blast. It proves you do not need a crazy widebody kit to stand out from the crowd.
Every time I look at these photos, I want to go out and buy a set for my own garage. It is the perfect upgrade for any WRX owner. Stop dreaming and go get that fitment dialed in.
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: Motegi MR148
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Nitto Neo Gen 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- 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 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.
