About This Subaru WRX Premium 2020 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2020 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch Option Lab R716 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Option Lab 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 Option Lab R716 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R716 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2020
I walked around this WRX for twenty minutes just to see how the Option Lab R716s sat in those wheel wells. The 18x9.5 setup gives this Subaru a massive footprint compared to the skinny factory rollers. We love the +35 offset here because it pushes the wheel face right out to the edge of the fender.
The 9.5-inch width is the absolute sweet spot for the VA chassis. It fills the space perfectly without requiring a hammer to the metal. You get that flush look that makes the car look planted and aggressive.
Caliper clearance is never a worry with the R716 design. The spokes curve out just enough to clear the stock stoppers without any spacers. We hate spacers, so avoiding them keeps the steering feel sharp and direct.
The hub bore matches the WRX perfectly, so you do not deal with annoying vibrations at highway speeds. Everything bolts right up like it came from the factory line that way. That is the kind of engineering we respect.
Running this setup on stock suspension keeps the geometry safe and predictable. You do not need to worry about strange camber wear if you keep your alignment specs tight. It is a true bolt-on upgrade that transforms the driving dynamics.
Watch out for the inner fender liner if you decide to jump to a wider tire later on. With this exact 18x9.5 setup, you have enough clearance for a meaty 255 or 265 tire. Just keep an eye on the front turn-in under heavy compression.
The barrel depth on these wheels adds a surprising amount of visual weight to the car. It makes the WRX look like it has some serious grip ready to be unleashed. You get a nice concave profile that catches the light beautifully.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2020 Owners
If you own a VA chassis, stick to the 18x9.5 size for your daily driver. It provides the best balance of looks and handling performance without ruining the ride quality. Anything wider usually requires aggressive fender work that just is not worth the headache.
The +35 to +38 offset range is where you want to be. It keeps the wheels flush with the body lines while preventing rubbing on the inner plastic liners. We always tell owners to avoid anything lower than +30 unless they love rolling fenders.
Forget about staggered setups on an AWD Subaru like this. Stick to a square setup so you can rotate your tires and save your center differential. Your drivetrain will thank you for keeping the diameter the same at all four corners.
Most guys make the mistake of buying cheap rubber for a wheel this good. Pair these R716s with a high-performance summer tire to really feel the difference in cornering speed. A quality tire makes the steering feel precise and responsive.
If you plan to lower the car later, you will likely need a slight roll on the rear fenders. Do it right the first time before you paint the wheels. A clean roll looks factory and saves your tires from getting sliced by the metal lip.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gold finish on these R716s is a classic nod to Subaru racing heritage. It pops against the paint and gives the car that legendary rally aesthetic. You cannot go wrong with gold wheels on a WRX.
The spoke design is modern and angular, which complements the sharp lines of the 2020 front bumper. These wheels look like they belong on a track car but still fit in at a local coffee meet. The proportions are balanced perfectly.
We see a lot of WRX builds, but this one keeps it clean and purposeful. It avoids the tacky oversized wings and excessive stickers that clutter up so many other cars. This build relies on high-quality parts to do the talking.
The way the wheels fill the arches creates a stance that looks ready to attack a mountain pass. It sits just right, even on the stock suspension height. There is no awkward gap that makes the car look like a crossover.
When the sun hits the gold flake, the whole side profile of the car comes alive. It adds a layer of depth that a standard silver or black wheel just cannot achieve. This is a bold choice that pays off every single time you park.
Why We Love This Build
I love this car because it celebrates what makes the WRX special. That gold-on-paint contrast brings out the aggressive soul of the VA body style. When I saw it in the sunlight, the wheels filled the arches with pure intent. It looks like a car that wants to be driven hard, not just polished in a driveway. This build hits that perfect mark between refined styling and rugged performance. It makes me want to grab my keys and head for the nearest canyon road immediately. You do not need a massive budget to create a car that turns heads. This WRX is proof that the right set of wheels changes everything.
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 2020
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Kumho Ecsta PS31 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.
