About This Subaru WRX STI Base 2020 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX STI Base 2020 sits on a set of 19×9.5 / 19×9.5-inch Option Lab S718 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 STI Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Option Lab S718 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab S718 on the Subaru WRX STI Base 2020
I walked around this STI for twenty minutes at the last meet, and the Option Lab S718 setup hits different. Running 19x9.5 all around gives the car a serious, planted look. That 35 offset pushes the face out perfectly to the edge of the fenders.
The STI Brembos are massive, but these S718s clear them without breaking a sweat. I didn't see any spacers on this build, which keeps the hub geometry exactly where the factory intended. That hub bore fits the Subaru center perfectly, so you get zero vibration at highway speeds.
Since this STI sits on stock suspension, the gap in the wheel arch is still noticeable. However, the 19-inch diameter fills that void better than the stock wheels ever could. You get a nice, flush aesthetic without needing to hack up your fenders.
The barrel lip depth on the S718 adds a touch of aggression that the factory wheels lack. The spokes curve just enough to give the wheel a three-dimensional shape. It looks fast even when the car is parked in the lot.
Because the offset is +35, you have to be careful with your tire choice. We recommend a 255/35/19 tire to keep things tucked safely inside the fender line. If you go wider, you might see some rubbing on the inner plastic liners during hard cornering.
I checked the inner clearances near the strut housing, and there is plenty of room to spare. You won't have any contact issues with the factory suspension arms. It is a plug-and-play setup that transforms the car instantly.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX STI Base 2020 Owners
If you want to upgrade your STI, 18-inch wheels are usually the smart choice for track performance. However, these 19-inch S718s prove that you can run a larger wheel and still keep a clean, functional look. Stick to a square setup like this to make tire rotations easy.
Don't fall into the trap of buying massive spacers just to get a "stanced" look. That ruins your steering feel and puts unnecessary stress on your wheel bearings. The +35 offset is the golden ratio for this chassis.
When picking tires, avoid cheap rubber that runs wide or square-shouldered. A tire with a rounded sidewall will prevent rubbing if you decide to lower the car later. We love the grip-to-stretch ratio on this specific 9.5-inch width.
Stay away from anything with a +20 or +25 offset unless you want to roll your fenders and add negative camber. Keep the geometry simple to maintain the handling balance Subaru built into the car. Trust the math behind the fitment.
Always use hub-centric rings if your wheels are not bored specifically for the Subaru 56.1mm hub. It saves you from headaches during installation and keeps your steering wheel dead quiet. Small details matter when you are chasing the perfect drive.
Style and Build Analysis
Gold wheels on a Subaru are a classic move that never goes out of style. Against the deep blue or white paint common on these STIs, the gold pops with real energy. It channels that legendary rally pedigree we all grew up admiring.
The S718 design features clean, thin spokes that let you see those giant calipers clearly. It creates an open, race-inspired aesthetic that looks at home on the street or the track. You see the engineering beneath the surface.
The 19-inch diameter gives the STI a sharper, more modern silhouette. It balances the bulky body panels of the VA chassis perfectly. The stance is aggressive without looking like a caricature.
I have seen hundreds of WRXs, but this one keeps my attention. The proportions are spot on, and the color palette stays true to the brand identity. It doesn't scream for attention with gimmicks; it earns respect through clean lines.
Every time the sun hits these gold wheels, they catch the light and transform the whole vibe of the car. It is a bold choice that elevates the entire build. This is how you modify an STI with taste.
Why We Love This Build
This STI captures everything we love about the modern Subaru scene. The gold Option Lab S718s glow under the streetlights, turning a standard daily driver into a head-turning machine. We love how the wheels fill the arches and give the car that perfect, aggressive stance.
It is a reminder that you do not need an extreme body kit to make a statement. You just need the right offset and a finish that pays homage to the icons. This build is clean, simple, and perfectly executed.
When you pull up to a meet in this, you know you did it right. It is the perfect balance of form and function. Go get yourself a set and transform your ride.
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 STI Base 2020
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab S718
- Wheel Size: 19×9.5 / 19×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Yokohama Advan Sport 245/35 25.8″x9.6″ / 245/35 25.8″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX STI Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 19×9.5 / 19×9.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru WRX STI Base? 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 STI Base owners run 19×9.5 / 19×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
