Picking out the right sti rims 2017 cars look best with is usually the first thing owners do after they get their hands on a Subaru. Let's be honest, while the stock wheels aren't exactly ugly, they don't always scream "rally heritage" or "custom performance" the way a nice set of aftermarkets do. Whether you're trying to shave off some unsprung weight or you just want your car to stand out at the local meet, changing your wheels is the single most impactful mod you can make to the exterior.
What came on the car from the factory?
Before you go spending a couple of thousand bucks on new gear, it's worth looking at what you actually have. In 2017, the WRX STI came with a few different options depending on the trim level. The base model usually rolled out with 18x8.5-inch Enkei multi-spoke wheels. They're decent, solid wheels, but they're definitely on the heavier side.
If you were lucky enough to snag an STI Limited back then, you got those gorgeous BBS forged wheels. Those are actually some of the best "stock" wheels Subaru ever put on a car. They're lighter, stronger, and have that classic mesh look that just fits the VA chassis perfectly. But even then, after a few years, many owners get the itch to change things up. Maybe the silver finish is getting pitted, or maybe you just want a more aggressive "flush" fitment that the factory +55 offset simply doesn't provide.
Why most owners look for an upgrade
The biggest gripe people have with the sti rims 2017 models shipped with is the fitment. Subaru likes to play it safe. The wheels sit pretty far inside the wheel wells. It makes the car look a bit "narrow" from the back. By moving to a wheel with a lower offset—say, something in the +35 to +40 range—you push the wheels out toward the fender. This gives the car a much wider, more planted stance.
Then there's the weight issue. The stock 18-inch Enkeis weigh somewhere around 24 or 25 pounds each. That doesn't sound like much until you realize that a high-quality aftermarket wheel can drop that to 18 or 19 pounds. When you reduce rotating mass, the car actually feels different. The steering feels a bit sharper, the suspension can react faster to bumps, and you might even feel a tiny bit more "pep" in your step when pulling away from a light. It's one of those things you have to experience to really appreciate.
Getting the specs right (Don't mess this up)
Subaru guys are lucky because the 5x114.3 bolt pattern is incredibly common, but there's one big hurdle: the Brembo brakes. The 2017 STI has those beefy 4-piston front calipers, and they take up a lot of room. You can't just buy any random wheel and expect it to clear.
When you're hunting for sti rims 2017 compatible, you have to check the spoke curvature. Some wheels might have the right diameter and offset, but the spokes are too flat and will smack right into your calipers. Always look for wheels that are "BBK (Big Brake Kit) friendly."
The sweet spot for the 2017 STI is usually an 18x9.5-inch wheel with an offset between +35 and +45. A +38 offset is basically the "goldilocks" zone—it sits flush with the fender without needing a ton of crazy camber or fender rolling, provided you aren't slamming the car to the ground on coilovers.
Popular aftermarket choices
If you spend five minutes on any Subaru forum, you're going to see the same few names over and over again. There's a reason for that—they work.
- Enkei RPF1: The "budget" king. These are incredibly light and surprisingly strong. They have a very distinct, racing-inspired look. The only downside is that everyone and their mother has them. But hey, they're a classic for a reason.
- Rays Volk TE37: This is the dream wheel for most STI owners. They're forged, nearly indestructible, and they look incredible. The price tag is high enough to make your eyes water, but you're paying for some of the best engineering in the wheel world.
- Gram Lights 57DR: These are made by Rays as well, but they're cast instead of forged, which makes them way more affordable. They have a simple six-spoke design that looks beefy and aggressive on the 2017 body style.
- Option Lab R716: If you want that "concave" look without spending three months' rent, these have become super popular in the Subie community lately.
Color combos that just work
Choosing the design is only half the battle. Then you have to pick a color. If you have the classic World Rally Blue, you almost have to consider gold or bronze. It's the iconic rally look. It's a bit cliché, sure, but it looks so right that it's hard to argue with.
If your car is Crystal White Pearl, you can pretty much do anything. Black wheels give it a "stormtrooper" vibe that's very popular. Gunmetal or silver looks a bit more sophisticated and "OEM plus." One thing to keep in mind with black wheels, though—they tend to disappear in photos. If you want people to actually see the design of the sti rims 2017 setup you spent all that money on, a lighter color like hyper silver or bronze usually shows off the details much better.
Maintenance and the "Brake Dust" struggle
One thing no one tells you about upgrading your wheels is that the 2017 STI is a brake dust factory. Those stock pads are great for stopping, but they'll coat your shiny new rims in a layer of grey soot after a single spirited drive.
If you're buying wheels with a lot of spokes (like the stock mesh style), cleaning them is going to be a nightmare. This is why many people move to 5 or 6-spoke designs—it's just easier to get a microfiber mitt in there. Also, do yourself a favor and ceramic coat your wheels before you put them on the car. It makes the dust slide right off with a pressure washer, which will save you hours of scrubbing over the course of a year.
Don't forget the tires
It's easy to get so focused on the sti rims 2017 search that you forget about the rubber. If you're going wider with your wheels (like the 9.5-inch width I mentioned earlier), your stock 245/40R18 tires will have a bit of a "stretched" look. Most people prefer to step up to a 255/35 or a 265/35 tire to get a nice, square sidewall.
Just remember that once you go wider, you increase the risk of rubbing on the fender liners when you hit a big bump or have people in the back seat. It's a balancing act. If you're at stock height, you have plenty of room. If you're lowered, you might need to look into rolling your rear fenders. It sounds scary, but any decent performance shop can do it in an hour.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, your wheel choice is a personal thing. Some guys want the lightest setup possible for track days, while others just want the car to look mean when it's parked in the driveway. Whatever direction you go, just make sure you double-check those specs—especially the brake clearance. There's nothing worse than having a set of beautiful new wheels delivered to your door only to realize they won't fit over your Brembos. Take your time, look at lots of pictures of other people's setups, and you'll end up with a ride that looks exactly how you imagined it.