Mazda CX-5 is available in a variety of trims. From the entry-level 2.0 SE-L to the rugged-looking 2.0 Newground, and from the luxurious 2.2L SE-L to the sporty 2.0 Sport Edition, this five-seater will spoil anyone who is in the market for a practical family SUV.
As difficult as it is to find the right CX5 model for you, there is one scenario in which the stakes are even higher. That is when you’re searching for the best tires for Mazda CX5. This SUV’s ride comfort and stability, as well as the safety of its passengers, depend on it.
Which is to say that you can’t afford to get this decision wrong. In the best-case scenario, installing the wrong set of tires will leave you with poor ride quality, high fuel consumption, and more road noise. The worst-case scenario is so shocking we have decided not to go there.
In case you don’t want to find it out on your own, it’s recommended to install the right set of tires on your Mazda CX5. These tires will provide you with a comfortable and reliable driving experience in all conditions. Plus, they will be durable to help you cover many miles annually.
To help you select the best tires for Mazda CX5, we’ve come up with this article. However, unlike other lists on the internet, this one will highlight the pros and cons of every tire we recommend. We will also highlight the factors you need to consider when choosing tires for your Mazda CX5.
#1. Michelin Premier LTX – Best Tire Overall
The Michelin Premier LTX is our top pick for Mazda CX5. Not only because this tire reinforces the ride-and-handling balance that distinguishes the CX5 from other five-seater SUVs. There are various other reasons why the Premier LTX ought to be the first choice of CX5 owners.
Start with the fact that the LTX features most of Michelin’s latest technologies. These include the EverGrip Technology, which helps this tire retain its original traction even as the years go flying by. It does that with the help of hidden grooves which only emerge as the tread wears down.
Flexibility and strength are key indicators of a tire’s traction in wet and dry conditions, respectively. The Premier LTX’s sunflower oil (which helps it stay flexible in cold temperatures) and silica content tread compound (which strengthens the tire) help it tick both boxes.
Unlike most tires in this category, the Premier LTX doesn’t take sides between traction and ride comfort. The credit for this goes to its twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped polyamide cord. This sturdy construction is the reason why the LTX is a reliable and comfortable tire.
That isn’t to say that this tire doesn’t have any drawbacks. A 60,000-mile treadlife warranty is a major shortcoming, especially when you compare it with that of other tires in this category. Fortunately, though, that flaw is overshadowed by everything else mentioned above.
Pros
- Best-in-category responsiveness
- Dry grip is outstanding
- Wet traction and grip are equally great
Cons
- Limited treadwear warranty
#2. Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus – Best Runner Up
The Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus had every right to be our top pick for Mazda CX5. Only the Premier LTX/s best in-class dry grip and wet traction relegated this tire to the second spot. Still, if our top pick’s limited treadwear warranty bothers you, here is a worthy alternative.
While the Premier LTX relies on EverGrip Technology to prevent irregular wear, this tire’s symmetric tread pattern helps it do just that. The tread design is also to credit for the H/L 422 Plus’s outstanding ride comfort and reduced road noise, key indicators of any tire’s ride quality.
Multiple full-length grooves help the H/L 422 Plus resist hydroplaning. The grooves perform an excellent job of evacuating water from within the treads, making sure that the tire’s road contact stays intact. They are the reason why the H/L 422 Plus is a safe option in wet conditions.
The same cannot be said about this tire’s snow and ice traction, though. Bridgestone should take a leaf out of the book of its fellow premium tire brands which have been able to make their tires usable in light snow, something that we cannot say about this tire.
On the positive side, a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty is much higher than what you’re getting from our top pick, even though there are all-season tires out there which offer higher-warranties.
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- Exceptional wet performance
- 70,000-mile treadlife warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#3. Pirelli Scorpion Verde – Best Fuel-Efficient
The Mazda CX5 can be many things but it is not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. At a time when other SUVs are offering 40 plus mpg on the highway, the CX5 wants you to settle for 24 mpg in the city and just under 30 mpg on the highway, for a combined 27 miles per gallon.
What you need then is a set of tires renowned for their excellent fuel mileages. Enter Pirelli Scorpion Verde. Here is a tire that strikes the perfect balance between fuel economy and environmental friendliness, hence the term ‘Verde’ which means ‘Green’ in Greek.
Its pitch sequence deserves all the credit for this tire’s impressive fuel economy. The sequence is basically sequencing on the treads that increase the Verde’s contact points with the road. The result is even pressure distribution and reduced tire stress, and, by extension, better fuel economy.
This tire also takes care of road noise and vibrations. A built-in Noise Canceling system places a sound-absorbing device between the tread and the contact patch that comes into contact with the road. The resulting isolation dissipates most vibrations before they could reach the cabin.
Wet traction is the only area where this tire could have done better. That isn’t to say that this model will be dangerous in the rain. You can count on this tire to safely carry you from point A to point B in wet conditions. Still, there are tires out there that perform much better in similar conditions.
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy even for an all-season tire
- Noise-free riding experience
- Improved handling and steering response
Cons
- Average high-speed traction on wet roads
#4. General Altimax RT43 – Best Budget
The General Altimax RT43 is the best budget tire for the Mazda CX5 Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims. But just because this tire doesn’t cost as much as its premium counterparts doesn’t mean it is lacking in features.
A tread compound featuring two layers help this tire stand out. The low density lower layer has the flexibility needed to absorb road vibrations for a comfortable ride. The upper layer, meanwhile, is firm to help the Altimax RT43 retain its original shape for long.
The Sound Wave Suppression Technology leaves no doubt about its aims. Together with the independent tread blocks and the twin-layer tread compound, this technology dissipates road noise. The result is less disturbances making their way inside your Mazda CX5’s cabin.
This tire also offers multiple tire indicators. The first, ‘Visual Alignment Indicator’, allows you to check wheel alignment on your own. The VAI consists of two sipes on opposite shoulder blocks. As long as the sipes are in alignment, so are your SUV’s wheels.
The ‘Replacement Tire Monitor’ provides you with a daily update on the tire’s status. Rotate the tire and wait for the ‘RTM’ inscription to appear on the tread. As long as it appears three times, it means the tread depth is still higher than the allowed legal limit.
Pros
- Comes with two highly useful tire indicators
- Has Sound Wave Suppression technology
- Twin cushion silica tread compound absorbs road vibrations
Cons
- Poor performance on snow and ice
#5. Kumho Crugen HP71 – Best Budget
The Kumho Crugen HP71 is the best budget option for Mazda CX-5 Sport and Touring trims. And just like the General Altimax RT43 we saw above, this tire too hasn’t cut any corners to keep the asking price low. Let’s back this claim with a few pieces of proof.
A combination of durable tread compound and Variable Pitch Technology enhances this tire’s traction in every weather condition, except snow. Both these features also enhance the tire’s pressure endurance, helping it wear evenly for a long road life.
Handling and high-speed stability are also above-average for a budget tire. A broad shoulder block and a sturdy center rib takes this tire’s maneuverability to the next level, guaranteeing an enhanced performance at highway speeds.
Multiple circumferential grooves and sipes/biting edges are also on offer. The former make their mark by evacuating water from underneath the tread, resisting hydroplaning. The biting edges, meanwhile, improve this model’s traction in wet conditions.
Like other tires from its manufacturer, the Crugen HP 71 is backed to last years. A 65,000-mile treadwear warranty means that this tire should last 3-4 years with proper care. Which, when you compare with its price, guarantees a decent return on your investment.
Pros
- Available in a large number of sizes
- Offers a quiet and refined driving experience
- Poses excellent hydroplaning resistance
Cons
- Not usable on snow and ice
#6. Continental CrossContact LX20 – Best Touring Tires
The Continental CrossContact LX20 might not be as pocket-friendly as some of the other touring tires. But its extensive treadlife, market-high warranty, and superior road performance do more than enough to justify this tire’s asking price.
An eco-friendly tread compound, made up of Tf-F polymers and +Silane additives, enhances this tires traction in all weather conditions. The tread compound also reduces the tire’s rolling resistance and promotes overall better treadwear for a long road life.
Mazda CX5 Sport owners would love to note that this tire remains stable at high speeds. Independent tread blocks and a continuous center rib also improves the tire’s steering response, something you don’t usually get from all-season touring tires.
Continental’s exclusive Traction Grooves enhance the tire’s traction on wet roads. Four circumferential grooves in the tread area help with water evacuation to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. This model’s wet performance, then, is satisfactory.
The only thing that might prevent some deals from happen is that this tire isn’t the most comfortable on the market. A considerable number of drivers have reported experiencing vibration problems at high speeds. That shows that this tire isn’t one to offer high performance.
Pros
- Built-in rim protector
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Quiet on the highway
Cons
- Susceptible to vibrations at high speeds
#7. Michelin CrossClimate SUV – Best All-Weather
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV has everything that Mazda C5 drivers need for a surefooted performance in wintry conditions. The tire’s wet performance is also better than what you get from other models in this category. Small wonder, then, that it’s one of the best all-weather tires for Mazda C5.
Snow and ice traction are outstanding with this tire. Braking distances, a key indicator of how any tire perform in a specific condition, are among the lowest of any tire in this category. A winter-specific tread compound ensures that when temperatures nosedive, its performance doesn’t follow suit.
Wet performance is another area where this tire excels. Various circumferential and lateral grooves keep hydroplaning at bay to offer a surefooted driving experience. Plus, perfectly floating tracks and self-locking grooves help it provide excellent grip in inclement weather.
CrossClimate+, the model this tire replaced, offered a similar amount of wet traction. But that tire gasped for traction in moderate wintery conditions, something this tire doesn’t do.
Yet this tire does have its fair share of deal-breakers. Michelin could have done better than backing this tire with a smaller treadwear warranty (50,000 miles). Secondly, like most tires from this brand, the CrossClimate SUV doesn’t come cheap.
Pros
- Surefooted performance in winter
- Outstanding braking distances on light snow
- Excellent dry and wet handling
Cons
- Small treadwear warranty (50,000 miles)
#8.Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 – Best Winter
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is one of the best winter tires on the market. It is designed to fit sedans, SUVs, sport coupes and even light trucks. Installing this tire on your Mazda CX5 will ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience in harsh wintry conditions.
While most dedicated winter tires require you to install metal studs, the WS80 doesn’t require you to do all that hard work. Simply install this tire on your Ford Escape and start the journey, just as you would with any touring or all-season tire.
A 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol means that this tire exceeds the industry standards for dependability and traction during harsh wintry conditions. This symbol is indicative that this tire has the biting edges needed to dig into snow and ice.
The biting edges alone aren’t to credit for this tire’s winter performance, though. Multicell technology also contributes to the WS90’s performance in harsh conditions.
This technology does that by removing water from the tire’s tread area, letting the snow and ice on the road come into contact with the snow and ice on the stiffened tread compound. The resulting snow-on-snow contact generates the friction needed to propel your Mazda C5 forward.
Bridgestone has also equipped this tire with its regular TWIs (tread wear indicators). These are narrow rubber bars located inside the WS80’s circumferential grooves. As the tire wears down, they become more visible, before getting completely flush with the surface as the tread depth reaches 2/32-inch.
Pros
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating
- Offer excellent traction on snow and ice
- Comes with tread wear indicators and winter wear bars
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#9. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady – Best Grand Touring
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is one of the most highly rated grand touring tires on the market. Excellent winter performance, excellent traction and grip, and reliable and long-lasting traction – these are the features that define the Assurance WeatherReady.
Start with the winter performance. The Assurance WeatherReady is one of the few grand-touring tires that carry the Three Peak Snowflake Mountain emblem (3PMSF). This shows that the tire has what it takes to carry you from point A to point B in harsh wintry conditions.
Goodyear’s Evolving Traction Grooves help this tire promote even wear. These grooves work uniquely in that they widen as the tire starts to wear. This enables them to replace the tire’s built-in grooves in offering reliable and adequate traction for long periods.
Weather Reactive Technology improves this tire’s grip and traction in wet and dry conditions. This technology works side-by-side with 3D Tredlock, another of the brand’s exclusive technologies, to help the tire offer reliable year-round performance.
The only issue you might face with this tire is noise. Or, to be more precise, the excess of noise. It seems to us that all the added traction and grip that the WeatherReady offers has made it loud. So, if you regularly drive at highway speeds, be prepared to roll the windows all the way up.
Pros
- Excellent treadwear warranty for an all-weather tire
- Great winter traction
- Supreme wet performance
Cons
- Makes a fair bit of noise
#10. Cooper Discoverer SRX
The Cooper Discoverer SRX costs much less than its premium counterparts. But you cannot guess its asking price based on the driving comfort, wet traction and responsiveness on its offer. This tire’s cornering performance can also rival that of its pricey counterparts.
A high-grade silica tread compound made with competition-grade resin has been used in this tire’s construction. The partnership is the reason behind this tire’s improved wet traction. Having said that, four circumferential grooves also play their part by evacuating water.
Cooper’s decision to provide this tire with a stiffer sidewall cuts both ways. On the positive side, the sidewall’s added firmness has provided this the SRX with an above-average responsiveness for a touring tire. However, it has also increased the amount of vibrations felt inside the cabin.
At the time of its release, not many tires featured the StabiliEdge Technology. This technology guards the SRX’s tread blocks and keeps them from moving during brisk acceleration, hard cornering and sudden braking. All of which translates to increased grip on dry tarmac.
However, just as it is with most touring tires, the Discoverer SRX struggles on snow. The zigzag sipes on offer fail to provide this tire with the biting power needed for a reliable winter performance. Plus, as stated before, the SRX isn’t the most comfortable tire out there.
Pros
- Competitively priced for a touring tire
- Exceptional responsiveness and straight-line tracking
- Brilliant hydroplaning resistance
Cons
- Average ride quality
#11. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S – Best UHP Tire
Tires like the Pilot Sport 4S epitomize everything that is good and not-so-good about Michelin tires. This tire delivers the kind of street/sporty performance models from mid-range brands can only dream of. At the same time, its asking price means only a few people can afford it.
A dual-layer asymmetric tread pattern takes this model’s street performance to the next level. The tread pattern’s outer part is the stiffer of the two and gives the tire the stability it craves in the summer. The inner part’s softness ensures better handling at high speeds.
Precise steering response and maximum lateral stability are all but guaranteed by this tire’s unique V-shaped tread design. An inner belt (made from nylon and aramid-fiber) ensures this tire’s contact patch doesn’t shrink at high speeds, ensuring maximum stability.
While most ultra-high-performance tires tend to be noise, the Pilot Sport 4S is an exception. Sure, this tire is fairly loud when you compare it with touring tires (which are known for being quiet). Yet, when compared with its UHP cousins, the Pilot Sport 4S is fairly noise-free.
All of these features are on offer with two potential deal-breakers. These include a small treadwear warranty (30,000 mile) and an astronomical asking price. Ignore or accept these drawbacks, though, and this tire’s performance won’t give you any reasons for complaints.
Pros
- Traction on slippery roads couldn’t be any better
- Exceptional cornering grip and stability
- Better than expected treadlife
Cons
- Small treadwear warranty (but not for a high-performance tire)
Best Tires for Mazda CX5
Touring Tires
If you own the base Mazda CX5 model with 17-inch tires, touring tires are the best option for you. Why is that the case? The main reason is price. Touring tires are the cheapest of the lot, not because they lack in terms of features or warranty. It’s just that manufacturers produce them in bulk.
This allows the brands to sell touring tires at a lower cost. Another reason why you might want to opt for touring tires is because they are extremely long-lasting. Need proof? Compare the warranty of any respectable touring tire with a summer or high-performance tire.
Most touring tires are backed with warranties exceeding the 70,000-mile mark, which translates to a road life of 5-6 years for the average driver. Also, since modern touring tires come with an all-season tread compound, you can use them in light wintry conditions too.
Street/Sport Truck Tires
Enthusiast drivers who aren’t worried about treadlife or cost should look into street tires. These tires are designed to offer extreme stability at high speeds. To offer that, brands provide this tires with stickier rubber and stiffer sidewalls.
These improvements might look ordinary on paper. On the road, though, their effects will be immediately noticeable. Especially when you turn the wheel and enter or exit a corner. The added grip on offer means you’ll be able to drive much more aggressively.
Bear in mind, though, that the improvements go both ways. They take a toll in the comfort department, leaving street/sport tires with a worse ride quality. However, these tires’ biggest drawback is the combination of high prices and low treadlife warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tires come on a Mazda CX5?
Here are the standard tire sizes on 2022 Mazda CX5:
- GX AWD – P225/65R17
- GS AWD – P225/65R17
- KURO – P225/55R19
- GT AWD – P225/55R19
- Sport Design AWD – P225/65R17
- Signature AWD – P225/55R19
When should I replace my Mazda CX-5 tires?
Here are signs it’s time to replace your Mazda CX-5 tires:
- Tires start continuously losing pressure
- Tread wear indicator bar becomes visible
- Vibrations inside the cabin while driving
- Blisters, bubbles and cracks on the tire
Does Mazda CX-5 come with a spare tire?
Yes. Mazda CX-5 comes with a spare tire.
Conclusion
Mazda CX5 has incredibly competent road manners. Still, like any other vehicle, it needs a dependable set of tires to perform at its best. Only the best tires for Mazda CX5 will help you enjoy this SUV’s ride comfort, solid handling and spacious interior.
