The Mazda CX-5 is the driver’s choice among compact crossovers — it handles better than anything else in its class, with steering feel and chassis dynamics that make it genuinely enjoyable on winding roads. The right tire preserves that handling advantage, while the wrong one can make the CX-5 feel like every other numb crossover. Here’s what to look for.
CX-5 Tire Sizes by Generation
| Generation | Years | Tire Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Gen (Refresh) | 2022–2025 | 225/65R17 (S, Select) · 225/55R19 (Preferred, Carbon, Premium, Turbo, Signature) |
| 2nd Gen | 2017–2021 | 225/65R17 (Sport) · 225/55R19 (Touring, Grand Touring, Signature) |
| 1st Gen | 2013–2016 | 225/65R17 (Sport, Touring) · 225/55R19 (Grand Touring) |
Mazda equips the CX-5 with Toyo A36 or Bridgestone Turanza tires from the factory. These OEM tires prioritize fuel efficiency and low noise, but they’re not the best the CX-5’s chassis deserves in terms of grip and handling response. The 225/55R19 size on upper trims gives the CX-5 a more premium look and reduces sidewall flex for sharper handling.
Top Tires for the CX-5
1. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
The CX-5 is the one compact crossover that genuinely benefits from a performance-oriented tire. The Pilot Sport AS 4 in 225/55R19 transforms the CX-5’s already-good handling into something genuinely sharp — the difference in turn-in response and cornering grip compared to the OEM Toyo is immediately noticeable. Wet traction is outstanding, and the 50,000-mile warranty is reasonable for a UHP all-season. This is the tire that lets the CX-5 drive the way Mazda designed it to.
Available in: 225/65R17, 225/55R19
UTQG: 540 AA A
Warranty: 50,000 miles
Price range: $175–$220 per tire
2. Continental CrossContact LX25
For CX-5 owners who prioritize comfort and tread life over sporty handling, the LX25 is the better choice. It delivers a quiet, comfortable ride with excellent wet traction and a 70,000-mile warranty. Handling isn’t as sharp as the Michelin, but it’s still noticeably better than the OEM tires. This is the practical choice for daily commuters who want a premium tire without the performance premium.
Available in: 225/65R17, 225/55R19
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $155–$200 per tire
3. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
The Scorpion AS Plus 3 splits the difference between the sporty Michelin and the comfort-focused Continental. It has stiffer sidewalls than a typical touring tire, which pairs well with the CX-5’s sport-tuned suspension, while maintaining a comfortable enough ride for daily use. The 70,000-mile warranty matches the Continental, and the price is typically $10-15 less per tire.
Available in: 225/65R17, 225/55R19
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $150–$195 per tire
4. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
The longevity play. With an 80,000-mile warranty and 3PMSF winter certification, the Alenza is the CX-5 tire for owners who want maximum time between replacements and year-round capability. It’s not as dynamic as the Michelin or Pirelli in corners, but for high-mileage CX-5 owners, the math works out strongly in its favor.
Available in: 225/65R17, 225/55R19
3PMSF rated: Yes
Warranty: 80,000 miles
Price range: $170–$215 per tire
CX-5-Specific Tips
AWD CX-5 tire matching: Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is predictive — it reads road conditions and preemptively sends torque to the rear wheels. It’s more tolerant of tire mismatch than Subaru’s system, but you should still replace all four tires at once and keep them the same brand/model for optimal AWD performance.
19-inch tires cost significantly more. The jump from 225/65R17 to 225/55R19 adds $30-50 per tire across most brands. CX-5 Select owners thinking about an 19-inch wheel upgrade should factor this ongoing cost into the decision.
The CX-5 Turbo needs tires that handle torque. The 2.5T engine produces 320 lb-ft of torque in a relatively light vehicle. Standard touring tires can exhibit tread squirm under hard acceleration. UHP all-seasons like the Michelin Pilot Sport AS 4 handle the torque delivery much better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come on the Mazda CX-5?
Base trims get Toyo A36 in 225/65R17. Upper trims (Preferred through Signature) get 225/55R19 tires, typically Toyo A36 or Bridgestone Turanza. The Turbo models use the same sizes but benefit from higher-performance replacement tires.
How long do CX-5 tires last?
OEM tires typically last 30,000-40,000 miles. The CX-5’s relatively light weight (3,500-3,700 lbs) is easier on tires than heavier SUVs, so premium replacements like the Bridgestone Alenza (80,000-mile warranty) can last significantly longer. Rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Should I get performance tires for a non-Turbo CX-5?
If you enjoy driving, yes. Even the naturally-aspirated CX-5 has excellent chassis dynamics that standard touring tires don’t fully exploit. The Michelin Pilot Sport AS 4 or Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 will make the car noticeably more responsive in corners without significantly sacrificing comfort.
