Choosing the right wheels for your Mazda CX-5 shouldn’t give you a headache. Whether you’re replacing worn-out wheels or looking to upgrade your ride’s appearance, I’ve got you covered.
As a mechanic who’s worked on hundreds of CX-5s over the past decade, I know firsthand how confusing wheel specifications can be.
That’s why I’ve created this straightforward guide to help you understand CX-5 wheel sizes, from factory options to aftermarket choices.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Factory wheel sizes for every CX-5 model year
- How different wheel sizes affect your ride
- Which aftermarket options work best
- Common fitment mistakes to avoid
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which wheels will fit your CX-5 and how to choose the perfect set for your needs. Let’s get rolling.
Stock Wheel Sizes by Model Year
Let me break down the factory wheel sizes for your CX-5. I’ve listed every size Mazda has offered since the model’s launch in 2012.
1. First Generation (2012-2016)
The base model came with 17-inch wheels, while the touring and grand touring trims rocked 19-inch ones. Your CX-5’s build date will tell you which size you need.
2. Second Generation (2017-Present)
Mazda kept things simple here. You’ll find:
- Sport trim: 17 x 7 inches
- Touring trim: 19 x 7 inches
- Grand Touring trim: 19 x 7 inches
Quick tip: Look at your tire’s sidewall. You’ll see “225/65R17” or “225/55R19”. That last number tells you your wheel size.
Here’s something interesting – Mazda chose these specific sizes to balance comfort and handling. The 17-inch wheels give you a smoother ride, while the 19-inch ones make your CX-5 handle more like a sports car.
Not sure which size you have? Pop open your driver’s door and check the sticker. It shows your exact wheel specs.
Aftermarket Wheel Options
Looking for custom wheels for your CX-5? I’ve done the homework for you. Here’s what you need to know before buying aftermarket wheels.
1. Safe Size Range
Your CX-5 can handle wheels between 17 and 20 inches. But here’s the catch – you’ll need to match the right width and offset to avoid rubbing issues.
2. Ideal Specs
- Width: 7 to 8 inches
- Offset: +35mm to +45mm
- Bolt pattern: 5×114.3mm
- Center bore: 67.1mm
A word of caution: Going wider than 8 inches might cause tire rub when turning. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not fun.
Popular Aftermarket Brands Most of my customers have had great experiences with:
- Enkei (great quality, fair price)
- BBS (premium choice)
- Konig (budget-friendly)
- Rays (performance-focused)
Remember this golden rule: cheaper isn’t always better. I’ve seen too many cracked replicas to recommend saving a few bucks on unknown brands.
Want to keep your factory tire size? Stick with the same diameter as your stock wheels. This keeps your speedometer accurate and prevents clearance issues.
How to Choose the Right Wheel Size
Let me help you pick the perfect wheel size for your CX-5. I’ve learned valuable lessons from assisting hundreds of owners make this choice.
1. Think About Your Driving
If you mainly cruise on highways and city streets, 17 or 18-inch wheels will serve you well. But if you love spirited driving, 19-inch wheels give you sharper handling.
2. Consider Your Climate
- Lots of snow? Stick with 17-inch wheels. They’re better for winter tires.
- Mostly sunny? You can safely go up to 19 or 20 inches.
3. Budget Matters
Here’s what most people don’t tell you: bigger wheels mean pricier tires. A set of 20-inch tires could cost twice as much as 17-inch ones.
4. Comfort vs. Style
I’ll be straight with you – there’s always a trade-off:
- Smaller wheels = smoother ride, cheaper tires
- Larger wheels = better looks, firmer ride
My Real-World Advice For daily driving, 18-inch wheels hit the sweet spot. They look great without killing your comfort or wallet. Plus, you’ll find plenty of tire options at reasonable prices.
Want to test different sizes? Find local CX-5 owners through forums or meetups. Most are happy to let you feel the difference.
Best Tires for Each Wheel Size
I’ve tested dozens of tire brands on CX-5s over the years. Let me share what works based on real experience rather than just specs.
1. 17-Inch Wheel Options
- All-Season: Michelin CrossClimate 2 (225/65R17) Perfect for year-round use. Great in rain and light snow. Quiet too.
- Winter: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (225/65R17) Grips like crazy in the snow. It’s worth every penny if you live up north.
2. 18-Inch Wheel Options
- All-Season: Continental CrossContact LX25 (225/60R18) Smooth ride, solid handling, and decent fuel economy. My go-to recommendation.
- Performance: Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus (225/60R18) When you want sporty handling without sacrificing comfort.
3. 19-Inch Wheel Options
- All-Season: Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (225/55R19) Handles everything from summer heat to surprise storms.
- Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV (225/55R19). If you want the best grip, don’t mind paying for it.
A Quick Money-Saving Tip: Buy your tires during major holidays. I’ve seen savings of up to $150 per set. Most tire shops price match, too – ask.
Remember: even the best tires need proper pressure. Check yours monthly. It makes a huge difference in how they wear and perform.
Conclusion
Picking the right wheels and tires for your CX-5 doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you stick with the factory 17-inch wheels for comfort, step up to 18-inch for the perfect balance, or go all out with 19-inch wheels for style, you now know how to make a confident choice.
Remember that your driving habits, local climate, and budget should guide your decision more than what looks cool in photos.
If you’re still unsure, start with high-quality all-season tires in your factory size – you can always upgrade later as you learn what matters most to you.
Trust me, choosing the right combination of wheels and tires will reward you with years of safe, comfortable driving in your CX-5.
Keep this guide handy when you’re ready to make a change and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from a trusted tire shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put 20-inch wheels on my CX-5?
Yes, you can fit 20-inch wheels, but I don’t recommend it. While they look great, they’ll make your ride harsher and cost more in tires. Plus, you’ll be more likely to damage wheels and tires on rough roads.
Will changing wheel size affect my speedometer?
As long as you maintain the same overall tire diameter by adjusting the tire profile (the sidewall height), your speedometer will stay accurate. That’s why we carefully match tire sizes when going up or down in wheel size.
Do I need TPMS sensors for new wheels?
Yes, your CX-5 requires TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors on all wheels. The good news? You can usually transfer your existing sensors to new wheels, saving some money.
What’s the cheapest safe option for replacement wheels?
Used OEM (factory) wheels are your best budget option. They’re built to proper specs and usually cost half the price of new ones. Just check carefully for cracks or damage before buying.
Can I mix wheel sizes on my CX-5?
No, never mix wheel sizes on your CX-5. All four wheels must be the same size to maintain proper handling and prevent damage to your car’s AWD system. Even temporary use can cause problems.