Top 10 Best Tires for Mazda CX-5: Latest Options

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best compact crossover/SUVs currently on sale. It combines exceptional driving characteristics that rival some sedans with good comfort and practicality.

However, to get the most from this excellent Japanese crossover/SUV, you'll need good tires, and there is no better place to find the best tires for Mazda CX-5 than in this detailed review.

I meticulously tried and selected the best tires for compact crossovers and SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and others to get a clearer picture of how they perform in the real world. For this review, I selected the tires that I think are best suited to the qualities of the Mazda CX-5, which is sharper to drive than any of its rivals, bar the premium crossovers like the BMW X3 and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Moreover, I selected tires from various categories because not every driver has the same needs. Want a more comfortable experience? This review has the best touring tires for your Mazda CX-5. Want a more engaging drive? There will also be performance tires on the list. I also added winter tires for those that encounter harsh wintry conditions; basically, every type of tire that fits the Mazda CX-5.

So, without further ado, let's have a closer look at the best tires for Mazda CX-5, along with short but information-rich reviews!

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Tires for Mazda CX 5 Available in 2024

Best Touring All-Season Tires for Mazda CX-5

1. Continental CrossContact LX25

The CrossContact LX25 is currently the most accomplished all-season touring tire for crossovers and SUVs. Continental went all-in with the latest iteration of its popular series of SUV tires, and that shows when you are driving it.

Apart from the slightly harsher ride, which won't be a big issue on the CX-5, the CrossContact LX25 ticks all the boxes. In terms of traction, it leads the category in rainy conditions, with exceptional braking and outstanding lateral grip. It's also very easy to control and drive at the limit, meaning evasive maneuvers feel very natural and safe.

The dry grip is also exceptional, but what impressed me even more was the quick and accurate steering. It plays very well with the sharp nature of the CX-5 and makes for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Unlike other all-season tires, though, the CrossContact LX25 combines its dry/wet traction with excellent snow traction. Particularly, this tire will provide you with some of the shortest stopping distances on snow and will hold well in the corners. It's also easy to control at the limit, so you can be braver with the slides.

As for noise, the CrossContact LX25 has almost none of it in urban scenarios, and you can barely hear it on the highway. Lastly, Continental offers a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty on the CrossContact LX25, which is among the best in the category.

Pros:

• Exceptional traction and balanced handling on wet tarmac
• Excellent lateral grip and strong braking on dry roads
• Quick and linear steering
• Strong overall performance on light snow
• A long 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Exceptionally quiet, even at speed

Cons:

• Harsh ride on broken roads
• It might be expensive for some

2. Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra

The Alenza A/S Ultra is the latest premium all-season touring tire for crossovers and SUVs to hit the market, and it's an immediate hit.

Bridgestone did a great job with most aspects of this tire, particularly the driving experience. The steering is very light yet accurate and linear, and it provided me with an enjoyable drive on a twisty road.

Moreover, the lateral grip is among the highest in the category, and the highway stability is excellent. The stopping distances are slightly longer than the category but still comfortably within the safe range.

The Alenza A/S Ultra continues to impress in the rain, providing outstanding lateral grip for an all-season tire, along with good braking. Crucially, the quick steering doesn't make the handling twitchy on wet tarmac – the Alenza A/S Ultra remains a very balanced tire.

As for snow, the overall traction is slightly lower than on the CrossContact LX25, but you probably won't feel the differences in the real world. Crucially, the Alenza A/S Ultra provides balanced handling, which is very important when driving on snow-covered roads, as it helps you better control your Mazda CX-5 when it starts sliding.

I also liked the ride quality this tire provides – it's not overly soft and copes excellently with both smaller and larger road imperfections, especially repetitive impacts. Still, I found it produces more noise on rough tarmac than its closest rivals.

The biggest reason to buy the Alenza A/S Ultra, though, is the durability – it comes with a class-leading 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, and I have no doubt it will last for a very long time.

Pros:

• Strong lateral grip on dry asphalt
• Balanced handling in dry conditions
• Quick and linear steering with a good on-center feel
• Excellent lateral grip on wet tarmac
• Natural handling and good behavior at the limit in the rain
• Safe to drive on light snow
• Exceptionally smooth ride, regardless of the tarmac quality
• Class-leading 80,000-mile treadwear warranty

Cons:

• Slightly longer stopping distances than its direct premium competitors
• Noisy on rough roads

3. Michelin CrossClimate 2

The CrossClimate 2 is one of the most advanced all-season tires currently on sale, combining a sporty-looking directional tread pattern with details that resemble a winter tire. As a result, it has by far the best combination of dry, wet, and snow traction, though it sacrifices treadlife a bit – it only comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.

But regardless of that, you will really enjoy driving your Mazda CX-5 on these tires. The steering is light, precise, and linear, and the lateral grip on dry roads resembles a summer tire.

Moreover, the stopping distances are exceptionally short, and the highway stability is excellent. It's the same story when it rains – the CrossClimate 2 provides super-safe handling on wet tarmac.

However, the most impressive aspect of this tire is how it drives on snow – it has the strongest longitudinal traction (acceleration and braking) and is very stable through the corners – almost like a winter tire.

The directional tread pattern also makes the CrossClimate 2 super-quiet – I almost couldn't hear the tires at 70 mph. The ride isn't as good, though, as it can feel harsh over repetitive impacts.

Pros:

• Excellent lateral grip on dry roads
• Very good to drive in dry conditions
• Excellent braking in rainy conditions
• Outstanding lateral wet grip
• Responsive steering with good straight-line tracking
• Easy to drive on snow with natural behavior at the limit
• Excellent lateral grip on light snow
• Best-in-class acceleration and braking on snow
• Supremely quiet, even at very high speeds

Cons:

• One of the most expensive tires in its category
• The ride could be softer
• Lower 60,000-mile treadwear warranty than its direct competitors

4. Vredestein Quatrac Pro

The Quatrac Pro is an excellent touring all-season tire for Mazda CX-5 drivers with tighter budgets. Although it costs less than the competition, Vredestein's tire impresses with its performance. Apart from the low-ish 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, the Quatrac Pro is a perfect tire.

Notably, Vredestein's touring all-season tire performs very well on dry tarmac, providing strong grip and braking. The wet performance is also excellent, with very good traction and natural behavior at the limit.

But the best part is the light-snow traction, where the Quatrac Pro competes with the class-leading tires. You'll be experiencing very short stopping distances on snow, and it also drives well in the corners.

On top of that, this is a very comfortable tire, with a smooth ride on most surfaces and quiet operation at speed.

Pros:

• Strong grip and short stopping distances on dry tarmac
• Very good traction and handling on wet tarmac
• Excellent traction and handling on light snow
• Smooth ride
• Very quiet, even at highway speeds

Cons:

• Sub-par 50,000-mile treadwear warranty for the category

5. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Pirelli's all-season touring tire for crossovers and SUVs trails a bit behind its premium rivals in the rain. It's not the traction – there is still a ton of it, but the behavior at the limit is somewhat nervous. Still, I think most drivers will never reach that point and be completely satisfied with the rain performance.

In all other areas, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 impresses. It's one of the best tires in its category on dry tarmac, with exceptional lateral grip and very sharp steering. Moreover, it performs very well on snow-covered roads, where it provides excellent traction and very surefooted handling.

Pirelli also did a great job in the comfort department – the Scorpion AS Plus 3 glides over smaller and larger imperfections and remains quiet at speed. Finally, the 70,000-mile treadwear warranty is excellent for the category.

Pros:

• Exceptional lateral grip in dry conditions
• Responsive and linear steering
• Strong braking and lateral grip on wet tarmac
• Excellent light-snow traction and handling
• Very smooth ride on all road types
• Remains quiet at higher speeds

Cons:

• Nervous at the limit in rainy conditions
• Below-average traction on ice

6. Cooper Endeavor Plus

If the touring tires listed above are too expensive for you, then I recommend the Cooper Endeavor Plus. It's a budget all-season tire that will save you a ton of money without sacrificing safety.

The Endeavor Plus is a very good performer in dry and wet conditions, with balanced handling and good traction. Sure, the premium competition provides more grip, but most people will never notice the difference.

Light-snow traction is also very solid for the category, although the premium competition again takes the cake. But crucially, you won't be disappointed with the performance on light snow, as there is enough traction and the handling is balanced.

As for comfort, the Endeavor Plus is noisier than I would've liked, but only at lower speeds. Meanwhile, the ride is reasonably smooth. Also, for the price, the 65,000-mile treadwear warranty is exceptional!

Pros:

• Surprisingly good wet traction for the price
• Solid grip and responsive steering in dry conditions
• Smooth ride on most roads
• An excellent 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Good traction in light snow

Cons:

• The premium competitors offer better light-snow traction
• Noisy at lower speeds (but quiet on the highway)

Best All-Season Performance Tires for Mazda CX-5

7. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is one of the few all-season performance tires available for the Mazda CX-5. However, it's also one of the best, so you are not losing by not having a choice.

Michelin's performance tire will significantly improve the grip of your CX-5 without sacrificing light-snow traction much. Notably, the lateral grip on dry and wet roads is exceptional, with outstanding braking and swift acceleration. I am also a big fan of the steering, which is super quick and natural.

Michelin also did a great job with the treadlife – the Pilot Sport All Season 4 comes with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is excellent for a UHP all-season tire.

Still, while the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is super-fun to drive, it can be tiresome on longer journeys due to the harsh and noisy ride.

Pros:

• Exceptional handling on wet tarmac
• Very short stopping distances in rainy conditions
• High lateral grip and excellent braking in dry conditions
• Solid light-snow traction for a performance all-season tire
• Long treadwear for the category

Cons:

• Unsettled ride, especially over potholes
• It can become noisy at higher speeds

Best Summer Performance Tires for Mazda CX-5

8. Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Want even more grip from your Mazda CX-5? Then, try the Pilot Sport 4, a max-performance summer tire. Sure, you'll need another set of snow tires for the winter, but in return, you'll be getting a race-car-level grip on dry and wet roads.

The lateral grip with these tires is just mind-blowing, especially when you compare it to other tires on this list. The braking is also exceptional, and you won't have issues with acceleration. And that's regardless of the surface – the Pilot Sport 4 works on dry and wet conditions equally well.

It's also the most comfortable and quiet performance tire, though not as smooth as its touring counterparts. Still, the main issue I have is the steering, which could've been more responsive.

Pros:

• Mind-blowing grip on dry and wet tarmac
• Exceptional braking in dry and wet conditions
• Balanced handling and natural behavior at the limit
• Very comfortable and quiet for a performance summer tire
• Excellent treadlife for a performance tire

Cons:

• The steering could be more responsive
• Expensive

Best Winter Tires for Mazda CX-5

9. Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV

The X-Ice Snow SUV is currently the best snow tire for the Mazda CX-5. The first time I tried a set of these tires, I couldn't believe how easy it is to drive on snow – the traction is exceptional, and the handling is perfectly balanced. The tires also let me push harder on icy roads, thanks to the excellent traction.

But the best thing about the X-Ice Snow SUV is that it works well on dry roads, and it even comes with a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty, which currently no other rival offers for its winter tires. Its wet traction is also very good, though you'll get slightly better rain performance than its rivals.

Still, this is one of the quietest and smoothest winter tires, apart from the slightly higher noise on rough roads.

Pros:

• Exceptional handling and traction on snow
• Excellent handling and traction on ice
• Solid handling and lateral grip in the dry
• Short stopping distances in the rain
• Smooth and quiet for an aggressive snow tire 

Cons:

• Slightly noisier than its rivals on rough tarmac
• Slightly lower lateral grip in the rain than its closest rivals

10. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

The Blizzak DM-V2 is a tried and proven winter tire that I drove on various vehicles and always came out impressed. It provides exceptional traction on snow, but more importantly, it's super-easy to drive, thanks to the balanced handling. It also works well on ice, much like its closest premium rivals.

Bridgestone also did a great job with the dry and wet traction, which are still among the best in the category. Still, the Blizzak DM-V2 starts to show its age with the noise it produces on the highway, although the ride is reasonably smooth. Also, the steering is dull and not very responsive, but that's hardly a complaint in a winter tire.

Pros:

• Exceptional acceleration and braking on snow
• Excellent handling on snow-covered roads
• Works well on ice-covered roads, too
• Good to drive on dry tarmac
• Excellent braking and grip in rainy conditions

Cons:

• It's noisy on the highway
• The steering is not very responsive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Do I need to replace all four tires at once?

I generally recommend replacing all four tires at once when it comes time for a replacement. Combining two of your old and worn-out tires with two new tires could result in less balanced handling; think about it – your new tires will grip the road much better than the old ones, which results in much worse stability when turning.

Still, if one or two of your tires were damaged in some way, and the other two are still safe to drive, you could replace one or two tires. However, for good performance, I suggest using the same dimensions and tire type, i.e., don't mix all-season with winter tires. And for the best performance, go for the same model you already have.

• What's the correct pressure on my Mazda CX 5 tires?

Mazda recommends 34 psi for the 17-inch wheels and 36 psi for the 19-inch wheels. However, tire pressure depends on many factors, including load and temperature. 

Hence, I strongly recommend checking the sticker located on the driver's side door sill, as it will tell you the correct pressure for various vehicle loads. If you can't find the sticker, or it's missing in your Mazda CX-5, you will find it in the owner's manual.

Keeping your tires at the correct pressure is crucial to ensure safe handling, low fuel consumption, and prolonging the life of your tires. Therefore, I'd recommend checking the tire pressure at least once every month, before every long trip, or when the outside temperature drops significantly.

• How often should I rotate my Mazda CX 5 tires?

Although many Mazda CX-5 owners forget about tire rotation, this activity is crucial in ensuring even wear across all four tires. The front and rear tires don't wear at the same rate, and there are even differences between the left and right tires.

Therefore, I recommend rotating the tires every 5,000-7,000 miles or at every oil change – you can ask the mechanic to do that for you.

• Are all-season tires good for the winter?

All-season tires are a popular choice for drivers looking for a tire that can provide acceptable traction in a variety of weather conditions.

However, it's important to keep in mind that all-season tires are a compromise and can't defy physics. They are designed to provide decent performance in both hot and cold weather, as well as in both wet and dry conditions. Unfortunately, there is currently no rubber material that can perform perfectly in all conditions.

Additionally, all-season tires don't have very aggressive tread patterns to increase snow traction, as doing so would sacrifice dry and wet performance. This means that they may not provide the same level of traction and control as winter tires in cold and snowy conditions.

That said, for most people, all-season tires are a good year-round solution. Modern all-season tires generally provide solid traction on light snow and work well in dry and freezing weather. They are also safe in rainy conditions and won't give you headaches in slush.

However, if you frequently encounter harsh winter conditions, it's strongly recommended to invest in a set of winter tires. Winter tires are specifically designed to perform in temperatures below 7°C (45°F) and provide superior traction in snow, slush, and ice. They have deeper tread patterns and special rubber compounds that remain pliable in cold temperatures, allowing them to grip the road better in snowy and icy conditions.

In summary, while all-season tires can be a good option for year-round driving, winter tires provide better performance and safety in extreme winter conditions. It's always best to be prepared for all weather conditions, and investing in a set of winter tires can help ensure that you stay safe on the road, no matter the weather.

Conclusion

Buying tires for your car can be daunting today with all those options on offer. This is especially true when you put those cheap Chinese tires in the equation, which look attractive to most people.

However, I wouldn't touch these tires with a ten-foot pole because each one I tried is only passable on dry roads. Throw some rain or snow on the road, and they become borderline unsafe. Moreover, they won't last for more than two years. Thus, you'll be replacing them more often, meaning they will cost you the same in the long run.

So, even if you don't choose a set of Mazda CX 5 tires from this list, make sure that it comes from a reputable manufacturer. If you found a match, though, purchasing the tires via our website will help us produce more quality articles in the future at no price premium for you. Thanks!