We researched the market and compared manufacturer specifications, industry safety standards, and aggregated owner feedback to identify the best tires for the Mazda CX-5. Whether you prioritize all-season comfort, winter traction, or long tread life, our evaluation covers top choices to suit your driving needs.
Each tire was assessed for performance, durability, value, ease of use (including noise and ride comfort), and safety. Below are our findings, with honest limitations for each product.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Michelin Defender 2 Best Overall All-Season Tire All-Season, 225/55R19, 80,000-mile treadwear warranty |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack Quietest Ride Grand Touring All-Season, 225/55R19, 70,000-mile warranty |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Continental CrossContact LX25 Best for Light Off-Road Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season, 225/55R19, 70,000-mile warranty |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive Best All-Weather Tire All-Weather (3PMSF rated), 225/55R19, 60,000-mile warranty |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Best Value All-Weather All-Weather, 225/55R19, 60,000-mile warranty |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
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Firestone Destination LE3 Budget-Friendly All-Season All-Season, 225/55R19, 65,000-mile warranty |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Nexen N'Priz AH5 Entry-Level All-Season All-Season, 225/55R19, 60,000-mile warranty |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Michelin Defender 2: Best Overall All-Season Tire
- Excellent tread life with Michelin's EverTread compound
- Quiet and comfortable ride on highways
- Strong wet and dry grip with good snow traction
Pros: Long-lasting tread; Low road noise; Reliable all-season performance
Cons: Premium price point; Not ideal for severe winter conditions
2. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack: Quietest Ride
- NanoPro-Tech silica compound for enhanced wet traction
- QuietTrack technology reduces cabin noise
- Smooth and comfortable ride quality
Pros: Very quiet interior; Good wet braking; Smooth ride
Cons: Tread life slightly less than Defender 2; Not for aggressive driving
3. Continental CrossContact LX25: Best for Light Off-Road
- +Silane technology for improved wet handling
- Tread design enhances traction on gravel and light trails
- Stable cornering and responsive steering
Pros: Good off-road light capability; Excellent wet traction; Responsive handling
Cons: Slightly firmer ride than premium touring tires; Winter performance adequate but not top-tier
4. Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive: Best All-Weather Tire
- Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for severe snow
- Dual-compound tread for year-round flexibility
- Good dry and wet performance with winter capability
Pros: True all-weather versatility; Strong snow traction; Decent tread life
Cons: Not as refined on dry pavement as summer tires; Slightly higher road noise than pure all-seasons
5. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: Best Value All-Weather
- Weather Reactive Technology adapts to temperature
- Tread lock sipes enhance snow and ice grip
- Affordable price for 3PMSF certified tire
Pros: Great value for all-weather capability; Good snow traction; Decent dry handling
Cons: Tread life shorter than premium all-seasons; Wet traction could be better
6. Firestone Destination LE3: Budget-Friendly All-Season
- Silica tread compound for wet traction
- Twin steel belts for durability
- Good value for the price
Pros: Budget-friendly; Decent tread life warranty; Acceptable dry performance
Cons: Higher road noise; Less refined ride than premium options; Snow traction is limited
7. Nexen N'Priz AH5: Entry-Level All-Season
- Low rolling resistance for fuel economy
- Four wide grooves for water evacuation
- Affordable price point
Pros: Very affordable; Good fuel efficiency; Adequate dry braking
Cons: Below-average wet traction; Shorter tread life in practice; Noticeable road noise and harshness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tire size for a Mazda CX-5?
The most common OEM tire size for the Mazda CX-5 is 225/55R19. Some lower trims may use 225/65R17. Always check your vehicle’s door jamb placard or owner’s manual for the correct size.
Should I get all-season or winter tires for my CX-5?
If you live in an area with mild winters, all-season tires like the Michelin Defender 2 are sufficient. For harsh winters with heavy snow and ice, dedicated winter tires or all-weather tires with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol are recommended.
How often should I replace the tires on my CX-5?
Typically, tires should be replaced every 6 years regardless of tread depth, or when tread wears down to 2/32 inch. Check regularly for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges. Many modern tires have treadwear indicators.
Do I need to replace all four tires at once?
For AWD CX-5 models, it is strongly recommended to replace all four tires simultaneously to maintain equal rolling circumference and avoid damaging the drivetrain. For FWD models, replacing in pairs is acceptable but best to keep tires matched.
What tire pressure should I use in my CX-5?
The recommended tire pressure for the Mazda CX-5 is typically 34-36 psi for both front and rear. Always refer to the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb for the exact specification for your vehicle.
Our Verdict
After our research and comparison, the Michelin Defender 2 stands out as the top pick for most CX-5 owners due to its exceptional tread life, quiet comfort, and reliable all-season performance. For those who prioritize a whisper-quiet ride, the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack is an excellent runner-up with its superior noise reduction and smooth ride.
