Picked up the car (as a daily driver) with <10k miles a couple of months ago. A few nit picks but otherwise very impressive vehicle. I must really like it based on the continual money outflow since I got it (accessories, paint correction/protection, etc). I hate the stock Toyo's so just ordered the Conti DWS06+ in 235/55/19's for the stock wheels. Hoping they ride better than the A36's. Now if I can just get the steering wheel buttons to scroll through my sat radio favorites :-(
Loving my new 2 me Mazda
- Thread starter 22323
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Lazy2.5
2015 Mazda 6 - AT - Tuned
- :
- Ontario
I would suggest to also ditch the OEM wheels and go for some aftermarket lightweight flow-formed/forged wheels.
For the CX-5, on one hand I would want to opt for 17's or 18's to save weight, on the other, I don't think there are many performance tire options in the aspect ratio you would need.
I recently installed 235/50ZR17 Pilot Sport AS4's and some flow-formed wheels on my Mazda 6. Nearly 10lb of weight savings per corner, and I upgraded from OEM 17's. With the 19's, weight difference would be considerably more. The difference in the driving experience has been nothing short of transformative.
more here if you want to read:
For the CX-5, on one hand I would want to opt for 17's or 18's to save weight, on the other, I don't think there are many performance tire options in the aspect ratio you would need.
I recently installed 235/50ZR17 Pilot Sport AS4's and some flow-formed wheels on my Mazda 6. Nearly 10lb of weight savings per corner, and I upgraded from OEM 17's. With the 19's, weight difference would be considerably more. The difference in the driving experience has been nothing short of transformative.
more here if you want to read:
Fitted:17x8 ET45 (Mazda 6 offset is ET45 or ET50 for the 19's or 17's respectively.) Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 in size 235/50ZR17
Almost 10lb lighter per wheel than OEM 17's and a stiffer, XL sidewall makes a tremendous difference.
The change in offset has completely changed the steering feel. It feels more on center, heavier, weighs up more firmly when turning in, etc.
The ride, handling, steering feel and cornering has completely transformed. The ride is still fairly comfortable, but corners flat and sharp.
@N7turbo
@AL Cx5
Almost 10lb lighter per wheel than OEM 17's and a stiffer, XL sidewall makes a tremendous difference.
The change in offset has completely changed the steering feel. It feels more on center, heavier, weighs up more firmly when turning in, etc.
The ride, handling, steering feel and cornering has completely transformed. The ride is still fairly comfortable, but corners flat and sharp.
@N7turbo
@AL Cx5
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
I don't think they will. They are an UHP AS tire and ride firm. A little better than the Michelins, but still firm.
You might gain a little bit of cushion with the size you chose, but you're pushing the limit since the wheel is only 7" wide.
It might be a wash in the end, but definitely let us know.
My experience may not be comparable, but I'm running those tires in 245/45/20 on 9" wheels and the stock setup was significantly smoother.
Lazy2.5
2015 Mazda 6 - AT - Tuned
- :
- Ontario
Also depends on the sidewall, whether it is SL or XL, and it's total load rating. An XL sidewall tends to ride stiffer, though not necessarily in a bad way.
Lighter aftermarket wheels can help with the ride quality, as they can be slightly more compliant (vs OEM cast-aluminum clunkers) not to mention, the suspension can control them better due to being so much lighter.
As I mentioned in my post, the ride is a little-bit stiffer over potholes (Having moved from a SL touring 222/55R17 to an XL Performance AS 235/50ZR17) But, on smooth or cracked pavement, I think the ride quality has improved dramatically. (Thanks to the flow-formed wheels as well, i think.)
With that being said, my idea of ride comfort is based more on feeling connected to the road, good road feel, controlled, responsive body movement over outright suppleness over bumps. Mazda's are not comfort cars, no matter what tires you put on them.
If you need softer ride, you should ditch the 19's all together and go 17's or 18's.
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
It's about 29 pounds and some change (13 kg) for the 2023 Turbo wheels.
I love the performance traits of the car. Just didn't like the Toyos. Not looking for it to ride like a 1980 Electra, just not as jittery. Appreciate the color commentary. If I'm still displeased I'll buy new wheels!
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
I'll be interested in your feedback with that tire size. I know they definitely eliminated the issues I was experiencing, which included a disconnect between the reactivity of the front and rear at highway speeds, and a general sense of squishiness when cornering. The car now reacts immediately to my inputs with no delay and the front and rear feel like one. But reducing sidewall squishiness definitely has some trade-offs.
Install on Monday - will do.
Lazy2.5
2015 Mazda 6 - AT - Tuned
- :
- Ontario
Did you try increasing tire pressure to address the squish
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
Tire pressure was always the proper 36 psi.
Lazy2.5
2015 Mazda 6 - AT - Tuned
- :
- Ontario
Yea, definitely the sidewall on those Toyos wasn't sufficient for your needs lol.
What's the load rating for the OEM 19's vs your current 20's?
The tire/wheel diameter on these new cars are absolutely massive
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
I
99V vs 103Y
- :
- 2023 CX5 turbo
crawling around under my 23 cx5 turbo I am really amazed at how well it is built..at 46000 miles there is not a single seep and everything on the underside looks like the car could have 4600 miles not 46,000 miles. It really does continue to impress with the build quality and the material quality.
Lazy2.5
2015 Mazda 6 - AT - Tuned
- :
- Ontario
Nice, OEM for the Mazda 6 isn't far behind at 97V for the 225/55R17. My current tires are 100Y. That's enough for a loaded pickup truck.
Lazy2.5
2015 Mazda 6 - AT - Tuned
- :
- Ontario
Here's the thing. If you love the Mazda CX-5 (Except for the firm ride, which is a common complaint amongst owners) Opting for XL load rated performance all-seasons certainly was not a step in the right direction.
Take a look at this thread here. If you usually drive with a "light load," (496lb or less) You might want to consider dropping your PSI a little lower than the door jamb recommendation. That certainly helped with ride comfort for me a lot.
But anyways, the other thing would be your OEM 19's, like I mentioned. Unless you are simply head over heels with the way they look, switching to 17's, or even 18's will certainly give you the additional ride comfort you're after. - Just something to think about for the future.
Here's the thing. I paid next to nothing for my Pilot Sports, and I bought my aftermarket wheels on a good black friday deal. If I was paying full price for my tires, I'm not sure i'd be able to stomach the price of aftermarket wheels on top of that as well.
But, If my Mazda 6 had the 19's from the factory rather than the 17's, I would pay whatever it takes to get rid of them.
Take a look at this thread here. If you usually drive with a "light load," (496lb or less) You might want to consider dropping your PSI a little lower than the door jamb recommendation. That certainly helped with ride comfort for me a lot.
But anyways, the other thing would be your OEM 19's, like I mentioned. Unless you are simply head over heels with the way they look, switching to 17's, or even 18's will certainly give you the additional ride comfort you're after. - Just something to think about for the future.
Here's the thing. I paid next to nothing for my Pilot Sports, and I bought my aftermarket wheels on a good black friday deal. If I was paying full price for my tires, I'm not sure i'd be able to stomach the price of aftermarket wheels on top of that as well.
But, If my Mazda 6 had the 19's from the factory rather than the 17's, I would pay whatever it takes to get rid of them.
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
Yup, I kept the offset the same and went 1 inch wider in each direction. However, the tire is only 1 inch wider in total section width. That tightens up the fitment of the tire on the wheel to be completely square (section width is almost equal to wheel width, like 10.5" or so on a 10" wheel at the face).
The steering became much lighter and more responsive. This is partly due to 6.5 lbs less weight each corner, and partly due to the type of tire being an ultra high performance all season tire.
