Ride Quality - 17 vs 19 vs 20 - Feedback

[mnm]

I agree, I wish Mazda put 18s on the CX-5. It seems to me to be a better tire/wheel option taking into consideration price, performance, looks and ability to get a wide range of replacement tires. 19s certainly look nice, but do lack in my opinion in many of the other key areas.

 

[MikeM.]

I agree, I wish Mazda put 18s on the CX-5. It seems to me to be a better tire/wheel option taking into consideration price, performance, looks and ability to get a wide range of replacement tires. 19s certainly look nice, but do lack in my opinion in many of the other key areas.

I agree (but I would still select 17" over 18").

I imagine Mazda selected 17" as the standard wheel/tire setup for the CX-5 and then decided one inch bigger wasn't enough of a difference to help with the up-selling of the most profitable trim level.

 

[shortnugly]

Wow those CX-3 wheels look nice.

MikeM, Yup.....I'm sure marketing had their hand in the option revenue stream.

 

[pdlpsher]

I didn't test drive a CX-5 with 17". The CX-5 I test drove had 19" and the ride was fantastic. After I picked up my car (a different car than the one I drove) I found the ride to be absolutely horrible. I made it home in one piece. I proceeded to check the air pressure and found all four had 46 PSI in them! I lowered it to 38 PSI hot (which should equal to about 36 PSI cold). My ride on the 19" is now fantastic. The 19" tire is a lot more expensive than the 17". Although I didn't test drive the 17" I imagine the cornering response of the 19" to be superior to the 17" without giving up too much in ride quality. So in conclusion I believe the 19" is worth the upgrade especially given the sporty nature of the CX-5 (which invites me to play much more in the corners than any other SUV).