Best wheel size for CX-5

[Welsh_CX5]

Hello,

I was wandering if any other CX-5 owners out there had downsized their wheels from 19" to 17" or 18"?

I've just got a facelift sport nav model which is lovely but I can't help thinking that the ride might be better on our bumpy roads by switching to smaller wheels (i.e. the wheel / tyre combination thats standard on most models I think?). On smooth roads though I think it rides really well.

I notice on Mazda's web site that there's no 18" wheel option for the CX-5, I'd have thought there'd be quite a difference between 17" and 19" wheels. There are some really nice looking dark grey 18" wheels available on the Mazda 3, I wandered if they'd fit the CX-5?

So just wandered really if anyone had made this change and if they preferred the drive or thought it was less sharp (or sharper1) or quieter or just any thoughts really, better or worse.


Any thoughts much appreciated,

Thanks!

[BigAl]

I've been driving my 175 sport for 3 years now with the 19 inch wheels and I would describe it a firm. I've not driven one with 17 inch wheels but many reviews say that this has the better ride. I suppose what you think is better, softer ride but less sporty or firmer ride and better handling. I came to mine from a Subaru Forester and didn't really notice any difference in ride quality. The only thing I've noticed is that the suspension on mine will "bang" a bit when topping out after crossing harsh speed bumps.  I believe some changes were made to the newer ones to improve this. At one time the tyres for the 19 inch we're in short supply; I don't the that's the case now.

It certainly hasn't stopped me ordering the same model again!

Alan.

[Catamong]

Obviously one issue to consider is cost, the front 17" tyres on my CX5 lasted 15,000 miles, I looked around for a good quality replacement and found Dunlop Grand Trek Touring via Oponeo at £95 each delivered, not a bad price, I doubt you'd a decent 19" tyre at that price..?

[BigAl]

15,000 miles?!!! I'd be disappointed with that! My first set lasted 35,000 and I thought that was bad. There's a thread about tyre specs, life, costs, etc, here. http://mazdacx5forums.co.uk/index.php?topic=25.0

Alan

[Catamong]

In fairness, they weren't bald but they were very close to the wear markers.

I hear all these fantastic claims about tyre life, 50k, 80k etc, but I must say I've never had beyond about 20k from any tyres on the front.

Like most people I consider myself a careful driver, (and have a certificate from the IAM to prove it), but I never spin the wheels, so how come I burn more rubber than most...??

[BigAl]

Is yours 2wd or 4wd? That makes quite a difference, I find. My Nissan X-Trail (auto-select 4wd system from the Skyline) did 45k before the front set needed replacing, car went back at 78k with the original rears. My Toyota Verso (front 2wd only) T180 did just 22k before fronts were needed. My Forester (symmetrical 4wd) went back at 75k with all four originals on.

The CX5 was right down to the limit when I changed three at 35k, that was due to the supply issue with the tyres. I was almost at the point of having to take it off the road when Mazda approved some alternatives as a temporary measure!

Alan

[howardsathome]

Just had second year, 18500 miles service and front tyres not yet half worn, rears still 7mm. Note AWD,  and in previous posts I recalled similar experience to BigAl with my X-Trail (had it for 10 years & 99500 miles). 17 inch tyres will give better ride, more economical replacement and better availability.

[howardsathome]

Care must be taken when changing wheel/tyre sizes. The Mazda 3 wheels may not be the same width to take the correct tyre size for the extra weight of the CX-5. Also the hub fitting and wheel bolt pitch circle must match, not to mention the correct wheel off-set for the track. That is all before we get into the correct rolling circumference for gearing and a tyre with a suitable load index. Strongly recommend a local recommended tyre/wheel specialist.

[Catamong]

Is yours 2wd or 4wd? That makes quite a difference, I find. My Nissan X-Trail (auto-select 4wd system from the Skyline) did 45k before the front set needed replacing, car went back at 78k with the original rears. My Toyota Verso (front 2wd only) T180 did just 22k before fronts were needed. My Forester (symmetrical 4wd) went back at 75k with all four originals on.

The CX5 was right down to the limit when I changed three at 35k, that was due to the supply issue with the tyres. I was almost at the point of having to take it off the road when Mazda approved some alternatives as a temporary measure!

Alan

Mine is the 2WD version, currently with 25k on the clock, I reckon I'll get possibly another 15k out of the rears, but certainly not anywhere near 78k..!

[Caldean]

How much would a set of 17s cost ? Might be worth putting  winter tyres on them and run them over the colder months. Probably,  with tyres, the thick end of  grand all in I fear....