Best Mazda CX-50 Tires
The newest stylish crossover in Mazda’s lineup, the CX-50 delivers handling and luxury, helping reposition the Japanese automaker as a more premium brand. Sold alongside the CX-5, it offers similar powertrains and is a similar size but delivers significantly more luxury.
Mazda CX-50 Tire Sizes
Below are the size options for the CX-50 at launch with some sensible 17- and 18-inch options for lower-spec models, while a 20-inch option is available on higher trim levels.
- 225/65/17
- 225/50/18
- 245/45/20
Best Tire for Mazda CX-50
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Specifically engineered for the North American market, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 combines the brand’s hallmark trait of dynamic handing with practical grip in the wet, a high comfort level and long tread life.
Mazda’s always put a premium on handling and so we like this tire because of how it accentuates the finer aspects of the CX-50s nimble chassis.
The tire’s footprint puts a priority on maximizing the contact patch for excellent dry weather grip and predictable handling.
At the same time, the tread design is divided into tiny blocks within the larger tread blocks, with extra edges for added grip in the wet and in mild winter conditions.
The ride is comfortable. It’s quiet. And impressively with it’s more engaging driving dynamics, Pirelli managed to engineer this tire to still last 70,000 miles
Best Tire for Mazda CX-50 (alternative)
Continental CrossContact LX 25
One of our regular top picks for any crossover, the Continental CrossContact LX 25 is in many ways similar to the Pirellis above with practical grip and tread life combined with engaging driving dynamics.
Slightly less performance-focused than the Pirellis these tires are still impressively capable with a sizeable contact patch and reinforced shoulders that give confidence while cornering.
The tread design itself includes a high volume of extra edges for wet and wintry grip, where it really excels. Plus, it continues to offer an excellent 70,000 mile warranty.
Best Performance Tire for Mazda CX-50
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
If you’re looking to further enhance the handling of your CX-50 the absolute best way is with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires. Dedicated summer tires, they offer world-class handling in the dry and wet, though they aren’t to be used in the winter or temperatures below 20 degrees F.
Super wide shoulder tread blocks offer outstanding handling, while an ultra grippy tread compound make these some of the most engaging tires you’ll ever drive!
Best All-Terrain Tire for Mazda-CX-50
Falken Wildpeak AT Trail
Chances are, no one is doing any hard core off-roading in a Mazda CX-50. Still, if you’re planning regular off-roading on dirt or gravel, or if you just live somewhere with a lot of gravel roads and need a tire than can withstand that punishment, then the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail is a perfect option.
This all-terrain tire was made specifically for crossovers. It’s not designed for rock-crawling or driving through ditches of mud. Instead it puts a priority on added grip for light off-roading, while also being able to withstand long hours on unpaved or partially-paved roads.
A 65,000 mile tread life warranty is the highest available on any all-terrain tire, so you won’t sacrifice much there. Plus it’s certified for true winter use too!
Best Budget Tire for Mazda CX-50
Hankook Kinergy ST
It’s hard to say anything bad about the Hankook Kinergy ST, especially for the price. Driving dynamics are rather average, but it’s more than capable enough for the needs of most drivers. The tires are quiet and comfortable. Wet weather grip is quite good. Winter driving is lacking more than our top tires recommended above, but again, it’s quite normal compared to the rest of the tires in this class.
A 70,000 mile warranty is impressive for the money. And speaking of money, you’ll save around 35-40% on a set of these compared to premium options, making them extremely attractive with very little in the way of drawbacks.
Cheapest Tire for Mazda CX-50
Laufenn G Fit AS
Hankook’s budget brand, Laufenn might be a relatively unknown brand but its making some solid tires. The G Fit AS is a grand touring all season tire, offering comfort and low noise volume, while also exhibiting a bit more driving enjoyment than you might expect from a tire at the lower end of the pricing spectrum.
We’ll admit you may be able to find some more affordable options, but not many. And we don’t recommend any of those other options.
The biggest drawback of this tire it that it’s decent grip comes at the cost of tire life, with a 45,000 mile expected tread life. You’re probably better off going with the Hankook Kinergy ST tires listed above. They’re not quite as sporty but they’re better for wet grip and have a vastly longer tire life. Plus, they only cost marginally more.
Best Winter Tire for Mazda CX-50
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Dominate winter and don’t look back.
Excuse us for sounding like a Bridgestone ad, but these tires are truly fantastic. The extra wide center tread section with densely packed tread blocks makes for a sure-footed driving experience on snow covered roads. Plus, the siping, which runs in nearly every direction, ensures you grip the snow exceptionally well. And with sipes running in every direction, this tire performs under acceleration, braking and handling.
An excellent winter option when it comes to ice, slush or dry but cold roads, when the snow starts flying and building up on the roads, these really are world class.
Safety and confidence is worth paying a premium for these winter tires.