What is the best tire for a CX-5 AWD? I have a couple suggestions, as I test tires as part of my job as an automotive journalist. I run Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2s on my stock 19-inch rims from November through March, or whenever snow is a common factor. They work exceptionally well as I have driven them for the last three winters in Southern Idaho and in the Oregon Cascades on both plowed and unplowed roads. The other tire that is NOT a dedicated snow tire, but has the three-peak snow rating, is the brand new Goodyear WeatherReady 2. Those are currently under my CX-5. They are one of the best all-season, all-weather tires I’ve tested. Long tread life, too (60,000 miles.) If I were looking for one tire that’d work year-around, and I didn't live in snow country, the WeatherReady 2 would be it.

The new Goodyear WeatherReady 2 All-Weather tire

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 dedicated snow tire

 

Best advise to you is to contact The tire Rack and talk to them. Truly. Main reason is asking tire advise from others that have really different driving skills and habits as well you likely do not have exactly the same condition vehicle considering all the factors.
The Tire Rack will ask you important qualifying question and then based on the give a tire recommendation.

 

I don’t need to contact the folks at Tire Rack. They, too, use one car to test tires, and it’s not a Mazda CX-5 AWD. So far I’ve logged more than 1,800 miles on the new WeatherReady2s. As an aside, I have worked side-by-side with Tire Rack’s main test guys doing multiple snow tire comparisons on full-size pickups at the Winter Snow Driving School in Colorado. My tire recommendations are based on my own real-world Mazda CX-5 AWD driving experiences in PacNW highways and backroads. When you call Tire Rack, they base their “insights” on their track testing, probably using a 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q4, which is very different than the CX-5. I don't believe they have yet tested the new WeatherReady2s...

 

Ok well you totally missed my point(s).
And you also are missing where The Tire Rack (TTR) get and uses much of their information they post and recommend tires . I am really not sure how you concluded your information about all their test information but actually a lot more to it than what " you the consumer" or auto journalist read and get recommended by TTR which is more or less to promote and advertise. . While not perfect or complete their information is not inaccurate. Then there is also a technical overload of information that for the most part does not really help make sales or help with recommendations to customers. I.e. tire engineering information and pre production testing that some of which are supplied by auto tire manufactures to the TTR on many of their tire brands and models . I know this because tire manufacturers have had this information available for decades . But maybe you do know this as you are in the automotive community?
As for your Driving school... kudo's to you I wish more people that drive would invest in at least one weekend course simple Driving school.
So on with your recommendation, while your review is good for you , that about all it is. There is no comparison nor is there actual tested information about performance. All only what you personally feel. Or what is called a "butt Dyno". And your information is also a bit influenced because your are above the average driver for actual improved driving abilities.m

I am sure we will have a few other regular forum members that will chime in and recommend their choice of tire and some operate in similar condition as you and also 1 or 2 likely the same driving level experience as you?
But I hope that they taught you you in driving school it’s not the vehicle it’s the driver . That goes without saying for tire choice as well.
If you want to be a little better then most when recommending tires then invest in an accelerometer. This way you can actually physically measure real world performance information to share. They cost about $300.00 USD.

 

Based only on my driving habits/skills and the most frequent road conditions/weather I operate on/in I use Perilli Scorpion AS Plus 3.
Unfortunately, the biggest factor for anyone in choosing tires is their budget.

 

I have only used All-Season tires on all my vehicles, and even in the worst snow storms here in New England I've had no issues. Obviosly winter tires will be better in those conditions, but it's not a deal breaker unless you will be encountering severe weather often.

 

 

What are these Winter Tires that you speak of? We never see those type of tires in Florida!

 

lol

I rarely go to those types of tires because in CA,NEV and WA they all require chain in snow regardless. And as for rain any idiot that knows better reduces their speeds depending on the severity of the rain and road conditions . Common senses. Then you don't need to worry about the mechanical end of the vehcle to save your **** but driving skill and common sense.

 

I would second what Alex said about winter tires.
I have only ever used winter tires here in Maine on my rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
And even then, I got stuck frequently, with or without using chains.
If you have FWD or AWD I don't see the need for winter tires or I should say verifiable proof that you do.
All seasons work just fine.