Collection: Mazda CX-5 OEM Wheels

   
The Mazda CX-5 has become one of the most popular compact SUVs on the road because it feels more like a car that’s fun to drive than a typical soft-roader. Sharp steering, a well-tuned suspension, and clean design make the wheels a big part of its personality.

Whether it’s a base model on simple 17-inch alloys or a higher trim on larger, machined-face wheels, the CX-5 looks and drives best on the proper OEM wheels it was designed for. When a wheel is damaged, replacing it with the correct factory rim keeps the ride, handling and appearance where Mazda intended.

First Generation Mazda CX-5 OEM Wheels (2013-2016)

Mazda launched the CX-5 as a 2013 model and positioned it as a driver-focused alternative to the usual family crossovers. The first generation used clean, understated wheel designs that matched the “KODO” body lines without being overly flashy.

Typical OEM wheel options in this era included:

• 17-inch alloy wheels on lower and mid-range trims

• 19-inch alloy wheels on higher trims, often with darker or machined finishes

Bolt patterns stayed in the common 5-lug layout with a hub-centric fit and offsets tuned to keep the steering feel light but precise. The combination of relatively light factory alloys and Mazda’s suspension tuning is a big part of why early CX-5s still feel so composed compared to many competitors.

As these vehicles age, it’s common to see curb rash, corrosion from winter driving, or bends from potholes. When that happens, a proper replacement OEM wheel restores the original look and ride quality without introducing vibration or fitment surprises.

Second Generation Mazda CX-5 Factory Wheels (2017-2022)

The second generation CX-5 arrived with more upscale styling and interior quality, and the wheels followed the same direction. Mazda leaned into bolder spoke designs and more contrast between painted and machined surfaces.

Factory wheel characteristics in this period typically include:

• 17-inch alloys with a more sculpted spoke profile for entry and mid-trims

• 19-inch alloys with complex spoke patterns and darker, premium finishes on higher trims

• Offsets and widths chosen to keep the SUV feeling planted without making the steering heavy

Visually, the larger OEM wheels and tighter wheel openings give the second-gen CX-5 a more premium stance. From a functional standpoint, sticking with factory wheel sizes and specs keeps the suspension and steering systems working as designed, which is especially noticeable on rough roads and at highway speeds.

Current Mazda CX-5 OEM Rims (2023-Present Refresh)

With the more recent refreshes, Mazda has continued to push the CX-5 upmarket. Wheel designs have grown more sophisticated, with:

• 17-inch OEM wheels that still look clean and modern on value-focused trims

• 19-inch factory alloys that use split spokes, darker finishes and machined faces to match the sharpened exterior styling

Mazda’s goal here is to make the CX-5 feel like a near-luxury SUV while keeping the driving manners intact. The latest OEM wheel packages are carefully matched to tire sizes and suspension tuning, which is why choosing the correct replacement wheel matters a lot when one gets damaged.

Alloy vs Steel Wheels on the Mazda CX-5

Most CX-5s on the road came with alloy wheels from the factory, but some markets and lower trims may have used steel wheels with covers. The differences are fairly straightforward:

• OEM alloy wheels

• Better appearance and finish

• Typically lighter than steel, which helps steering response

• Designed to match the SUV’s styling and ride/handling targets

• OEM steel wheels (where fitted)

• Simple, durable construction

• Usually paired with wheel covers

• More common on base or fleet-oriented trims

For everyday driving, most owners prefer the look and feel of the original Mazda alloy wheels. When replacing a damaged wheel, using a genuine factory alloy rim keeps the CX-5 looking like it did when it rolled off the showroom floor.

CX-5 OEM Wheel Trends Over Time

Across its generations, the CX-5 has followed a clear wheel trend:

• Early years (2013-2016):

• Clean, functional spoke designs

• 17-19 inch sizes

• Mostly silver or simple painted finishes

• Middle years (2017-2022):

• More aggressive spoke styling

• Greater use of dark gray and machined faces

• Emphasis on a more premium, sporty look

• Latest models (2023-present):

• Highly sculpted 19-inch designs on top trims

• Finishes that complement the paint colors and black trim

• Wheels used as a major visual differentiator between trim levels

Throughout these changes, the core engineering has stayed consistent: Mazda OEM wheels are sized, weighted and offset to work with the CX-5’s suspension geometry, brake package and steering tuning.

Mazda CX-5 Competitors and Wheel Comparison

The CX-5 lives in a crowded segment, going head-to-head with:

• Toyota RAV4

• Honda CR-V

• Nissan Rogue

• Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage

Compared to many of these, Mazda has leaned harder into wheel design as part of the brand’s “driver’s car” image. OEM CX-5 wheels typically:

• Use more intricate spoke patterns than some rivals

• Feature darker and machined finishes more often, especially on higher trims

• Are sized to balance comfort with a sporty stance, rather than just maximizing diameter

When owners move away from OEM wheels on the CX-5, it’s common to see issues with ride quality, vibration or an overall look that doesn’t quite match the rest of Mazda’s design language. Sticking with factory-style wheels keeps the CX-5 looking cohesive and helps maintain its resale appeal.

Why Genuine OEM Wheels Matter on the CX-5

The wheels on a CX-5 do more than just hold tires. They’re part of how the vehicle drives, steers and stops. Genuine OEM wheels are important because they:

• Are hub-centric and built to the exact center-bore of the CX-5

• Use the correct offset to keep suspension geometry in spec

• Meet Mazda’s load rating and durability requirements

• Are tested for corrosion, impact and long-term use in real conditions

When an original wheel is bent, cracked or badly corroded, replacing it with the right OEM wheel means the CX-5 can go back to driving the way it did before the damage.

Replacement Mazda CX-5 Factory Alloy Rims

A lot of CX-5 owners only start thinking about wheels when something goes wrong:

• A pothole or curb impact bends a rim

• Winter salt causes heavy corrosion around the bead

• The clearcoat peels and the wheel starts to look tired

At that point, there are several options on the table. Replacing the damaged wheel with a correct factory alloy rim for the CX-5 is usually the cleanest solution. It avoids:

• Guessing on offset and width

• Dealing with hub rings or special lug hardware

• Introducing new vibrations or alignment quirks

Sourcing a proper replacement OEM wheel for the exact year and trim keeps things simple: the new wheel looks right, bolts up like the original and doesn’t require trial-and-error to drive smoothly.

Advantages of Mazda CX-5 OEM Factory Wheels

For most CX-5 owners, genuine Mazda wheels offer a few key advantages over generic replacements:

• Exact fitment - correct bolt pattern, hub bore and offset

• Consistent ride quality - less chance of shaking or pulling at speed

• Known strength and durability - designed for the CX-5’s weight and use case

• Finish that matches the rest of the vehicle - especially on higher trims with unique designs

• Better long-term value - vehicles on OEM wheels generally present better when it’s time to sell or trade in

These advantages are why many shops and dealers recommend sticking with OEM or factory-style replacement wheels when repairing a CX-5.

Why Be Careful with Replica and Generic Wheels

Replica and generic aftermarket wheels can be tempting, especially when they’re cheaper or look more aggressive in photos. The trade-offs aren’t always obvious at first:

• Softer or lower-grade alloys can bend more easily in potholes

• Finishes may pit and peel faster in winter weather

• Multi-fit patterns and generic center bores can lead to vibration if the wheel isn’t perfectly centered

• Mismatched offsets can affect steering feel and tire wear

Some high-quality aftermarket options exist, but for a daily-driven CX-5 the safest path is usually to stay with OEM-spec wheels when replacing a damaged rim.

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-5 has earned its reputation by driving better than a typical compact SUV, and the wheels are a big part of that story. From the first generation to the latest refresh, Mazda has used carefully designed OEM wheels to balance comfort, control and style.

When a wheel is damaged or needs to be replaced, choosing a genuine, factory-correct CX-5 wheel keeps the SUV looking right, driving smoothly and holding its value. For owners who like the way their CX-5 feels from the factory, staying with OEM wheels is the simplest way to keep that character intact for the long term.