Rims & Tires

Buyer guide · 4 min read

Best Tires for Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is purpose-built for driving enjoyment — light, balanced, responsive. Its tire selection has more impact on the driving experience than almost any other vehicle because the Miata is designed to respond exactly to what its tires give it. The right tires make the Miata exceptional; the wrong ones make it dull.

Mazda MX-5 Miata tire sizes

ND2 MX-5 (2019-current): 195/50R16 (Sport soft top), 205/45R17 (Club, Grand Touring), 215/40R18 (RF sport).

ND1 MX-5 (2016-2018): 195/50R16 (Sport), 205/45R17 (Club, Grand Touring).

NC MX-5 (2006-2015): 205/45R17 (all trims), 225/45R17 (PRHT).

The 205/45R17 is the dominant current and NC-gen MX-5 size.

Best tires — MX-5 daily all-season

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ in 205/45R17: the best daily all-season for MX-5 — precision handling response, strong wet performance, DWS wear indicators. The go-to for drivers who need year-round capability without losing the Miata driving feel.

Michelin CrossClimate2 in 205/45R17: for MX-5 owners in climates that see actual winter weather — 3PMSF capability while maintaining the responsive character the car demands.

Best tires — MX-5 track and performance

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 205/45R17: the benchmark summer performance tire for MX-5. Transformative on a Miata — the handling precision and grip level are significantly better than any all-season.

Falken Azenis RT660 in 205/45R17: near-competition performance at a street-tire price. Extremely popular in the Miata autocross and time-attack community.

Yokohama Advan Apex V601: excellent choice for club racing and autocross at a lower price than Pilot Sport 4S. Strong feedback at the limit.

Frequently asked

How much do MX-5 Miata tires cost?

205/45R17 all-season: $110–160 per tire. 205/45R17 summer performance: $130–195 per tire. A set of four installed: $440–780 depending on tire choice.

Last updated 2026-06-27. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.

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