The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata carried the long-running roadster formula into a modern, lightweight sports car that still puts steering feel, compact dimensions, and balanced proportions at the center of the driving experience. For this model year, tire fitment depends on trim, with 205/45R17 used on Club and Grand Touring models and 205/50R16 used on the Sport. Both are radial metric sizes, so the key choice is less about vintage construction and more about matching the car's wheel diameter, intended road use, and preferred tire series. That matters whether the goal is preserving the Miata's nimble character or simply replacing aging tires with the right fit.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Two tire sizes apply to the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and the correct one depends on sub-model and wheel diameter. Club and Grand Touring models use a 17-inch radial fitment, while the Sport uses a 16-inch radial fitment, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and wheel setup before comparing tire series or product details.
A 205/45R17 tire uses a 205-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata, this size is used on specific trims and supports the car's modern sports-car fitment rather than a vintage bias-ply format. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form across the g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This size is the one to evaluate when the car has the factory-style 17-inch wheel setup and you want to compare tire character within that fitment.
A 205/50R16 tire keeps the same 205-millimeter nominal width but uses a taller 50-series profile on a 16-inch rim. For the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata, this size belongs to the Sport model and should not be confused with the 17-inch fitment used on other trims. BFGoodrich options in this size include blackwall versions of the g-Force Sport Comp 2 and g-Force Comp 2 AS series. This is the right size to compare when the car is equipped with 16-inch wheels and the goal is maintaining proper trim-specific fitment before choosing between available tire lines.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata because tire size changes with trim. Club and Grand Touring share the same 17-inch setup, while the Sport uses a different 16-inch size, so identifying the exact version of the car is the first step before selecting tires.
1
2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club uses the 205/45R17 radial tire size. Tire selection here centers on staying with the correct 17-inch fitment and then comparing available blackwall BFGoodrich options by tire series and wheel-width compatibility.
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring also uses the 205/45R17 radial tire size. That keeps fitment straightforward, with the main decision shifting to product choice within the correct size rather than choosing between multiple primary sizes.
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport uses the 205/50R16 radial tire size rather than the 17-inch fitment found on other trims. That makes wheel diameter the critical checkpoint before comparing tire series, since a 16-inch car should be matched to the proper Sport-size replacement.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Tires for Sale
Available 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata tires center on BFGoodrich radial blackwall options in the 205/45R17 and 205/50R16 sizes. The main points of comparison are tire series, trim-specific wheel diameter, load figures where stated, and rim-width compatibility within each size.
These 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata tire questions focus on trim-specific sizing, 16-inch versus 17-inch wheel fitment, available BFGoodrich radial choices, and the maintenance checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
A 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata uses either 205/45R17 or 205/50R16, depending on sub-model. Club and Grand Touring models use 205/45R17, while the Sport uses 205/50R16. Both are radial metric sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters and should not be treated as interchangeable primary fitments.
The most important step is confirming whether the car is a Sport, Club, or Grand Touring model and checking the wheel diameter actually on the car. If wheels have ever been changed, trim alone may not tell the whole story, so matching the tire to the current 16-inch or 17-inch wheel setup is essential before comparing tire options.
What size rim does a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata use?
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Sport uses the 205/50R16 fitment on a 16-inch rim, while Club and Grand Touring models use the 205/45R17 fitment on a 17-inch rim.
That distinction matters because tire diameter in inches must match wheel diameter exactly. A 17-inch tire will not mount on a 16-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Before replacing tires, check the wheel itself for diameter markings and confirm that any aftermarket wheel package still matches the intended tire size for the car.
Do all 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata uses two different tire sizes across its sub-models. Club and Grand Touring share the 205/45R17 radial size, while the Sport uses 205/50R16. The difference is tied to wheel diameter, not simply a minor variation within one universal tire fitment.
That means sub-model identification is part of tire selection on this Miata. Buyers should verify the trim and then confirm the wheel size currently on the car, especially if it has been modified or purchased used. Once that is settled, choosing among available tires becomes much easier because the product search narrows to the correct primary size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata tire?
Start with the correct trim-specific size: 205/45R17 for Club and Grand Touring, or 205/50R16 for Sport. From there, compare radial tire series, rim-width compatibility, and any stated load figures that apply to the exact product. On this Miata, the choice is about selecting the right modern radial within the correct size rather than choosing between vintage constructions.
A good selection process also accounts for how the car is used. A lightly driven weekend roadster may have different priorities than a Miata that sees regular commuting or spirited back-road use. Checking the current wheel setup, the condition of the suspension, and the age of the existing tires helps keep the replacement focused on fitment as well as driving purpose.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The available tires for the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata are from BFGoodrich in both supported sizes. Within that brand, the choices include g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and, in 205/45R17, the g-Force Phenom T/A. All of the listed options are radial blackwall tires.
Since the selection stays within one brand, the meaningful comparison shifts to tire series, exact size, and wheel compatibility rather than cross-shopping multiple manufacturers. Buyers should match the tire to the Miata's 16-inch or 17-inch wheel setup first, then compare the available BFGoodrich lines to find the best fit for the car's intended use and configuration.
What tire series are available for the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is offered with BFGoodrich g-Force series choices in the supported sizes. Depending on size, available series include g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. The 205/45R17 fitment has the broadest series selection, while 205/50R16 has fewer choices.
Series differences matter because they give the buyer more than one way to stay within the correct fitment. Once the proper size is confirmed, comparing series can help narrow the search by intended use, construction details, and other published specifications. It also helps separate trim-specific options, since not every series appears in both MX-5 Miata tire sizes.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
A period-style 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata should still begin with the correct trim-based size: 205/45R17 for Club and Grand Touring or 205/50R16 for Sport. Because this Miata uses modern radial fitments, the decision is less about vintage construction and more about preserving the car's intended stance and wheel relationship with a properly matched contemporary tire.
Appearance on a newer enthusiast car is usually shaped by wheel diameter, sidewall proportion, and keeping the car close to its proper trim-specific setup. Using the wrong rim diameter changes the presentation immediately. Anyone pursuing a highly exact restoration-style result should also compare the car against original showroom literature or marque-specific references before finalizing a tire choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
On a restored 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. The visual effect comes more from using the correct 16-inch or 17-inch size and maintaining the intended sidewall profile than from choosing between radial and bias-ply, since bias-ply is not part of this Miata's primary fitment story.
A restored look can be compromised by using the wrong wheel diameter, a mismatched aspect ratio, or a tire that changes the car's visual balance. Since the available options here are blackwall radials, the cleaner decision is choosing the right size first and then selecting the tire series that best suits the car's overall presentation and road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata even when the tire size looks close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, alignment changes, or body alterations can all influence clearance around the fenders, suspension components, and steering range.
A Miata that has been changed from its original wheel package should be measured carefully before new tires are selected. Confirm wheel diameter first, then check width and overall clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel. That is especially important when moving between a Sport-size 16-inch setup and the 17-inch fitment used on Club and Grand Touring models.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct 16-inch or 17-inch fitment, and make sure the tires were mounted in the proper size for the trim. It is also wise to check tire pressure, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and alignment-related wear points.
A short initial drive should be followed by another look at pressure and any signs of rubbing or uneven seating. Steering feel on a lightweight roadster can reveal issues quickly, so any vibration, pull, or contact noise deserves attention right away. Catching those details early helps protect both the new tires and the Miata's handling balance.
How often should tires on a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata should be inspected regularly, especially because many examples are enthusiast-owned and may spend time parked between drives. Check them visually before road use and more thoroughly on a routine schedule for tread wear, pressure loss, cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign of uneven wear across the contact patch.
Low annual mileage does not eliminate tire aging, and a lightly used roadster can still develop condition issues long before the tread is gone. Consistent inspections also help catch alignment or suspension problems that show up in the tire surface first. Storing the car away from prolonged sun, heat, and ozone sources supports longer tire life as well.
