The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 came from the three-row crossover era when family utility, sharper road manners, and a more athletic look were expected in the same vehicle. Its long, swept shape and touring-focused character make tire choice more than a simple replacement exercise, especially because fitment changes by trim. This CX-9 uses either 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 radial tires, depending on sub-model and wheel package. That means the real decision starts with confirming whether the vehicle carries 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, then choosing the right tire within that size. Owners keeping a stock appearance or replacing modified wheels should verify the current setup before selecting tires.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9
The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial metric sizes, but one fits 18-inch wheels and the other fits 20-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and the wheels currently on the vehicle before choosing a replacement tire.
The size 245/50R20 identifies a radial tire that is 245 millimeters wide, uses a 50-series aspect ratio, and mounts on a 20-inch rim. On the 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9, this size is tied to the larger-wheel fitment and gives the vehicle a lower-profile look than the 18-inch option. Its shorter sidewall changes the tire's visual character as much as its size specification. This is the size to evaluate when the CX-9 is equipped with factory-style 20-inch wheels and the goal is to keep the same overall fitment approach.
The size 245/60R18 is a radial metric tire with a 245-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. On the 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9, it serves the 18-inch wheel fitment used on certain sub-models and carries a taller sidewall profile than the 20-inch alternative. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since the two sizes are close in overall diameter but are built for different rim diameters. This size is the right starting point for owners of stock 18-inch CX-9 configurations or vehicles still using that wheel setup.
Tire fitment on the 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 depends on the exact sub-model, and the key difference is wheel diameter. Checking the trim first helps prevent ordering an 18-inch tire for a CX-9 equipped with 20-inch wheels, or the reverse.
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2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Grand Touring
The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Grand Touring uses the 245/50R20 radial size, making it the larger-wheel fitment within the lineup. Tire selection should center on maintaining the correct 20-inch size and confirming that the vehicle still has its intended wheel setup.
The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Sport uses the 245/60R18 radial tire size. That keeps the decision straightforward as long as the CX-9 still wears 18-inch wheels, with replacement centered on matching the existing fitment rather than moving to a different rim diameter.
The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Touring also uses the 245/60R18 radial size. For this trim, the main fitment check is verifying that the current wheels remain 18-inch units before comparing replacement tires in the same size.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 usually need clarity on tire size by trim, 18-inch versus 20-inch wheel fitment, replacement selection, and what to inspect before putting a freshly shod crossover back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
A 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses one of two radial tire sizes: 245/60R18 or 245/50R20. The Sport and Touring sub-models use 245/60R18, while the Grand Touring uses 245/50R20.
The practical difference is not just tire profile, but wheel diameter. A 245/60R18 mounts on an 18-inch rim and a 245/50R20 mounts on a 20-inch rim, so the correct choice starts with confirming the exact trim and checking the actual wheels on the vehicle, especially if it has ever been changed from stock.
What size rim does a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 use?
The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses either an 18-inch rim or a 20-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 245/60R18 tire pairs with an 18-inch wheel, and the 245/50R20 tire pairs with a 20-inch wheel.
That means rim diameter has to be confirmed before ordering tires. The two CX-9 sizes are similar in overall height, but they are not for the same wheel, so a quick look at the current tire sidewall or the wheel itself can prevent an expensive mismatch when replacing a full set.
Do all 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Grand Touring uses 245/50R20, while the Sport and Touring use 245/60R18. All of them use radial construction, but the tire size and rim diameter differ by sub-model.
That split matters because the first fitment question is trim identification, not brand choice or tread pattern. Once the sub-model is confirmed, check whether the CX-9 still has its original wheel diameter, since previous owners sometimes change wheels and leave a vehicle wearing a different setup than its trim would suggest.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
Start with the correct size for the exact CX-9 sub-model: 245/60R18 for Sport and Touring, or 245/50R20 for Grand Touring. Both are radial sizes, so the main decision is matching the proper wheel diameter and selecting a tire that suits how the vehicle is driven.
After size is confirmed, compare the replacement tire's intended use, overall road manners, and how closely it matches the current setup on the vehicle. A CX-9 used for everyday family driving may call for a different balance of ride feel and response than one that sees lighter seasonal use.
How do I choose between the available 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 tires?
The best comparison starts with fitment, not appearance. A 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 owner should first narrow the search to the correct size, then look at factors such as tire category, road-use priorities, and any wheel or suspension changes that may affect how a replacement behaves on the vehicle.
It also helps to think about how the CX-9 is actually used. A regularly driven crossover may benefit from one type of replacement emphasis, while a lower-mileage vehicle may put more weight on preserving the current look and feel. Keeping all four tires matched in size and overall application is usually the cleanest approach.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 tires?
The first rim-fitment detail is diameter, because the 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels. The second is making sure the tire size on the vehicle matches the wheel it is mounted on, since a correct-looking overall height does not overcome the wrong rim diameter.
Wheel width and any aftermarket wheel changes also deserve attention before replacement. A CX-9 with non-stock wheels, spacers, or altered suspension may need a closer inspection for inner clearance, outer fender room, and steering travel so the new tires match the actual vehicle configuration rather than trim alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 restoration or preservation project?
Yes. Even on a newer collector or preservation-minded vehicle, keeping the correct tire size for the trim helps maintain the CX-9's intended stance and wheel-to-tire proportion. On this model, that means preserving the distinction between 245/60R18 and 245/50R20 rather than treating them as interchangeable.
Appearance is tied closely to wheel diameter on the 2013 CX-9, especially because the 20-inch Grand Touring setup presents a different visual balance from the 18-inch Sport and Touring fitment. Anyone aiming for a stock-style presentation should confirm the original wheel setup before replacing tires or changing sizes.
How does tire profile affect the appearance of a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
Tire profile changes how much sidewall is visible around the wheel. On a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9, the 245/60R18 size shows a taller sidewall, while the 245/50R20 size creates a lower-profile look around a larger wheel.
That visual difference is one reason trim-specific fitment matters so much on this vehicle. A CX-9 kept in stock form usually looks most cohesive when the wheel diameter and tire profile match the intended setup, while modified vehicles should be checked carefully so appearance changes do not create clearance or compatibility problems.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
Yes. Wheel changes, lowering, spacers, and suspension alterations can all affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9, even when the tire size sounds close to stock. Because this model uses both 18-inch and 20-inch factory-type fitments, modifications can blur what actually belongs on the vehicle.
A careful check of wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock is worthwhile before replacement. Looking at the current tire sidewall, measuring the wheels, and inspecting for rubbing marks around the inner fender or suspension area can reveal whether the CX-9 still follows its original fitment pattern.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 on new tires?
Before putting a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 back into regular road use, inspect tire pressure, lug torque, valve stems, and the condition of the wheels. It is also smart to confirm that all four tires match in size and that the installed tires correspond to the wheel diameter on the vehicle.
A short, careful test drive can help catch vibration, rubbing, or steering issues early. Any CX-9 that has sat for a while also deserves a look at suspension wear, alignment condition, and old tire-related habits such as uneven wear patterns, since new tires can reveal existing chassis problems quickly.
How often should tires on a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Mazda Trucks CX-9 should be inspected regularly, not only when replacement time arrives. A quick visual check for uneven wear, cuts, cracking, bulges, and low pressure is worthwhile every month, and any vehicle that sees highway use should be looked over before longer trips.
Mileage is only part of the story on an older crossover. A CX-9 that is driven infrequently can still develop age-related issues, so tread depth alone is not enough. Checking air retention, sidewall condition, and how evenly the tires are wearing helps catch problems before they affect ride quality, safety, or fitment.
