The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 sits in the three-row crossover era where family utility, sharper road manners, and a more athletic look all had to work together. Buyers often chose the CX-9 for its blend of everyday space and a more driver-focused character than many larger SUVs of the period. Tire fitment depends on trim, with 245/60R18 radial tires used on Sport and Touring models and 245/50R20 radial tires used on the Grand Touring. That means the real choice is not old-style bias-ply versus radial, but confirming the correct wheel diameter first and then comparing available tires by size, profile, appearance, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9
The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model and wheel diameter. Sport and Touring models use 245/60R18 radial tires, while Grand Touring models use 245/50R20 radial tires. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact trim and make sure the vehicle still has its correct 18-inch or 20-inch wheel setup, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
A 245/50R20 tire is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9, this size belongs to Grand Touring models and pairs a shorter sidewall with a 20-inch wheel. The lower-profile format gives this fitment a different visual character than the 18-inch setup, so selection often centers on maintaining the intended trim-specific stance and wheel relationship. Confirming the existing wheel diameter is the key first step before comparing tire choices in this size.
A 245/60R18 tire is a metric radial size where 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. This is the primary fitment for 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Sport and Touring models. Its taller sidewall works with the 18-inch wheel package used on those trims, so the main decision is choosing a tire that matches the vehicle's actual wheel setup and intended driving use. It should be selected as an 18-inch fitment, not confused with the separate 20-inch Grand Touring size.
Sub-model matters on the 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 because tire fitment changes with trim. Sport and Touring share one radial size, while Grand Touring uses a different radial size on a different wheel diameter, so confirming the exact model is the first step before replacement.
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2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Grand Touring
The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Grand Touring uses the 245/50R20 radial tire size. Tire selection for this trim starts with confirming that the vehicle still wears its 20-inch wheels, then choosing within that size based on road use, overall presentation, and trim-specific fitment.
The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Sport uses the 245/60R18 radial tire size. That keeps the selection process straightforward as long as the vehicle still has its original 18-inch wheel diameter and has not been changed to a different wheel package.
The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Touring also uses the 245/60R18 radial tire size. Because Touring shares its fitment with Sport, the focus is on selecting the right tire within that size and confirming the current wheel setup before 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 tire FAQs focus on trim-specific sizing, 18-inch versus 20-inch wheel fitment, selecting the right radial tire, and the checks that matter before putting the vehicle back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses two tire sizes depending on sub-model. Sport and Touring models use 245/60R18 radial tires, while the Grand Touring uses 245/50R20 radial tires. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they mount on different wheel diameters and should be matched to the correct trim.
The important step is confirming which sub-model the vehicle is and checking whether it still has the wheel package that belongs with that trim. A CX-9 that has had aftermarket wheels installed or a trim-level wheel swap may no longer match its original setup, so the actual wheel diameter should always be verified before replacement.
What size rim does a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 use?
A 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Sport and Touring models use the 245/60R18 size on an 18-inch rim, while the Grand Touring uses the 245/50R20 size on a 20-inch rim. The tire size itself confirms the wheel diameter because the final number in each size is the rim size in inches.
Wheel diameter should be checked before anything else because an 18-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 20-inch wheel, and vice versa. It is also smart to inspect the wheel itself for width, condition, and any sign that the vehicle has been modified from stock, especially on a used CX-9.
Do all 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 does not use one tire size across every sub-model. Sport and Touring models share the 245/60R18 radial size, while Grand Touring models use 245/50R20. The split follows trim level, so the correct size depends on the specific CX-9 configuration rather than the model name alone.
That difference matters because the two sizes are tied to different wheel diameters and sidewall profiles. Before replacing tires, check the trim badge and the size stamped on the current tire sidewall, then make sure the wheel package on the vehicle has not been changed by a previous owner.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
Start with the correct trim-specific size: 245/60R18 for Sport and Touring, or 245/50R20 for Grand Touring. The 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 uses radial tires, so the main decision is choosing the right tire within the proper size rather than deciding between vintage construction types. Wheel diameter must match the tire size exactly.
Once size is confirmed, compare tires by intended use, ride preference, tread design, load suitability, and the condition of the wheels they will be mounted on. A daily-driven CX-9, a lightly used family vehicle, and one that sees longer highway trips may all lead to different priorities even within the same factory size.
How do I choose between the available 245/60R18 tires for a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
For a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Sport or Touring, the first requirement is staying with the correct 245/60R18 radial size unless the wheel package has been changed. From there, selection comes down to how the vehicle is used, how much ride compliance is desired, and what kind of road conditions it regularly sees.
It helps to inspect the current tires for uneven wear and verify that the wheels are straight and properly sized before making a final choice. Tire replacement is also a good time to check alignment, because a CX-9 that has developed shoulder wear or feathering may shorten the life of the next set.
How do I choose between the available 245/50R20 tires for a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
For the 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 Grand Touring, selection begins with the 245/50R20 radial size and a confirmed 20-inch wheel. This fitment uses a shorter sidewall than the 18-inch CX-9 setup, so choosing within the correct size helps preserve the trim's intended wheel-to-tire relationship and overall stance.
Beyond size, look at how the vehicle is driven and whether wheel condition, suspension wear, or alignment issues could affect tire life. A Grand Touring with curb-damaged wheels, worn suspension parts, or altered ride height deserves extra attention before mounting new tires in a lower-profile 20-inch fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 restoration or preservation project?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 when the goal is to preserve the vehicle's original trim-specific presentation. Sport and Touring models use 245/60R18, while Grand Touring models use 245/50R20, and that difference affects both wheel diameter and sidewall profile. Keeping the proper size helps maintain the look intended for each version.
Anyone aiming for an especially accurate presentation should begin by confirming the vehicle's actual trim and wheel package before ordering tires. Used vehicles sometimes receive take-off wheels or aftermarket replacements, so matching the tire to the correct wheel diameter is just as important as matching it to the model year and name.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
Tire size changes the visual balance of a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 because the two trim-specific fitments pair different sidewall proportions with different wheel diameters. The 245/60R18 setup used on Sport and Touring presents a taller sidewall on an 18-inch wheel, while the 245/50R20 Grand Touring fitment places a shorter sidewall around a 20-inch wheel.
That means appearance is not just about tread design or brand choice; the wheel-and-tire package itself shapes the vehicle's stance. Anyone trying to keep the CX-9 close to its original trim presentation should verify the current wheels first, especially if the vehicle has passed through multiple owners.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 even when the original trim-specific size is known. Wheel swaps, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all influence how a 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.
Any CX-9 with non-original wheels or suspension changes should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and proper wheel diameter before replacement tires are chosen. The trim-based factory size remains the starting point, but the actual vehicle setup must always be the final authority when modifications are present.
What should I inspect before driving a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 on new tires?
Before driving a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify tire pressure, and make sure the size matches the vehicle's actual 18-inch or 20-inch wheel package. It is also worth checking alignment and suspension condition, since worn components can quickly affect how a new set of tires wears and performs.
A careful walkaround should also include looking for rubbing points, loose trim in the wheel wells, and any sign of uneven clearance from prior repairs or modifications. After installation, short initial driving with a follow-up pressure check helps confirm that the tires are seating, wearing, and tracking as expected.
How often should tires on a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 be inspected?
Tires on a 2014 Mazda Trucks CX-9 should be inspected regularly, not just when replacement is due. Checking pressure, tread wear, sidewall condition, and any sign of puncture damage on a routine basis helps catch problems early, whether the vehicle uses 245/60R18 tires on 18-inch wheels or 245/50R20 tires on 20-inch wheels.
Monthly checks are a sensible habit, and the tires deserve closer attention before longer trips or after impacts with potholes or curbs. Even a vehicle that is not driven every day can develop age-related cracking, air loss, or uneven wear, so low mileage should never be treated as a substitute for inspection.
