Hello. I'm strongly considering buying a 2014 CX-5 GT w/ Tech Package, but the ride is too rough for my liking. I found the Touring to be more comfortable, but lacked the heated leather seats I am looking for. The dealer is willing to swap out the 19" wheels and put the Touring's 18" on the GT for me? Are there any performance or other issues I should be aware of when considering swapping tires?

Thanks for your help!

 

Three things come to mind. First, I don't think in the long run you're going to find much difference between the ride quality of the 19s on the GT and the 17s (not 18!) on the Touring. Forum members on more active venues than this have not found that to be the case. Second, that being said, the "look" of the 19 is proving more popular than that of the 17 and both are starting to pop up on eBay and other sites as owners are trading off to get the items they want (but which dealers will not provide!). So you could no doubt sell your 19s for a premium and pick up a set of 17s at a discount after you purchase your CX-5. Third, I would suggest you look at more active forums such as Mazda CX-5 Forum for answers to questions such as this.
Oh, one more thing about the CX-5s ride quality. I have a Touring with the 17s and find it pretty stiff-legged on city streets. If you're sensitive to that, you might want to consider something like a CRV witch probably has a plusher ride, but doesn't handle as well.

 

Mazdas are known for a bit better handling. As a result the suspension has to be a bit stiffer. You should ask if the suspension is different (stiffer) on the GT. They should be able to find this out for you. Many a times GT is for more performance and/or better handling in the general realm of the automobile industry. I personally don't know the answer, but it is a good question.
As far as tires, the smaller rim size should yield a bit better ride as the sidewalls don't need to be as stiff.

 

Sport, Touring and GT are simply trim levels on the CX-5. There is absolutely no difference in suspension tuning.

 

Thank you both for your suggestions. And thanks, paris1, for the correction on the Touring rim size. I'll check out eBay to see what 19" and 17" are going for.

 

1st thing to check is tire pressure (when cold before driving). I've driven CX-5 with both 17's and 19's and ride quality difference is minimal. To make a tall compact SUV handle well requires somewhat firm suspension.

 

should be smoother going straight. In the turns you give up a little on center of gravity.

 

No significant difference in center of gravity with 1/4" difference in tire outside diameter.