Looking for new tires for AWD 2016 CX5. I have several needs that would be met ideally (some of which may be contradictory):

Good Tread life
Good wet traction
OK to good in snow traction,
Good for logging roads, i.e. good puncture resistance,
Reasonable price.

There used to be a tire rating based on the number of plies - seems to me a 'C' class was a 10 ply (truck tires?) - is that still a thing. Are there SUV/Truck tires that will fit the CX-5.

How much oversize can I go (to get a little more clearance) over stock without needing any modifications.

 

There are still the ratings you mention, I believe "C" for commercial rated tire, not something you'd likely be using on an SUV.
The large letter codes on tires are generally for speed rating now.
Any of the online discount tire stores (like Tire Rack) tell you what sizes your vehicle will accept when you type in the vehicle info.
Many light truck and SUV tires are essentially the same thing.
There are many threads on here about what tires to get but it really depends on what "you" do with your vehicle, where you do it and how you do it (driving type).
I recently installed Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 tires and I really like them, plus they are extremely quiet and have 70K limited mileage warranty, but that's my opinion.
While you can use heavier load capacity truck tires on your SUV it will definitely impact the ride quality and noise and likely the handling as well.

 

OK... I will stick my neck out here and offer some of my opinions based on personal experience and previous purchase decisions.

(At least in Canada) truck tires are rated by.....
Load Range C is a 6-ply rated tire
Load Range D is a 8-ply rated tire
Load Range E is a 10-ply rated tire...
I have not seen any of these designated for a CX-5..

If you want a "tough" tire for your CX-5 I would stick to 17 inch wheels (if you are not already using that size)
.. and stick to the 225/65R17 size... larger outside tire diameter may give you a little more ground clearance but at the expense of safety .... related to safe braking distance and related to incorrect speedometer indicating lower vehicle speed than actual. (My opinion in general on this issue is if you desire larger tire diameters then you need to also look at appropriate vehicle suspension modifications.)

Again for a "tougher" tire In the 17 inch category look for a higher "Load Index" number and a higher "speed rating" letter ... although you are unlikely to be driving at those advanced speeds or carrying those higher maximum loads ... the higher load index and speed rating suggests a greater capacity for heat resistance and thereby perhaps a stronger tire construction. (my opinion... as I have never actually talked to a tire designer or manufacturer). In that size designated for a CX-5, I have seen tires described as "All Terrain" rated as 102H and 106H. Some "Winter" tires have a relatively more aggressive tread design and are rated as 102H.

I would consult a few different tire websites ..(I regularly use www.1010tires.com) or talk to a trusted local tire dealer (I have used the same tire guy for 20 years for all season and winter tires on at least 5 different vehicles).

For those of you with other opinions, please be kind.