Do the Mazda 6, CX-5 and RAV4 all have space saver wheels?

Mazda only offers space-saver spare tyres on its CX-5 and 6 range, so that’s an easy one to answer. The RAV4 is a bit more complicated because you can option a full-sized spare, but only on the base-model GLX model. And the full-sized spare is not available on the RAV4 hybrid in any form.

The move to space-savers gave car-maker a lot more flexibility in packaging terms and saved them money into the bargain (a space-saver is a lot cheaper than an alloy wheel and tyre to match the other four on the car). Along the way, the car with a space-saver will be lighter and that’s a fuel consumption issue all on its own (if a minor one).

Fundamentally, there’s nothing wrong with a space-saver for an urban-based car, but bear in mind their speed and distance limitations as well as the fact that braking and handling will be affected by having the space-saver fitted.