Mazda CX-5 Ground Clearance: What To Know

in Model Info and Features
White Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 by EurovisionNim - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Mazda CX-5 is an impressive small SUV, offering sharp handling and an impressive material at a price point that works well for many people. Although it struggles in fuel economy and cargo capacity, it’s an excellent car. Of course, there are several factors to contemplate before buying. One of those is the Mazda CX-5 ground clearance.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ground clearance of the Mazda CX-5, you’ve come to the right place. It’s always a good idea to know as much as possible about a car. That includes how far it sits off the ground. Read on to learn more about the ground clearance of the Mazda CX-5, the pros and cons of ground clearance, and more valuable information. 

Ground Clearance Pros and Cons

Ground clearance, and the Mazda CX-5 ground clearance, measure the distance from the lowest portion of the car without the wheel to the ground. As with anything, there are several pros and cons to think about before using this measurement to decide if the vehicle is the right choice for your life.


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Ground Clearance Pros:

If you have a vehicle with measurements that are high off the ground, you significantly reduce the risk of taking damage to the undercarriage if you go over speed bumps or potholes on the road. You also have a much higher position, allowing for a better view of the move. Plus, ground clearance permits vehicles to appear more powerful and impressive in their general appearance.

Ground Clearance Cons:

Drawbacks come with any features, including ground clearance. There is a higher chance of rollover if the vehicle is high off the ground, thanks to a powerful center of gravity. Also, it will take additional effort to get in the car because it’s so far off the ground.

Mazda CX-5 Ground Clearance by Generation

First Generation: The first generation of the Mazda CX-5 appeared in 2013 and went until 2015. It provided several trim options, all in a sleek body with room for five passengers inside. It was also available with a manual transmission, which many enjoyed. The first generation of the vehicle boasted a ground clearance of 8.5 inches, which was very high for the first iteration.

First Generation Facelift: In 2016, the first version of the Mazda CX-5 received a facelift. It used minor styling tweaks to improve the original Mazda CX-5 with LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, and even standard Bluetooth as a standard option for those on the market. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 boasted a ground clearance of 8.5 inches - the same as the very first generation of the vehicle.


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Second Generation: The second generation of the Mazda CX-5 appeared from 2017-2021. It offers two trim levels and a six-speed automatic transmission for an excellent driving experience. It created a sleek interior for new drivers of the Mazda CX-5, updating the design on the side panel and beyond. The ground clearance of the second generation differed, shifting down to 7.6 inches instead of the previous 8.5.

Second Generation Facelift: The facelift of the second generation is the most recent, existing from 2022 until now. It updated the overall styling and kit for the machine, including restyling the bumpers and a revised suspension for better driving. The ground clearance in the redesign stayed the same as the original version, at 7.6 inches.

CX-5 Ground Clearance by Generation

First Generation: 2013-2015
All Models: 8.5 inches
First Generation Facelift: 2016
All Models: 8.5 inches
Second Generation: 2017-2021
All Models: 7.6 inches
Second Generation Facelift: 2022-Present
All Models: 7.6 inches

What Version of the CX-5 Has the Best Ground Clearance?

The Mazda CX-5 hasn’t shifted too much, but it has gone slightly down -, according to getjerry.com, the Mazda CX-5 has shrunk by a full inch in ground clearance since its first inception on the market. The older the Mazda CX-5 you find, the better the ground clearance you will find.

Although the features are slightly outdated in the versions from 2013-2016, it does provide a significantly better clearance off the ground. You sacrifice technology for a better chance for the undercarriage of your vehicle. 

If you want a car with much lower ground clearance, go with the newer versions. If you want something much higher, stick with the older varieties. 


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Should You Purchase the CX-5 Based on Ground Clearance?

If you’re looking for a new car and ground clearance matters, you might want to look somewhere other than the Mazda CX-5. According to carparts.com, the ground clearance of the modern versions will work well for road trips and light commutes but will not come in handy for off-roading or extensive driving.

If you’re hunting for a used vehicle, you’re in luck. The earlier versions of the Mazda CX-5 have impressive ground clearance and will keep your undercarriage safe when going on dirt or heading over speed bumps on the move. The ground clearance is excellent in this version of the machine and will keep the vehicle in one piece if you happen to go over a speed bump.

The Mazda CX-5 ground clearance is excellent if you want a used car but not ideal if you’re hunting for something new. It’s up to you to determine if technology or ground clearance matters more for your next investment. 

Final Thoughts

If you want to keep your undercarriage in one piece, the Mazda CX-5 ground clearance is a critical item to consider. It’s only shifted slightly over the years, which does matter. The earlier versions of the Mazda CX-5 have a ground clearance of 8.5 inches, and the newest selections have one of 7.5 inches. That one inch can make a massive difference in your experience. 

We hope this information is valuable! It can feel overwhelming to land on the right car for your next investment, so ground clearance should help make things more apparent. Ground clearance matters and the Mazda CX-5 is a mixed bag in this category.



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