Comparison: Ground clearance Mazda CX-5 vs. competitors 2024

Mazda CX-5 - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?

Now, let’s cast our minds back to where it all began, shall we? The first generation, known among the enthusiasts as the GH series, proudly paraded a statuesque 215 mm off the ground. It stood as a testament to Mazda's commitment to combining style with a sprinkle of ruggedness. But as the pages turned, the plot thickened. The daring designers at Mazda decided to lower the stance in the second generation KF models to a sleek 200 mm, and then, bold as ever, further to 185 mm in the latest facelift. This trimming of skirts brings a sleeker appearance but whispers sweet nothings to the ears of those yearning for efficiency and improved aerodynamics.

The ground clearance compared to other Mazda models

In the grand Mazda family shin-dig, the CX-5 finds itself playing quite the pivotal role. It towers over most of its siblings, surpassing even the likes of the urban warrior MX-30, the agile Mazda 3, and its glamorous counterpart, the Mazda 3 Fastback, all hovering around 135 mm off the ground. It’s only outshone in the clearance department by the larger CX models, particularly the up-and-coming CX-60, with a ground clearance just nudging a wee bit higher. The Mazda CX-5, with its 185 mm ground clearance, thus serves as the middle child—elevated enough to glance over some of its family but still gazing up at others. A magnificent balancing act, if you will.

How does the ground clearance of the Mazda CX-5 compare to it's nearest competitors?

Alas, when thrown into the arena with its rivals, the CX-5 performs with the elegance of a ballerina, the poise of a diplomat, and yet, maintains the rugged charm of a gentle off-roader. While it might not kiss the skies like the majestic Subaru XV, standing tall at 220 mm, it certainly doesn’t scrape the bottom of the barrel, especially when you pit it against the Audi Q2 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, both of which would rather hug the tarmac closer at 145 and 134 mm respectively. The VW Tiguan and Nissan Qashqai, sitting comfy at 200 mm, offer a comparable sanctuary from large potholes, giving the CX-5 a run for its money. However, it's worth tipping one's hat to the CX-5 for maintaining a graceful balance between ground clearance and overall vehicle dynamics, deftly navigating through the middle ground of its segment.

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