Comparison: Ground clearance Mazda CX-5 vs. competitors 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, gather round as we delve into the fascinating world of vehicular underbellies, focusing today on a rather notable contender in the realm of SUVs – the Mazda CX-5. Ah, the Mazda CX-5, a chariot that’s not just a sight for sore eyes but also a beacon of evolution in ground clearance drama. From its humble beginnings to its current stature, it’s been quite the journey. And in the automotive world, where every millimeter counts as much as horsepower or torque, the tale of its ground clearance isn’t just a number but a storyline full of intrigue, practicality, and, dare I say, a touch of off-road romance.

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.
Mazda CX-5 generations
  • CX-5, Model year 2012 (GH)215 mm
    215
  • CX-5, Model year 2015 (GH (1. Facelift))215 mm
    215
  • CX-5, Model year 2017 (KF)200 mm
    200
  • CX-5, Model year 2021 (CX-5 KF (1. Facelift))185 mm
    185
The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (GH) from 2012 and last generation (CX-5 KF (1. Facelift)) from 2021 is 3cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of CX-5 is 185 mm.

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.
Mazda CX-5 vs other current cars by Mazda
  • 6e 120 mm
    120
  • MX-5 RF 125 mm
    125
  • MX-5 Roadster 125 mm
    125
  • MX-30 130 mm
    130
  • 3 135 mm
    135
  • 3 Fastback 135 mm
    135
  • 2 Hybrid 135 mm
    135
  • CX-80 165 mm
    165
  • CX-30 175 mm
    175
  • CX-60 176 mm
    176

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.
Mazda CX-5 vs. similar cars
  • audi LogoAudi Q8 2018245 mm
    245
  • volvo LogoVolvo XC60 2008230 mm
    230
  • alpina LogoALPINA XD3 2013212 mm
    212
  • volvo LogoVolvo XC40 2022205 mm
    205
  • jaguar LogoJaguar E-Pace 2018204 mm
    204
  • alpina LogoALPINA XD4 2021204 mm
    204
  • infiniti LogoInfiniti QX30 2016202 mm
    202
  • hyundai LogoHyundai Tucson 2004195 mm
    195
  • KGM Torres 2025195 mm
    195
  • ds LogoDS Automobiles DS 7 2022190 mm
    190
  • ford LogoFord Kuga 2008188 mm
    188
  • renault LogoRenault Koleos 2008188 mm
    188
  • hyundai LogoHyundai ix55 2009185 mm
    185
  • mazda LogoMazda CX-5 2021185 mm
    185
  • dodge LogoDodge Nitro 2007180 mm
    180
  • hyundai LogoHyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013180 mm
    180
  • skoda LogoSkoda Karoq 2017176 mm
    176
  • citroen LogoCitroen C-Crosser 2007174 mm
    174
  • peugeot LogoPeugeot 4008 2012168 mm
    168
  • ford LogoFord Edge 2016152 mm
    152
  • mercedes-benz LogoMercedes-Benz GLC 2015123 mm
    123

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