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
Mazda CX-5 generationsGeneration year | Ground clearance |
---|
CX-5, Model year 2012 (GH) | 215 mm |
CX-5, Model year 2015 (GH (1. Facelift)) | 215 mm |
CX-5, Model year 2017 (KF) | 200 mm |
CX-5, Model year 2021 (CX-5 KF (1. Facelift)) | 185 mm |
-
CX-5, Model year 2012 (GH)215 mm
-
CX-5, Model year 2015 (GH (1. Facelift))215 mm
-
CX-5, Model year 2017 (KF)200 mm
-
CX-5, Model year 2021 (CX-5 KF (1. Facelift))185 mm
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
Ground clearance: CX-5 vs. other models by MazdaVariant name | Ground clearance |
---|
6e | 120 mm |
MX-5 RF | 125 mm |
MX-5 Roadster | 125 mm |
MX-30 | 130 mm |
3 | 135 mm |
3 Fastback | 135 mm |
2 Hybrid | 135 mm |
CX-80 | 165 mm |
CX-30 | 175 mm |
CX-60 | 176 mm |
-
6e 120 mm
-
MX-5 RF 125 mm
-
MX-5 Roadster 125 mm
-
MX-30 130 mm
-
3 135 mm
-
3 Fastback 135 mm
-
2 Hybrid 135 mm
-
CX-80 165 mm
-
CX-30 175 mm
-
CX-60 176 mm
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
Ground clearance: Mazda CX-5 vs. similar carsCar model | Ground clearance |
---|
Audi Q8 2018 | 245 mm |
Volvo XC60 2008 | 230 mm |
ALPINA XD3 2013 | 212 mm |
Volvo XC40 2022 | 205 mm |
Jaguar E-Pace 2018 | 204 mm |
ALPINA XD4 2021 | 204 mm |
Infiniti QX30 2016 | 202 mm |
Hyundai Tucson 2004 | 195 mm |
KGM Torres 2025 | 195 mm |
DS Automobiles DS 7 2022 | 190 mm |
Ford Kuga 2008 | 188 mm |
Renault Koleos 2008 | 188 mm |
Hyundai ix55 2009 | 185 mm |
Mazda CX-5 2021 | 185 mm |
Dodge Nitro 2007 | 180 mm |
Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 | 180 mm |
Skoda Karoq 2017 | 176 mm |
Citroen C-Crosser 2007 | 174 mm |
Peugeot 4008 2012 | 168 mm |
Ford Edge 2016 | 152 mm |
Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 | 123 mm |
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