With a ground clearance of just 4.9 inches, the 2013 Scion FR-S is only suitable for driving on paved roads and highways. Taking it off road could result in major damage.
If you’re shopping for a used sports car, you’re probably focused on specs like engine performance, power, transmission, and speed—but ground clearance, or the space between the car and the ground, determines whether or not you’ll be able to drive your car in the snow or on uneven roads.
Thinking about buying a 2013 Scion FR-S? In this useful guide from top-rated
broker app and car insurance
expert Jerry
, we’ll talk about ground clearance specs, why they’re important, and how to find affordable car insurance for your new ride. Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now2013 Scion FR-S ground clearance
The 2013 Scion FR-S was only available in a single trim and offered just 4.9 inches of ground clearance. While this measurement is about average for a sports car, it’s much lower than what you’d find on a crossover or truck.
Scion FR-S ground clearance over the years
Like most sports cars, all Scion FR-S cars offer low ground clearance—but they might sit slightly higher or lower depending on the model year and trim. Here’s how the Scion FR-S ground clearance breaks down by year:
Keep in mind that when it comes to sports cars, low ground clearance can be an advantage. Less space between the underside of your car and ground offers better aerodynamics and handling, making your vehicle less likely to roll over when taking turns at high speeds.
What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
Technically speaking, ground clearance measures the distance between the lowest part of your car’s chassis and the ground. Since no one’s buying a Scion FR-S to go off-roading, you might be wondering why you should care about ground clearance at all. But even if you have no intention of ever leaving the paved roads, knowing exactly how much space there is under your car has a few advantages.
Not only does it help you decide whether it’s safe to drive your car over speed bumps or potholes, it can also determine how likely you are to get stuck during inclement weather. While the Scion FR-S might be able to handle light flurries, you shouldn’t try to maneuver your way through deeper snow.
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Start earning nowIs the 2013 Scion FR-S a good off-road vehicle?
No, the 2013 Scion FR-S should never be used for off-roading. With just 4.9 inches of ground clearance, the 2013 Scion FR-S doesn’t come close to the recommended 8.5 inches of clearance needed for safe off-roading. In fact, the FR-S sits so low that even dirt roads or gravel could cause dents or dings, and more intense trails are sure to result in massive damage to its undercarriage, transmission, or tires.
If you absolutely need your car to be able to do some very light off roading (think flat and well-maintained dirt roads) you can talk to your mechanic about installing aftermarket mods like a lift kit or skid plate—but trying to drive a FR-S over rocky terrain or through mud would get you nothing but a lot of expensive repair bills.
If you’re looking to combine speed and performance with better off road capability, check out the Audi SQ8
instead. This luxury SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, while offering a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance. How to find cheap Scion FR-S insurance
Keeping your Scion FR-S on paved roads is one way to protect it, but shopping with Jerry
for car insurance
coverage is another. The Jerry app is a licensed broker that offers end-to-end support through the whole process of buying and securing new car insurance. Browse a customized, comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, tap your top pick, and sit back while Jerry handles the rest. We’ll take care of everything from the phone calls and paperwork to helping you cancel your old policy.
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