are go-to picks for their compact size, easy handling, and value. While sedans are known for their sleek style, hatchbacks don’t easily fit that bill—until now.

Mazda didn’t cut corners when designing their mightier hatchbacks. They made sure they looked as attractive as their sedan counterparts, down to identical ground clearance.

We have all the details on Mazda3’s ground clearance over the years—and even how to find the best insurance policy for your new Mazda3!

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2022 Mazda3 ground clearance

The ground clearance for a brand new Mazda3 sedan is the same for all trim levels:

2.0 Sedan: 5.5 inches

2.5 S Sedan: 5.5 inches

Select: 5.5 inches

Preferred

: 5.5 inches

Carbon Edition: 5.5 inches

Premium

: 5.5 inches

2.5 Turbo: 5.5 inches

2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: 5.5 inches

Similarly, the ground clearance distance remains the same for the lineup of hatchbacks:

2.5 S Hatchback

: 5.5 inches

Select: 5.5 inches

Preferred: 5.5 inches

Carbon Edition: 5.5 inches

Premium: 5.5 inches

2.5 Turbo: 5.5 inches

2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: 5.5 inches

Note that all Mazda3 sedan

trim levels

have their matching hatchback equivalents, except the 2.0 sedan. So if you’re looking for extra cargo space in the same stylish look as the sedan, Mazda has you covered!

Mazda3 ground clearance over the years

The Mazda3 started with a very low 4.8-inch ground clearance, though some trim levels were almost an inch higher. Here's how Mazda3 ground clearance has changed over the years:

1st generation (2004-2009): 4.8-5.7 inches

2nd generation (2010-2013): 4.7-5.5 inches

3rd generation (2014-2018): 5.5-6.1 inches

4th generation (2019-present): 5.5 inches

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What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

Ground clearance is simply the distance between the lowest point of your car and the ground.

But why is it so important? The space isn’t only for mechanics to wiggle under and repair your car—it’s for your comfort and the car’s responsiveness and handling.

Sedans and hatchbacks generally have a lower ground clearance than bigger vehicles like

SUVs

. A lower ground clearance allows cars to be more stable when driving at fast speeds on the highway, which is good news for you.

But a lower ground clearance also means being more cautious with the weight inside your car. If you’re planning a road trip or moving to another state, your cargo will weigh down the car and reduce the ground clearance.

If you’re looking for the certainty of an unscratched undercarriage, go for a third-generation Mazda3 with a ground clearance of 6.1-inches—the highest one Mazda has ever offered on a Mazda3.

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Is the Mazda3 a good off-road vehicle?

Due to its smaller size, the Mazda3 is better suited for daily commutes and long drives on the road. While a 5.5-inch ground clearance isn’t bad, it simply can’t compete with true off-road vehicles like the

Chevy Colorado

, which has an extra 3 inches of clearance.

That said, the Mazda3 has impressive handling and sharp precision. Its premium interior of black leather and silver accents is the cherry on top as you go for a night drive through the city, listening to music on the 8-speaker audio system.

If you want to go off-roading without limits, though, it’s better to explore SUVs and pickup trucks rather than sedans.

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Guard against accidents with the best Mazda3 insurance

Now that you know the ins and out of the Mazda3 ground clearance measurements, don’t forget to find the best

car insurance

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