is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its fuel efficiency and adorable exterior styling, but it’s far more suited for the highway than for unpaved trails.

There are countless SUVs on the market, and while some are rough-and-tumble and perfect for rocky terrains, others ought to stick to the blacktop. But how can you tell if your vehicle is ready for adventure?

Here to break down the specs which affect your Mazda CX-3’s off-road abilities, including ground clearance, torque, and tires, is

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Can the Mazda CX-3 go off road?

You can take your Mazda CX-3 onto an unpaved parking lot or a moderately snowy driveway, but we wouldn’t recommend it for serious off-road adventures.

Mazda’s smallest SUV is certainly fun to drive, but it generally lacks the necessary features for rough roads. Let’s take a look:

Ground clearance

Ground clearance refers to the amount of space between the lowest part of your vehicle’s chassis and the ground. The Mazda CX-3 has a ground clearance of 6.1 inches.

While this is certainly higher than some sedans, experts recommend a ground clearance number between 8.8 and 10.8 inches for the best off-roading ability, and a minimum of 8.5 inches before you can trust your car to trudge through the mud.

Consider the off-road goddess, the

Jeep Wrangler

, which boasts a ground clearance of 9.7 inches.

Torque

In addition to great ground clearance, you’ll also need low-end torque. An engine’s turning power matters more than speed when you’re pushing through mud and dirt.

The Mazda CX-3 offers 146 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm, which isn’t incredibly impressive in terms of power.

Tires

The CX-3 comes standard with P215/60HR16 all-season tires. These tires are built to last in all weather conditions, but they’re primarily built for the highway.

Upgrading to

all-terrain tires

will help, but only marginally. Plus, all-terrain tires don’t last as long as all-season tires, so you’ll need to replace them more often, effectively increasing the cost of ownership of your vehicle.

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive is essential for off-roading. The Mazda CX-3 comes standard with front-wheel drive, but the 2021 model has all-wheel drive available for an extra $1,400. If you plan on powering through a moderately snowy driveway or grassy, muddy parking lot, we think it’s worth the investment.

Angles

If you’re an avid off-roader, you’re probably familiar with approach and departure angles. If not, here’s how they’re defined:

Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference

Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference

Mazda doesn’t even publish the approach/departure angles for the CX-3 because it just isn’t meant for off-roading.

Off-road rating: In a Pinch

We’ve rated the Mazda CX-3 using

Jerry’s

super-technical DIRT rating system, broken down in the table below:

Rating	Meaning	Description
D	Don’t Try It	Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I	In a Pinch	Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R	Rough and Ready	Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T	Trail Boss	True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain

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The Mazda CX-3 earns an I rating: It’s clearly better suited for the road but might survive some dirt roads, grass lots, or light snow with all-wheel-drive. We don’t recommend tackling anything rougher than that.

MORE:

The best old-school off-road vehicles

The best off-road alternatives to the Mazda CX-3

So, are there any compact SUVs out there with more off-road chops than the Mazda CX-3? Let’s take a look at some popular alternatives.

Alternative	Model	Price	Description
Best affordable alternative	2020 Kia Telluride	$31,890	While the Mazda is truly the most affordable option—even with added AWD—the Kia Telluride still has an attractive price tag. Plus, it has a ground clearance of 8 inches—far closer to expert recommendations for off-roading.
Best eco-friendly alternative	2021 Toyota Highlander	$35,085	Opt for the hybrid trim level with optional all-wheel drive for the best fuel economy plus 8.0 inches of ground clearance and 175 lb-ft of torque.
Best alternative for families	2022 Hyundai Palisade	$33,600	Need to take the entire family on an adventure? This three-row SUV is roomy and comfortable, plus it rivals more expensive luxury vehicles.

MORE:

Why you should consider an SUV over a sedan

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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

Whether you’re using your SUV for occasional unpaved terrain or looking specifically for a sporty utility vehicle that can take on absolutely anything, off-road driving always poses an increased risk.

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