For the Mazda CX-50, ground clearance depends on the trim. You can expect an 8.3-inch minimum ground clearance from the base trim through the S Preferred Plus. The S Premium boasts an 8.6-inch ground clearance, as do all higher-level trims of this model.
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the underside of a car and the ground. This is a critical metric if you plan to take your vehicle off-roading since you might run into rocks and other types of rough terrain on the trails.
If you're ready to off-road with your CX-50, we're here to get you started. We'll tell you everything you need to know about the CX-50's ground clearance and trail capability.
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Start earning nowMazda CX-50 ground clearance
Ground clearance depends on the trim level for the 2023 CX-50. Check out each trim's minimum ground clearance specs:
Many experts recommend a minimum ground clearance of 8.8-10.8 inches for serious off-roading. So if you plan to hit the trails in your CX-50 often, you might have to invest in some modifications.
Mazda CX-50 ground clearance over the years
2023 is the first model year for the CX-50, but Mazda's CX-5 features a similar size and styling. Before Mazda took a turn for the rugged with the CX-50, here's how the CX-5 measured up in terms of ground clearance from 2017-2021:
It's clear that the CX-50 raises the bar in terms of ride height.
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Start earning nowWhat is ground clearance, and why does it matter?
There are a few different ways to measure ground clearance: running ground clearance, approach angle, breakover angle, and departure angle. Running ground clearance is the most common measurement you'll see. This describes the distance between the ground and the underside of a car.
The approach angle refers to ground clearance for the front of a car—specifically, the distance between the wheelbase and the front bumper. The breakover angle denotes the distance between the ground and the center of a vehicle's underside.
If you want to know about clearance between the ground and a car's rear bumper, you're looking for the departure angle.
Compared to other ways to measure ride height, running ground clearance tends to be the shortest distance.
Is the Mazda CX-50 a good off-road vehicle?
Mazda released the CX-50 with a focus on off-roading capability. The vehicle is physically taller and more rugged than the otherwise similar CX-5. It also features plastic cladding to protect the lower body and wheel arches, a big plus for drivers who plan to take the CX-50 off-road.
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), a feature included on the brand's new crossover, offers four driving modes—including an off-road setting. This mode is ideal for any driving that takes place off the pavement. Mi-Drive's off-roading mode coordinates engine torque and brakes to provide maximum traction.
On top of that, the CX-50 offers an all-wheel drive to elevate performance on all terrains, including those off the beaten path. And Mazda's G Vectoring Control Plus can adjust braking and engine torque in response to steering input, all to create a smoother, more stable ride.
All of the above features—Mi Drive, all-wheel drive, and G Vectoring Control Plus—come standard on all CX-50 trims. The base 2.5 S trim starts at $26,800. The top-shelf 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model starts at $41,550.
Guard against accidents with the best CX-50 insurance
If you plan to take your CX-50 on some off-road (or really any) adventures, make sure you have the right car insurance
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