What is the ground clearance of the Vezel?
5 Answers
The ground clearance of the Vezel is 170 millimeters. It features a front MacPherson suspension structure, which is a mainstream suspension layout. The advantage of this setup is its compact size, facilitating engine compartment arrangement. The lower control arm is made of steel. The Vezel's front suspension subframe is a full-frame steel subframe, equipped with an engine underguard and an aluminum heat shield in the engine compartment. The lower control arm is connected to the subframe via rubber bushings. The Vezel is a compact SUV under GAC Honda, with dimensions of 4328mm in length, 1772mm in width, and 1605mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2610mm. In terms of power, the Vezel is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 131 HP, a maximum power of 96 kW, and a maximum torque of 155 Nm. The engine reaches its maximum power at 6600 rpm and its maximum torque at 4600 rpm.
Last time I helped my friend measure his Vezel, the lowest point of the chassis was about 17 cm when unloaded, roughly the height of an adult's palm held vertically. When fully loaded, it might drop to just over 14 cm. After all, this car belongs to the urban SUV category—it handles ordinary curbs with ease, but you should be cautious on muddy roads. During our tests, we found the lower edge of the front bumper is prone to scraping on slopes, so we recommend adding an engine guard. Some in the modification community have swapped springs to raise it by 2 cm, but this sacrifices comfort. Its actual off-road capability is significantly better than sedans; just drive slowly on gravel roads during weekend camping trips.
As someone who frequently tests chassis, I've measured the Honda Vezel's ground clearance data very clearly: the unladen minimum ground clearance ranges from 170mm (2WD version) to 185mm (4WD version), typically decreasing by about 3cm when fully loaded. This height design is actually very deliberate—ensuring passability while controlling the center of gravity. It's important to note that the engine guard bolt area is the true lowest point. I've encountered owners who installed body kits reducing height to just 14cm, causing scraping even over speed bumps. If you often drive on rough roads, switching to AT tires can increase effective height by 1.5cm—just remember to keep tire pressure below 2.5bar.
The most intuitive feeling after driving the Vezel for three years: The ground clearance is completely sufficient for daily use. No need to worry about scraping the undercarriage on garage ramps, and driving slowly on rural dirt roads is also fine. Actual measurements show it's about 5cm higher than a regular sedan. The approach angle is smaller than the CR-V's but more agile. Once, with four people on board on a rough road, the chassis made a 'thud' sound when it scraped over a bump. Later maintenance revealed dents on the underguard. It's recommended to install a steel underguard as the original plastic one is too thin. Extra caution is needed on snow-covered roads in winter; avoid venturing if snow exceeds 15cm. This vehicle's ground clearance is standard for urban SUVs—don't treat it as a hardcore off-roader.
From an engineering perspective, the Honda HR-V's 170mm ground clearance is a comprehensive compromise. The L-shaped lower control arm of the front MacPherson strut suspension sits lowest, while the fuel tank and mid-section exhaust pipe feature inward-tucking designs. Actual off-road capability exceeds the spec sheet due to the short 2610mm wheelbase making obstacle clearance easier. Notably, aftermarket wheel risks exist: one owner reported a 12mm clearance reduction after installing larger wheels with low-profile tires. For optimal clearance, maintain OEM 215/60 R16 tires at 2.3bar pressure. Remember, heavy loads significantly compress rear suspension - avoid overloading during moves.
