What is the minimum ground clearance of the Honda Civic?
3 Answers
The minimum ground clearance of the Honda Civic is 105mm, and it is a compact car. Taking the 2021 Honda Civic as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4517mm, width 1799mm, height 1434mm, wheelbase 2700mm, fuel tank capacity 47l, and curb weight 1343kg. The 2021 Honda Civic features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5l turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 177ps, maximum power of 130kw, and maximum torque of 220nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission.
I've been driving a Honda Civic for a few years. The official ground clearance is about 130mm, which is barely acceptable for speed bumps or small potholes in the city. But when driving on rural mountain roads, I almost scraped the undercarriage several times, scaring me into slamming on the brakes. SUVs like the CR-V generally have over 180mm of clearance, handling rough roads with ease. However, the Civic has lower fuel consumption and faster acceleration, making it more economical for daily commutes. The height can drop a bit with tire wear or heavy loads, so it's advisable to check the tire pressure and maintain it around 110kPa to slightly alleviate the scraping issue. Pay attention to road conditions during long drives and avoid high speeds on uneven sections to prevent suspension damage. Driving a Civic requires developing a habit of slowing down, especially after rain when there are puddles on the road—extra caution is needed.
As a car enthusiast, I often research the ground clearance of models like the Civic, which typically ranges between 125 to 135 millimeters depending on the generation. The 10th-generation model measures about 128 mm in actual tests, while the newly released 11th generation reportedly maintains around 130 mm. This height optimizes cornering handling with a low center of gravity for better stability, but it makes the car prone to scraping the undercarriage on bumpy roads like gravel paths. Tire choice also plays a role—deeper treads can absorb shocks but may slightly reduce clearance. In comparison, SUV models start at least at 150 mm, offering significantly better off-road capability. During maintenance, always check the underbody protection for integrity to prevent rust. When driving over bumps, avoid overconfidence—slow down to ensure safety.
