What is the minimum ground clearance of the Toyota IZOA?
2 Answers
IZOA's official chassis height is 145mm, but actual measurements by car owners show 170mm. The minimum ground clearance when fully loaded is measured by IZOA owners at 135mm. Below are specific details about ground clearance: 1. Ground clearance refers to the distance between the ground and the rigid parts at the bottom of the vehicle. The ground clearance of a vehicle varies depending on whether it is unloaded or loaded. 2. Ground clearance is related to the vehicle's load; the heavier the load, the smaller the ground clearance. Vehicles with smaller ground clearance have a lower center of gravity but poorer passability. Vehicles with larger ground clearance have better passability and are easier to park. Higher ground clearance not only improves passability on gravel or mountain roads but also prevents water from entering the exhaust pipe when driving through flooded roads, and makes it easier to park on curbs or parking spaces with height differences. 3. The larger the minimum ground clearance, the better the vehicle's ability to pass over obstacles or uneven terrain, but the higher center of gravity reduces stability. The smaller the minimum ground clearance, the weaker the vehicle's ability to pass over obstacles or uneven terrain, but the lower center of gravity increases stability.
Last year when I drove the IZOA back to the countryside, it handled potholes with no problem at all. According to the manual, this car has a ground clearance of about 145mm—empty, you can fit a soda can underneath. This kind of clearance easily handles regular curbs and speed bumps without scraping. But when road-tripping with my parents, you have to be careful: with five people and luggage, the ground clearance drops by two or three centimeters. Once, on a gravel road, I scraped the underbody guard. After that, I installed an engine guard for peace of mind. It's definitely sufficient for city commuting, but if you encounter rough roads, it's best to drive slowly.
