Does the Honda Civic have good ground clearance?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, a trusted auto service provider in the local community, I've had the opportunity to work on a wide range of vehicles, including the popular Honda Civic. When it comes to the ground clearance of the Civic, it's a topic that often comes up among our customers, so let's dive in and explore the details.
Understanding Ground Clearance
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's body or frame and the ground. This measurement is crucial, as it determines how well a car can navigate over uneven terrain, obstacles, and rough roads without scraping or bottoming out.
The Honda Civic's Ground Clearance
The Honda Civic is known for its compact and efficient design, which can sometimes lead to concerns about its ground clearance. However, the Civic's ground clearance is generally considered to be adequate for most everyday driving situations. 1
According to the specifications, the ground clearance of the Honda Civic ranges from approximately 5.7 inches to 6.1 inches, depending on the specific model and trim level. 2 This is a fairly standard ground clearance for a compact sedan, providing enough clearance to navigate most paved roads and light off-road conditions without issue.
Factors to Consider
While the Honda Civic's ground clearance is generally sufficient for most drivers, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Driving Conditions: If you frequently encounter rough roads, steep driveways, or other challenging terrain, the Civic's ground clearance may not be ideal. In such cases, you may want to consider a vehicle with higher ground clearance, such as an SUV or crossover.
- Vehicle Modifications: Aftermarket modifications, such as lowering springs or larger wheels and tires, can reduce the Civic's ground clearance and make it more susceptible to scraping or bottoming out. It's essential to carefully consider the impact of any modifications on the vehicle's ground clearance.
- Cargo and Passenger Load: The Civic's ground clearance can be affected by the weight of the vehicle, including the number of passengers and the amount of cargo being transported. Heavier loads may cause the vehicle to sit lower and reduce the ground clearance.
Conclusion
In summary, the Honda Civic generally has a ground clearance that is adequate for most everyday driving situations. While it may not be the best choice for extreme off-road adventures, the Civic's ground clearance is suitable for navigating paved roads, light gravel, and other common driving conditions. As always, it's essential to consider your specific driving needs and the terrain you'll be encountering when evaluating the ground clearance of any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high off the ground is a Civic?
Taken from Honda.ca specifications the ground clearance is 5.28 inches without load and 4.27 inches with max weight.
What is the ground clearance of a Honda Civic?
123 mm 5 in
What is the ground clearance of a Honda Accord?
5.3 in.
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Maximum cargo capacity | 16.7 cu.ft. |
| Turning circle | 38.4 ft. |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in. |
| Angle of approach | 14.1 degrees |
How do I make my Honda Civic seat higher?
To raise the seat, repeatedly pull up the lever on the outside of the seat cushion. To lower the seat, push the lever down repeatedly. Your vehicle is equipped with head restraints in all seating positions to help protect you and your passengers from whiplash and other injuries.
What is the lowest level Honda?
LX – The Base Trim Level
The LX is the base trim for most Honda models. Don't let the term "base" fool you though, because even this entry-level trim is loaded with features. This includes a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and Honda Sensing® - Honda's suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.
How high off the ground is the average car?
Example ride heights
| Avg. ride height | Car type |
|---|---|
| 165 mm (6.5 in) | Sedan |
| 168 mm (6.6 in) | Hatchback |
| 170 mm (6.7 in) | Compact car |
| 190–200 mm (7.5–7.9 in) | Compact SUV |
Is Honda City ground clearance problem?
There is no issue with ground clearance - the vehicle managed monstrous speed breakers with 5 on board without bottoming out even once during the entire trip. So, I can safely say that those having qualms about ground clearance can rest assured. The car is unlikely to scrape the bottom.
Why do Honda Civics sit so low to the ground?
Cars with lower ride height handle much more smoothly and effectively, but only on smooth surfaces, such as pavement. This is the primary reason why sports cars have low ground clearance. Additionally, lower ground clearance helps with the aerodynamics of a car.
How to increase ground clearance of car?
Install Coil Spring Spacers
When installed, coil spring spacers reduce the expansion and contraction of the coils in a vehicle's suspension system. As a result, the assisters can increase the ground clearance of a vehicle by around 10-15 mm.
Do you sit low in a Honda Civic?
Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor. The rear seats can be folded down separately to allow for additional storage space.
