What is the ground clearance of the Mach-E?
Approximately 7 inches (about 178 mm) of ground clearance, with small variations depending on trim, wheel size, and suspension setup.
Ground clearance is the distance from the road to the lowest point of the vehicle. For the Mach-E, the official figure is influenced by wheel/tire choices and whether the vehicle uses the standard or GT suspension. In everyday driving, most Mach-E configurations sit around seven inches off the ground, though larger wheels or the GT setup can pull that figure down slightly.
Typical clearance by wheel size
Wheel size is the primary factor that changes the Mach-E’s ground clearance. The following are approximate figures seen across common factory configurations.
- 18-inch wheels: about 7.0 inches (178 mm)
- 19-inch wheels: about 6.8 inches (173 mm)
- 20-inch wheels (GT/Performance): about 6.5–6.6 inches (165–168 mm)
Note: The exact clearance for your Mach-E can vary by model year, tire brand and profile, and whether the GT performance suspension is installed. Always check the vehicle’s specific specifications for your build.
What this means for everyday driving
In daily use, the Mach-E’s clearance affects drivers’ approach to speed bumps, steep driveways, and garage entry. If you regularly navigate tall obstacles, you may want to consider wheel/tire combinations that preserve higher clearance or plan routes with gentler inclines.
Practical considerations for drivers and owners
Other factors that influence clearance include suspension tuning, load distribution, and accessory installations (like roof racks) that can alter the vehicle’s profile. For most owners, the stock configuration offers a balance of efficiency, aerodynamics, and practicality, but those with specialized needs (towing, off-road light duty, or frequent steep ramps) should verify clearance for their exact setup.
Summary
The Mach-E generally sits around seven inches off the ground, with smaller wheel sizes maintaining or approaching about 7.0 inches and larger wheels lowering clearance to roughly 6.5–6.6 inches. Wheel size, tire choice, and the GT sport suspension are the main variables. When shopping or planning parking and garages, it’s wise to confirm the exact clearance for your specific configuration and consider how wheel/tire choices might affect it.
How high off the ground is the Mach-E?
While not as high as some rugged SUVs, the Mach-E's ground clearance is still considerable at approximately 145 mm. This clearance allows for better handling of varied road conditions and minor obstacles, aligning with SUV expectations.
How much ground clearance is enough for snow?
For most areas with moderate to high snowfall, you need at least 8 inches of ground clearance to handle typical snow accumulation and plowed snowbanks. Vehicles with less than 5-6 inches of ground clearance will likely struggle with anything more than light dustings, as they risk getting stuck on their undercarriage.
What to consider
- Average conditions: 8 inches is generally sufficient for moderate to high snowfall areas, as it helps navigate through drifts and the ridges left by snowplows.
- Extreme conditions: If you anticipate very deep snow or drive on unplowed rural roads, 10 or more inches is preferable for better angles and clearance over obstacles.
- Vehicles with low clearance: Cars with 4-6 inches of clearance should be avoided if you expect anything more than light snow.
- High clearance with AWD: A good all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) system combined with adequate ground clearance provides the best overall performance.
- Trade-offs: While more ground clearance is beneficial in snow, vehicles with very high clearance can be less fuel-efficient and feel top-heavy.
What is the downside of Mach-E?
The "cons" of the Mustang Mach-E are its firm ride, limited voice command functionality, and potential software/hardware issues, though many hardware problems were resolved in later models. Other drawbacks include a cold-weather range reduction, a lack of some luxury features, and concerns over the brand's use of the "Mustang" name for this vehicle.
This video discusses common issues with the Ford Mustang Mach-E: 59sThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Apr 30, 2025
Performance and handling
- Firm ride: The suspension is tuned for sportiness, leading to a firm ride that some find uncomfortable, especially on bumpy roads.
- Firm ride on bumpy roads: The ride can be bouncy on rough roads, which may not be ideal for a family vehicle.
- Cold weather range loss: The lack of a heat pump results in a significant reduction in range during winter.
Technology and interior
- Limited voice commands: Voice commands have very limited functionality, primarily for changing stations and adjusting temperature, requiring users to navigate menus for other tasks.
- Lack of physical buttons: There are few physical buttons, which some owners find inconvenient for frequently used functions like the trunk.
- Basic interior: The interior can feel spartan for a vehicle in its price range, with a lot of plastic and a lack of ventilated seats.
- Software issues: Some early models experienced software glitches, such as charging cutoffs not working as programmed. These issues were often resolved through over-the-air (OTA) updates or dealer diagnostics.
- Inconvenient trunk release: Opening the trunk can require navigating a menu on the touchscreen, which some find cumbersome.
- Finicky phone-as-key: The phone-as-key feature can be unreliable and has stopped working for some users after app updates.
- Limited instrument cluster: The instrument panel lacks the ability to display basic information like tire pressure or detailed efficiency data.
Other
- Charging port location: Some users find the location of the charging port to be inconvenient.
- Rear rotor issue: Some 2021 vehicles experienced an issue where the rear rotors would score themselves if the car wasn't driven frequently enough.
- Inconsistent OTA updates: While OTA updates fix some issues, they can also sometimes change settings, requiring users to re-configure them.
- Ford's use of "Mustang" name: Enthusiasts of the traditional Mustang model may find the use of the name for this crossover bothersome.
- Limited off-road capability: The car has limited ground clearance and lacks off-road modes, making it difficult to navigate challenging terrain.
You can watch this video to learn about the pros and cons of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Aug 25, 2024
What is the ground clearance on a Ford Mustang Mach-E?
VEHICLE COMPARISON
| 2021 Mustang Mach-E | 2021 Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Tire Size | 225/60R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Ground Clearance | 5.7 in. | 5.5 in. |
