15 Highest Ground Clearance SUV: Best Picks for 2023

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If you are looking for the highest ground clearance SUV? You are in the right place. This post makes it easy by narrowing down the number of available options to 15.

What Are The 15 Highest Ground Clearance SUV ~ Ran When Parked

The list features both full-size and mid-size SUVs with high ground clearance.

List of 15 Highest Ground Clearance SUVs Available in 2023

SUVs have been gaining popularity thanks to their practicality as work cars and for transporting large families. Regardless of whether you want to drive off-road or not, having a decent ground clearance is an added advantage.

For instance, the high clearance reduces the likelihood of underneath damage to your vehicle. In this list, you will find SUVs that fall into different categories as well as budgets.

1. Rivian R1S: Provides up to 14.9 Inches of Ground Clearance

The Rivian all-electric full-size SUV

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offers the highest ground clearance. This is possible thanks to its adjustable suspension that offers almost 15 inches of ground clearance. In fact, at its lowest setting, the SUV offers an impressive 8.8 inches of clearance which is the highest clearance for some compact SUVs.

A Black Rivian R1S SUV ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Pure Electric
  • Powerful
Cons
  • Delivery can take up to a year
Price Point Starts at $78,000
Durability Built to last with a large battery pack

One of the things that result in the Rivian having the highest clearance which is even higher than a truck with axles is a streamlined underbody. Other factors for the high ground clearance include packing the compact drive motors into the chassis and independent read and front suspension.

2. Mercedes G-Class Offers up to 13.8 Inches of Clearance

Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers several models that come with impressive ground clearance. For instance, the G550 offers up to 9.5 inches of clearance. However, it is the AMG G63 4×4 that gives you the best ground clearance in the G-class lineup.

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A Mercedes G Class SUV ~ Ran When Parked

The twin-turbo V8 delivers 13.8 inches of clearance between the lowest-handing parts of the car and the ground.

Pros
  • Iconic design
  • Powerful engines
Cons
  • Getting in and out can be a challenge
Price Point Starts from $139,000
Durability Robust built quality lasts long with proper maintenance

One of the popular models in this class is the G-wagon. Given the high price tag, this luxury SUV is not among the most comfortable.

3. Ford Bronco Deliver up to 13.1 Inches of Clearance

The standard Bronco gives between 8.3 and 11.6 inches of ground clearance. However, if you need more ground clearance the Bronco Raptor comes with 13.1 inches of clearance which should be enough. The 37-inch tires and long shocks are great for an off-road drive.

A Ford Bronco SUV in Water ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Great looks
  • Strong off-road capabilities
Cons
  • Bad build quality
Price Point Starts at $35,000
Durability Offers average reliability

Bronco is one of the highest ground clearance SUV used for off-roading. That said, it tends to be a superior daily driver compared to the Wrangler. For instance, it is more comfortable and handles better.

4. Jeep Wrangler Support Up to 12.9 Inches of Clearance

The standard 2023 Jeep Wrangler provides a mere 9.4 inches of clearance. Fortunately, wrangler offers packages that cater to off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler package with the highest ground clearance is the Xtreme Recon package. This provides 12.9 inches of clearance.

A Black Jeep Wrangler In Jungle With a Roster In Front Of It ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Versatile 4×4 SUV
  • Good resale value
Cons
  • Road noise
Price Point Starts at $31,200
Durability Likely to be less reliable compared to the average new car

Wrangler is a top off-road SUV. The popular Jeep Wrangler Rubicon provides 10.8 inches of ground clearance. This SUV retains the unique proportions and rustic charm that come with this model.

6. Land Rover Range Rover Offer Up to 11.6 Inches Clearance

Although most Range Rover owners rarely leave the comfort of paved roads, using the Terrain Select can increase the ground clearance of this luxury SUV. The maximum clearance is 11.6 inches which is 3 inches higher than normal. In its highest setting, this posh behemoth can handle the rough stuff.

Mighty Land Rover Range Rover Parked In Jungle ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Smooth ride
  • Comes with a diverse range of engines
Cons
  • Less cargo area compared to rivals
Price Point Starts from $104,500
Durability Likely to be less reliable compared to other new cars

Besides the posturing of this six-figure SUV, it comes with serious off-road capabilities. The smaller Range Rover Sport cannot compete with its larger sibling when it comes to ground clearance. It offers 11.1 inches in ground clearance.

7. Land Rover Defender Offroad SUV Offers 11.5 Inches Clearance

All three variants of the Defender (90, 110, 130) support ground clearance of between 8.5 and 11.5 inches. However, this is true only when the variants have air suspension. The base variant of the 90 and 110 come are equipped with coil springs and only offer 8.9 inches of clearance.

Back Of Red Land Rover Defender SUV ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Capable off-roader
  • Comes in different packages
Cons
  • Frustrating controls
Price Point Starts at $53,500
Durability Previous models do not have a reputation for being reliable

The Defender is a top 4WD highest ground clearance SUV ideal for offroad and rough terrain. However, the new version is charming and quick because of the smooth powertrain.

8. Land Rover Discovery Supports up to 11.1 Inches of Clearance

Although the Discovery looks may not appeal to everyone’s taste, it is nearly as capable as the Defender. The best part is the Discovery comes with air suspension as standard. This allows the various variants of the SUV to rise to 11.1 inches with a push of a button.

Front Light Of Land Rover Discovery From Close Shot ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Luxurious interior
  • Great for both on-road and off-road driving
Cons
  • Tight legroom at the rear
Price Point Starts from $58,400
Durability As a member of Land Rover, the latest edition will likely be unreliable

The latest edition of the Discovery is a major shift from the traditional square-edged off-roaders. It is now a luxurious SUV that is capable of handling off-road adventures.

9. Jeep Grand Cherokee Offers up to 10.9 Inches of Clearance

The off-road mode of this midsize SUV offers a maximum of 10.9 of ground clearance. When equipped with five-height air suspensions this is the highest clearance of the Cherokee. However, a Cherokee with standard coil springs offers a maximum of 8.5 inches based on the model and trim.

A Jeep Car Ruling The Road On Sunset ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Premium cabin
  • Diverse powertrain
Cons
  • Confusing controls
Price Point Starts from $39,535
Durability Requires proper maintenance for it to be durable

Its counterpart, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk boasts 8.7 inches of clearance for a midsize Jeep Cherokee.

10. Ford Expedition Delivers up to 10.6 Inches of Clearance

The standard Expedition offers a minimum of 9.7 inches of clearance to avoid small obstacles. However, The Timberline trim offers 10.6 inches of clearance.

A Ford Expedition Inside Water Without Problem ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Powerful
  • Comfortable ride
Cons
  • Low-quality upper trims
Price Point Starts at $54,755
Durability Provides average reliability similar to other new cars

The newest Expedition is lighter, more comfortable, and offers safety features.

11. Volvo XC40 Subcompact SUV Offers up to 8.3 Inches Clearance

XC40 is a luxury midsize SUV that is not meant for serious offroading. Therefore, it is not a surprise that it comes with a limited clearance of up to 8.3 inches. The regular hybrid model offers 8.3 inches while the electric model offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

Back Look Of Volvo XC40 Subcompact Parked In Road ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Comfortable interior
  • Lots of safety features
Cons
  • Cumbersome controls
Price Point Starts from $36,350
Durability XC40 is as reliable as the average new car

The closest competitor in this category is the BMW X1 and X2 all of which offer ground clearance of 7.2 inches. On the other hand, the XC90 was among the highest ground clearance SUV 2020 had to offer with a clearance of 10.5 inches. It is also available as a used SUV with highest ground clearance from 2020.

12. Infiniti QX50 SUV Offers up to 8.6 Inches of Clearance

The QX50 comes with 8.6 inches as the standard ground clearance. The clearance is better than that of Evoque which is a mere 8.3 inches of the ground.

Side Mirror Of Infiniti QX50 SUV ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Well furnished interior
  • Roomy interior
Cons
  • Underwhelming engine performance
Price Point Starts at $40,300
Durability Likely to be of average reliability

A similar SUV that falls in this category is the Mazda Cx-50. The CX-50 provides a maximum of 8.6 inches in ground clearance for the high trims. However, the base trim comes with 8.3 inches of clearance.

13. Toyota RAV4 Provides up to 8.4 Inches of Ground Clearance

RAV4 is one of the popular compact SUVs

thanks in part to its reputation of reliability. The SUV offers a category-leading 8.4 inches of ground clearance.

Toyota RAV4 SUV in a Winter Condition With Mountain Full Of Snow In Behind ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Strong fuel economy
  • Available hybrid version
Cons
  • Frustrating tech interface
Price Point Starts from $28,275
Durability More reliable compared to the average new car

That said, the Rav4 falls short compared to other compact SUVs like the Subaru Forester Wilderness trim. The Wilderness offers 9.2 inches of ground clearance.

14. Toyota Sequoia Offers 9.9 Inches in Ground Clearance

The Sequoia is a 7 to 8-seater SUV across three rows with an impressive 9.9 inches of clearance. This SUV comes with capable driver assistance technology.

White Toyota Sequoia Parked In Street ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Can sit up to 8 passengers
  • Driver assistance features
  • Off-road capabilities
Cons
  • Lacks automatic 4WD system making it feel outdated
Price Point Starts at $59,865
Durability Offers average reliability of a new car

The most capable trim in this model is the TRD Pro as well as the other 4WD models that come with a 2-speed transfer case as well as a locking differential.

15. Nissan Armada Comes With 9.2 Inches of Ground Clearance

The Armada is another full-size SUV with a capacity of 8 passengers. It offers a classy cabin and a large cargo space. The third row of seats comes with power folding. This is a large SUV with 9.2 inches of ground clearance.

Side Look of Silver Nissan Armada ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Classy cabin
  • Smooth powerful powertrain
  • Advanced safety features
Cons
  • Clumsy handling
Price Point Starts at $50,700
Durability Less reliable compared to other new cars

The second generation of the Armada seems to cede nothing to its luxurious twin the Infiniti QX80. However, this SUV lacks the smooth handling most modern SUVs offer.

16. Toyota Land Cruiser Offers 8.9 Inches in Ground Clearance

The Landcruiser offers 8.9 inches of ride height. Today, this SUV focuses more on luxury even though not long ago it was an off-road vehicle. For comparison, a similar full-size SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve has 10.9 inches of ground clearance. That said, the new Landcruiser can also cope with occasional off-roading.

A Toyota Land Cruiser Roving Through The Heart Of Dessert ~ Ran When Parked

Pros
  • Great interior
  • Can tow 8,000 pounds
Cons
  • Low clearance compared to those in its class
Price Point Starts from $87,725
Durability Reliable and durable

Its suspension adapts to the rocky terrain. The best part is that it has a four-wheel-drive system. This iconic Toyota offers a comfortable ride in a quiet cabin. Also, it is a capable off-roader. That said, it lacks agility and is thirsty.

Conclusion

In this post, you learned about the highest ground clearance SUV 2023 has on offer.

To recap:

  • Rivian R1S is the highest-riding full-size SUV.
  • offers the highest clearance among mid-size SUVs.
  • The highest ground clearance compact SUV is
  • Regardless of the size, each SUV comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages.

With this knowledge, you can choose an SUV that suits your budget or even create an SUV ground clearance comparison chart inches.

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