Most standard sedans and crossover SUVs can safely drive up a curb that is 4 to 6 inches high. The exact height depends primarily on your vehicle's approach angle (the angle from the front bumper to the ground) and ground clearance (the distance between the lowest part of the chassis and the road). Attempting a curb taller than your vehicle's specifications can cause significant damage to tires, wheels, suspension components, and the underside of your car.
The most critical factor is the approach angle. A low-slung sports car with a long front overhang might struggle with a 4-inch curb, while a truck with high ground clearance and short overhangs can handle much higher obstacles. Beyond just height, the curb's condition matters. A rounded, smooth curb is far less risky than a sharp, jagged one.
Here’s a quick reference for common vehicle types:
| Vehicle Type | Typical Safe Curb Height | Key Limiting Factor | Risk of Damage |
|---|
| Standard Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry) | 4 - 5 inches | Low front bumper, approach angle | High |
| Crossover SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V) | 5 - 6 inches | Approach angle, front air dam | Moderate |
| Body-on-Frame SUV (e.g., Jeep Wrangler) | 7+ inches | Driver skill, tire sidewall | Low |
| Sports Car (e.g., Chevrolet Corvette) | 3 - 4 inches | Very low front spoiler, approach angle | Very High |
| Pickup Truck (e.g., Ford F-150) | 6 - 8 inches | Approach angle, rear overhang (if backing up) | Low to Moderate |
Always approach the curb at a slow, controlled speed and as perpendicularly as possible to avoid scraping the sidewalls of your tires. If you must park on a curb regularly, consider investing in larger tires or protective skid plates. This is a maneuver of last resort, not a standard driving practice.
