What is the appropriate minimum ground clearance for an off-road vehicle?
2 Answers
An appropriate minimum ground clearance for an off-road vehicle ranges from 170 to 210mm. Ground clearance determines the vehicle's ability to pass obstacles, referring to the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle (excluding the wheels) and the supporting surface when fully loaded and stationary. It characterizes the vehicle's capability to pass over obstacles such as rocks and tree stumps without collision. Off-road vehicle models include: Haval H6, Geely Boyue, Honda CR-V, Honda Vezel, Nissan Qashqai, etc. Taking the 2021 Nissan Qashqai as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4401mm, width 1837mm, height 1593mm, wheelbase 2646mm, and minimum ground clearance 181mm.
As someone who frequently drives off-road vehicles for outdoor adventures, I find a ground clearance of around 200mm to be quite suitable. It's not too high for daily city driving, yet it allows for easy passage over occasional potholes or sandy beaches. If the clearance is too low, say below 150mm, the chassis is prone to scrapes, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. When choosing a vehicle, consider the model—some SUVs with a clearance of around 200mm are sufficient. During modifications, you can also adjust the suspension and add protective plates to safeguard the engine oil pan. However, too much clearance isn't ideal either; exceeding 250mm can make steering unstable and affect handling. Remember, tire size can also impact clearance—larger tires can indirectly raise it a bit. Regularly checking the clearance is crucial—don't wait until something breaks to fix it. In summary, 200mm is a balanced point—safe and practical.
