What is the ground clearance of the Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander?
2 Answers
The ground clearance of the Ford Edge is 160mm, while the Toyota Highlander has a ground clearance of 170mm. The minimum ground clearance of the Edge and Highlander refers to the distance between the lowest point (excluding the wheels) and the supporting surface, which indicates the vehicle's ability to pass over obstacles like rocks and tree stumps without collision. Generally, a higher ground clearance improves off-road capability, but if the ground clearance is too high, it may reduce stability at high speeds. The Ford Edge is a mid-to-large SUV built on Ford's global mid-size car platform. The first-generation imported Edge made its debut in China on September 15, 2010. The Edge's dimensions are 4878x1925x1734mm, with a wheelbase of 2850mm. The Toyota Highlander features a spacious body and innovative, roomy interior, making it one of Toyota's largest SUVs. Its dimensions are 4890mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1720mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. Typically, sedans have a ground clearance between 110mm and 150mm, while SUVs range from 200mm to 250mm. However, the ground clearance of the Edge and Highlander is not static—it depends on the load condition. Therefore, changes in ground clearance should be considered based on the vehicle's load. When choosing a vehicle, ground clearance can be one of the reference factors. The decision should depend on the vehicle's intended use and road conditions. For urban driving with well-paved roads, a lower ground clearance enhances stability and comfort. For frequent travel on rough terrain or off-road conditions, a higher ground clearance is advisable to avoid underbody scrapes or damage.
The ground clearance data of the Edge and Highlander are quite similar, with the Edge typically around 180mm and the Highlander around 200mm. The 20mm difference isn't noticeable during regular driving, but when I drove on rural dirt roads, the Highlander's higher clearance did better at preventing undercarriage scrapes, while the Edge felt more stable on urban highways. When choosing a car, I have to consider actual road conditions: higher clearance is crucial for frequent off-road driving, but the Edge is sufficient for mostly on-road use. Additionally, the suspension system can affect the perception of clearance. In real-world driving, tire wear or modifications might slightly adjust these values, so it's best to refer to the owner's manual or test drive for confirmation. Safety comes first—don't get too hung up on the numbers.
