What is the ground clearance of the Terra?
3 Answers
The ground clearance of the Terra is 220mm. The minimum ground clearance of the Terra 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 such as rocks and tree stumps without collision. The higher the ground clearance of the Terra, the better its off-road capability. However, if the ground clearance is too high, the stability at high speeds may decrease. The Terra has been in production since 1951. It was introduced to the domestic market as an imported vehicle and has become one of the representative models of luxury off-road vehicles in China, thanks to its sturdy body and reliable performance. The Terra's length, width, and height are 4900/2100/1900mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2850mm. Generally, the ground clearance of sedans ranges between 110mm and 150mm, while SUVs have a ground clearance between 200mm and 250mm. However, the Terra's ground clearance is not static; it also depends on the load condition. Therefore, changes in ground clearance should be considered based on the Terra's load variations. When selecting a vehicle, ground clearance can be one of the reference factors. The choice should depend on the vehicle's intended use and the road conditions. For urban areas with well-paved roads, a vehicle with lower ground clearance can enhance stability and comfort. For long-distance travel or driving in areas with poor road conditions, a vehicle with higher ground clearance is preferable to avoid scraping or damaging the chassis.
As a seasoned off-road driver who frequently takes the Terra, I must say its 225mm ground clearance is quite sufficient. I remember once crossing a rocky beach on the way to Tibet, and the chassis barely scraped, handling it much more smoothly than my friend's 220mm urban SUV. The measurement point is right below the middle of the front axle, and I've verified it with a tape measure when unloaded—it's accurate. However, a heads-up for everyone: when fully loaded with five passengers, the actual clearance drops to around 210mm, and you need to be extra cautious about scraping the undercarriage if the trunk is packed with camping gear. I recommend controlling your speed when crossing deep pits, as the real assurance lies in the 29° approach angle and 27° departure angle.
Last week, while helping my cousin choose a car, I specifically researched the specs. The Terra's minimum ground clearance of 225mm is above average in its class. It's significantly better than the Highlander's 203mm but slightly inferior to the Prado's 270mm. Daily driving isn't affected, and it handles dirt slopes confidently when taking kids to the suburbs—it really depends on driving habits. Some owners upgrade to larger tires, increasing clearance to 235mm, but note that the speedometer will become inaccurate. If you frequently drive on rough roads, opting for factory-installed underbody protection is the safer choice.
