What is the ground clearance of the Toyota Highlander?
3 Answers
The Highlander has a ground clearance of 203 millimeters. The Highlander is a mid-size SUV under GAC Toyota. Taking the 2021 Highlander 2WD Elite Edition as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4890 millimeters, width 1925 millimeters, height 1720 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2790 millimeters. The 2021 Highlander 2WD Elite Edition is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 162 kilowatts at 5200 to 6600 rpm, and a maximum torque of 350 Newton-meters at 1800 to 4000 rpm. It features a MacPherson independent front suspension and an E-type multi-link independent rear suspension.
A few days ago, I specifically measured the ground clearance of my Highlander, which is about 205 mm when unloaded, roughly the length of an adult's foot. Although the new Highlander is slightly lower, the minimum clearance is still maintained at over 180 mm. This height design is very practical—it allows easy climbing onto curbs when dropping off or picking up kids from school, and there's no worry about scraping the undercarriage on gravel or dirt roads when visiting rural hometowns. However, it's important to note that ground clearance can be affected by load: with five passengers and luggage, the chassis may drop by 20-30 mm. If you frequently drive on rough roads, it's advisable to install an undercarriage guard, which protects the oil pan without significantly reducing the height.
As a core parameter of SUVs, ground clearance directly affects off-road capability. The Highlander models over the years have maintained a range of 180-203mm, equivalent to the height of two stacked iPhones. As someone who frequently embarks on self-drive trips, this height is sufficient for navigating ordinary shell craters—significantly better than sedans, though nearly 10cm lower than hardcore off-roaders like the Land Cruiser Prado. For daily use, pay attention to three points: be mindful of the approach angle when parking on slopes; slow down when crossing speed bumps with a full load; and regularly inspect the underbody anti-rust coating if living in coastal areas long-term. Practical tests on golf course dirt mounds and underground garage ramps confirm the Highlander's clearance is entirely adequate.
