What is the minimum ground clearance of an off-road vehicle?

[LincolnLee]

The minimum ground clearance of an off-road vehicle ranges from 170mm to 210mm. 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, minimum ground clearance 181mm, and curb weight 1444kg. The 2021 Nissan Qashqai is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 151PS, maximum torque of 194Nm, maximum power of 111kW, and is paired with a 7-speed CVT continuously variable transmission.

[McRuth]

I often drive to the wilderness for adventures, so I pay special attention to the minimum ground clearance of off-road vehicles. This parameter refers to the distance from the lowest point of the vehicle's chassis to the ground, which is crucial for off-road capability. Mainstream off-road vehicles typically have a ground clearance between 200mm and 250mm. For example, the Jeep Wrangler has about 274mm, while the Toyota Land Cruiser is around 230mm. I once drove my friend's Land Rover Defender, which boasts a ground clearance of up to 291mm, making it effortless to cross deep ditches and rocks. In contrast, urban SUVs like the Highlander only have 180mm, making them prone to scraping the undercarriage on slightly rough trails. Of course, too much ground clearance can also affect high-speed stability, so it's important to choose based on your needs. Remember, the factory data is for an unloaded vehicle; with luggage or a full load, the actual clearance can drop by 20-30mm.

[AdrielLee]

Recently, while helping my cousin pick a car, I realized that the minimum ground clearance really shouldn't be underestimated. We tested several off-road vehicles, and the differences were quite noticeable. For example, the Haval H9 has 206mm, making it easy to climb curbs, but urban SUVs like the Tiguan L only have 175mm, requiring extra caution even on small inclines. When actually buying a car, you also need to consider the approach and departure angles, otherwise, you might easily scrape the front or rear bumper. Once, when I went into the mountains with a friend, his sedan with only 140mm ground clearance got stuck on a dirt road and had to be towed out by an off-road vehicle. The car I drive now has 230mm ground clearance, so I never worry about scraping the undercarriage over speed bumps. This parameter is especially important to consider when choosing a car for family trips.

[LeNicole]

From a design perspective, ground clearance is one of the core metrics for off-road vehicles. It measures the vertical distance from the lowest point of the chassis crossmember or differential housing to the ground. Professional off-road vehicles generally have over 220mm, such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class with approximately 241mm and the Mitsubishi Pajero with 235mm. Even compact off-roaders like the Jimny offer 210mm. These measurements are taken under unladen conditions and will decrease by 10-15% when loaded with passengers or cargo. Aftermarket lift kits can increase clearance by 20-50mm, but balance must be considered. Too low risks oil pan scraping, while excessive height affects roll stability. Typically, 200mm clearance handles most unpaved roads, while 250mm+ is required for professional off-roading. Regular inspection is crucial.