What is the minimum ground clearance of the Crown?
3 Answers
The minimum ground clearance of the Crown is 92mm. Generally speaking, the lowest point of a sedan body is usually below the transmission or oil pan, while the lowest point of an off-road vehicle is typically the differential of the front and rear axles. The ground clearance values of a car are not static and depend on the vehicle's load condition. Here is some information about minimum ground clearance: 1. Minimum ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point of the car (excluding the wheels) and the supporting plane when the car is fully loaded and stationary, indicating the car's ability to pass over obstacles such as stones and tree stumps without collision. The smaller the ground clearance, the worse the ability to overcome obstacles. 2. Sedans usually travel on flat urban roads, so they have smaller ground clearance; off-road vehicles have larger minimum ground clearance to pass over larger obstacles.
I previously researched the ground clearance of different Crown generations and found this parameter truly varies by generation. Take the 14th-gen domestic version for example – the most surprising thing is it's only about 130mm, lower than many sedans. They claim it lowers the center of gravity for better handling, but you have to be extremely careful about scraping the undercarriage on slightly rough roads. The 15th-gen overseas version improved to 150mm, showing some return to practicality. If you buy an older model, modifying to lift the suspension is an option but requires professional installation, otherwise it affects driving stability. Driving through slightly deeper puddles during rain always makes me nervous – personal experience proves you really can't choose a car based solely on looks and features.
I drove my friend's 14th-generation Crown, and the chassis was shockingly low. Going over speed bumps even slightly fast would result in a loud 'clunk,' and when measured, the ground clearance was only about the height of a water bottle when unloaded. The 4S technician said this design purely sacrifices practicality for a sporty feel, leading many owners to switch to air suspension. It's advised to pay extra attention to road bumps during daily driving, as the factory underbody protection is quite thin, and repairing damage from scraping the underside can be costly. Compared to the older model's 160mm ground clearance, the new version has significantly reduced it, and the hybrid variant hasn't improved much either. Friends who prioritize practicality are advised to bring a measuring tape when checking out the actual car before making a purchase.
