What is the minimum ground clearance of the new Highlander?
4 Answers
The minimum ground clearance of the new Highlander is 203 mm when unloaded and 160 mm when fully loaded. The height between the chassis and the ground is referred to as the minimum ground clearance, also commonly known as the chassis height. The higher the chassis, the larger the obstacles it can overcome. In terms of exterior design, the Highlander features a stylish and premium look, with an elegant and bold appearance. The triangular headlights, hexagonal front grille design, integrated Toyota emblem, thick chrome accents, chrome-framed fog lights, and slightly forward-leaning front fascia give the entire front end a fashionable and three-dimensional appeal. As for the interior, the Highlander boasts a simple and elegant design with a generous layout. Although there are numerous buttons on the center console, they are well-arranged for convenient operation. The craftsmanship is refined, with even seams, and the interior color scheme exudes a noble and classic feel. It is also well-equipped with rich features.
The official ground clearance of the new Highlander is around 19 cm, but this depends on your specific model configuration. Last time I drove my friend's 4WD Premium Edition in the countryside, I specifically checked the chassis when crossing gravel roads, and it indeed had good off-road capability. If you frequently drive on rough roads, pay attention to three things: First, the ground clearance will decrease by 2-3 cm when fully loaded; second, don't randomly install underbody protection plates yourself—if the thickness isn't calculated correctly, you might scrape the bottom; third, when encountering steep slopes where the front wheels lift off, the actual ground clearance is higher than the nominal value. During maintenance, remember to ask the technician to check if the underbody protection plates are deformed.
As a frequent construction site user, field tests show the new Highlander's 19cm unladen ground clearance is quite reliable. But here are key reminders: slight variations exist between drivetrain versions, with 2WD models about 1cm lower than 4WD; factory tire pressure affects height - underinflation noticeably reduces gap; upsizing wheels may look cool but actually compromises clearance. For regular off-road use, consider installing an engine skid plate as the OEM resin protector offers limited defense. Always check for undercarriage scrapes during maintenance.
The Highlander's minimum ground clearance of 19cm is actually measured at the front suspension crossmember. After driving this vehicle for three years, I've noticed the rear suspension compression reduces to about 16cm when fully loaded. Three key points to note: Replacing the factory 235/55 R20 tires with thicker sidewall tires can increase clearance by 1cm; Installing running boards actually decreases passing height by 3cm; Don't overestimate its capability in snow - 19cm clearance can still easily cause undercarriage scraping on snowy roads. When parking, avoid curbs as they most frequently damage the exhaust pipe.
