What is the minimum ground clearance of the Orlando?
3 Answers
The minimum ground clearance of the Orlando is 150mm. The determining factors for the Orlando's minimum ground clearance are as follows: 1. Actual vehicle load: The heavier the vehicle load, the smaller the minimum ground clearance. This not only increases the burden on the engine but also reduces the stability of the vehicle while driving. 2. Performance of shock absorber springs: When using aged or damaged shock absorber springs that do not meet performance requirements, the vehicle body may sag to some extent, potentially causing components near the shock absorber springs to be closer to the ground, thus reducing the minimum ground clearance. 3. Tire pressure: If the tire pressure is too low, the overall height of the vehicle will decrease, which also affects the minimum ground clearance.
I remember when I drove the Chevrolet Orlando, I checked the data and it had a minimum ground clearance of around 140mm. This height is fine for city driving, and it won't scrape the chassis when going over speed bumps or small potholes. However, when fully loaded with passengers or luggage, it might drop below 130mm, so you need to be careful. To be honest, the car's ground clearance isn't that high—much lower than those rugged SUVs. For example, the CR-V can reach 170mm. The advantage is that the lower center of gravity makes it more stable, giving you more confidence when taking turns at high speeds without feeling wobbly. I usually drive it to take my kids on outings, but when encountering muddy roads or snowy conditions, I have to slow down to avoid scratching the front bumper. Regularly checking tire pressure also affects the actual ground clearance. I usually maintain standard tire pressure to ensure it doesn't decrease too much. Overall, it's sufficient for daily use, but if you're thinking about off-roading, you might want to reconsider.
As an experienced driver who has owned the Orlando for several years, I'd say its 140mm minimum ground clearance is quite standard among compact MPVs. It handles city shopping malls and highways just fine, but you'll need to slow down when encountering rough roads with multiple potholes. This measurement is taken when unloaded - if your trunk is fully packed or the car is fully occupied, the actual height might drop to around 125mm, making it easier to scrape against road stones. I once drove it on muddy roads during rain, and the front lip always took the first hit until I installed a protective plate which helped somewhat. Compared to sedans, it sits slightly higher and can handle mild bumps, but don't expect it to climb curbs as effortlessly as a pickup truck. Most buyers choose this vehicle for its spacious cargo area or family use, where adequate ground clearance suffices - excessive height would actually compromise comfort. I recommend that new buyers test drive to experience the height firsthand, preferably bringing a measuring tape for precise assessment.
