What is the minimum ground clearance of the Toyota Highlander?
2 Answers
The minimum ground clearance of the Highlander is 170 millimeters. The minimum ground clearance of the Highlander refers to the distance between the lowest point (excluding the wheels) and the supporting plane, which is used to characterize the vehicle's ability to pass over obstacles such as rocks and tree stumps without collision. The higher the Highlander's ground clearance, the better its off-road capability. However, if the Highlander's ground clearance is too high, the stability during high-speed driving will decrease. The Highlander is a mid-size SUV under GAC Toyota, with a 5-door SUV body structure. The dimensions of the Highlander 2.0T 7-seater version are 4890 mm in length, 1925 mm in width, 1715 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm. The dimensions of the hybrid 2.5L version are 4965 mm in length, 1930 mm in width, 1750 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm. Generally, the ground clearance of sedans ranges between 110 mm and 150 mm, while SUVs have a ground clearance between 200 mm and 250 mm. However, the Highlander's ground clearance is not static; this data also depends on the load condition. Therefore, changes in ground clearance should be considered based on the Highlander's load variations. When selecting a vehicle, ground clearance can be one of the reference factors. The choice should depend on the vehicle's intended use and the road conditions. For urban areas with good road surfaces, vehicles with lower ground clearance can enhance stability and comfort. For long-distance travel or driving in areas with poor road conditions, considering the vehicle's off-road performance, a higher ground clearance may be preferable to avoid scraping or damaging the chassis.
I remember when I first drove the Toyota Highlander, I paid special attention to the minimum ground clearance—approximately 203mm. Driving in the city, this height made parking and going over speed bumps much easier, especially in areas with higher curbs, as the chassis wouldn’t scrape at all. As a daily commuter, I found this design very thoughtful, helping to avoid tire wear or chassis damage. It also made it easier to navigate through waterlogged sections during wet weather, saving a lot of maintenance hassle. However, it’s important to note that the ground clearance can slightly decrease with increased vehicle load, such as when carrying cargo or with a full passenger load, so it’s advisable to slow down when going over rough patches to maintain safety and comfort. Overall, the Highlander ranks above average among SUVs in this category, making it suitable for various family travel needs.