Last Updated on May 18, 2023 by Victor A
For car enthusiasts, driving SUVs with a high ground clearance is essential for handling rough terrains, steep inclines, and bumpy roads.
However, high ground clearance is more than just a matter of off-road performance and comfort.
It can also provide a higher driving position, better visibility, and improved safety in challenging driving conditions such as flooded roads or potholes.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 SUVs with the highest ground clearance on the market today.
5) Land Rover Defender – Ground Clearance: 11.5 inches
The Land Rover Defender is a popular SUV that many enthusiasts praise for its off-road capabilities and iconic boxy design.
One of the reasons for this is its impressive ground clearance, which stands at 11.5 inches when equipped with the optional air suspension.
This allows the Defender to tackle uneven terrain, steep inclines, and rocky trails with ease.
It’s important to note that the Defender is available in three versions: the Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130, and all three versions can achieve the same ground clearance of 11.5 inches with the air suspension option.
The Defender 90 is the smallest of the three, with two doors and a shorter wheelbase, then the Defender 110 which is a mid-size version, with four doors and a longer wheelbase, providing more interior space.
The Defender 130 is the largest version, with five doors and even more room for cargo and passengers.
The air suspension option on the Defender allows the driver to adjust the ride height based on the terrain they are driving on.
It can raise the ride height, helping improve the SUV’s approach and departure angles, which are crucial for off-road driving.
4) Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Willys Xtreme Recon Package – Ground Clearance: 12.9 inches
The Jeep Wrangler is a legendary off-roading SUV known for its durability and capability.
The Rubicon and Willys Xtreme Recon Package versions of the Wrangler are particularly noteworthy as being SUVs with a high ground clearance of 12.9 inches, which can be achieved with this optional package.
The Willys Xtreme Recon Package is a new offering from Jeep that includes several upgrades to the Wrangler’s suspension, tires, and drivetrain.
These upgrades, combined with a 2-inch suspension lift, enable the Wrangler to achieve its impressive 12.9 inches of ground clearance.
Similarly, you can equip the Rubicon version of the Wrangler with the same optional package to achieve the same impressive ground clearance.
The Rubicon is a favorite among off-roaders for its advanced off-road features, including locking differentials and an electronic sway bar disconnect.
The high ground clearance of the Wrangler Rubicon and Willys Xtreme Recon Package is essential for off-roading enthusiasts who tackle rough terrain and steep inclines.
The additional clearance helps improve the approach and departure angles, allowing the Wrangler to clear obstacles and navigate challenging obstacles with ease.
3) Ford Bronco Raptor – Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches
The Ford Bronco Raptor is an SUV that when released made waves in the off-roading community.
With a ground clearance of 13.1 inches, it’s one of the SUVs with the highest ground clearance on the market, putting it in a league of its own.
What sets the Bronco Raptor apart from the standard Bronco is its numerous upgrades that can improve off-road performance.
It has a unique suspension system that offers greater articulation and wheel travel, along with a wider track and larger off-road tires.
These features, combined with the high ground clearance, enable the Bronco Raptor to tackle tough terrain with ease.
Ford designed the Bronco Raptor to be a true off-roading machine that can handle any challenge thrown it’s way.
It has impressive approach and departure angles, along with excellent water-fording capabilities, making it a top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.
While the Bronco Raptor may be new to the market, it’s already being compared to other legendary off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the Land Rover Defender.
In terms of ground clearance, the Bronco Raptor edges out the Rubicon with its 13.1 inches of clearance versus the Rubicon’s 12.9 inches.
Additionally, the Bronco Raptor’s wider stance and suspension upgrades may also give it an advantage in certain off-road scenarios.
2) Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4×4² – Ground Clearance: 13.8 inches
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been a mainstay in the luxury SUV market for decades, however, the G-Class 4×4² takes things to a whole new level.
With a ground clearance of 13.8 inches, it’s one of the highest-clearance SUVs on the market, and its exclusivity and rarity only add to its appeal.
The G-Class 4×4² is a limited-edition model, and Mercedes-Benz only produces a small number of them each year.
This exclusivity makes it a highly sought-after vehicle among collectors and off-road enthusiasts alike.
It’s also rare to see one on the road, as the G-Class 4×4² is only available through special orders or at select dealerships.
The G-Class 4×4² is capable enough to tackle any terrain with ease, whether it’s rocky terrain or steep inclines.
Out of all the SUVs with the highest ground clearance, the G-Class 4×4² sets itself apart thanks to its luxurious features, and its high ground clearance, combined with its advanced suspension system, allows it to conquer obstacles that would stop other SUVs in their tracks.
Add to it the SUV’s advanced off-road features such as portal axles and locking differentials, and it becomes a force to be reckoned with on the trails.
1) Rivian R1S – Ground Clearance: 14.9 inches
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV that’s breaking new ground in the off-roading world.
With a ground clearance of 14.9 inches, it’s the highest clearance SUV on the market, and it’s an impressive feat for an electric vehicle.
One of the advantages of an electric SUV like the R1S is that it can provide instantaneous torque to its wheels, giving it excellent off-road performance.
Rivian designed the R1S to be highly capable off-road, with advanced features such as adjustable air suspension, skid plates, and underbody cameras to help navigate obstacles.
The high ground clearance of the R1S is due in part to its electric powertrain.
Since there’s no need for a traditional engine, Rivian mounted the batteries low in the chassis, which allows for more ground clearance.
Additionally, the R1S has a unique skateboard platform design that packages the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking, and thermal system below the wheel height.
Despite its electric powertrain, the R1S can handle tough terrain, with its high ground clearance, combined with features such as four-wheel drive and advanced suspension, allowing the R1S to conquer obstacles that other SUVs may struggle with.
