Does the Subaru Forester have good ground clearance?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and off-road capabilities. One of the key factors that make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike is its ground clearance. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Subaru Forester truly delivers when it comes to ground clearance and why it matters for drivers.
What Is Ground Clearance and Why Is It Important?
Ground clearance, also known as ride height, refers to the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's undercarriage and the ground. It is a critical factor for vehicles that are used on uneven terrain, as it determines how well the vehicle can navigate obstacles like rocks, snow, or potholes without damaging the undercarriage.
For SUVs like the Subaru Forester, ground clearance is especially important for off-road adventures, winter driving, and even urban environments with poorly maintained roads. A higher ground clearance provides better capability to handle rough terrain, while also offering a commanding view of the road.
Subaru Forester Ground Clearance Specifications
The Subaru Forester boasts an impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches across all its trims. This is higher than many other vehicles in its class, making it a standout choice for those who need a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions.
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance: This is sufficient for most off-road trails and snowy conditions, allowing the Forester to clear obstacles with ease.
- Standard across all trims: Unlike some competitors, the Forester offers the same ground clearance regardless of the trim level, ensuring consistent performance.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Paired with its ground clearance, the Forester’s AWD system enhances its capability on uneven or slippery surfaces.
How Does the Forester Compare to Competitors?
When compared to other compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester’s ground clearance is among the best in its class. For example:
- The Honda CR-V offers 7.8 inches of ground clearance, which is lower than the Forester.
- The Toyota RAV4 has a ground clearance of 8.4 inches, slightly less than the Forester.
- Other competitors, such as the Mazda CX-5, typically have ground clearance in the range of 7.5 to 8 inches.
This makes the Forester a top choice for drivers who prioritize off-road capability or need a vehicle that can handle challenging road conditions.
Conclusion: Is the Subaru Forester a Good Choice for Ground Clearance?
Yes, the Subaru Forester has excellent ground clearance, making it a great option for drivers who need a versatile SUV capable of handling a variety of terrains. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, combined with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensures that it can tackle off-road trails, snowy roads, and urban obstacles with confidence. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable vehicle for everyday use, the Forester’s ground clearance is a significant advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high does the Forester sit off the ground?
Height: 67.5 inches (68.1 inches w/ roof rails) Wheelbase: 105.1 inches. Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches (9.2 inches on Forester Wilderness)
Which Subaru has the best ground clearance?
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasts the highest ground clearance among Subaru SUVs with 9.5 inches, and is prepared to tackle your toughest adventures with all-terrain upgrades and trail-ready tuning.
Why get a Forester instead of an Outback?
The Outback is bigger on the outside, with more length, width, and a longer wheelbase than the Forester. This makes it around 9.2 inches longer and 2.7 inches wider than the Forester. However, the Forester offers more space for passengers, with 111.6 cubic feet compared to the Outback's 109.0 cubic feet.
What is the ground clearance of the RAV4?
8.4 to 8.6 inches
This beloved small SUV's ground clearance is 8.4 to 8.6 inches. Its horsepower is 203 or 219 HP, depending on the trim level. The towing capacity of the 2024 RAV4 is a maximum of 3,500 pounds, depending on the model.
What qualifies as a high clearance vehicle?
Great question! Vehicles with high ground clearance have 9 inches or more between the ground and the lowest point of the vehicle.
What is considered high ground clearance?
Drivers who love off-roading adventures may prefer SUVs or crossovers with relatively high ground clearance—anywhere between 7.5 and 9 inches. This allows for easier handling on uneven surfaces and unpaved roadways.
What is a good amount of ground clearance for a car?
Sometimes referred to as “soft-roading,” 6-8 inches of clearance will get the job done. Unkempt Trails, Overlanding, Light Rock Crawling, Sand, Snow, and Shallow Mud - 8-10 inches gives you better angles and the clearance to navigate over small-to-midsize obstacles.
Is 8.7 inches of ground clearance good?
All- or four-wheel drive is a must, as is enough ground clearance to drive over obstacles — hills, rocks, mud, creeks — without sustaining damage. As a general rule of thumb, 8.5 inches of clearance or more should be good.
Is the Subaru Forester high clearance?
Which has more ground clearance: Outback or Forester? When looking at the base models of the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester, or even higher trims like the Limited or Touring, you'll see the exact same ground clearance height of 8.7 inches.
How many inches off the ground should a car be?
The Basics of Ground Clearance
It reaches from the lowest point of your vehicle to the ground. Most sedans feature a ground clearance measurement of 4-6 inches, which is optimal for stable and comfortable on-road driving activities.
