How high does a car sit off the ground?
A typical passenger car sits about 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15 cm) off the ground, though the exact number depends on the model, trim, and wheel and tire choice.
Ground clearance is the vertical distance from the road surface to the lowest point of the car's underbody. It influences obstacle clearance, snow handling, and overall vehicle stability, and varies widely across body styles, suspension setups, and tire sizes. This article explains what ground clearance means, how it’s measured, and what values you can expect for different vehicle classes.
What counts as ground clearance?
Ground clearance is measured from the road to the vehicle's lowest unobstructed point on the undercarriage, typically with the vehicle on level ground and tires inflated to the recommended pressure. It does not include the suspension travel or any protruding accessories. Manufacturers publish this figure so buyers can gauge a vehicle’s ability to clear obstacles and rough surfaces.
Typical ranges by vehicle type
For quick reference, here are common ground clearance ranges across typical passenger vehicles. Remember that trims, tire sizes, and optional equipment can shift these numbers by an inch or more.
- Subcompact cars: 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm)
- Compact cars: 5.0–5.5 inches (12.5–14 cm)
- Midsize sedans and wagons: 5.5–6.5 inches (14–16.5 cm)
- Sedans with sport-tuned suspensions: 4.0–5.5 inches (10–14 cm)
- SUVs and crossovers: 6.5–9.0 inches (16.5–23 cm)
- Pickup trucks: 7.0–10.0 inches (18–25 cm)
- Off-road or specialty vehicles: 10 inches (25 cm) and up
In practice, a vehicle’s ground clearance is a compromise between practicality, efficiency, handling, and ride comfort. Condition can change with wear and tire upgrades.
Why it matters and how it affects you
Higher clearance enhances obstacle avoidance and off-road capability, but can raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, potentially affecting handling and fuel economy. Lower clearance can improve aerodynamics and stability at speed but increases the risk of scraping on curbs, driveways, or speed bumps.
Measuring your vehicle’s clearance
To measure your car’s ground clearance, park on level pavement with the tires inflated to spec, then measure the shortest distance from the road to the underside of the car at its lowest point—often near the oil pan or front crossmember. Clearance can vary around the perimeter depending on where the underbody is lowest.
Summary
Ground clearance varies widely by vehicle type, from around 4.5 inches on some sportier compacts to 7–10 inches or more on many SUVs and trucks, with even higher values on dedicated off-road machines. Tire size, suspension, and optional equipment all influence the figure. If you have specific needs—such as snow, steep driveways, or rocky terrain—check the exact specification for the model and trim you’re considering.
Is 4 inches of ground clearance enough?
Whether 4 inches of ground clearance is enough depends on the vehicle's intended use; it is too low for off-roading but sufficient for most on-road driving, including many sedans. While it may be too low for obstacles like speed bumps, a 4-inch clearance can be adequate for a performance street machine where lower ride height is desired for handling. For off-roading, a much higher clearance of 8-12 inches is generally recommended.
| Use Case | Recommended Ground Clearance |
|---|---|
| On-road driving (sedans) | 4-6 inches is the typical range for stable, comfortable driving. |
| Performance/Show vehicles | 4-5 inches can be adequate if the priority is a low ride height. |
| Light off-roading | 6-8 inches is a good minimum for unpaved roads and light trails. |
| Moderate to extreme off-roading | 8-12 inches or more is recommended for obstacles like rocks and logs. |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_Cc0laf6hCeW2i-gP2IOcoQQ_116';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Factors to consider
- Vehicle type: Most sedans have 4-6 inches of clearance, while SUVs and off-road vehicles typically have 6-8 inches or more.
- Driving surface: Four inches is risky for anything beyond smooth pavement, and you may have trouble with speed bumps and potholes.
- Lowest point: Ground clearance is measured from the lowest point of the vehicle, which could be a front splitter, oil pan, or exhaust system.
- Suspension: How a vehicle's suspension is set up, along with tire size, affects the overall ground clearance.
- Vehicle weight: A heavier load in the vehicle will lower the ground clearance.
What is the easiest car for seniors to get in and out of?
SUVs and crossovers are generally the easiest cars for seniors to get in and out of because their higher ride height allows for a more horizontal movement, often referred to as the "zero plop factor". Popular models that are good for ease of access include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Honda CR-V, as they combine a good seat height with wide door openings. Minivans also offer a convenient, high-entry design.
Top car types for seniors
- SUVs and crossovers: These are a great starting point because their higher stance means a more comfortable "chair height" entry, reducing the need to sit down or climb up.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: Often cited for its higher seating position and wide door openings.
- Subaru Forester: Known for its good ride height and roomy interior.
- Honda CR-V: Praised for its easy access and safety features.
- Minivans: These offer a very accessible design, especially in terms of entry height.
- Honda Odyssey: A popular choice for its overall convenience.
- Kia Carnival: Another good minivan option for easy access.
What to look for
- "Zero plop" factor: A car is ideal when the seat height is level with the user's hip height, making it easy to slide in and out without climbing or dropping into the seat, according to A Girls Guide to Cars.
- Wide door openings: Wider openings make it easier to get a foot in and out and provide more room to maneuver.
- Spacious interior: A roomy cabin provides more space for getting in and out of the vehicle without feeling cramped.
- Automatic transmission: This is an easy-to-use feature that avoids the complexity of a manual clutch.
What is the average height of a car from the ground?
The average ground clearance for a car varies by type, with sedans typically ranging from 5.3 to 7.1 inches (135135135-180180180 mm) and SUVs having higher clearance of 7.9 to 9.8 inches (200200200-250250250 mm). This measurement is the distance from the lowest part of the car's underbody to the ground.
| Car Type | Average Ground Clearance |
|---|---|
| Sports Cars | 4.04.04.0 to 6.06.06.0 inches (100100100-150150150 mm) |
| Sedans | 5.35.35.3 to 7.17.17.1 inches (135135135-180180180 mm) |
| Hatchbacks | 6.56.56.5 to 6.66.66.6 inches (165165165-168168168 mm) |
| Crossovers | 6.36.36.3 to 7.97.97.9 inches (160160160-200200200 mm) |
| SUVs | 7.97.97.9 to 9.89.89.8 inches (200200200-250250250 mm) |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_Cc0laf6hCeW2i-gP2IOcoQQ_179';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
How high is a car off the ground?
Example ride heights
A road car usually has a ride height around 16–17 cm (6.3–6.7 in), while an SUV usually lies around 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 in). Two well-known extremes are the Ferrari F40 with a 12.5 cm (4.9 in) ride height and the Hummer H1 with a 40.64 cm (16.0 in) ride height.
