Is an Outback considered high clearance?
The Outback is not generally considered high-clearance; it sits with about 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is moderate for a wagon/crossover and suitable for light off-road use, snow, and rough pavement without sacrificing on-road comfort.
What “high clearance” means in practice
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle’s undercarriage and the ground. While there is no universal cutoff, many automotive writers and enthusiasts treat roughly 9 inches or more as “high clearance.” Vehicles in the dedicated off-road category—such as certain Jeeps or high-travel SUVs—often exceed that threshold, sometimes by a couple of inches or more. Real-world capability also depends on factors beyond raw clearance, including approach/departure angles, suspension travel, tires, and drivetrain systems.
How the Outback stacks up
Clearance and capabilities in context
Subaru’s official specs list 8.7 inches of ground clearance for the Outback across recent model years. This places the vehicle in the moderate-clearance category—higher than many sedans and standard crossovers, but lower than purpose-built off-road machines. The Outback’s raised suspension, standard all-wheel drive, and available X-Mode help with traction on gravel, snow, and light trails, yet it isn’t targeted at extreme rock crawling or deep-water wading.
Comparative figures across popular rivals show where the Outback sits in the market. The following numbers are approximate and can vary by trim year and tire choice.
- Outback: about 8.7 inches
- Toyota RAV4: about 8.4 inches
- Honda Passport: about 8.0 inches (roughly 8.1 inches in common specs)
- Jeep Wrangler (higher-clearance variants like Rubicon): around 10–11 inches
In practical terms, the Outback offers solid capability for mixed-terrain driving and adverse conditions without embodying the “high-clearance” label many off-road-focused models carry. For buyers who prioritize a comfortable on-road experience with respectable off-road ability, the Outback fits well within the market’s mid-range clearance.
Bottom line
Bottom line: the Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance keeps it ahead of many passenger cars and standard crossovers, and on par with several mid-size wagons, but it does not meet the typical threshold associated with high-clearance, off-road-focused vehicles. Those seeking true high clearance should look to purpose-built off-road models with taller suspensions and larger tires.
Summary
The Subaru Outback offers a middle-ground level of clearance—higher than most cars and many crossovers, but lower than dedicated off-road machines. It excels as a versatile crossover for road trips and light off-road use, while not claiming the high-clearance badge reserved for more rugged SUVs.
Is a Subaru a high clearance vehicle?
All Subaru SUVs and crossovers are built with an impressive minimum ground clearance of 8.3 inches. Additionally, each model is equipped with Symmetrical AWD to support optimal traction and stability.
What is the clearance on a Subaru Outback?
Tackle more terrain with up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance in the 2025 Subaru Outback.
What is considered high clearance?
In general terms, I usually consider high clearance to be about 8". In the context of warnings at the start of bad roads, on park or transportation department sites, etc, that's usually enough.
Which has more ground clearance, RAV4 or Outback?
Exterior. The rugged off-road design of the 2023 Outback isn't just for show. This SUV lets you set your inner adventure-seeker free . Choose the Outback Wilderness and get up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which is more than the RAV4's 8.6 inches of ground clearance.
