Is the Ford Expedition a high clearance vehicle?
The Ford Expedition is indeed a high‑clearance full‑size SUV, with typical ground clearance around 9.0 inches on standard models and about 9.8 inches on the off‑road Timberline version. This places it well above most cars and many crossovers, while still offering a comfortable on‑road ride.
Ground clearance is the distance from the ground to the lowest point of the vehicle’s undercarriage. For a vehicle in the full‑size SUV class, this height matters for negotiating rough pavement, speed bumps, mud, and rocky terrain. Ford’s Expedition lineup balances everyday usability with off‑road capability, and the Timberline variant is specifically tuned for higher clearance and tougher terrain.
Ground clearance by configuration
Below are typical figures you’ll see quoted by Ford for common Expedition configurations.
- Standard Expedition (most trims): about 9.0 inches of ground clearance.
- Expedition Timberline (off‑road focused): about 9.8 inches of ground clearance.
In practice, actual clearance can vary with tire size, load, and optional suspension equipment, so check the specific model year and trim configuration when evaluating for a purchase.
What this means for on‑road and off‑road use
The 9.0-inch baseline provides ample room to handle bumpy pavement, shallow ruts, and light off‑road tracks without compromising interior comfort. The Timberline increases the margin for approach/departure angles and confidence on uneven terrain, helping when negotiating rocky trails or rough back roads. Prospective buyers should note that tire width, wheel size, and payload can slightly alter effective ground clearance under load.
Summary
The Ford Expedition sits well above the typical passenger car in terms of ground clearance, making it a high‑clearance option among full‑size SUVs. With about 9.0 inches on most models and roughly 9.8 inches on the Timberline, it offers strong capability for paved roads and light off‑roading alike, while remaining practical for daily use. Always verify exact specs for your chosen year and trim, as configurations can affect clearance.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Expedition?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Expedition, especially when the rear seats are folded down. The exact fit can vary slightly depending on the model year, but it is a common practice for both standard and MAX versions, with the MAX model having more cargo space and being even more accommodating.
Standard Expedition
- The rear seats need to be folded or removed to create enough flat space.
- A 4x8 sheet can fit, but it may be a tight squeeze and could reach the back of the front seats or the liftgate.
- It is recommended to fold the seats down as much as possible for the best fit.
This video shows how a 4x8 sheet of plywood fits in a Ford Expedition: 1mFixing With PassionYouTube · Nov 21, 2017
Expedition MAX
- The Expedition MAX is longer and has more cargo volume, making it even easier to fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
- The liftgate can often be closed with the plywood inside, which is beneficial for transporting it in various weather conditions.
Important considerations
- Always fold down the second and third-row seats to maximize the cargo area.
- Be careful not to scratch the headliner or other interior surfaces.
- If you are transporting a very thick sheet, measure the interior width to ensure there is enough space.
- Ensure the sheet is secured properly to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Which SUV has the highest ground clearance?
The SUV with the highest ground clearance is the Rivian R1S, which can reach up to 14.914.914.9 inches with its adaptive air suspension. Other SUVs with very high ground clearance include the Ford Bronco Raptor at 13.113.113.1 inches and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon X with the Xtreme Recon package at 12.912.912.9 inches.
| SUV | Maximum Ground Clearance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1S | 14.914.914.9 inches | Features an adaptive air suspension that can raise the vehicle significantly. |
| Ford Bronco Raptor | 13.113.113.1 inches | Achieves this height with features like the HOSS 4.0 package and 37-inch tires. |
| Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon X | 12.912.912.9 inches | This is with the optional Xtreme 35 tire package. |
| Land Rover Discovery | 11.111.111.1 inches | Offers a 11.0-inch clearance in some configurations, with the Discovery having up to 11.111.111.1 inches. |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk/Summit Reserve | 11.111.111.1 inches (or $276$mm) | With its air suspension in the highest off-road setting. |
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What is the clearance on a Ford Expedition?
The Ford Expedition's ground clearance varies by trim, with the standard model having a minimum ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Off-road-focused trims like the Tremor offer significantly more clearance, with 10.6 inches of ground clearance. Some models can also increase ground clearance further through an off-road drive mode.
This video explains the ground clearance of different Ford Expedition models: 56sChris DrivesYouTube · Mar 20, 2025
- Standard models: Have a minimum ground clearance of 8.7 inches.
- Tremor trim: Features 10.6 inches of ground clearance due to its off-road package, which includes larger tires and a retuned suspension.
- Drive modes: Some models can increase their ground clearance by engaging an off-road drive mode.
Is a Ford Expedition a high clearance vehicle?
Expedition TREMOR
Negotiating rough terrain is a breeze thanks to 10.6 inches of ground clearance and 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires.
