Having a car with high ground clearance means you enjoy a bit more freedom when navigating roads with obstacles like rocks, logs, and uneven surfaces without risking damage to the underside of your vehicle.
Typically, SUVs are known for their high ground clearance; however, some sedans and hatchbacks also boast impressive ground clearance for their respective classes.
In this article, I will showcase 12 cars with high ground clearance, making them ideal for frequent drives on uneven roads commonly found in suburban areas. At the end of the article, I will also share the results of my measurements of the ground clearance of 45 popular cars today.
So, let’s jump straight into the list of cars with high-ground clearance.
Table of Contents
- Nissan Versa – 6.8 inches
- Mitsubishi Mirage – 6.2 inches
- Toyota Mirai – 6.0 inches
- Toyota Prius – 6.0 inches
- Polestar 2 – 5.9 inches
- Subaru Legacy – 5.9 inches
- Nissan Leaf – 5.9 inches
- Genesis G90 – 5.8 inches
- Toyota Crown – 5.8 inches
- Volvo S60 – 5.8 inches
- Toyota Camry – 5.7 inches
- Volvo Camry – 5.7 inches
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 5.6 inches
- 45 Popular Cars With Their Ground Clearance
Nissan Versa – 6.8 inches
At first glance, the Nissan Versa may appear to be a typical sedan car, but it stands out with its impressive ground clearance of 6.8 inches. In fact, it boasts the highest ground clearance among other sedans on the market today, surpassing even some crossovers like the Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona, or Ford Mustang Mach-E.
While the Nissan Versa may not offer the same level of power and luxury as some other cars, it compensates with its affordability. With a starting price of just $16,000, it is one of the most budget-friendly options available. Despite its lower price point, the Nissan Versa still has several appealing features to offer.
One of the standout features of the Nissan Versa is its spacious cargo area, which provides ample room for all your belongings. Additionally, it boasts impressive fuel economy, with the ability to achieve up to 40 mpg.
Mitsubishi Mirage – 6.2 inches
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact hatchback that offers a surprising amount of ground clearance at 6.2 inches. This makes it a great option for those who want the convenience and maneuverability of a hatchback, but also need a vehicle that can handle rougher terrain.
One of the standout features of the Mitsubishi Mirage is its bargain-basement pricing, starting at just $16,000. This makes it one of the most affordable options in its class, perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
In addition to its affordability, the Mirage also boasts impressive fuel economy, with the ability to achieve up to 40 mpg. This makes it a great choice for those who want to save on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact.
However, it’s important to note that the Mirage has received some criticism for its weak 78-horsepower engine, awkward handling, and harsh suspension. While these may be drawbacks for some drivers, they can actually be advantages for those living in the suburbs and driving more on rocky, uneven roads. The Mirage’s sturdy suspension and higher ground clearance make it well-equipped to handle these conditions.
Toyota Mirai – 6.0 inches
Toyota Mirai is quite a unique car in the Toyota lineup. Unlike most sedans powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors, the Mirai is powered by a fuel cell electric powertrain. This makes it a standout option for those seeking an alternative to traditional gasoline or electric vehicles.
In terms of design, the Toyota Mirai is visually stunning with its elegant and sleek design. There are no complaints when it comes to its aesthetics. Its relatively high ground clearance, measuring 6.0 inches, sets the Mirai apart from other Toyota sedans. This makes it higher than popular models like the Toyota Camry or Toyota Crown, giving it an advantage when tackling rougher terrains.
The Toyota Mirai is not just a stylish sedan but also an environmentally friendly one. It aims to popularize cars that run on hydrogen fuel, although the future of hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure is still under development.
The Mirai’s fuel cell electric powertrain converts hydrogen gas into electricity, making it a chemical laboratory on wheels. With a motor that produces 182 horsepower, the Mirai offers a super-responsive driving experience with its direct-drive transmission.
Toyota Prius – 6.0 inches
The Toyota Prius is another iconic electrified vehicle alongside the Mirai. As one of the first hybrid cars to be made and the first mass-sold, the Prius holds a special place in the hybrid car market. Like the Mirai, the Prius is designed with a fairly high ground clearance, measuring 6.0 inches for the fifth-generation model.
This higher ground clearance is likely a response to Prius buyers not being limited to urban areas. Many Prius owners live in suburbs with less flat roads, where the extra ground clearance is handy.
The 2024 model year Toyota Prius starts at $27,950 and offers a sleek design, a fuel-efficient responsive engine, and a gentle ride with agile handling. Despite the growing competition in the hybrid car market, the Toyota Prius continues to shine as one of the most popular hybrid cars on earth. Its eco-friendliness, reliability, and affordability make it a top choice for environmentally conscious drivers.
Polestar 2 – 5.9 inches
The Polestar 2 is an electrically powered sedan combining stylish luxury aesthetics and family-friendly features. As part of the Polestar lineup, it inherits the simple yet elegant and futuristic design language of its parent company, Volvo.
With a ground clearance of 5.9 inches, the Polestar 2 is considered one of the sedans with high ground clearance. Surprisingly, this elevated stance doesn’t compromise its elegance; instead, it adds a touch of masculinity to its overall appearance.
Step inside the Polestar 2, and you’ll be greeted by a luxurious cabin typical of high-end cars. The futuristic concept is evident in every detail, and the seats offer both comfort and ample space for passengers.
Under the hood, the Polestar 2 is powered by an electric motor that is powered by an 82-kWh battery. Two versions are available: the single motor and the dual motor all-wheel drive. The single-motor variant boasts an impressive driving range of 320 miles on a full charge, putting it in the same league as other top electric cars like Tesla, BMW, and Rivian.
Subaru Legacy – 5.9 inches
The Subaru Legacy stands out among other midsize sedans thanks to its affordable price, standard all-wheel drive, numerous safety features, and spacious, comfortable interior.
The Subaru Legacy excels in winter due to its combination of all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, matching the 5.9 inches found in the Polestar 2.
For the 2024 model year, the Subaru Legacy is available in 5 trim levels. The standard trim starts at just $24,895, making it very affordable for a midsize sedan with all-wheel drive. The fully equipped Legacy is priced at $38,195.
Nissan Leaf – 5.9 inches
The Nissan Leaf is a standout electric car known for its affordable price and comfortable ride. Its compact hatchback design offers a ground clearance of 5.9 inches, making it ideal for navigating uneven roads with ease. This feature ensures a smooth driving experience even in challenging terrains.
Perfect for urban settings, the Nissan Leaf’s compact size allows for easy maneuvering and parking in crowded areas. The electric motor, paired with a 40-kWh battery, delivers a total power output of 147 horsepower. An extended version with a 60-kWh battery and a robust 214-horsepower electric motor is available for those seeking more power.
Starting at just $28,000, the Nissan Leaf provides an affordable yet versatile option with a comfortable interior. Its affordability, high ground clearance, and eco-friendly electric powertrain make it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers seeking a practical and efficient vehicle.
Genesis G90 – 5.8 inches
The Genesis G90 is a Korean full-size sedan with a simple yet very elegant design.
As a luxury sedan, the Genesis G90 boasts a ground clearance of 5.8 inches. This clearance is relatively high for a luxury sedan, typically below 5.5 inches.
Genesis is a luxury car manufacturer under the Hyundai Motor Company. Much like other Hyundai cars known for being value-for-money, the Genesis G90 offers affordability for a luxury car, competing directly with prestigious brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo.
The starting price for the Genesis G90 is $89,200, making it more budget-friendly than its competitors, such as the Mercedes S-Class ($114,000) and BMW 7 Series ($96,000).
Toyota Crown – 5.8 inches
The Toyota Crown, Toyota’s new hybrid sedan released in 2023, offers a unique sedan concept with a raised suspension, standing 5.8 inches above the ground. This feature sets it apart from traditional sedans in its class.
The hybrid engine of the Toyota Crown is quite robust, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors generating up to 236 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there is an option for a 340-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder Hybrid Max engine, with all-wheel drive as a standard feature.
Apart from its impressive performance, the Toyota Crown boasts a luxurious interior and comprehensive features. However, it comes with a relatively high base price, ranging from $40,350 to $54,000, positioning it in the luxury segment alongside Lexus models.
Despite the higher price point, the Toyota Crown offers a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and innovative hybrid technology, making it a strong contender in the hybrid sedan market.
Volvo S60 – 5.8 inches
The Volvo S60, a well-rounded car released in 2023, offers a comfortable ride, spacious seats, and an upscale interior. With a ground clearance of about 5.8 inches, the S60 excels in handling uneven roads and deep snow, providing a smooth driving experience in various conditions.
While the interior of the S60 may not be the most luxurious or feature the most advanced technologies, it still delivers a comfortable and pleasant driving environment. The focus on comfort and practicality makes the S60 a reliable choice for those prioritizing a smooth ride over extravagant features.
In terms of performance, the Volvo S60 balances efficiency and power, making it suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys. The combination of a comfortable interior, adequate ground clearance, and reliable performance positions the Volvo S60 as a versatile option in the sedan market, appealing to drivers seeking a blend of comfort and functionality.
Toyota Camry – 5.7 inches
The Toyota Camry is the top choice for a reliable and versatile sedan. With a ground clearance of 5.7 inches, surpassing competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5, the Camry easily handles various terrains. Notably, it boasts the highest ground clearance among its rivals, including the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
Moreover, what sets the Camry apart is its availability of an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, a feature not commonly found in sedans in its class. This makes the Camry a standout choice for drivers looking for enhanced traction and stability in challenging driving conditions.
Whether navigating through urban streets or tackling rough terrains like mountain roads or snowy landscapes, the AWD-equipped Camry ensures a confident and secure driving experience.
Volvo Camry – 5.7 inches
Just like the Toyota Camry, the Volvo S90 stands 5.7 inches above the ground, quite tall for a luxury sedan priced above $55,000. This elevated ground clearance adds to its commanding presence on the road and enhances its capability to navigate various terrains easily.
When it comes to the Volvo S90, luxury meets practicality. The upscale cabin, roomy and supportive seats, and long list of standard features ensure a premium driving experience for the driver and passengers. Additionally, the Volvo S90 offers lively powertrain options, providing a dynamic driving performance that complements its sophisticated design.
Volvo’s top priority is safety, and the S90 is no exception. With an above-average safety score, this luxury sedan offers peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Whether cruising through city streets or embarking on a long road trip, the Volvo S90 delivers a blend of comfort, style, and safety that sets it apart in the luxury sedan segment.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 5.6 inches
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out in the electric car segment with its stylish cabin, offering a blend of comfort and modern design. With its 5.6-inch ground clearance, the Ioniq 6 is versatile enough to handle uneven roads, making it an acceptable choice for outdoor adventures like camping trips.
One of the key highlights of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is its impressive driving range. The base rear-wheel-drive trim offers a remarkable 361 miles of range, while the all-wheel-drive version still provides a respectable 316 miles. This ensures drivers enjoy extended journeys without worrying about frequent recharging stops.
In terms of performance, the Ioniq 6 delivers a balanced ride and handling, making it a joy to drive in various road conditions. Inside, the car boasts a stylish, comfortable interior complemented by many standard tech and driver-assistance features. With a starting price of $37,500, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers an affordable option for those seeking an electric vehicle with a super stylish look.
45 Popular Cars With Their Ground Clearance
| Model | Ground Clearance (in) |
|---|---|
| Nissan Versa | 6.8 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | 6.2 |
| Toyota Mirai | 6.0 |
| Toyota Prius | 6.0 |
| Nissan Leaf | 5.9 |
| Subaru Legacy | 5.9 |
| Genesis G90 | 5.8 |
| Toyota Crown | 5.8 |
| Volvo S60 | 5.8 |
| Toyota Camry | 5.7 |
| Volvo S90 | 5.7 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 5.6 |
| Genesis G70 | 5.5 |
| Genesis G80 | 5.5 |
| Kia Rio | 5.5 |
| Lexus IS | 5.5 |
| Mazda3 | 5.5 |
| Nissan Sentra | 5.5 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 5.5 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 5.5 |
| Lexus ES | 5.4 |
| Nissan Altima | 5.4 |
| Honda Accord | 5.3 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 5.3 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 5.3 |
| Jaguar XF | 5.3 |
| Kia Forte | 5.3 |
| Kia K5 | 5.3 |
| Nissan Maxima | 5.3 |
| Toyota Corolla | 5.3 |
| Infiniti Q50 | 5.2 |
| Acura Integra | 5.1 |
| Kia Stinger | 5.1 |
| Subaru Impreza | 5.1 |
| Toyota Corolla Hatchback | 5.1 |
| Volkswagen Arteon | 5.1 |
| Honda Civic | 5.0 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 5.0 |
| Subaru WRX | 5.0 |
| Tesla Model S | 5.0 |
| Toyota GR Corolla | 5.0 |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan | 4.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf R | 4.7 |
| Toyota GR Supra | 4.5 |
