Top 10 cars with the highest ground clearance — Best Overall + Best Value in 2027

1. Ford Bronco Raptor

The Ford Bronco Raptor ranks first because it delivers the highest usable ground clearance of any fixed-height production off-roader, at 13.1 inches on 37-inch tires. Its HOSS 4.0 suspension with Fox Live Valve dampers provides 13 inches of front and 14 inches of rear wheel travel, making it the benchmark for high-speed desert running. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 418 horsepower, and the wide 85.7-inch track improves stability at speed.

This truck is for serious off-road enthusiasts who prioritize capability over daily comfort and efficiency. It trades away fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg combined, and its massive width can be a liability on narrow trails. Compared to the Wrangler Rubicon 392 below, the Bronco Raptor offers more wheel travel and better high-speed damping, but the Wrangler has a more proven rock-crawling geometry.

2. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 ranks second with 12.9 inches of ground clearance on 35-inch tires, the highest of any Wrangler trim. Its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful off-road Wrangler ever. The Rubicon's solid front and rear Dana 44 axles, electronic locking differentials, and disconnecting front sway bar give it unmatched articulation for rock crawling.

This is for buyers who want a genuine rock crawler with V8 muscle and who accept poor fuel economy, around 13 mpg combined. It trades away the Bronco Raptor's high-speed desert composure for superior low-speed crawling geometry and a shorter wheelbase. The 392's 10.9-inch shorter wheelbase gives it a better breakover angle than the Raptor, making it the better choice for technical trails. Its $95,000 price is steep, but it holds value exceptionally well.

3. Ram 2500 Power Wagon

The Ram 2500 Power Wagon ranks third with 12.0 inches of ground clearance, the highest of any heavy-duty pickup. Its solid front axle, factory-installed Warn winch, and electronic locking differentials front and rear make it a purpose-built off-road workhorse. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 produces 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, and the 33-inch tires are standard, with 35s available.

This truck is for buyers who need heavy-duty towing and payload capability combined with serious off-road clearance. It trades away fuel economy, around 12 mpg combined, and its long crew-cab wheelbase hurts breakover angle compared to the Wrangler and Bronco below. Against the Bronco Raptor, the Power Wagon offers far more payload and towing capacity, but it is much less agile at speed.

4. Land Rover Defender 110

The Land Rover Defender 110 ranks fourth with up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance in its off-road height setting, on air suspension. Its Terrain Response 2 system automatically configures the drivetrain for mud, sand, rocks, and snow, and the configurable terrain response allows custom settings. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine produces 395 horsepower, and the Defender's approach, breakover, and departure angles are excellent for its size.

This is for luxury buyers who want genuine off-road capability without sacrificing on-road comfort and technology. It trades away the fixed-height predictability of the Power Wagon, as the maximum clearance is only available below 25 mph and drops at highway speed. Compared to the Bronco Raptor, the Defender is far more refined and efficient, but it lacks the Raptor's hardcore suspension travel.

5. Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro ranks fifth with 11.0 inches of ground clearance, a figure matched by its 33-inch Falken Wildpeak tires. Its Fox internal-bypass shocks and TRD-tuned front stabilizer bar give it excellent high-speed desert capability, while the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 437 horsepower. The TRD Pro's clearance is fixed, and its 26-degree approach and 24-degree departure angles are competitive for a full-size truck.

This is for buyers who want a reliable, capable full-size truck with a proven powertrain and strong resale value. It trades away the Power Wagon's solid front axle and locking differentials, relying instead on its rear locker and electronic traction control. Compared to the Defender, the Tundra offers more payload and towing capacity, but it is larger and less maneuverable on tight trails.

6. Subaru Outback Wilderness

The Subaru Outback Wilderness ranks sixth with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the highest of any wagon and the best value per inch on this list. Its standard all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and raised suspension provide genuine off-road capability at any speed. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 260 horsepower, and the X-Mode with dual-function settings handles snow, mud, and gravel.

This is for buyers who want near-truck clearance with car-like fuel economy, around 23 mpg combined, and everyday drivability. It trades away the low-range gearing, locking differentials, and suspension travel of the Tundra and Defender, making it unsuitable for hard rock crawling. Compared to the Tundra, the Outback is far more efficient and easier to park, but it has significantly less towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds.

7. Ford Bronco Sport Badlands

The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands ranks seventh with 8.8 inches of ground clearance, the highest of any compact crossover. Its twin-clutch rear-drive unit can send power to either rear wheel independently, effectively acting as a locking differential for improved traction. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 250 horsepower, and the standard all-terrain tires and skid plates make it genuinely trail-worthy.

This is for buyers who want compact dimensions and car-like handling with real off-road capability for light to moderate trails. It trades away the Outback Wilderness's extra inch of clearance and superior all-wheel-drive system for a more maneuverable footprint and a lower price, around $36,000. Compared to the Outback, the Bronco Sport has a shorter wheelbase, giving it a better breakover angle, but it has less cargo space and a less refined ride.

8. Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 ranks eighth with 11.2 inches of ground clearance, placing it among the tallest full-size pickups. Its Multimatic DSSV dampers provide exceptional high-speed off-road control, and the 6.2-liter V8 produces 420 horsepower. The ZR2 includes front and rear electronic locking differentials, a factory-installed skid plate package, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires. Its clearance is fixed and not speed-limited, making it a dependable choice for desert running and trail work.

This is for buyers who want a full-size truck with serious off-road credentials and a proven V8 engine. It trades away the Tundra TRD Pro's twin-turbo torque for a naturally aspirated V8 that is less efficient, around 15 mpg combined. Compared to the Power Wagon, the ZR2 has a shorter wheelbase and better breakover angle, but it lacks the heavy-duty payload and towing capacity.

9. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon ranks ninth with 11.1 inches of ground clearance, matching the Wrangler Rubicon's capability in a pickup body. Its solid front and rear axles, electronic locking differentials, and disconnecting front sway bar provide exceptional rock-crawling ability. The 3.6-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower, and the 33-inch tires are standard, with 35s available. The Gladiator's clearance is fixed, and its 5-foot bed adds utility that the Wrangler lacks.

This is for buyers who need a mid-size truck with genuine off-road capability and the ability to carry gear or a motorcycle in the bed. It trades away the Silverado ZR2's V8 power and towing capacity, rated at 7,000 pounds, for a more maneuverable footprint and better breakover angle. Compared to the Wrangler, the Gladiator has a longer wheelbase, which hurts its breakover angle but improves highway stability.

10. GMC Sierra AT4X AEV

The GMC Sierra AT4X AEV ranks tenth with 11.3 inches of ground clearance, the highest of any GMC pickup. Its AEV-designed suspension with Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear locking differentials, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires make it a formidable off-road machine. The 6.2-liter V8 produces 420 horsepower, and the AEV package adds heavy-duty steel bumpers and skid plates. Its clearance is fixed and not speed-limited, ensuring consistent capability.

This is for buyers who want a premium full-size truck with top-tier off-road hardware and a luxurious interior. It trades away the Silverado ZR2's simpler, more direct approach for a more refined cabin and a higher price, around $75,000. Compared to the Gladiator, the Sierra is far larger and more capable for towing, but it is less agile on tight trails.

How we ranked these

We measured published running clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles from manufacturer configurators for 2027 trims, normalizing for tire diameter and load state. We weighted real-world usability at speed, drivability, and cost per inch of clearance. Best Overall prioritized maximum capable clearance; Best Value weighted dollars per usable inch against fuel economy and daily comfort.

We deliberately ignored marketing claims, air-suspension maximums without speed limits, and appearance packages with unchanged suspension geometry. We excluded aftermarket-modified vehicles and unverifiable aggregator figures. We also ignored water-fording depth because it depends on intake and electrical sealing, not clearance. The goal was to compare factory configurations a buyer can actually order and drive.

Related questions

Does a suspension lift increase ground clearance?

A suspension lift raises the body and frame, improving breakover and departure angles and making room for larger tires. On a solid-axle vehicle it does not raise the differential—only bigger tires do that. On independent front suspension, geometry changes give a smaller, less predictable gain at the lowest point.

How much clearance do I need for snow?

Roughly 8 to 9 inches handles most plowed and lightly unplowed conditions when paired with winter or aggressive all-terrain tires. Beyond about 10 inches you are buying capability for unplowed depth. Tire compound and tread pattern matter more than the last inch for traction on packed snow and ice.

Is air suspension worth it for off-road clearance?

It offers the widest range—low for aerodynamics and entry, high for obstacles—but the maximum height is speed-limited, mode-gated, and dependent on a working compressor and sensors. For occasional off-pavement use it is excellent; for hard trail use, fixed springs and a solid axle are more predictable and cheaper to repair.

Do larger tires hurt anything besides fuel economy?

Yes. They add unsprung and rotating mass, which lengthens braking distances, dulls acceleration, and stresses wheel bearings and ball joints. Speedometer and odometer readings run optimistic unless recalibrated, and on modern high-ratio drivetrains a large jump usually requires re-gearing to restore drivability.

Which matters more: clearance or approach angle?

It depends on the obstacle. Approach angle governs whether you can start a climb without hitting the bumper; clearance and breakover govern whether you clear the middle. For most trail failures the limiting spec is breakover on long vehicles and approach on short ones—belly clearance alone is rarely the binding constraint.

How much does a factory off-road trim cost over base?

Stepping from a base trim to the top off-road trim typically costs 25 to 60 percent of the base transaction price. For that premium you get roughly 2 to 3 inches of clearance plus locking differentials, upgraded dampers, skid plates, and larger tires. The clearance alone is not what you are paying for.

What is the best value high-clearance vehicle for 2027?

The Subaru Outback Wilderness and Forester Wilderness deliver roughly 9.2 to 9.5 inches of clearance in a unibody wagon with near-truck capability, double the fuel economy of a solid-axle off-roader, and no air-suspension caveats. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and base Jeep Wrangler Sport are also strong value picks.

FAQ

What is the single highest ground clearance available in a 2027 production vehicle?

The tallest figures come from air-suspension SUVs and electric trucks in their maximum off-road setting, which can reach the mid-teens in inches, followed by fixed-height flagship off-roaders like the Bronco Raptor, Wrangler Rubicon 392, and Ram Power Wagon in the 12 to 13 inch range. Because air-suspension maxima are speed-limited and mode-gated, the highest usable at any speed figures belong to the fixed-height solid-axle group.

Always confirm the exact trim and tire package on the manufacturer's configurator.

Is more ground clearance always better?

No. Clearance raises the center of gravity, which reduces rollover resistance, lengthens braking distances, worsens crosswind stability, and hurts fuel economy. It also raises step-in and load-floor height and can make the vehicle incompatible with height-restricted parking structures. The right amount is the minimum that clears your actual terrain with a margin. Buying two or three inches past your real need means paying for it every day and using it a handful of times a year.

How much clearance do I lose when the vehicle is loaded?

Expect roughly half an inch to an inch and a half at the rear axle with a full complement of passengers and cargo on coil or leaf springs. Vehicles with rear self-leveling or air springs largely eliminate the sag by design. The loss is concentrated at the rear, which is why hitch receivers, exhaust tips, and rear skid plates are the components most often scraped in real use.

Do Subaru Wilderness trims really compete with trucks on clearance?

On the belly number, they come surprisingly close—roughly 9.2 to 9.5 inches versus about 10 to 11 for mid-size trucks. But they lack low range and locking differentials, so they cannot match trucks on hard trails. For gravel, snow, and forest roads, they are more than adequate and far more efficient.

What is the difference between unladen and curb weight clearance?

Unladen means an empty vehicle with no occupants and minimal fuel; curb weight means a full tank and standard equipment but no passengers or cargo. Most manufacturers publish unladen figures. Under real load, expect a one-inch loss on coil-spring vehicles. Air-suspension vehicles may quote a raised setting that only works below 25–40 mph.

Why do long-wheelbase trucks high-center despite high clearance?

Breakover angle is the limiting factor. A long crew-cab pickup with 11 inches of belly clearance and a 21-degree breakover angle will high-center on a crest that a short-wheelbase Wrangler with 10.8 inches and a 27-degree breakover walks over. The wheelbase turns the chassis into a lever, so the belly number alone is misleading.

Are aftermarket lifts cheaper than factory off-road trims?

Yes, typically $4,000 to $9,000 installed for 2 to 3 inches, versus a trim premium of $15,000 to $30,000. But aftermarket lifts require re-gearing beyond a 3-inch tire diameter increase, may void powertrain warranty on stressed components, and do not add resale value proportionally. Factory trims also include lockers and skid plates.

How much fuel economy do I lose with a lift and larger tires?

A 2-inch lift plus 35-inch tires on a half-ton commonly costs 2 to 4 mpg. On 15,000 miles a year, that is several hundred dollars annually at typical pump prices. Larger tires also wear faster and cost more per corner to replace—a set of five 35-inch all-terrains runs meaningfully more than a set of four 31-inch highway tires.

What is the best choice for someone who off-roads fewer than 20 days a year?

Buy the value trim and spend the difference on tires and recovery gear. The Subaru Wilderness, Bronco Sport Badlands, or base Wrangler Sport will handle most light trails. A flagship off-roader with 13 inches of clearance will cost you fuel, comfort, and money for capability you will never use.

How do I verify a manufacturer's ground clearance figure?

Go to the build-and-price configurator, select the exact trim and tire package, and read the specifications tab. Check the footnote: if it says 'at curb weight' or 'maximum off-road height,' adjust accordingly. Record approach, breakover, and departure angles together—if breakover is omitted, that is a signal the number is unflattering.

Sources

• https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco/2027/models/bronco-raptor/
• https://www.jeep.com/wrangler/rubicon.html
• https://www.ramtrucks.com/power-wagon.html
• https://www.landroverusa.com/vehicles/defender/index.html
• https://www.subaru.com/outback/wilderness.html
• https://www.toyota.com/4runner/
• https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/silverado/zr2
• https://www.gmc.com/sierra/at4x
• https://www.toyota.com/tundra/trd-pro
• https://www.rivian.com/r1t

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