To navigate uneven surfaces, potholes, and occasional off-road adventures, Indian drivers need more than just good driving skills. Ground clearance is crucial for navigating these conditions safely! This blog explores the ground clearance of cars in India and which car has the highest ground clearance, focusing on various models, their prices, mileage details, and other significant features.
Car ground clearance, also known as ride height, is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle’s underbody and the ground. It dictates how stable the car feels and how it moves over different surfaces. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or someone who values a smooth ride on urban streets, choosing a car with sufficient ground clearance can make all the difference. Keep reading to discover which is the highest ground clearance SUV in India!
Importance of Ground Clearance
You may know what is ground clearance in the car, but do you know how important it is? Ground clearance plays a significant role in a vehicle’s performance, especially in countries with varying road conditions. Here’s why owning a more ground clearance car matters:
- Off-Roading Capability: Vehicles with high ground clearance can easily navigate rough terrain without damaging the underbody.
- Avoiding Obstacles: Speed bumps, potholes, and road debris are less likely to damage a car with a higher ground clearance.
- Better Visibility: Cars with good ground clearance and higher ride height provide a commanding view of the road, which can improve driving confidence and safety.
- Versatility: Cars with higher ground clearance are more versatile and can handle a wider range of driving conditions.
As we’ve addressed, higher ground clearance is essential for off-roading, driving on uneven surfaces, or dealing with obstacles like speed bumps and potholes. In such situations, a car with low front ground clearance will scrape against the ground, which will cause immense strain and damage to its underbody and engine components.
Which Car Has the Highest Ground Clearance in India?
Earlier, the Mahindra Alturas G4 was the maximum ground clearance car in India. Off-roading SUVs like the Jimny and the Alturas were built to comfortably handle tough terrain. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny ground clearance was 210 mm. Since manufacturers know the poor state of Indian roads, they have introduced many new cars that have high ground clearance.
So, would you like to know which car has the highest ground clearance in India today? Below is a detailed list of the highest ground clearance SUVs in India, including their prices and mileage details.
More Read
Land Rover Defender OCTA
The Land Rover Defender OCTA is an all-terrain champion, combining modern technology with classic ruggedness. It’s built to withstand the harshest conditions while offering a comfortable ride. The OCTA is the Defender’s fastest and most powerful version yet and one of the highest ground clearance cars in India.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 319 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹2.65 crore |
| Key Features | Dynamic Stability ControlBody and Soul audio technology clear-Sight Ground View6D Dynamics semi-active suspension |
With its 6D Dynamics semi-active suspension, the Land Rover Defender OCTA can achieve a maximum ground clearance of 391 mm, making it the tallest SUV in India.
If you were wondering which car has the highest ground clearance in India today, it is likely that it is the OCTA. Let’s compare the OCTA’s ground clearance with an ordinary car to see the difference. The OCTA has a ground clearance of 391 mm, while the Maruti Wagon R ground clearance is just 165 mm!
The Defender OCTA is Land Rover’s most recent launch in India. If you were wondering which car has the highest ground clearance in India today, it is likely that it is the OCTA.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class has been a favorite among SUV enthusiasts due to its extreme off-road capabilities and cult status. This 4×4 was built for adventuring and off-roading and is the best ground-clearance SUV if you want to enjoy both luxury and adventure. Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, and Ranbir Singh are some of the most elite owners of the G-Wagon in India.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 238 to 241 mm |
| Price | ₹2.55 crore- ₹4 crore |
| Key Features | Active Lane Keeping AssistNappa Leather UpholsterySliding Sunroof700 mm water-wading depth |
The Mercedes-Benz G Wagon is ideal for those who want an SUV that offers high ground clearance, unmatched off-road ability, luxury, and the status of a luxury brand.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is an iconic off-roader with one of the highest-height cars in India available in the market. Designed for the toughest terrain, the Rubicon is perfect for off-road enthusiasts.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 237 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹71.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Key Features | 4×4 drivetrainRemovable roof and doorsRock railsDana 44 Axles with Tru-Lok differential |
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, with its impressive ground clearance, allows drivers to conquer almost any obstacle on the road. Its powerful engine and robust design make it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is synonymous with luxury and off-road prowess. Known for its durability and reliability, the Land Cruiser is equipped to handle extreme conditions. It is on our list of the best ground clearance cars in India.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 235 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹2.10 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Key Features | Crawl ControlAdaptive Variable SuspensionMulti-Terrain Monitor4WD system |
The Land Cruiser ground clearance allows you to easily travel both on- and off-road. This SUV offers a perfect blend of luxury and off-road capability, making it a preferred choice for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort while exploring rugged landscapes.
Citroen C5 Aircross
The facelifted Citroen C5 Aircross gets updated external styling, updated features, and more comfortable upholstery. This SUV offers plush ride quality with a focus on top-notch comfort, along with great boot space and spacious interiors.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 230 mm |
| Price | ₹36.91- ₹37.67 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Key Features | Citroen Advanced Comfort SuspensionPollen Filter + Activated Carbon Filter + Active Odour FilterPanoramic SunroofAcoustic Laminated Front Windows & Windscreen |
The Citroen C5 Aircross offers a luxurious and practical solution for those looking for a vehicle with a high ground clearance that can easily take on Indian streets. It has a 230 mm ground clearance, a night-and-day difference from the Maruti Suzuki Alto ground clearance of just 160 mm!
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar is a legendary Indian SUV, especially popular among off-road enthusiasts. Its rugged build and high ground clearance make it an excellent choice for adventure seekers. If you like the Thar but need space for more than two, check out the Thar Roxx.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 226 mm |
| Price | ₹11.35 lakh – ₹17.60 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Key Features | 4×4 DrivetrainMechanical Locking DifferentialConvertible Top OptionOff-Roading Features |
The Mahindra Thar is not just a vehicle; it’s the perfect companion for those who love to explore the great outdoors. Its high ground clearance ensures it can tackle challenging terrain with ease. The difference between the ground clearance of Thar and the ground clearance of S Presso is 46 mm.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a tough and reliable pickup truck designed for both work and play. It’s known for its durability, especially in challenging terrain.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 225 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹21.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Key Features | 4WD Shift-on-FlyHigh-Strength ChassisHill Descent ControlRear Differential Lock |
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is perfect for those who need a vehicle that can handle tough jobs while offering high-ground clearance for off-road adventures.
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner is one of the most popular SUVs in India, known for its imposing presence, off-road capabilities, and high SUV ground clearance. It’s a preferred choice for those looking for a reliable and rugged SUV.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 225 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹33.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Key Features | 4×4 DrivetrainTraction ControlDownhill Assist ControlVariable Flow Control Power Steering |
The Toyota Fortuner’s high ground clearance and powerful engine make it a top contender for those who need an off-roading SUV. The Toyota Land Cruiser’s ground clearance is 10 mm higher, but it is not as affordable as the Fortuner.
Tata Safari
The Tata Safari is a flagship SUV from Tata Motors, combining modern design with a strong off-road capability. It’s a versatile vehicle, well-suited for both urban and rural environments.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Key Features | Multi-Drive ModesTerrain Response ModesAdvanced ESP with 14 functionalitiesHill Descent Control |
The Tata Safari’s ground clearance, coupled with its advanced features, make it a practical choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle both city commutes and weekend adventures.
Toyota Hilux
An off-roading SUV that’s tough as nails—that’s the Toyota Hilux. The high Hilux ground clearance enables you to travel the roughest and toughest terrains with ease.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹30.40 Lakh |
| Key Features | Cooled Upper GloveboxElectronic Drive [2WD/4WD] ControlLeather UpholsteryHeat Rejection Glass |
The Toyota Hilux offers a blend of comfort, practicality, and convenience. It comes with many safety features and a solid 4×4 AWD. The Hilux can comfortably carry both people and cargo; its large stature and imposing presence are sure to turn heads everywhere you go.
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is a fun-to-drive compact SUV with funky styling and spacious interiors. It is an ideal car for young buyers who want a feature-packed SUV for everyday use.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 195 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹7.94 Lakh |
| Key Features | Home to car (H2C) with AlexaAmbient Lighting and sound60:40 split rear seatVoice-activated sunroof |
The ground clearance of the venue is 195 mm. Its large tires soak up bumps in the road and provide a stable ride. The Venue provides useful features such as an inbuilt air purifier, connected car features, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and embedded voice commands.
Skoda Slavia
The Skoda Slavia may not have the highest ground clearance in this list, but it offers a good balance of luxury and off-road capability, which makes it suitable for a wide range of driving conditions.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 179 mm |
| Price | Starting at ₹10.49 Lakh |
| Key Features | 40+ Active and Passive Safety FeaturesVentilated Black Leather Front SeatsCooled Glove BoxElectric Sunroof with Anti-pinch Technology |
The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia share the same modular platform. The Slavia’s and Virtus’s ground clearance is 179 mm, making them capable of handling bumpy roads with ease. Plus, sedans have a lower center of gravity, which allows them to deliver a smoother and more cushioned ride.
Affordable Small Cars With High Ground Clearance
So, these are some of the highest ground clearance cars in India. The Land Rover Defender OCTA is the best ground clearance SUV in India in 2025. But the OCTA is a premium SUV that isn’t affordable for a lot of people.
India’s aam aadmi, prefers compact SUVs and high-ground clearance sedan cars in India that offer good value for money. Here are some affordable SUVs and sedans with high ground clearance:
Mahindra Cars
| Cars | Ground Clearance | Starting Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Bolero Ground Clearance | 180 mm | ₹9.79 lakh |
| Mahindra BE 6 Ground Clearance | 207 mm | ₹18.90 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio Ground Clearance | 209 mm | ₹13.62 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio Ground Clearance | 209 mm | ₹13.85 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar Ground Clearance | 226 mm | ₹11.35 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar Roxx Ground Clearance | 226 mm | ₹12.99 lakh |
The Mahindra XUV ground clearance for the XUV3XO and XUV700 is 200 mm. The high ground clearance of both cars minimizes underbody damage and adds to their practical appeal. However, the Thar and Thar Roxx secured the spot for the Mahindra car with the highest ground clearance.
Maruti Suzuki Cars
| Cars | Ground Clearance | Starting Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Swift Ground Clearance | 163 mm | ₹6.49 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio Ground Clearance | 170 mm | ₹4.99 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ritz ground clearance | 170 mm | ₹5.19 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno ground clearance | 170 mm | ₹6.66 lakh |
| Maruti Ciaz Ground Clearance | 170 mm | ₹9.40 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza car ground clearance | 198 mm | ₹8.34 lakh |
In general, small car ground clearance of sedans and SUVs is lower, as raising the ride height of small cars by a lot can make them feel unbalanced.
While the Maruti Suzuki Swift’s ground clearance is lower, at 163 mm, the Maruti Celerio’s ground clearance is 7 mm higher. The Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Ciaz, and the Maruti Baleno ground clearance are also the same at 170 mm. However, the Brezza’s ground clearance is much higher, at 198 mm!
MG Cars
| Cars | Ground Clearance | Starting Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| MG ZS EV | 177 mm | ₹18.98 lakh |
| MG Windsor EV | 186 mm | ₹13.50 lakh |
| MG Hector Ground Clearance | 192 mm | ₹14 lakh |
| MG Hector Plus | 192 mm | ₹17.50 lakh |
| MG Astor Ground Clearance | 205 mm | ₹9.98 lakh |
| MG Gloster Ground Clearance | 210 mm | ₹38.80 lakh |
The MG Hector offers an impressive road presence and a feature-packed performance, as well as a good ground clearance of 192 mm. While the MG Astor ground clearance is slightly higher, at 205 mm. The MG Gloster offers the highest ground clearance of 210 mm.
Luxury and Sports Car With High Ground Clearance In India
Ferrari Purosangue
The Purosangue Ferrari’s ground clearance is 185 mm. This luxurious SUV has a starting price of 12.07 crore. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs in India. What’s more, the Purosangue’s lift system offers an extra 20 mm of rapid ground clearance.
BMW X3
The BMW ground clearance of most of the German marque’s high-end sedans is not suitable for Indian streets. However, BMW does make certain cars with high ground clearance. The BMW X5, for example, has a ground clearance of 216 mm. The BMW X7 rides even taller, at 221 mm. The BMW XM has a ride height of 220 mm, making it suitable for taking on bumpy roads.
So, while a BMW isn’t the tallest car in India, you can still enjoy a high-ground clearance with several BMW models.
Which Car Has the Highest Ground Clearance in the World?
Now that we’ve taken a look at the best ground clearance car in India, would you like to know which car has the highest ground clearance in the world?
At 14.9 inches, the Rivian R1S is the top ground clearance car in the world. With a ground clearance of 13.8 inches, the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared follows close behind.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the ideal ground clearance for an SUV?
The ideal ground clearance for an SUV depends on its intended use. For off-roading, ground clearance of at least 220 mm is recommended, while 180-200 mm is sufficient for urban use.
Does higher ground clearance affect the vehicle’s stability?
Vehicles with high ground clearance have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to body roll. So higher ground clearance can affect a car’s stability, especially during high-speed cornering.
Are vehicles with higher ground clearance unsafe?
No, most modern SUVs are equipped with advanced stability control systems and safety features to mitigate issues caused by higher ground clearance.
Is ground clearance the same across all models of a car?
No, ground clearance can vary depending on the body type as well as the specific make and model of the car.
What are some good off-road SUVs with high-ground clearance?
The Mahindra Thar, Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, and Land Rover Defender are some good off-road SUVs with high ground clearance.
Which car has the highest ground clearance in the world?
With a ground clearance of 13.8 inches, the Rivian R1S is the highest ground clearance car in the world.
Which is the best ground clearance car in India?
The Land Rover Defender OCTA has the most ground clearance car in India, at 319 mm.
