What Is the 2022 Tesla Model 3’s Ground Clearance?

No matter the year or trim, the Tesla Model 3 has a ground clearance of 5.5 inches. This is comparable to sports cars like the Ford Mustang, whose low-slung chassis sits between 5.5 and 5.7 inches over the road surface. But the Model 3 is an average sedan, and most models under this category have 6.69 inches of ground clearance.

In the near future, Tesla is increasing the Model 3’s ground clearance to increase its appeal in the Indian market. Speed bumps in India are larger than those in the US, so the Model 3 will need a higher suspension to clear them safely.

Low ground clearance limits the 2022 Tesla Model 3 to roads in good condition. It will never be a serious off-road machine like a Jeep or an SUV. However, you can increase its ground clearance through tuning its coil springs or by using an aftermarket suspension kit. This will enable your Model 3 to better handle rougher road surfaces like unpaved gravel roads and excessively tall speed bumps.

What Is Ground Clearance?

Ground clearance is the gap between the road surface and the vehicle’s lowest point that shouldn’t come into direct contact with the ground. It’s sometimes called ride height.

For ground clearance measurement, car manufacturers park the vehicle in a flat location. They generally choose the drive axle as their reference point. A vital transmission component underneath the car, the drive axle sits as high above the ground as possible. Otherwise, it might strike or scrape across the road surface while you’re driving. If the drive axle is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

Why Is Tesla Model 3 Ground Clearance Important?

While it doesn’t grab attention like horsepower and transmission gear numbers, ground clearance contributes to how a vehicle handles on or off the road. You should keep it in mind when driving over uneven terrain, such as unpaved or inclined road surfaces.

Ground clearance sets the maximum distance that the vehicle’s wheels can go vertically. When the car abruptly moves up or down, its wheels need enough space to absorb the road shock caused by cresting over speed bumps or crossing potholes. Higher ground clearance provides more vertical room to handle taller or deeper obstacles.

Ground clearance also affects stability and road handling. It adds to the vehicle’s overall height and helps determine where the center of mass lies. Cars with low ground clearance, such as the Tesla Model 3, stay closer to the road surface, making them more stable and easier to control. Taller vehicles like the Tesla Model X SUV have a higher center of mass that makes them more prone to rolling over when making sudden or sharp turns.

Ground clearance also plays a role in determining the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The higher the vehicle’s bottom sits over the ground, the less aerodynamic it becomes. Thanks to its low clearance, the Tesla Model 3 enjoys good aerodynamic performance. It can accelerate faster without expending as much energy as a taller vehicle, which improves the endurance of its batteries.