One of the factors that give Jeep models like the Wrangler the ability to tear up most terrain is its considerable ground clearance, which keeps its vulnerable underside clear of the ground. The baseline Sports trim of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler has a clearance of 9.7 inches. Some of the higher-end Wrangler trims sit even higher off the ground. The hybrid Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has 10.8 inches of ground clearance, which is the highest in the entire lineup.
What Is Ground Clearance?
Ground clearance is the measurement of the space between the lower end of the vehicle’s body and the ground surface. Ground clearance indicates how close your car’s bottom is to the road or ground.
To determine ground clearance, most manufacturers use the drive axle as their reference point. This axle is a critical transmission component positioned underneath the vehicle. Since it can get damaged if it scrapes or strikes the ground, the drive axle should be as far away from the ground as possible without compromising performance.
The hybrid Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has 10.8 inches of ground clearance, which is the highest in the entire lineup. Image source: Edmunds
In general, car manufacturers measure ground clearance with an unloaded vehicle. The actual clearance will be lower when you’re driving it, especially if you have a lot of passengers or cargo.
Some vehicles have low ground clearance values. Their chassis sits closer to the road surface to make them more stable at high speeds, especially if they’re making a turn. Meanwhile, SUVs and trucks that are designed to go off-road will have higher ground clearance to handle uneven surfaces.
Why Is Jeep Wrangler Ground Clearance Important?
Ground clearance is every bit as important to a Jeep as its engine or its suspension. It helps determine whether or not it will be able to go up an incline or across a pothole or body or water. Furthermore, ground clearance also plays a role in the vehicle’s overall height, which in turn affects things like its stability and how easy it is to enter or exit it.
Ranging from 9.5 inches to 10.8 inches, 2022 Jeep Wrangler ground clearance is more than sufficient for serious off-roading trips.
If you’re not happy with your standard Wrangler ground clearance, you have several options to change its height, but we recommend consulting with a professional mechanic before having anything done to your vehicle. Jeep intended the Wrangler for use with its preset height. Changing the ground clearance might affect its performance.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
