Ground clearance is the distance from the lowest point of the truck’s undercarriage to the ground. It’s important to know the measurement if you’re planning on off-roading.
The Ford Maverick FX4 has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches, while the two-wheel drive version has 8.3 inches worth of clearance.
The measurements are relatively good for a small truck, especially since the Maverick isn’t meant to be a high-performance off-road vehicle.
The introduction of the Maverick marked Ford’s return to the small pickup market. Even with its relatively diminutive size, however, it is still a truck, which means its ground clearance matters. The Ford Maverick FX4 has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches while the two-wheel drive variant has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches.
What Is Ground Clearance?
Ground clearance is the distance from the lowest point in your truck’s undercarriage to the ground. This measurement is important if you like to go off-roading. A higher ground clearance allows the truck to navigate over rough terrain and obstacles without getting stuck or damaging components underneath. It also gives you and your passengers a higher seating position. However, it can make getting in your vehicle more difficult, because you and your passengers will need to step higher.
The Ford Maverick FX4 has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches while the two-wheel drive variant has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. Image source: Ford Media Center
Why Is Your Ford Maverick’s Ground Clearance Important?
Having a high ground clearance is important when it comes to off-roading. Without a high ground clearance, your truck can get stuck if it goes over a big rock or some other obstacle. If this happens, it can easily damage crucial undercarriage components like the driveshaft. Ground clearance also affects the driving characteristics of the truck. Vehicles with a high ground clearance generally tend to have a higher center of mass, which means they will be more prone to body roll. If you’re taking corners at high speeds, you might notice the truck’s body tilt to one side. This can negatively affect handling because the vehicle’s weight will shift to one side and some wheels will have less traction. A high ground clearance will also help the truck maintain a high ride height even while it’s carrying heavy loads.
The Ford Maverick’s ground clearance is quite good for a relatively small truck, and it isn’t far off from the Ford F-150’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The Maverick isn’t meant to be a high-performance off-road vehicle, so it doesn’t need to have very high ground clearance. If you think you need more ground clearance, there are several methods to increase it. However, you should consult with a mechanic first to ensure your vehicle can handle any changes you intend to make.
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.
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