The fourth generation Toyota Highlander has a ground clearance of 8 inches. A high ground clearance is one of the defining characteristics of SUVs since they’re expected to have the ability to drive on unpaved roads. That said, the Toyota Highlander is still designed to be more of a family SUV for the road. It wasn’t designed to be a high-performance off-road SUV.
What Is Ground Clearance?
Ground clearance is also referred to as ride height, and it’s the measurement of the distance between the ground and your vehicle’s undercarriage. A high ground clearance allows a vehicle to easily clear low obstacles like rocks, curbs, and even speed bumps. Having a high ground clearance is generally perceived to be desirable for certain vehicle types. SUVs and trucks need the high ground clearance to be able to traverse difficult terrain with confidence and ease. Sedans and other similar vehicles would be at risk of getting their undercarriage damaged due to their low ride heights.
The fourth generation Toyota Highlander has a ground clearance of 8 inches. Image source: Toyota Newsroom
That said, a high ground clearance isn’t always desirable because it also has some drawbacks. Vehicles with a high ride height will have a higher center of gravity, which may cause them to lean or roll to the side when turning.
Why Is Your Toyota Highlander’s Ground Clearance Important?
Given the Highlander’s ground clearance of 8 inches, it can likely only tackle flat gravel roads. It doesn’t meet the minimum 8.8 inches that’s recommended for rougher terrain. It most especially isn’t suitable for rock crawling.
If you want to increase or decrease your Toyota Highlander’s ground clearance, you can do some modifications to its suspension, but you probably should consult with a mechanic before you have anything done.
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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