The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular trucks in the US. Its high ground clearance of 9.4 inches means that it’s off-road-ready. The Tacoma can carry heavy loads across many kinds of road surfaces, except for tough graded tracks.
What Is Ground Clearance?
The ground clearance of a vehicle is the distance between the lowest point in its undercarriage and the ground. If you enjoy off-roading, this measurement is critical. A higher ground clearance lets trucks like the Toyota Tacoma handle uneven terrain and obstacles without getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage components. Vehicles with a higher ground clearance also give you and your passengers more comfortable seating positions.
However, one tradeoff is the fact that you’ll have to step higher to get into your vehicle’s cabin.
Why Is Your Toyota Tacoma’s Ground Clearance Important?
Ground clearance also affects your truck’s driving characteristics. Vehicles with high ground clearance will generally have a higher center of mass, which can make them more prone to body roll, especially when taking sharp turns at a higher speed. This means the outside wheels will have less traction in the middle of a corner, and this is something you should keep in mind if you want to push your Tacoma to its limit.
The Toyota Tacoma’s ground clearance of 9.4 inches allows it to tackle off-road trails in the woods or even high rocky terrain. While the Tacoma is a capable off-road vehicle, it doesn’t have the very high ground clearance needed for tough graded off-road tracks and rock crawling, unlike many Jeeps. There are various ways to raise your truck’s ride height if you want additional ground clearance. However, you should first consult with a mechanic to confirm that your truck is capable of handling the adjustments you want to make.
Ground Clearance of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition
Much like the standard Toyota Tacoma, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition has a ground clearance of 9.4 inches. It’s perfect for going off-road, thanks to its ability to drive over rough, rocky terrain with ease.
What makes the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition so effective at driving over any terrain is its four-wheel drive system. This system increases the vehicle’s traction in dangerous and unstable driving conditions, such as ice, snow, and rocks.
In addition, the vehicle’s heavy curb weight, totaling 4,550 lbs, gives it a better and more secure grip on the road.
Some of the biggest advantages the Trail Edition has are its wheels and its suspension system. The vehicle boasts a rack-pinion steering type with a turning diameter of 40.6 feet and 16” x 7” aluminum wheels. This makes the vehicle easy to handle despite its large size.
All in all, the 2023 Trail Edition makes for a worthy addition to the growing list of Toyota Tacoma models designed for off-road functionality.
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