Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have come a long way from their original rugged identities. Today, the label encompasses everything from slightly raised commuter crossovers to truly capable off-road machines.
Despite this broad range, the fundamental essence of an SUV remains its off-road capability—the power to handle rough terrain and overcome natural obstacles with confidence.
Ground clearance is a simple yet effective measure of an SUV’s true off-road capabilities. While many models now prioritize comfort and style, this list focuses on those SUVs that still embrace the spirit of utility with the highest ground clearance available from the factory.
There are two primary ways SUVs achieve ground clearance: air suspension and traditional lifts with larger tires. Adaptive air suspension, common in unibody SUVs, allows vehicles to adjust height depending on the terrain.
This offers a balance between off-road performance and on-road efficiency. Body-on-frame SUVs often rely on suspension lifts and large tires, which are more rugged but less efficient.
Ground clearance is not just a number—it reflects how well a vehicle can tackle inclines, obstacles, and uneven ground, making it a key metric for evaluating off-road prowess.
1. Ford Expedition: Family-Oriented Yet Off-Road Ready
The 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor combines family functionality with respectable off-road chops. Built on the robust F-150 platform, the full-size SUV offers 10.6 inches of ground clearance, especially in its new Tremor trim. With a 440-horsepower engine and 510 lb-ft of torque, it also tows over 9,000 pounds.
Its 33-inch all-terrain tires and upgraded approach angle of 21.1 degrees help it perform off-road. Though more tailored for families than adventure seekers, the Expedition Tremor shows that utility and comfort can coexist, making it a versatile option for those who occasionally seek rougher paths.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Off-Road Meets Luxury
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to strike a strong balance between luxury and off-road capability. Select trims feature the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system, which adjusts the vehicle’s height to achieve up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.
With a 30.1-degree approach angle, the SUV is well-suited for trail use, even with its refined and modern design. Delivering up to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, it offers robust performance across varied terrain.
The availability of three-row seating and a plug-in hybrid model enhances its versatility, while the top trims clearly show Jeep’s commitment to serious off-road functionality.
3. Range Rover Sport: Speed and Skill in the Wild
The Range Rover Sport offers an intriguing blend of high-speed performance and off-road utility. Despite its sleek, sporty appeal, it provides up to 11 inches of ground clearance via its adjustable air suspension.
The SV variant features a 626-horsepower V8, rivaling many sports cars. Yet, it retains essential off-road traits like a 33-degree approach angle and Land Rover’s advanced Terrain Response 2 system.
With a maximum payload of 2,005 pounds, this SUV proves that luxury and legitimate off-road capability aren’t mutually exclusive, even in a vehicle marketed more for road presence than rugged adventures.
4. Land Rover Discovery: Family SUV With Serious Grit
The Land Rover Discovery may wear a family-friendly badge, but it doesn’t shy away from off-road tasks. Its height-adjustable air suspension enables it to rise to 11.1 inches of ground clearance and achieve a 34-degree approach angle.
While it lacks the brawny V8 engines of its brand siblings, its 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque are more than adequate.
With room for three rows and a slightly quirky design nodding to its spare tire roots, the Discovery offers capability, comfort, and character in equal measure. It’s a balanced choice for those who explore with a full carload.
5. Land Rover Defender: Legacy Reimagined
The Land Rover Defender has transformed into a high-tech off-roader while retaining its rugged essence. Available in three lengths (90, 110, and 130), it offers up to 11.5 inches of clearance with the optional air suspension. Its maximum approach angle of 37.5 degrees ensures it can tackle demanding trails.
Coil-sprung variants offer less clearance but keep costs lower. With up to 626 horsepower, the Defender competes with the best in off-road performance while offering a modern, stylish package. Despite its unibody construction, it upholds the Defender name with pride and genuine all-terrain ability.
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6. Range Rover: Flagship Luxury With Terrain Mastery
The 2024 Range Rover stands as the pinnacle of Land Rover’s luxury lineup, but doesn’t sacrifice off-road performance. It features a maximum ground clearance of 11.6 inches thanks to its electronic air suspension. Capable of fording 35.4 inches of water and achieving a 34.7-degree approach angle, this luxury SUV retains serious off-road chops.
While it starts with a modest ride height of 8.6 inches, the transformation for rugged conditions is impressive. The Range Rover blends opulence with capability, proving that even the most luxurious vehicles can still conquer trails.
7. Jeep Wrangler: Old-School Trail Titan
The Jeep Wrangler remains the quintessential off-road SUV. It leads the pack with a class-best 12.9 inches of ground clearance when equipped with the Xtreme 35-inch tire package.
Known for its rugged design, manual transmission option, and uncompromising Trail Rated badge across all trims, the Wrangler continues to be a favorite among serious off-roaders.
Its approach angle of 47.4 degrees and a torquey 470-hp powertrain enhance its capability. Though modern versions add family-friendly features, the Wrangler stays true to its utilitarian roots with top-tier ground clearance and obstacle-clearing prowess.
8. Ford Bronco Raptor: Power and Precision
The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor pushes the boundaries of off-road performance, both in design and capability. It delivers an impressive 13.1 inches of ground clearance, made possible by its massive 37-inch tires and advanced suspension system.
With 418 horsepower under the hood and a 47.2-degree approach angle, it’s built to dominate challenging trails. While the Sasquatch package gives the standard Bronco 11.5 inches of clearance, the Raptor takes it further with serious trail prowess.
Its ability to crab-walk and handle tough terrain with ease makes it an off-road powerhouse for those seeking adventure in a bold, rugged machine.
9. Rivian R1S: Electric Capability, No Compromises
The Rivian R1S is a groundbreaking electric SUV that redefines what battery-powered vehicles can achieve off-road. With a maximum ground clearance of 14.9 inches and an approach angle of 35.8 degrees, it’s one of the most capable SUVs ever built. Offering up to 1,050 horsepower and 1,195 lb-ft of torque, it’s fast and powerful.
The R1S adjusts its height with ease, from a low entry mode of 8 inches to its max off-road configuration. It’s a compelling alternative for those who want to explore without emissions, blending trail-blazing innovation with futuristic design.
10. GMC Hummer EV SUV: The Ultimate Ground Clearance King
At the top of the ground clearance hierarchy sits the GMC Hummer EV SUV with an astounding 16 inches. Its “Extract Mode” lifts it from the already tall standard ride height of 10.2 inches.
Backed by 830 horsepower and a colossal torque figure of 11,500 lb-ft (claimed), it combines brute strength with tech like CrabWalk and Watts to Freedom mode.
While its size may limit trail accessibility, there’s almost nothing it can’t crawl over. This SUV represents the future of extreme electric off-roading, pushing boundaries in performance and design with jaw-dropping specs.
Despite the broadening SUV category, true off-road machines still stand tall—literally. Ground clearance remains one of the best indicators of a vehicle’s ability to handle the wild, and these top-performing SUVs prove that adventure and modern technology can coexist.
Whether powered by gas or electricity, equipped with air suspension or massive tires, each vehicle on this list offers exceptional off-road capability. From legacy icons like the Jeep Wrangler to innovative newcomers like the Rivian R1S, the off-road SUV continues to evolve without forgetting its rugged origins.
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