The appeal of SUVs lies in their blend of passenger comfort, cargo capacity, and a commanding driving position. For some, that commanding position isn't enough; they want an SUV that truly mimics the high-riding stance and rugged presence of a truck. This article explores SUVs that offer a higher-than-average ride height, examining factors like ground clearance, suspension design, and overall dimensions, to help you find the SUV that feels most like driving a truck.
SUVs with Truck-Like Ride Heights: A Comparison
| SUV Model | Ground Clearance (inches) | Key Features & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk | 10.8 | Off-road focused, Quadra-Lift air suspension, excellent articulation. Limited cargo space compared to some competitors. |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 11.6 (adjustable) | Air suspension allows variable ride height, luxurious interior, powerful engine options. High maintenance costs are a factor. |
| Toyota 4Runner | 9.6 | Body-on-frame construction, proven reliability, excellent off-road capability. Outdated interior and lower fuel economy. |
| Ford Bronco (4-Door) | 11.6 (with 35" tires) | Purpose-built off-roader, removable doors and roof, available with manual transmission. Can be noisy and less refined on-road. |
| GMC Hummer EV SUV | 11.9 (Extract Mode) | All-electric, CrabWalk feature, incredibly powerful and technologically advanced. Very high price point and limited availability. |
| Subaru Forester Wilderness | 9.2 | Standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance compared to standard Forester, durable interior. Engine performance is adequate but not exhilarating. |
| Nissan Armada | 9.1 | Body-on-frame construction, powerful V8 engine, spacious interior. Fuel economy is poor compared to unibody SUVs. |
| Infiniti QX80 | 9.2 | Body-on-frame construction, luxurious interior, powerful V8 engine. Similar to the Armada, fuel economy is a concern. |
| Lexus GX | 8.1 | Body-on-frame construction, luxurious interior, off-road capability. Fuel economy is a concern. |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 9.5 | Off-road capability, luxurious interior, powerful engine options. Very high price point. |
| Rivian R1S | 14.9 (adjustable) | All-electric, adjustable air suspension, impressive performance and range. Newer brand with potential reliability concerns. |
Detailed Explanations of SUV Models
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: The Trailhawk trim of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is specifically designed for off-road adventures. Its Quadra-Lift air suspension allows you to raise the vehicle for increased ground clearance, providing better approach, departure, and breakover angles. This, coupled with its advanced four-wheel-drive system, makes it a highly capable choice for those seeking a truck-like driving experience off the beaten path.
Land Rover Range Rover: The Range Rover is renowned for its luxury and off-road prowess. Its adjustable air suspension is a key feature, allowing you to raise or lower the vehicle depending on the terrain. This provides excellent ground clearance when needed and a lower, more comfortable ride height for highway driving. While it offers a truck-like stature when raised, it also provides a refined driving experience.
Toyota 4Runner: The Toyota 4Runner stands out because of its body-on-frame construction, which is more common in trucks than in SUVs. This design contributes to its durability and off-road capability. The 4Runner's high ground clearance and robust suspension make it a solid choice for those who prioritize ruggedness and reliability over modern amenities.
Ford Bronco (4-Door): The Ford Bronco, particularly the 4-door model, is a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, designed for serious off-road enthusiasts. Its high ground clearance, combined with features like removable doors and roof, gives it a distinct truck-like feel and unparalleled open-air driving experience. The Bronco's focus on off-road performance means that on-road comfort and refinement are secondary considerations.
GMC Hummer EV SUV: The Hummer EV SUV is an all-electric behemoth that combines extreme off-road capability with cutting-edge technology. Its adjustable air suspension and unique features like CrabWalk (allowing it to move diagonally) make it incredibly versatile. While its electric powertrain sets it apart, its sheer size and high ground clearance contribute to its truck-like presence.
Subaru Forester Wilderness: The Wilderness edition of the Subaru Forester offers increased ground clearance compared to the standard model, making it more capable on rough terrain. While it's not as extreme as some of the other SUVs on this list, its standard all-wheel drive and durable interior make it a practical choice for those who want a slightly more rugged and capable SUV.
Nissan Armada: The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV built on a body-on-frame platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Titan pickup truck. This construction gives it a robust feel and the ability to tow heavy loads. Its high ground clearance and powerful V8 engine contribute to its truck-like demeanor.
Infiniti QX80: The Infiniti QX80 is the luxury counterpart to the Nissan Armada, sharing the same body-on-frame construction and powerful V8 engine. It offers a more refined interior and upscale features, but it retains the Armada's high ground clearance and truck-like driving experience.
Lexus GX: The Lexus GX is a body-on-frame SUV that offers a blend of luxury and off-road capability. It's based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is known for its durability and ruggedness. While it may not have the highest ground clearance on this list, its body-on-frame construction and capable four-wheel-drive system give it a truck-like feel.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often called the G-Wagon, is an iconic SUV known for its legendary off-road capabilities and luxurious interior. Its high ground clearance, robust construction, and advanced four-wheel-drive system make it a true off-road icon. Its boxy design and commanding presence further contribute to its truck-like appeal.
Rivian R1S: The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV that combines impressive performance, long range, and off-road capability. Its adjustable air suspension allows for a very high maximum ground clearance, making it a formidable off-road machine. Its unique design and electric powertrain set it apart from traditional SUVs, but its high ride height and rugged capabilities make it a strong contender for those seeking a truck-like experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ground clearance" mean? Ground clearance is the amount of space between the lowest point of the vehicle's chassis and the ground. It's a key factor in determining an SUV's ability to navigate obstacles and rough terrain.
Why is body-on-frame construction important? Body-on-frame construction is a traditional truck design where the body is mounted on a separate frame. This typically results in a more robust and durable vehicle, better suited for towing and off-road use.
Does higher ground clearance always mean better off-road capability? While higher ground clearance is beneficial, other factors like approach, departure, and breakover angles, as well as the vehicle's four-wheel-drive system, also play crucial roles in off-road performance.
Are SUVs with higher ground clearance less fuel-efficient? Generally, yes. Higher ground clearance often results in increased aerodynamic drag, which can negatively impact fuel economy.
What is an air suspension? An air suspension uses air-filled springs instead of traditional metal springs. This allows for adjustable ride height and a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Conclusion
Choosing an SUV that sits high like a truck involves considering factors beyond just ground clearance. Body-on-frame construction, suspension design, and intended use all play important roles. Carefully evaluate your needs and preferences to find the SUV that best balances truck-like capabilities with the comfort and practicality of an SUV.