Cars with the Highest Ground Clearance in India in 2025

Top 15 Cars with Highest Ground Clearance

When buying a car in India, you may look for cars with the highest ground clearance, especially if you frequently drive over uneven terrain, tackle tall speed bumps, or navigate pothole-ridden roads. A vehicle with better ground clearance offers enhanced off-road capability and significantly lowers the risk of underbody damage. Recognising this need, many automakers have rolled out models designed to handle such conditions effortlessly, giving drivers the confidence to take on challenging roads easily.

Below is a quick overview of the top 15 cars with the highest ground clearance and their prices, helping you choose the best ground clearance car in India for your needs and budget:

When driving on Indian roads, having a car with high ground clearance is essential. A better car height makes it easier to glide over speed bumps, ditches, and rough terrain without scraping the underbody. Cars with high ground clearance offer the versatility needed for city commutes, highway cruising, and even off-road adventures.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top options in India that combine performance with elevated ground clearance.

1. Toyota Land Cruiser – 235 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 2.31 Crore - 2.41 Crore

Toyota Land Cruiser stands out as the highest ground clearance SUV in India, offering an impressive 235 mm of clearance, ideal for tackling the toughest off-road conditions. This rugged yet refined SUV combines luxury and capability, featuring a spacious interior with premium leather seats, advanced entertainment systems, and climate control for maximum comfort. With its substantial car height and bold design, the Land Cruiser commands attention on the road while ensuring a smooth and confident drive across any terrain.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Toyota Land Cruiser:

2. Force Gurkha - 233 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 16.75 Lakh

The Force Gurkha is built for the wild and ranks among the best ground clearance SUVs in India with a ground clearance of 233 mm. Its body-on-frame construction, snorkel air intake, and rugged build make it a go-to choice for serious off-roaders and adventure seekers. The Gurkha’s bold, military-inspired design and tall SUV stance give it an unmistakable presence on and off the road. For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s one of the most capable cars with high ground clearance available today.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Force Gurkha:

3. Land Rover Defender - 226mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 1.05 Crore - 2.79 Crore

The Land Rover Defender is the ultimate mix of luxury and rugged performance, built to easily conquer the most challenging terrains. With an imposing stance and world-class off-road capabilities, the Defender’s ground clearance is one of its strongest assets, allowing it to tackle rocky trails, riverbeds, and steep inclines without sweat. Its premium interior, advanced tech, and timeless design make it just as comfortable in the city as in the wilderness. For those who demand power, presence, and reliability, the Defender is in a league of its own.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Land Rover Defender:

4. Mahindra Thar - 226 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 11.50 Lakh - 17.60 Lakh

The Mahindra Thar is a name that instantly brings off-road power and adventure to mind. Known for its bold design and rugged capabilities, the Thar offers an impressive 226 mm ground clearance, ideally suited for rocky paths, pothole-ridden roads, and challenging trails. Thar’s ground clearance plays a key role in its appeal, allowing drivers to explore urban streets and remote terrains confidently. It’s one of India's highest ground clearance cars and a go-to choice for those who crave freedom with a side of thrill.

Key Specifications

The following are the key specifications of the Mahindra Thar:

5. Toyota Fortuner - 225 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 35.37 Lakh - Rs. 51.94 Lakh

The Toyota Fortuner is known for its road dominance and rugged versatility, and its 225 mm ground clearance adds to that reputation. The impressive ground clearance allows it to easily handle rough roads, steep inclines, and uneven terrain. Inside, the Fortuner offers a premium cabin with high-set seats that enhance visibility and comfort. Its commanding presence on Indian roads and practical features like multiple drive modes and hill assist make it one of the best ground clearance car options available for those who value performance and reliability.

Key Specifications

The following are the key specifications of the Toyota Fortuner:

6. Honda Elevate - 220 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 11.91 Lakh  - Rs. 16.73 Lakh

The Honda Elevate delivers a smooth and confident ride, thanks to its 220 mm ground clearance, which is ideal for handling uneven roads and urban obstacles. The Honda Elevate’s ground clearance also contributes to offering better visibility and generous headroom for passengers. It features modern tech like Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and a user-friendly infotainment system, blending comfort with convenience. Whether you're commuting through city traffic or taking on light off-road trails, the Elevate strikes a perfect balance between everyday usability and adventure-ready design.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Honda Elevate:

7. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara - 210 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 11.42 Lakh - Rs. 20.68  Lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a solid 210 mm of ground clearance, making it well-equipped to handle varied Indian road conditions. With its premium features like a panoramic sunroof and a heads-up display, the Grand Vitara blends style with practicality. Its bold design and spacious interior make it a smart choice for both young drivers and families. Thanks to its better ground clearance for Indian roads and all-wheel drive capabilities, it stands out as a strong contender among the highest ground clearance cars in India, offering great value without compromising on comfort or confidence.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara:

8. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder - 210 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 12.76 Lakh - Rs. 14.96 Lakh

With a ground clearance of 210 mm, this SUV is one of the tallest cars in India, making it ideal for tackling rough terrain and speed bumps with ease. Available in both mild and strong hybrid options, it offers a smooth, fuel-efficient driving experience. Inside, the tech-savvy cabin features a 9-inch touchscreen, voice commands, and connected car technology, making it as smart as it is practical. Combining eco-friendliness with functionality, it stands out as one of the best ground clearance cars in India for those who want efficiency without compromising on capability.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder:

9. Maruti Suzuki Jimny - 210 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 12.74 Lakh - 14.95 Lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny delivers serious off-road performance in a compact package, offering 210 mm of ground clearance. Despite its small size, the Jimny’s ground clearance and overall rugged design make it a true contender among larger SUVs. Its 4x4 capability, boxy aesthetic, and ladder-frame construction make it one of the few genuine off-roaders. Lightweight, agile, and built for adventure, the Jimny is perfect for those who want better ground clearance without the bulk of a large SUV.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny:

10. Nissan X-Trail - 210 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 49.92 Lakh

The stylish Nissan X-Trail offers an impressive 210 mm ground clearance, complemented by a bold and modern exterior design. Inside, the cabin exudes sophistication with its dual-tone finish and premium-quality materials, delivering a refined driving experience. The X-Trail’s petrol engine options and a CVT gearbox make it well-suited for easily navigating city traffic. Its well-tuned suspension and responsive handling ensure comfort and stability on diverse Indian road conditions. Combining sportiness with practicality, the Nissan X-Trail is a compelling choice in its segment, offering both performance and presence.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Nissan X-Trail:

11. Tata Nexon - 209 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 8 Lakh - Rs. 15.60 Lakh

The Tata Nexon offers 209 mm of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough roads better than most hatchbacks or compact cars. Its 5-star safety rating and bold design make it a top pick for families looking for both style and security. Inside, features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, and a touchscreen infotainment system enhance comfort and convenience. Combining the versatility of a crossover with SUV-like practicality, the Nexon stands out as a dependable, value-packed option. Its ground clearance adds to its appeal, preparing it for city drives and weekend getaways.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Tata Nexon:

12. Tata Safari - 205 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 15.50 Lakh - Rs. 27.25 Lakh

The Tata Safari offers a solid 205 mm of ground clearance, making it well-suited for powerful highway rides and unpredictable road conditions. The generous Safari ground clearance adds to its road presence and driving confidence, especially on long journeys. The Safari delivers both comfort and utility with a spacious 7-seater layout, panoramic sunroof, and heated captain seats. It also offers ample boot space, perfect for big families and road trip adventures. The Safari strikes a smart balance between premium features and everyday practicality.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Tata Safari:

13. Kia Sonet - 205 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 8 Lakh - Rs. 15.60 Lakh

The Kia Sonet combines bold design, smart features, and everyday practicality. Its 205 mm ground clearance makes city potholes and rough patches easy to handle. Despite its compact size, the Sonet feels premium inside, with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, and connected tech. It’s a solid choice for SUV confidence in a city-friendly package.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications for Kia Sonet:

14. Tata Harrier - 205 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 15 Lakh - Rs. 26.50 Lakh

The Tata Harrier combines rugged design with premium features, making it a standout in the SUV segment. With a ground clearance of 205 mm, it easily tackles rough roads and challenging terrains. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a touchscreen infotainment system, premium upholstery, and advanced tech. Perfect for city drives and weekend adventures, the Harrier offers confidence and comfort in one powerful package.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Tata Harrier:

15. Mahindra XUV700 - 200 mm Ground Clearance

Price: Rs. 13.99 Lakh - Rs. 24.99 Lakh

The Mahindra XUV700 makes a strong impression with its bold design and 200 mm of ground clearance, offering smooth performance even on rough Indian roads. Packed with features like ADAS, a dual-screen display, and a premium sound system, it blends tech and toughness effortlessly. Available in petrol and diesel variants, it also offers AWD for added capability. The XUV700 stands out as a smart SUV with serious road presence and is ideal for long drives and highway cruising.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Mahindra XUV 700:

How Does Ground Clearance Affect Driveability?

Ground clearance, or the distance between the lowest spot of a car's body and the ground, is an essential factor in how well a car handles different types of terrain. India has roads that can go from smooth highways to pothole-filled lanes in an instant. Because of this, cars with highest ground clearance in India are not just nice to have; they're a must.

1. Easy Rough Road Handling

If your car has high ground clearance, it can easily tackle road bumps, speed breakers, and rough, uneven terrain. This is especially useful in rural regions and monsoon-affected towns where roads are often unpredictable. Better ground clearance also helps protect the undercarriage from damage, which low-slung cars are more vulnerable to on challenging surfaces.

2. Off-road Improvements

Having enough ground clearance is even more important if you often drive off-road. For example, its ground clearance lets it climb steep hills and over rough terrain. For instance, the Land Rover Defender with adaptive suspension has even better ground clearance, making it one of the cars with highest ground clearance in India for serious off-roading.

3. Better Visibility and Driving Control

It’s not just about extra space, a higher car height also gives drivers a commanding view of the road. This improved visibility makes overtaking easier and helps navigate tight traffic more confidently. That’s one reason SUVs have become increasingly popular for urban driving.

4. Possible Disadvantages

While higher ground clearance improves a car’s ability to handle rough roads, it can also slightly raise the centre of gravity. This may affect stability at high speeds or during sharp turns. Additionally, increased ground clearance can lead to slightly reduced fuel efficiency due to added air resistance. However, cars like the Honda Elevate, with a ground clearance of 220 mm, manage to strike a practical balance, offering both clearance and comfort without compromising much on performance.

5. Getting the Balance Just Right

A ground clearance between 190 mm and 220 mm strikes the perfect balance for Indian drivers. It’s high enough to handle potholes, speed breakers, and uneven roads, yet low enough to maintain stability and comfort. Cars like the Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Fronx offer ground clearance in this ideal range, making them smart picks for those who want both urban comfort and highway readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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