High Ground Clearance Cars in India

Indian roads are notoriously unpredictable. One moment, you’re cruising on a smooth highway, and the next, you’re dodging potholes the size of craters. That’s where high-ground clearance cars come to the rescue! You may be manoeuvring city streets, taking on rugged terrains, or just wanting the peace of mind that comes with a car that won’t scrape every speed bump; ground clearance matters.

So, what is ground clearance, then? It’s the distance between the road and your car’s lowest point. The greater it is, the better your car can handle bumpy bits, flooded roads, and slippery slopes. SUVs, crossovers, and even some sedans now have high ground clearance, so they’re a great choice for Indian road conditions.

In this blog, we have prepared a list of the top high-ground clearance cars in India, ranging from small SUVs to low-cost hatchbacks that let you ride high.

List of High-Ground Clearance Cars

Here are some of the best high-ground clearance cars in India:

1. Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is all by itself as far as the ground clearance and rugged prowess are concerned. With its whopping 226mm ground clearance, it is built to own off-road ground, splash on water-logged roads, and bounce over potholes like they don’t exist. The one factor that makes the Thar different is its short wheelbase and very fine approach and departure angles that put it ahead in terms of its ability to overcome extreme terrain without sweating it out.

Even though it’s an off-roader at its core, the Thar does not ask you to sacrifice daily usability. The new-gen Thar is as smooth as ever, with a more civilised suspension calibration that makes the urban ride surprisingly pleasant. But do not raise your hopes for monocoque SUV cushiness here, as this is still a body-on-frame bruiser. Its tall stance and elevated seating position put you in a commanding position to see the road, and in city traffic conditions, it feels like driving a tank. If you are an adventure enthusiast or simply prefer to drive an SUV that can take anything, the Thar’s class-leading ground clearance puts it on par with the best-selling vehicles in India.

Mahindra Thar Specifications

• Engine: 2.0L Turbo Petrol / 2.2L Diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
• Mileage: 10-15 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 4-seater
• Body Type: SUV

Mahindra Thar Key Features

• Legendary off-road capability with 4×4 drivetrain
• Convertible and hardtop roof options
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Safety features like ESP, hill-hold, and roll-over mitigation

2. Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet is proof that small does not need to be compromised. Its ground clearance of 205mm makes it smoothly sail over the highest speed breakers and most dreadful potholes the roads have to offer. What distinguishes the Sonet is how it mates its high-riding stance with city-friendly dimensions, you have the style of an SUV without the bulk that makes parking difficult.

Yet even with its small size, the Sonet has enough height to provide SUV-like driving dynamics. The suspension is set up nicely, so you don’t take every pothole directly, and the high ground provides adequate clearance to avoid scraping the undercarriage. But the Sonet shines brightest in its diesel engine offering, which is not only economical but also gives you a lot of thump. If your morning commute to work involves bad roads, speed breakers, and some highway cruising in between, the Sonet’s high ground clearance, agile handling, and powerful engine options make it a class winner. It’s the best mix of utility and glamour, having you look great in traffic without making you feel as if you’re driving a truck.

Kia Sonet Specifications

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT / 6-speed AT
• Mileage: 18.4 – 24.1 kmpl
• Airbags: Up to 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Kia Sonet Key Features

• Bold SUV design with signature Tiger Nose grille
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bose audio
• Ventilated front seats and sunroof for added comfort
• Multiple engine options, including turbo petrol and diesel
• Advanced safety with six airbags, ESC, and hill assist

3. Tata Nexon

With 209mm of ground clearance, the Tata Nexon is among India’s tallest-riding subcompact crossovers. It’s designed for Indian roads, so you can comfortably drive through potholes, jagged construction areas, and waterlogged zones. Unlike some of the higher-ground-clearance cars that sacrifice stability, the Nexon’s generous track and well-weighted steering keep it firmly steady even at high speeds.

What really sets the Nexon apart is how effortlessly it merges safety with functionality. Being one of the 5-star GNCAP-approved vehicles on sale in India, it makes you feel confident while driving in unpredictable road conditions. It’s good ground clearance also provides you with greater visibility, so driving around the city becomes less stressful. Whether you’re driving bumper-to-bumper in the city or tackling weekend road trips, the Nexon’s rugged suspension and generous ground clearance guarantee a carefree ride. Thanks to Tata’s design, you needn’t be concerned about those periodic underbody scrapes to which low-slung cars are susceptible. If you want an SUV that’s rugged, high-riding, and built like a tank, the Nexon is an obvious choice.

Tata Nexon Specifications

• Engine: 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AMT / 7-speed DCA
• Mileage: 17.4 kmpl (Petrol) / 24.0 kmpl (Diesel)
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Tata Nexon Key Features

• 5-star Global NCAP safety rating
• Striking coupe-inspired SUV design
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment system
• Wireless charger and ventilated seats for a premium feel
• Available in petrol, diesel, and EV variants

4. Tata Harrier

The Tata Harrier is a full-sized SUV with a ground clearance of 205mm and is thus among the best choices for someone in need of a high-riding car with an ample amount of space on the inside. Harrier stands out due to the Land Rover-originated Omega platform, which grants it enhanced comfort and stability even on awful roads. Unlike ladder-framed SUVs that get bouncy or shaky over bumps, the Harrier glides smoothly over them with its cushioned ride quality.

The high ground clearance also makes the Harrier ideal for highway drives for long distances and moderate off-roading. You can cruise comfortably on monsoon-swamped roads or climb steep ramps without fear of scraping the belly. Another plus point is its wide stance and long wheelbase that keep it planted at high speeds. While certain large SUVs feel clumsy in town, the light steering and excellent visibility of the Harrier make it surprisingly agile when driving on busy city streets.

Tata Harrier Specifications

• Engine: 2.0L Turbo Diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
• Mileage: 16.8 kmpl
• Airbags: Up to 7 airbags
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: SUV

Tata Harrier Key Features

• Land Rover-inspired OmegaArc platform for robust performance
• Panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats for comfort
• 10.25-inch infotainment with JBL sound system
• Advanced safety features like ADAS, ESP, and 6 airbags

5. Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta may not have the maximum ground clearance in its class, but at 190mm of ground clearance, it definitely has more than enough to handle Indian roads. But what impresses us the most in the Creta is the balance between ride height and driving comfort. Some high-ground-clearance cars suffer from too much body roll or a bouncy ride, but Creta’s suspension settings make the ride smooth without hurting ground clearance.

In contrast to some SUVs that are hard over bumps, the Creta’s suspension soaks up the road bumps like a piece of cake. It also boasts a relatively low loading lip, making it simpler to load luggage than taller SUVs such as the Thar or Harrier. The high ride height of the Creta provides you with a clear view of the road, and you can drive in stress-free comfort. If you need a car that has good ground clearance, comfort, and usability, one of the best-selling cars in the Indian market is the Creta. It is the ideal SUV if you need the benefits of high ground clearance without having an ultra hardcore off-road SUV.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5L Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT / 7-speed DCT / CVT / 6-speed AT
• Mileage: 18.4 kmpl (Petrol) / 21.8 kmpl (Diesel)
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV

Hyundai Creta Key Features

• Feature-rich mid-size SUV with bold new design
• 10.25-inch infotainment & digital driver display
• ADAS features like lane keep assist & adaptive cruise control
• Bose premium sound system for immersive audio
• Multiple engine choices, including turbo petrol and diesel

6. Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is the reason that you don’t need a budget-crushing SUV to enjoy high ground clearance. At 184mm of clearance, the Kwid is visibly taller than most hatchbacks, and one of the most practical small cars for Indian roads. Potholes, speed breakers, and even light off-road sections? The Kwid navigates them better than many bigger sedans, but is just as easy to drive and park in city traffic.

The elevated bonnet, chunky, rough-looking bumpers, and body cladding give it a braver look than an ordinary hatchback. Its compact nature, easy steering, and elevated ground clearance make it a joy to drive on narrow city streets, and the high ride height guarantees you won’t be scraping the underbody on unmarked speed humps. If you need a fuel-efficient, small car with the ability to take on rough urban roads, then the Renault Kwid is a smart, value-for-money choice.

Renault Kwid Specifications

• Engine: 1.0L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 21.7 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Hatchback

Renault Kwid Key Features

• Compact yet SUV-inspired high-ground-clearance design
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Dual-tone interiors with digital instrument cluster
• 1.0L petrol engine with AMT option
• Best-in-class boot space of 279L

7. Renault Triber

For a family-friendly budget MPV, the Renault Triber offers a good ground clearance of 182mm. That’s up to par with the majority of small SUVs and one of the few budget MPVs that will handle bad roads in its stride. If you’re cruising potholed inner-city streets or making long motorway trips with the boot jammed full of gear, you’ll never have to worry about underbody scrapes due to the Triber’s ride height.

What differentiates the Triber is the ground clearance and the space. As a sub-4m car, it can carry seven people, which is unique in this segment of vehicles. Plus, Renault has gone the extra mile to make it feature-rich and has packed it to the roof. It never feels dull or compromised in its dynamics. Add the Triber’s light steering and raised seating position, which makes it a joy to drive, even for MPV newbies. If you require a high-riding, practical family car that won’t break the bank, the Triber is a strong contender.

Renault Triber Specifications

• Engine: 1.0L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 20.0 kmpl
• Airbags: 4 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 7-seater
• Body Type: MPV

Renault Triber Key Features

• Flexible 7-seater with modular seating options
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Spacious 625L boot space with 3rd-row folded
• 1.0L petrol engine with manual and AMT options

8. Tata Tiago NRG

The Tata Tiago NRG is not merely a plain vanilla Tiago with plastic body cladding, but is actually more rugged, with its 181mm ground clearance. While the regular Tiago is already established to be solidly built, the NRG improves upon it with raised suspension, body cladding, and roof rails, lending it an SUV-like appearance. That allows it to handle bad roads, broken patches, and even mild off-road conditions better than most hatchbacks.

But what the Tiago NRG does differently is its solid, no-frills driving experience. The steering is reassuringly weighty, the suspension is sorted for nasty roads, and the raised ride height sits you higher over the road, so you feel more in control, especially on bumpy roads. Unlike some of its high-riding hatchback peers that enjoy floating at expressway speeds, the NRG is grounded and stable, and highway cruising becomes an easy task. If you’re looking for a small car that can handle rough roads without losing its hatchback practicality, the Tiago NRG is an option truly worth considering.

Tata Tiago NRG Specifications

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 20.0 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Crossover Hatchback

Tata Tiago NRG Key Features

• Rugged hatchback design with body cladding
• 7.0-inch infotainment system with Harman speakers
• Dual airbags and ABS with EBD for safety
• Fuel-efficient 1.2L petrol engine with CNG option

9. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is also referred to as a “mini-SUV,” and with 180mm of ground clearance, it fully earns that nickname. It is higher than several premium hatchbacks, and provides a compact SUV-like presence even though it is a subcompact car. Whether driving on rough city streets or deep potholes, the S-Presso’s high clearance lets you drive stress-free about scraping the underbody.

The S-Presso is unique due to its tall-boy design. The raised driving position puts you in control of the road, and it is much easier to manoeuvre in city traffic. The compact dimensions and light steering make it highly navigable, so you can scoot through busy streets like it’s nothing. While other compact cars struggle with ground clearance, the S-Presso goes over Indian roads smoothly and is a great budgeted option for those looking for a high-riding city car.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Specifications

• Engine: 1.0L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 25.3 kmpl (Petrol) / 32.7 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Key Features

• Compact SUV-like stance with high seating position
• 7.0-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system
• Fuel-efficient 1.0L petrol engine with AMT option
• Dual airbags and ABS with EBD for safety

10. Volkswagen Virtus

Even though the Volkswagen Virtus is a sedan, it has a ground clearance of 179mm, which is higher than most compact SUVs. It is arguably the most capable sedan for Indian road conditions, where potholes and speed breakers are part of the daily commute. Most low-profile sedans get stuck on bumps because of low clearance, but the Virtus floats over them with plenty of space underneath to prevent scratching its belly.

What makes the Virtus stand out is how planted and stable it feels, even at its high ground clearance. High-speed elevated sedans will sometimes feel like they are floating, but Volkswagen engineering does not permit this to happen with the Virtus, as it maintains its quick handling and firm road-holding. The higher ride also offers better visibility and less stressful city driving. If you enjoy the elegance of a sedan but don’t want to worry about ground clearance, the Virtus is the ideal compromise. It’s practical, good-looking, and designed to take Indian roads without compromising on anything.

Volkswagen Virtus Specifications

• Engine: 1.0L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT / 7-speed DSG
• Mileage: 18.5 kmpl (1.0L Petrol) / 19.4 kmpl (1.5L Petrol)
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5-seater
• Body Type: Sedan

Volkswagen Virtus Key Features

• Premium sedan with sporty GT variant
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with connected car tech
• Ventilated front seats and digital driver’s display
• Powerful 1.5L TSI engine with DSG transmission option
• 5-star Global NCAP safety rating with 6 airbags

Summary

If you require a proper off-roader, the Mahindra Thar is hands down the best option. But if you want an SUV that is great for city commuting and also performs well on bad roads, the Hyundai Creta, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon are some great options. For affordable high-ground clearance vehicles, Renault Kwid, Tata Tiago NRG, and Maruti S-Presso will give you your money’s worth. For big family SUVs, the Tata Harrier and Renault Triber provide you with greater space without making any sacrifices when it comes to ground clearance. Last but not least, if you are looking for a sedan with SUV-type clearance, the Volkswagen Virtus is just what you need.

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