When contemplating the rugged terrains and luxurious boulevards that the Land Rover Range Rover serenely conquers, one cannot simply overlook the pivotal role played by its ground clearance. This feat of engineering not only imparts an imposing presence but is instrumental in providing the Range Rover with its legendary off-road prowess. Over years and generations, the Range Rover has evolved, transforming its ground clearance to meet the escalating demands of luxury and versatility, without losing sight of its adventurous spirit.
Tracing the evolution of this iconic vehicle reveals a fascinating journey of adaptation and technological advancement. The first iteration of the Range Rover, born in the early '70s, sat with a modest ground clearance, which then leaped significantly in its first facelift in the mid-'80s to tackle more challenging terrains. However, as comprehensive data is murky for the second generation and its facelift, one could ponder about the secret marvels Land Rover engineers were concocting. By the third generation, and more visibly from its first facelift onwards, the Range Rover embraced heights that not only promised but delivered unyielded command over whatever lies beneath. Ascending to the latest model, the ground clearance has been refined to achievable perfection, balancing the delicate act between dominating the off-road and providing a royal carriage on the tarmac.
| Generation year | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Range Rover, Model year 1985 (I (1. Facelift)) | 310 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 2018 (IV (1. Facelift)) | 297 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 2013 (IV) | 296 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 2021 (Range Rover V) | 295 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 2009 (III (1. Facelift)) | 283 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 1971 (I) | 190 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 1994 (II) | 0 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 1998 (II (1. Facelift)) | 0 mm |
| Range Rover, Model year 2002 (III) | 0 mm |
Within the illustrious range of Land Rover's offspring, the Range Rover stands as the undisputed monarch when it comes to ground clearance, rivaled closely by its kin, the Defender, yet towering over the Discovery, Discovery Sport, Evoque, Velar, and the Range Rover Sport. This familial hierarchy is not mere posturing but a testament to the Range Rover's unparalleled synthesis of luxury and all-terrain dominion. Sporting a ground clearance that dances within the realms of perfection, it acknowledges its roots yet broadcast its evolution, setting benchmarks for its siblings to aspire.
| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Range Rover | 295 mm |
| Discovery | 283 mm |
| Range Rover Sport | 274 mm |
| Defender | 226 mm |
| Range Rover Velar | 213 mm |
| Discovery Sport | 212 mm |
| Range Rover Evoque | 212 mm |
When pitted against its rivals, the Range Rover parades not just its heritage but its mastery of the domain it reigns. The Volvo C40, Ford Edge, and even the rugged Mazda B-Serie find themselves looking up, both literally and metaphorically, to the Range Rover's ground clearance. The Isuzu D-Max and Nissan NP300, despite their valiant efforts, still fall short of matching the Range Rover's lofty standards. Not to ignore the luxury battlefields, where the Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse barely inches above, a tangible proof of the engineering marvel that Range Rover exhibits. The rivals, be it in their attempt to blend luxury with utility or offering a spirited off-road adventure, find the Range Rover a formidable blueprint to decode. With a measured approach of elegance and performance, the Range Rover's ground clearance is not just a number; it's a statement.
| Car model | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 2006 | 307 mm |
| Land Rover Range Rover 2021 | 295 mm |
| Audi Q8 2018 | 245 mm |
| Ford Bronco 2023 | 237 mm |
| Maxus T60 MAX 2025 | 230 mm |
| ALPINA XD3 2013 | 212 mm |
| ALPINA XD4 2018 | 204 mm |
| DS Automobiles DS 7 2022 | 190 mm |
| Hyundai Staria 2021 | 186 mm |
| Hyundai ix55 2009 | 185 mm |
| Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 | 180 mm |
| Skoda Karoq 2017 | 176 mm |
| VW Arteon 2020 | 138 mm |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 | 123 mm |
ALPINA XD3 2013
212 mm
ALPINA XD4 2018
204 mm
DS Automobiles DS 7 2022
190 mm
VW Arteon 2020
138 mm
2023
• JL