Comparison: Ground clearance Toyota Highlander vs. competitors 2025

Now, if we amble down memory lane, ground clearance, much like a storied vineyard, has only gotten better with time. Earlier generations of the Highlander, gracefully aging but perhaps not as skyscraping as the latest loftier model, have passed on the torch, paving the way for this laudable elevation. While numbers may shift subtly across different markets and specs – higher here, lower there – the latest iteration stands triumphant, with an imperious stature that wields its clearance like a knight's lance against the dragon of rough terrain. Previous models do whisper legends of their own, but details of their ground clearance are lost in the mists of time, only adding to the Highlander's allure and mystery.

In the grand toybox that is the Toyota lineup, the Highlander gallantly takes its seat close to the throne. Only the majestic Land Cruiser, boasting a throat-clearing 205 mm, and the unassailable Hilux, with its warhorse-clearance of 227 mm, dare to tiptoe above it. The rest, such as the RAV4 (195 mm) and the burgeoning bZ4X (180 mm), bow respectfully. Sorry chaps, when it comes to clearance, the Highlander barreled in and set up shop near the top shelf, just shy of the head honchos. Land Cruiser and Hilux, do keep your crowns polished.

But let's not get too snug in our Toyota-centric bubble. Out there, in the wilds of market competition, how does our strapping Highlander fare? It brushes past the Jeep Compass and its 200 mm clearance without much pomp and circumstance, and simply pats the Citroen C5 Aircross (230 mm) on its shoulder, acknowledging a higher power without much bother. But then there's the Volvo XC40, trying ever-so-hard with its 211 mm of clearance – adorable attempt. Things get interesting with the likes of the Subaru Tribeca (210 mm) and the Mercedes-Benz GLS (216 mm), which raises an eyebrow in passing. Then there's the exquisite Volvo EX90 with its ground clearance identical to the Highlander – a true mate in armoured grace, but a fisticuffs in wheelbase and length. Meanwhile, others such as the Kia Niro (160 mm) and even the BMW X1 (194 mm) seem to be playing limbo, splendid cars that they are, but not in this elevated league. As we see, some step up to duel, others tip their hats in deference, and a select few stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our elevated champion. Volvo XC40, Subaru Tribeca, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Volvo EX90, we tip our hats to you.