Cars with Highest Ground Clearance in India in 2025

The last thing anyone wants to hear is the unmistakable crunch of the underbody scraping over a large, poorly designed speed breaker. For that matter, the thud of bumper meeting rock, or a curb in a parking lot, isn’t pleasant either. There are ways to avoid this: slow down to a crawl on speed breakers, be very careful over potholes and while entering or exiting basement parking garages. However, you could still be taken by surprise. It could even lead to expensive underbody damage or catastrophic engine sump damage. The only realistic way to avoid such damage is to choose one of the highest ground clearance cars in India to begin with. 

Other factors also play a part here, such as the stiffness of the suspension setup, wheel/tyre sizing, the overhangs at the front and rear of the car, and even the wheelbase. It can all dictate a car’s ability to handle speed breakers, potholes, unpaved roads and even off-road conditions with ease. 

If ground clearance is a deciding factor for you, our list of the cars with the highest ground clearance in India has them listed in descending order of clearance.

List Of 10 Highest Ground Clearance Cars In India

1. Land Rover Defender Octa | 323 mm Ground Clearance

Jaguar Land Rover introduced the new Defender Octa in India in early 2025, taking an already iconic off-roader to an even higher level of performance and capability.

Compared to the standard Defender, the Octa gets a redesigned bumper that improves approach and departure angles, a wider track by 68mm, extended wheel arches, and a 28mm taller ride height. Thanks to this setup, the Land Rover Defender Octa offers a towering ground clearance of 323mm when its air suspension is fully raised, making it one of the highest ground clearance cars in India. This also enhances its water-wading capability to an impressive one metre, which is 100mm deeper than any other Defender variant.

Powering the Octa is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine that produces 626 bhp and up to 800 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, it accelerates from 0–100km/h in just four seconds. The SUV also features a 6D Dynamic suspension system, a re-engineered chassis, and specially developed oversized tyres.

Land Rover Defender Octa Specifications

Land Rover Defender Octa Key Features

2. Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 | 235 mm Ground Clearance

The latest-generation Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 reinforces its off-road reputation with a ground clearance of 235mm, making it one of the highest ground clearance cars in India in the luxury SUV category. This full-size SUV represents the pinnacle of Toyota’s engineering, combining unmatched capability, dependability, and luxury.

The LC300 comes equipped with a full-time AWD system, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control, all tailored for extreme off-road conditions. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 304 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. With its impressive clearance, advanced drivetrain, and premium features, the Land Cruiser LC300 stands as one of the most capable and luxurious off-road SUVs in India.

Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Specifications

Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Key Features

3. Force Gurkha | 233 mm Ground Clearance

In the mass-market segment, the Force Gurkha easily stands out among the highest ground clearance cars in India, offering a towering 233mm of ground clearance. The Gurkha rides higher than even the Mahindra Thar. 

Often dubbed the “desi off-roader,” the Gurkha is a rugged 4-seater SUV built to conquer challenging terrains with ease. It draws power from a 2.6-litre CRDi diesel engine that delivers 138bhp and 320Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and part-time 4x4 capability. The SUV also features manual locking differentials, a factory-fitted snorkel for deep-water wading, and a tough ladder-frame chassis, all of which lend it some serious off-road capability. 

Force Gurkha Specifications

Force Gurkha Key Features

4. Mahindra Thar & Thar Roxx | 226 mm Ground Clearance

The Mahindra Thar has established itself not just as a lifestyle 4x4 but as a genuine alternative to other compact SUVs and crossovers despite not being the most practical option. Part of that appeal lies in its butch true SUV styling, with the ability to back it up. The impressive 226mm ground clearance of both the three-door Thar and the Thar Roxx puts it among the best ground clearance cars in India. That said, the Thar’s ride quality can be unsettling unless you’re of an adventurous spirit.

A used Mahindra Thar offers excellent value for money, providing top-tier features and performance at a much lower price than a new model.

The Mahindra Thar and Thar Roxx is offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. either with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both 4x2 and 4x4 variants are on offer through the range. A 4x2-only 1.5-litre diesel is also on offer on the three-door Thar.

Mahindra Thar Specifications

Mahindra Thar Key Features

5. Toyota Fortuner | 225 mm Ground Clearance

India’s most popular full-size SUV naturally makes it to the list of cars with the highest ground clearance in India. The Toyota Fortuner highlights its rugged, body-on-frame build and available 4X4 hardware with a low-range transfer case, paired with a 225 mm ground clearance that boosts its off-road capability.

In fact, the Fortuner boasts one of the highest ground clearances among 7-seater family SUVs. While its rugged traits slightly compromise on-road refinement, if you want a “do-it-all, go-anywhere” adventure SUV, a used Toyota Fortuner remains a top choice. It comes with a 2.8 L diesel engine producing 201 bhp and up to 500 Nm of torque, or a less common 2.7 L petrol engine.

Toyota Fortuner Specifications

Toyota Fortuner Key Features

6. Honda Elevate | 220 mm Ground Clearance 

The Honda Elevate might be a late entrant to the popular compact SUV class in India, but the ace up its sleeve is its no nonsense practicality and dependability. One feature that makes it a contender in the list of cars with the highest ground clearance in India is its 220 mm ground clearance, something not commonly seen on other compact SUVs. 

In fact, this ground clearance even surpasses older SUVs like the Scorpio Classic, making the Elevate the highest ground clearance compact SUV in India. Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which offer around 190 mm, the Elevate’s taller stance gives it an edge. While it isn’t a true off-roader, the high ground clearance proves useful on rough rural and urban roads.

The used Honda Elevate is the ideal second-hand vehicle for anyone looking for a combination of affordability, low maintenance costs, and modern features.

The Honda Elevate only offers one engine, which is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic as on the Honda City. The inclusion of Level 2 DAS safety adds some value to what is otherwise a no-frills package. 

Honda Elevate Specifications

Honda Elevate Key Features

7. Jeep Meridian | 214 mm Ground Clearance

The Jeep Meridian is a 7-seat, long-wheelbase version of the Compass, launched in India to compete with SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner. A key factor in its segment competitiveness is its rough-road capability. Staying true to Jeep DNA, the Meridian offers a healthy 214 mm ground clearance, making it one of the highest ground clearance cars in India. Add in a part-time 4×4 and a low-range transfer case (top trims) coupled with a solid axle design and good approach/departure angles. 

Power comes from a 2.0 L turbo-diesel engine producing 168 bhp and 350 Nm, paired with a 6MT or 9AT gearbox. While it hasn’t captured as much market share as the Fortuner, a used Jeep Meridian still offers great value for someone seeking a family SUV that stands out, combining refined on-road manners with the capability to handle occasional rough terrains on a family road trip to the mountains.

Jeep Meridian Specifications

Jeep Meridian Key Features

8. Kia Sonet | 211mm Ground Clearance

The Kia Sonet offers much of what makes the larger Seltos so popular, just in a sub-4m long package. The additional benefit of greater ground clearance is a bonus — the Sonet boasts 211mm of clearance versus the Seltos’ 190mm. The Sonet even boasts higher ground clearance than its platform sibling, the Hyundai Venue with 195mm of clearance. All in all, the Sonet is the highest ground clearance compact SUV in India. 

Don't miss out on the chance to own a second-hand Kia Sonet. This used car combines quality and affordability in a way that’s hard to beat.

The Kia Sonet is offered with a wide spread of petrol and diesel engines — a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. A 5-speed manual is available for the regular 1.2, while the 1.0 turbo is offered with a 6-speed IMT or 7-speed DCT. The 1.5 diesel is offered with a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed IMT and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.

Kia Sonet Specifications

Kia Sonet Key Features

9. Maruti Suzuki Jimny | 210 mm Ground Clearance

Making its debut in India in 2023, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny (5-door) is a compact off-road SUV designed for adventure. Its real strength lies in its off-road hardware: ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, and low-range gearing. With a ground clearance of 210 mm, the Jimny ranks among cars with the highest ground clearance in India, impressive for a micro-SUV.

The 1.5 L naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 101 bhp and 138 Nm of torque, paired with a 4×4 system offering either a 6MT or 4AT. While the engine isn’t built for highway speed records, it is extremely reliable and requires minimal maintenance, reinforcing the Jimny’s “go-anywhere” credentials. A used Maruti Jimny is definitely a great pick for travel enthusiaists. 

Maruti Suzki Jimny Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Key Features

10. Maruti Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder | 210 mm Ground Clearance

The Maruti-Toyota partnership introduced the Indian market with two crossover SUVs that are practical and sensible for the everyday customer while still carrying some of the flashiness that buyers of this class have come to expect. The Maruti Grand Vitara, or Toyota’s version of it, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, is a compact 5-seater SUV that boasts mild and strong hybrid powertrains with good fuel economy, along with a respectable list of equipment. 

Both models feature a high ground clearance of 210 mm, placing them among the highest ground clearance cars in India and giving them an edge on rough or uneven roads. The duo offers a comfortable ride alongside strong safety credentials.

Engine options include a 1.5 L strong-hybrid producing 114 bhp and 141 Nm and a standard 1.5 L petrol naturally aspirated engine (available with AWD) generating 102 bhp and 139 Nm. If you are looking for a sensible and practical compact SUV for your family, a used Maruti Grand Vitara makes for a great chocie.

Grand Vitara / Urban Cruiser Hyryder Specifications

Grand Vitara / Urban Cruiser Hyryder Key Features

Conclusion 

If you are going to be travelling regularly over bad roads, or your regular commute has particularly large speed breakers, you may want to prioritise ground clearance in your buying decision. You can’t go wrong with any of the cars on this list, as they represent the highest ground clearance cars in each segment and across varying budgets. There are still vehicles with higher ground clearance but we believe this list is as comprehensive as it can be, at least with regards to the popular choices in each segment.