The content of the article:
- High ground clearance SUV rating
Snow drifts, countryside, high curbs - what kind of car is needed to ignore all these inconveniences?
In our review, we have collected several famous SUVs with the most impressive ground clearance that can overcome any obstacle.
High ground clearance SUV rating
Mercedes-Benz GLS
The air suspension of this car allows you to adjust the ground clearance from 215 mm to 306 mm, thanks to which you can overcome truly impressive obstacles. The same suspension, which is an independent design with pneumatic cylinders, double front transverse and rear orientation levers, guarantees comfort when traveling outside the city or when moving speed bumps in the city.
Additionally, ease of control is provided by the hydraulic booster with the function of changing the gear ratios.
Among the powertrains - not the most outstanding 249 hp diesel, a bi-turbo petrol V6 and a truly powerful 4.7-liter 456-horsepower V8 with 700 units of torque, acceleration from 0 to 199 in 5.3 seconds.
It works in tandem with an equally interesting 9-speed automatic transmission and the proprietary 4Matic all-wheel drive system. It boasts a transfer case with differential lock and a crawler gear.
Another proprietary system, E-Active, is responsible for adjusting the level of spring elasticity and resistance of the shock absorbers. It acts on each wheel separately, thereby more actively responding to rolls and helping the car to get out of snow or sand traps.
As a result, you can see a magnificent all-terrain S-class SUV, roomy, spectacular, very comfortable and fast. The car can be recognized as one of the best deals on the market, especially in combination of cost with reliability and quality of performance.
2. Land Rover Discovery 5
The ultimate ground clearance of this model is 285 mm, and the close relationship with the Range Rover, the presence of a monocoque body, intelligent all-wheel drive, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension together work wonders.
This imposing 5-meter giant is able to confidently pass mountain serpentines, cross any terrain and at the same time show itself very well on a flat track.
The SUV got rid of the clumsiness and clumsiness of its predecessors, as engineers removed almost all steel elements, replacing them with aluminum ones. At the same time, this is a full-fledged 7-seater car, and not the "5 + 2" version, where the third row is mainly intended for children.
In this model, even large, tall men will be comfortable in any passenger seat.
At the heart of Discovery are three diesel engines of 180, 240 and 249 hp. with., but the most powerful is the only gasoline 3-liter unit. It is capable of delivering 340 hp. with acceleration from 0 to 100 in 7 seconds and while spending 14 liters of fuel.
All modifications are equipped with a low gear system, a rear differential lock function, an 8-band automatic transmission. Optionally, it is offered to replace the suspensions with pneumatic ones.
Although the model was not designed specifically for off-roading, it has all the characteristics to overcome it. Test drives clearly demonstrate the ability of the car to easily overcome a ford with a depth of more than 85 cm and inclined surfaces with an angle of 45 degrees.
Thus, the manufacturer managed to get a truly high-quality car, at the same time comfortable, passable, powerful, equally suitable for both the city and the rough terrain.
3. Jeep Wrangler
The rating would be incomplete without the legendary army SUV, which, depending on the modification, ground clearance varies from 232 mm to 260 mm.
Its technical characteristics differ depending on the power unit placed under the hood, the number of doors and overall dimensions. So, the Sahara version has self-locking differentials at the rear, which in the Sport modification are optional for an additional fee, while the Rubicon version is distinguished by mechanical interwheel locks on the axles.
So far, the manufacturer offers only 2 gasoline engines, but in the near future it promises motorists a 2.2-liter 200-horsepower turbocharged diesel unit with a maximum torque of 450 Nm.
The proprietary eTorque system monitors the operation of the powertrains, monitoring power supply, intelligent battery charging, gear changes and fuel consumption. That is, when the car stops, the system turns off the engine, thereby saving fuel consumption.
In the latest generation, the car retained a "skeletal" body, on which lightweight parts made of aluminum and plastic are hung, which together reduced the weight of the model by 90 kg.
The chassis of the SUV is such that it can cover an almost meter-long ford. In the sporty version, the air intake is positioned even above the roof to further enhance the ability to "submerge". If it is necessary to pull a heavy vehicle out of water or mud, the transfer case, front and rear differentials come into play, which are controlled by a light push of a button.
The run of this SUV across the Arizona desert showed that neither sands, nor earth faults, nor colossal loads hold this monster back. And the K02s tires are capable of clinging even to the edges of the rock and climbing up with the assistance of the throttle.
4. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
While some skeptics believe this SUV is out of date, the affordable 235mm vehicle is still popular and competitive.
The Pajero Sport has excellent handling characteristics, including more precise steering, a record-breaking 5.6m turning radius and a lower center of gravity to reduce roll when cornering.
The model received a special energy-intensive suspension, which, with increasing loads, makes the car's course even smoother and more comfortable.
The driving force is a petrol 3-liter 209-horsepower V6 engine, which works well on the "bottom", although it does not give a bright dynamics and sporty character. It works fruitfully with the 8-speed automatic transmission, which can reduce fuel consumption to 14.5 liters.
In addition, it is equipped with a separate radiator to keep it from overheating, even on long journeys. Therefore, fans of cross-country driving will not only enjoy the car, but will also be protected from all kinds of breakdowns.
By the way, the complex of safety systems in the model is no less impressive than the chassis: 7 airbags are already in the basic configuration, an anti-roll bar, an assistant at the start and other assistants who earned five stars out of five during crash tests.
Competent transmission, maneuverability with impressive dimensions, good economy in terms of fuel consumption, carrying capacity and power of power units make Pajero an excellent competitor for Toyota LandCruser Prado and Hyundai Santa Fe.
5. Infiniti QX80
A solid ground clearance of 234 mm is an expensive pleasure. The SUV worth almost 5 million rubles has thoroughly surpassed its closest competitors in terms of cross-country ability - Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and Lexus LX570, which can boast only 230 and 225 millimeters, respectively.
Although the model underwent major changes in 2017, its technical base, proven over years of operation, has remained the same.
The base is a frame structure and an all-wheel drive system, and the main power unit since 2010 is a 5.6-liter 405-horsepower V8 engine, working in conjunction with a 7-speed automatic transmission. With a colossal weight of 304 tons, putting the model on the brink of category B, the car is capable of accelerating to 210 km / h.
In favor of the SUV is the fact that it is devoid of bridges, which are replaced by multi-link suspensions. Numerous test drives have demonstrated excellent suspension performance over large bumps.
Pneumatic elements maintain regular ground clearance, and the anti-roll bar is donated to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control. It includes the hydraulic cylinders that all shock absorbers are equipped with and which are combined by means of a fluid flow line.
The SUV is ideal for off-road driving and operation in rural areas. Whereas city dwellers noted discomfort while overcoming speed bumps and minor road irregularities.
Although many factors affect the passable qualities of a car, having only "anti-mud" tires or an innovative transmission without proper ground clearance will be useless. The larger it is, the more difficult obstacles it will allow to overcome. Moreover, it is not easy to drive over them, but also not to damage important elements and parts placed under the bottom.
