Inexpensive tall cars. Cars with high ground clearance - which one to choose. How high should the ground clearance be?
Russian motorists associate the arrival of spring not only with warmth, greenery, sun and other typical attributes of this time of year. Along with snowdrops, additional reasons for headaches and stress appear: potholes, bumps, potholes and other joys of life that Russian roads give. At the same time, road services react frankly slowly, and you have to jump over bumps for most of the year. Therefore, almost every car owner has at least once thought about purchasing an economical and inexpensive car with high ground clearance. And in the minds of lovers of country holidays, such thoughts appear even more often: often no one monitors the condition of the road surface in settlements remote from large cities. Moreover, it is considered lucky if there is asphalt at all in a holiday village. Therefore, we have prepared a list of inexpensive cars with high ground clearance. He will help you navigate the market and choose a reliable friend who will share with you all the hardships of life as a Russian car owner.
Budget cars with high ground clearance: affordable offers
Over the past 5-6 years, the market for affordable city cars has expanded greatly. If earlier the choice essentially came down to products of the domestic automobile industry and a couple of other models, now the variety of options makes you think carefully about choosing a model. However, deciding on a specific car that meets your needs is easier than it seems. Almost all available proposals are the results of so-called “backengineering”. Some seemingly different models are based on the same platform and are equipped with similar power units. Such cars differ, in fact, only in the nameplate on the hood and design. Let's figure out which offers are worth paying attention to.
Lada: Granta, Kalina 2, Largus, Priora – compact cars with high ground clearance
The domestic auto industry in this market segment is represented by several proposals. “Granta” and “Kalina” are equipped with two power plants - 1.6 engines with a power of 82 and 106 hp. These units do not amaze with their dynamics, but they produce acceptable traction and cope with their task. It is worth noting that the 8-valve engine produces 82 hp. pulls better at low speeds, and the more powerful 16-valve engine pulls better at medium and high speeds. These cars handle somewhat worse than their competitors - the steering wheel is not very informative, there is almost no feedback. Ride comfort is fully in line with expectations: the suspension is adapted to Russian roads, so it is not afraid of holes and potholes. But you have to pay for comfort - the car’s handling and stability suffer. The build quality and interior materials are not up to par either.
Priora and Largus stand apart. The first is a very outdated model, which has absorbed all the best and worst from AvtoVAZ’s past developments. The second is a redesigned Renault (or Dacia) Logan of the first generation, so if you are wondering how this model differs, feel free to move on to the next item on the list.
All Lada models are small cars with high ground clearance. Its value varies in the range of 145-160 mm for Largus, Granta and Kalina and depends on the selected engine. Only Priora stands out – it can boast 165 mm “under the keel”.
The luggage compartment volume of the models is different, since “Priora” and “Granta” are sedans (and the latter is also available in a liftback body), “Kalina” is a hatchback, and “Largus” is generally a station wagon. Comparing cars with different body types in this regard is a little strange. However, here are the specific numbers:
Renault Logan I-II, Nissan Almera New
Cars with high ground clearance also include the brainchild of the Renault-Nissan alliance: Logan and Almera. They share platform B0 between them. This means that they have approximately the same dimensions of the wheelbase and body, and the chassis configuration is similar.
The first generation Logan is a car that has earned people's trust and has found hundreds of thousands of buyers throughout Russia. Car enthusiasts appreciated (and still appreciate) it for its reliability, unpretentiousness, simplicity and spaciousness in the cabin. But the main advantage of the first Logan was the comfortable suspension, with the help of which this car overcomes road unevenness smoothly and without problems. The main drawback is not the best handling. Neither does the informative steering wheel add points to Logan's score. Other disadvantages of Renault include a minimalist interior, trimmed with cheap plastic, and poor equipment. The car is equipped with two engines: 1.4 with 75 hp. and 1.6 with a capacity of 103 “horses”. Both units are quite high-torque, but the 1.6 is more popular. Transmissions: 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. Ground clearance: 155 mm. Trunk volume: 510 l. Summary: the first Logan is a simple and reliable car with high ground clearance.
The second generation Logan differs from its predecessor in an updated design, a stiffer suspension adapted to urban conditions, a “emptier” steering wheel, slightly changed dimensions and range of engines - now the car is equipped with 1.6 engines with a power of 82 and 102 hp. The trunk volume and ground clearance are the same: 510 liters and 155 mm, respectively.
The Nissan Almera differs from its peers in the concern by its slightly stretched wheelbase and noticeably longer length. This made it possible to make the Nissan interior more spacious, while the ground clearance remained at the level of its “brothers”. Surprisingly, despite the increased dimensions, the size of the luggage compartment is smaller than that of the Logan - only 500 liters. This is explained by the fact that the additional space went to the rear sofa passengers. The Nissan is equipped with a 1.6 engine with a power of 102 hp, familiar from the same second Logan. In general, Almera can claim to be a reliable family car with high ground clearance. Its disadvantages are the same as those of its platform brother: poor controllability and steering wheel settings, interior trim, and the ergonomics of the front panel that cause criticism. In addition, the Almera previously had problems with the rear suspension.
Geely GC6
Next on the list is the Geely GC6 small sedan. The ground clearance of this model is equal to the standard 150 mm for cars of this class. There is only one engine available - a one and a half liter four-cylinder unit with a power of 94 hp. However, it will not be possible to achieve maximum performance in urban settings - all 94 horsepower is available only at six thousand rpm. The torque indicator is also low: 126 N*m. The advantages of the car: an interesting design for a “Chinese” and an affordable price. The main drawback is the frankly budget-friendly interior and exterior design, as well as uncomfortable seats.
Lifan Solano New
Another product of the Chinese automobile industry is Lifan Solano New. This is the latest incarnation of a sedan that has managed to gain some popularity. The advantages of the car include an interesting interior: the designers tried to make the front panel modern; a separate point worth noting is the ability to order an interior trim that combines black, beige and brown colors at the same time. The Lifan has only one engine: 1.5 with 100 horsepower. The disadvantages are the same as those of other representatives of the Chinese automobile industry: poor control, poor build quality, cheap finishing materials that emit a characteristic odor. The ground clearance of this car is the same as that of Geely - 150 mm.
Ravon Nexia is an excellent city car with high ground clearance
Ravon Nexia is a new generation of a car that has earned the trust of Russian buyers. Almost everything about it has been updated: engine, suspension, interior and exterior. The new Nexia is equipped with a 1.5 engine with 107 horsepower. In addition to high power for its volume, the engine also pleases with torque - a thrust of 141 N*m is available already at 3800 rpm. The unit is technologically advanced, but at the same time reliable. The cast iron cylinder block and chain drive timing mechanism are combined with variable intake and exhaust timing and an aluminum cylinder head. At the same time, the motor complies with the Euro5 environmental standard. The one and a half liter engine is combined with both a five-speed manual transmission and a modern six-speed automatic transmission. None of the above competitors can boast of such a transmission.
Another advantage of the Ravona is the wealth of configuration options and additional options. The car is equipped with tire pressure sensors, a stability control system, and an audio system with USB and AUX inputs. At the same time, all this equipment is available at a price significantly lower than that of competitors.
Both the exterior and interior of the car have been updated. The latter boasts good finishing materials and modern front panel architecture. The cabin is quite spacious. The trunk volume increases from 400 liters to 980 if you fold the rear seatbacks - this option is not available to all competitors. Ground clearance of 150 mm and adaptation to Russian roads allows Ravon Nexia to rightfully claim the title of the best economical city car with high ground clearance.
Another advantage of Ravon cars is their prices. At the same time, the car is well “packed”: airbags and ESC are available.
Results
Choosing a car that is suitable for everyday use in Russian cities and suitable for trips to the country is not easy - competition in this market segment is high. To ease the pain of choice, we have prepared this list of cars with high ground clearance. Such a car will allow you to think less about maintenance and easily overcome all the difficulties of traveling from point A to point B. Which car to choose is up to you. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. Remember that when choosing, you should not chase the highest ground clearance of a passenger car - an extra centimeter of clearance is not worth neglecting other consumer characteristics of the car.
Until the roads and their maintenance conditions improve in our country, many motorists have an understandable desire to purchase a car with high ground clearance. However, it is not always possible to buy an SUV. In this case, the choice is limited to our beloved sedans or hatchbacks. And then the question arises: what kind of passenger car should I buy so that I won’t be afraid to drive along impassable city streets, go fishing or to the country house, without the fear of catching a roadside stone with the bumper?
The word “clearance” itself came to us from the English language. Ground clearance is the distance from the lowest point in the vehicle structure to the supporting surface. However, some car owners consider the car's bumper to be the starting point. This is not true. Mudguards and wheels do not reach the control point. Therefore, it is very important to consider the central rectangle between the inner surfaces of the wheels as a reference point. The significance and all the advantages of a car with high ground clearance can hardly be overestimated. Cars with high ground clearance practically do not suffer from damage to the bumper, components and assemblies located under the bottom.
When choosing a car and assessing its ground clearance, there are several important factors to consider. So, some automakers cheat and indicate the ground clearance of an empty car. But in reality, the trunk is filled with a variety of things, and the passengers and driver also have a certain weight. In other words, in a loaded car the ground clearance will be completely different. Another factor that few people take into account is the age of the car and wear of the springs. Over time, the springs sag and the ground clearance decreases.
Skoda Rapid
It is the condition of the road surface or its absolute absence that makes Ukrainian motorists interested in the ground clearance of a given car. Skoda Rapid is both a hatchback and a sedan rolled into one. In addition to a spacious interior, luggage compartment and a decent list of options, this liftback has an impressive ground clearance of 170 millimeters.
Volkswagen Polo
A sedan with an impressive gap between the body and the road surface of 170 mm. And if you take into account the excellent dynamic characteristics and high-quality assembly, then this specimen becomes doubly valuable.
Volvo V40 Cross Country
Hot on the heels of the Volvo V40 Cross Country hatchback is the new XC40 crossover. However, it is worth considering that the V40 has a fairly decent ground clearance of 173 millimeters. The car is offered with a choice of four engines (three petrol and one diesel), the output of which varies from 120 to 245 horsepower.
Citroen C4
Even after significant restyling, the C4 sedan did not lose its main feature, which the company considers one of the basic points for adapting a car to road conditions - ground clearance of 174 millimeters. And if not for the financial factor, then this car would be even more attractive to our customers.
Peugeot 408
Another representative of the French automobile industry. The Peugeot 408, like the Citroen C4, has undergone restyling, receiving a design in the style of the 308 model. Along with updating the external appearance, changes have occurred in the power unit and gearbox: instead of the archaic 4-speed automatic transmission, a 6-speed one is used. True, such changes were reflected in the price tag. But the ground clearance remained the same – 175 millimeters.
Volkswagen CrossPolo
Volkswagen CrossPolo is a five-door class B hatchback with front-wheel drive. CrossPolo has an increased ground clearance (176 mm), a crossover-like design (with protective plastic linings) and a rich set of equipment. Thanks to its ground clearance, the front-wheel drive Volkswagen CrossPolo easily overcomes obstacles on the road. In general, his appearance evokes the respect and admiration of others.
Peugeot 508
Most recently, at the Geneva auto show, a public presentation of the new generation Peugeot 508 took place. The new model, unlike its predecessor, has become visually more balanced and sporty. However, most likely, the new generation will lose the ground clearance of 180 millimeters that it had before. Anyone wishing to purchase the current generation Peugeot 508 should hurry up before the new generation goes on sale.
Suzuki SX4
The Suzuki SX4 hatchback is an “old-timer” in the automotive market of tall cars, enjoying stable popularity since 2006. Despite its honorable age, the model still looks quite solid, which, together with good reliability and reasonable prices for spare parts, attracts many buyers. The car's ground clearance is 180 millimeters, which is quite decent for a vehicle, especially for a representative of the hatchback class.
Renault Sandero Stepway
Renault Sandero Stepway is an off-road version of the front-wheel drive class “B” hatchback. This model differs from the regular Renault Sandero by its increased ground clearance of 195 millimeters. Sandero Stepway combines the reputation of a modern urban hatchback with the practicality and comfort of an SUV. Plastic edging on the wheel arches and sills, protective covers on the bumpers in combination with wheels of increased diameter give the car the appearance of a real crossover.
Volvo S60 Cross Country
The clear leader in ground clearance in the premium segment is the Volvo S60 Cross Country. Ground clearance is 201 millimeters. Such figures can even put some crossovers on their backs. In addition, no other sedan on our market has such indicators. True, despite all the advantages of the Volvo S60 Cross Country (all-wheel drive, sedan, tall, off-road), it did not gain much popularity among us.
Good ground clearance means that you can safely drive on roads with holes and potholes, without worrying about the integrity of the muffler and various elements located on the bottom of the car at its lowest points. Each car from the above has unsurpassed charm, pleasant design, individuality and high technology. And if you don’t want to experience the inconvenience of low ground clearance, perhaps you should choose one of the above-mentioned representatives, which will delight you for many years when traveling around the city and in nature.
Considering that public utilities work far from ideally, we decided to compile for you a selection of high-clearance cars that will drive along snowy roads and will be able to park on the side of the road when it has turned into a snowdrift.
This rating contains the TOP 7 most affordable cars with ground clearance of more than 200 mm. Please note that when compiling the rating, we used official data from manufacturers, and there is no uniform method for measuring ground clearance. Therefore, depending on the measuring point, the actual ground clearance may differ significantly.
Lada 4×4
- Ground clearance: 205 mm
- Price from 329,900 UAH.
Lada 4×4 (as the old Niva is now called) is difficult to perceive as a new car, but 40 years after the model was born, it is still in service. There are three configurations, in fact they differ slightly. You will be surprised, but even the basic list of equipment of the Russian “dinosaur” contains some benefits of civilization - power steering, ABS and power windows. But the price is rather high - 329,900 UAH. However, this is the cheapest full-fledged SUV on the Ukrainian market. The following equipment levels differ only in the appearance of alloy wheels (314,900 UAH) and air conditioning (349,900 UAH).
Chevrolet Niva
- Ground clearance: 200 mm
- Price from 379,900 UAH.
The basic equipment is quite poor - there are no ABS or airbags, bumpers and mirrors are unpainted. There isn't even air conditioning. It’s good that they installed electric windows in the front doors and electrically adjustable and heated mirrors. Pillows, preloaded belts and ABS – you won’t find all this in the “base” either. The equipment, which is more or less adequate to modern realities, called GL, costs inadequate money - 419,900 UAH. And the top version LE+ costs as much as 454,900 UAH.
Renault Duster
- Ground clearance: 205..210 mm
- Price from 394,020 UAH.
Perhaps this is the most popular SUV in Ukraine. All thanks to the excellent combination of price, features and reliability. At the same time, only the basic front-wheel drive version can be called a “SUV”. The model with all-wheel drive is very close in capabilities to “adult” SUVs: thanks to good geometry and considerable suspension travel, as well as first gear, which is designed to partially replace the low range, it will not fail even in serious mud.
An important trump card of the model is its price. In the basic version, it will be a front-wheel drive car with a 1.6 liter gasoline engine (110 hp) and a manual transmission in the Authentique configuration. If you have more money, you can look towards all-wheel drive versions and diesel. There is also an option with a preselective EDC robot – but these are only front-wheel drive.
UAZ Hunter
- Ground clearance: 210 mm
- Price from 437,000 UAH.
Another example of a long-lived conveyor in our rating. Someone will note that the model has been produced since 2003, but in fact, this car inherited most of the design elements from the UAZ-469, which was produced since 1972. What helps it survive for 45 years and is still in production today is its phenomenal cross-country ability, simplicity and maintainability of design, and low cost - this is the cheapest frame SUV. Now Hunter is equipped with a 2.7 engine with 128 hp. and a transmission with rigidly connected front wheel drive. In our market, Hunter is sold in one single configuration, in which, among the benefits of civilization, only power steering.
UAZ Patriot and Pickup
- Ground clearance: 210 mm
- Price from 437,000 UAH.
The UAZ Patriot family appeared in 2005 and became a breakthrough for the manufacturer. This car is much more like a car in the modern sense: it has a height-adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning and ABS. And for an additional fee, a multimedia system with navigation and a rear view camera and even airbags can be installed. In terms of cross-country ability, the Patriot is unlikely to be inferior to the Hunter, because structurally they are quite close. The engine here is the same - 2.7. True, in the top-of-the-line Patriot new model, it already develops 135 hp. By the way, the Patriot new equipment can be truly rich: cruise control, climate control, multifunction steering wheel with leather trim, parking sensors and many other options.
Nissan X-trail
- Ground clearance: 210 mm
- Price from 569,830 UAH.
Bright appearance, spacious interior and excellent driving characteristics are what the Nissan X-trail can attract its buyer. By the way, the model has always been considered a good rogue among crossovers and the current generation is no exception. Three engines are now offered: petrol 2.0 (144 hp) and 2.5 (171 hp) and diesel 1.6 (130 hp). Many are expecting the appearance of a more powerful two-liter diesel engine, but such a unit is not yet offered. The base car will be front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive versions are also available. Transmissions – “mechanics” or continuously variable CVT. 4 configurations: VISIA, ACENTA, N-CONNECTA and TEKNA. The basic Visia is quite ascetic: there is no “climate” (simple air conditioning), a minimum of additional systems. But the Acenta already has almost everything you need: there is climate control, an improved audio system, and electrically adjustable seats and mirrors.
Mitsubishi Outlander
- Ground clearance: 215 mm
- Price from 629,900 UAH.
Outlander is a fairly large car, a real family crossover. In this generation in our market, it is equipped with two in-line “fours” 2.0 (145 hp) and 2.4 (167 hp), a non-alternative CVT variator and can be either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The car is quite richly equipped already from the basic version. In addition to ABS and ESP, which are already standard for all, there is a hill start assist system, two-zone climate control, heated front seats and a heated windshield in the wiper area. A car with all-wheel drive has several operating modes and quite confidently tackles light off-road conditions, and thanks to the energy-intensive and at the same time quite comfortable suspension, you can quickly drive on bad roads.
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Those who are choosing a car for themselves will find the list of inexpensive cars with a high seating position useful. After all, this is exactly what the domestic car enthusiast needs. Unfortunately, our roads leave much to be desired, so this technique turns out to be useful. In winter, courtyards are often swept away; again, the easiest way to get through the snowdrifts is in a high-riding car. In this case, crossovers are an excellent alternative to SUVs that are more expensive to maintain.
In addition, such cars look solid, which in many cases also affects the choice. Thus, a car with high ground clearance turns out to be an excellent option for the driver.
Volkswagen Polo. The list of inexpensive high-slung cars should start with this car. After all, its ground clearance is 17 centimeters. This is even a little more than some crossovers. But drivers love this model not only for its high seating position, but also for its reliability. The car does not require special attention, and it costs no more than other foreign cars. Perhaps this is the biggest trump card of this model.
Kia Soul. This car is often mistaken for an SUV. This is greatly facilitated by his rather “muscular” appearance. But in reality this is an ordinary front-wheel drive car. Its assets include high ground clearance (16 cm) and a spacious trunk. Standard volume 340 liters. If you unfold the seats, you get a small cargo van with a volume of 1511 liters. This is what attracts people to him.
Nissan Juke. This car is distinguished not only by its high seating position, which reaches 18 centimeters, but also by its high cross-country ability. This model has true all-wheel drive. Moreover, it was made quite unconventionally. It has 2 couplings on different axle shafts at the back. This not only significantly increases its cross-country ability, but also improves handling. At the same time, the car is quite powerful and fast, which allows you to move normally on any type of road.
Opel Mokka. This model also has a very original all-wheel drive system. It is quite simple to implement, which made it 60 kg lighter. The car's ground clearance is 17.5 centimeters. The Opel Mokka has quite interesting proportions: it is tall, but at the same time quite narrow. Thanks to this feature, the model, despite its formidable appearance, has good maneuverability in city conditions. At a relatively low price, the car gives the impression of an expensive SUV.
Suzuki Sx4. This model was developed jointly with the Italian Fiat plant. The car received a design, both external and internal, from European engineers. The car has, perhaps, the best cross-country ability in its class. This is achieved by a high seating position, as well as the shortest possible body kits. In addition, an electronic imitation differential lock is installed here. The rest is .
Skoda Fabia Scout. Despite the low ground clearance (15.6 cm), the model is perfectly prepared for off-road travel. The lower part of the body is not only galvanized, it is also protected by special plastic linings. Sports seats are also included as standard. Which makes the model even more attractive in appearance. The downside is that it only has front-wheel drive. Which makes it a completely ordinary car, only a little more reliable when necessary to drive off the asphalt.
Conclusion. When choosing a car, you need to take into account all your requirements. This will allow you to choose the car that suits you best. The list of inexpensive high-riding cars will be useful to drivers in most of our country. After all, our roads are far from perfect. By purchasing such a car, you are guaranteed not to scrape the bottom over bumps.
Due to the fact that almost every family has a car, and some have more than one, there is less and less space for parking in our cities, while the quality of roads leaves much to be desired. Therefore, many city motorists, when choosing a new car, prefer hatchbacks with. Let's look at what cars in this segment the market offers us today.
Renault Sandero Stepway
In 2015, Renault released an updated version of the Sandero Stepway, significantly increasing ground clearance.
The highest ground clearance of a hatchback today is 195 cm. It belongs to Renault Sandero Stepway - this is a car with the makings of an SUV, it will not let you down either in the city or on a country road. Next comes Ford Fusion, with its 180 cm, but new ones are not on sale in our market. Third place was honorably taken by the Lada Priora, after all, it was made for our roads - the ground clearance is 165 cm. The ground clearance of the Nissan Tiida is slightly lower, it is 163 cm (also discontinued for our country). The top five sales leaders on the Russian market are the Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio with a ground clearance of 160 cm.
Availability
Domestic Lada-Priora
The most budget version of a high-clearance hatchback is the domestic Lada Priora.
The most inexpensive of the high-clearance hatchbacks, of course, is the domestic car Lada Priora - its price in the minimum configuration is about 440 thousand rubles.
Of the foreign-made cars, the most affordable hatchbacks with high ground clearance are the Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris. They will cost more than the Priora by about 80 thousand rubles, but for this money you will get both air conditioning and music. The interior of the cabin cannot be compared at all. It’s not for nothing that these cars conquered the market of our country and became the favorites of Russians.
The Sandero Stepway will cost 200 thousand more than the Lada. But you will also get a mini-crossover for this money.
What other choice?
Seat Altea 4 Freetrack
The hatchback (and for some, a compact van) with the highest ground clearance that is supplied to Russia is the Seat Altea 4 Freetrack with its 176 millimeters under the bottom, unattainable for other representatives of the class. Our market comes in 5 modifications with gasoline (125 hp - 211 hp) or diesel (105 hp - 170 hp) engines with a manual or robotic gearbox and all-wheel drive.
Our list does not include such cars of this class as: Volkswagen Cross Polo, Volvo V40 Cross Country, Kia Soul, only because, alas, they are not popular in our country.
In conclusion, we would like to add that a hatchback with high ground clearance is a godsend in our country for residents of megacities, where it has become a problem to find a free parking space. And it’s very nice that such cars are represented quite widely in the low-price segment.