9 Electric Cars w/ High Ground Clearance (Comparison Table)
Electric vehicles are available in various body styles, from low-slung luxury coupes and smaller hatchbacks to SUVs with good ground clearance for easier access and greater visibility.
The EVs on this list have high ground clearance, with a comparison table towards the end of the post to make your purchasing decision easier.
Ground Clearance of Typical Vehicles for Reference
For context, the ground clearance of some popular cars:
- Porsche 911 (low-slung sports car) – 4.3 inches.
- Toyota Corolla (compact sedan) – 5.3 inches.
- Honda Accord (midsize sedan) – 5.8 inches.
- Toyota RAV4 (compact SUV) – 8.4 inches.
- Ford Expedition (large SUV) – 9.8 inches.
The 9 Electric Cars with High Ground Clearance
#1 BMW iX
Ground clearance: 8.8 inches
The iX electric SUV represents BMW’s first mainstream, long-range EV that uses large lithium-ion batteries to power both motors.
While spotting one of the coolest and futuristic designs among EVs, the five-seater midsize iX is spacious inside and rides comfortably with a quiet cabin even at elevated speeds.
Its 8.8 inches from the ground affords excellent visibility, and stepping into the iX’s interior is remarkably easy with the large door openings.
This all-wheel-drive SUV accelerates rapidly with its over-500 horsepower motor, and its agile handling makes driving the car feel smaller than it is.
It can achieve above 300 miles on a charge, equivalent to approximately 80-plus mpg on gas.
#2 Rivian R1T
Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
Pickup trucks have become America’s favorite utility vehicle for the family.
While the market awaits more electric trucks to join the fray for great buyer selection, the Rivian R1T remains an excellent EV with one of the highest ground clearance among full-electric vehicles.
It is the most cutting-edge pickup with a vast repertoire of capabilities:
- Four motors delivering a combined 800-plus horsepower – it accelerates 0-60 mph in a supercar-like 3.5 seconds.
- One-pedal driving – the massive regenerative braking from the four motors helps immensely.
- Legitimate off-roading capability – superior ground clearance among EVs.
- Excellent range – over 300 miles on a single charge.
- Comfortable ride – the quiet electric powertrain plus the minimal wind noise and adaptive air suspension combine to offer a serene ride on-road.
- Flexible ride height – the adjustable air suspension can raise or lower the truck for easy entry and exit.
For buyers wanting a utilitarian vehicle that can go the distance solely on electricity, the Rivian R1T is an intelligent choice.
#3 Toyota bZ4X
Ground clearance: 8.1 inches
The Japanese automakers were late to the EV party – except for Nissan with its Leaf EV – and Toyota only released its first mass-produced EV in 2023 with the bZ4X.
Beside the hard-to-remember model name, its mediocre performance and poor range make the bZ4X an underwhelming EV.
It returns between 220 to 250 miles on a charge, the front-wheel-drive model being more efficient than the all-wheel-drive trim.
Its stylish, futuristic EV look will ensure the crowd takes notice, and the considerable 8.1 inches of ground clearance will make SUV lovers happy.
Although it’s relatively new, the backing of Toyota’s renowned reliability should put your mind at ease that it will last longer than the lackluster range.
#4 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Ground clearance: 6.9 inches
As far as luxury brands go, Volvo is one of the least expensive, and the XC40 subcompact electric SUV has plenty of qualities that charm.
Besides the reasonable price tag for a premium brand (starts at $51k), it has a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and handsome looks to go with the generous 6.9 inches of ground clearance for enhanced visibility and ease of getting in and out.
The small SUV body packs a punch with its quick 0-60-mph acceleration of under 5 seconds from the 400-hp motor, and the handling is enjoyable with a good amount of grip.
Despite the power, the XC40 Recharge is easy to drive at any speed and features a one-pedal driving mode, made possible by the motor’s regenerative braking.
The only bummer is the under 250 miles of range when most good EVs get near the 300-mile mark.
#5 Audi e-tron
Ground clearance: 6.9 inches
If a luxury midsize SUV is a better fit, the Audi e-tron will suit with plenty of appeals.
Like the Volvo XC40, the Audi e-tron carries its occupants at least 6.9 inches from the ground.
Beyond the quiet ride from the all-electric powertrain, the Audi e-tron has:
- Standard all-wheel-drive – handy for drivers in regions with snowy conditions.
- Roomy high-quality interior – both rows get abundant space for a relaxed ride.
- Comfortable ride – the air suspension offers a sophisticated and stable ride on most surfaces.
- Easy to enter and exit – thanks to the good ground clearance and squared-off door openings.
However, the sub-250 miles of range (with a $66k price tag) is a notable drawback that might make other more efficient models worthier of your money.
#6 Tesla Model X (& Model Y)
Ground clearance: 6.6 inches
Despite the high $100k-plus asking price, this isn’t complete without one of the Teslas, as they are some of the highest-performing EVs.
Although it doesn’t have the ground clearance of a conventional SUV, the 6.6 inches of distance off the ground is plenty sufficient to make entering the car a breeze for most drivers.
(The less expensive Model Y has the same ground clearance as the Model X)
Additionally, the upward-opening falcon-wing doors further ease your way into the cabin, and once inside, the panoramic windshield provides an excellent, unencumbered view of the road ahead.
Other Model X qualities include:
- Powerful acceleration – 670 horsepower on tap. The Plaid trim has an astonishing 1,000-plus horses.
- Ample interior and cargo room – you can opt for a five or six-seater.
- Standard all-wheel-drive – for enhanced traction, whatever the condition.
- Impressive range – over 340 miles on a charge.
#7 Hyundai Kona Electric
Ground clearance: 6.2 inches
The Korean manufacturer has plenty of electric cars in its stable; some were born EVs, others transformed from their gasoline-architecture base; the Kona Electric is the latter.
Although it’s one of the least expensive EVs, Kona Electric’s value-for-money proposition extends beyond Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty and feature-rich offerings.
It blends a fun-to-drive nature with its sharp handling, comfortable and quiet cabin, and robust 250-plus miles of range in a practical small SUV package.
The Kona Electric’s affordable pricing (below $38k brand-new), good ground clearance, and excellent outward visibility make it a superb EV choice for senior drivers.
For buyers after the cheapest new electric car, the Nissan Leaf, which starts from around $27,000, is as affordable as mainstream small SUVs.
However, its 5.9 inches of ground clearance sits at the lower end among EVs, although it’s still higher than most sedans.
#8 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Ground clearance: 6.1 inches
The once king-of-economy Hyundai (and Kia) has progressed tremendously with its latest range of luxurious-looking mainstream cars and futuristic-design EVs – their vehicles still offer the most bang for the money.
The 5 leads IONIQ’s release of electric cars built on dedicated EV architecture, and the retro-styling of the IONIQ 5 is a standout, aesthetically, with impressive performances to boot.
With 6.1 inches of ground clearance, it stands taller than most sedans; although it doesn’t reach SUV heights, this elevated hatchback is a practical vehicle with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
As significantly, the RWD version can achieve approximately 300 miles on a charge and close to 260 miles with an AWD drivetrain.
Hyundai vehicles have outstanding build quality, and the IONIQ 5 is no different.
#9 Kia EV6
Ground clearance: 6.1 inches
While the earlier-released Niro EV was an adaptation of its gasoline-powered version, the EV6 is the automaker’s first purely-electric development.
It is a commanding debut, though, as few electric cars are as beautifully-styled as the Kia EV6, with muscular proportions capably backed up by ample power, sharp steering, and an engaging drive.
Plus, the slightly elevated ride height gives it a sportback-like appearance and allows its occupants to enter with less hassle than a conventional hatchback and a lower climb than a full-fledged SUV.
The rear-wheel-drive configuration is standard, although the all-wheel-drive trim comes with dual motor for increased horsepower output and a near-300-miles range.
The extended wheelbase – close to a three-row SUV’s – means the interior is larger than the exterior might suggest.
Electric Vehicles’ Ground Clearance (Comparison Table)
In descending order:
| Ground Clearance | |
| BMW iX | 8.8 inches |
| Rivian R1T | 8.7 inches |
| Toyota bZ4X | 8.1 inches |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 6.9 inches |
| Audi e-tron | 6.9 inches |
| Tesla Model X | 6.6 inches |
| Tesla Model Y | 6.6 inches |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 6.2 inches |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 6.1 inches |
| Kia Niro EV | 6.1 inches |
| Kia EV6 | 6.1 inches |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 6.1 inches |
| Polestar 2 | 6.0 inches |
| Hyundai Ioniq Electric | 5.9 inches |
| Nissan Leaf | 5.9 inches |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 5.7 inches |
| Tesla Model 3 | 5.5 inches |
| Mazda MX-30 | 5.4 inches |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | 5.3 inches |
| Tesla Model S | 5.0 inches |
| BMW i4 | 4.9 inches |
The BMW iX is a midsize SUV, and the Rivian R1T is a powerful truck; both, by far, have the highest ground clearance among EVs.
Still, their expensive price tags will deter most buyers looking for an affordable EV, especially drivers switching from gas to electric power.
Depending on the budget, these reasonably-priced EVs with good ground clearance will suit most shoppers:
- Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Kia EV6
- Kia Niro EV
- Mazda MX-30
References:
https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/xc40-electric/
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/kona-electric