Ground Clearance vs Ride Comfort: What to Prioritize When Shopping for a Used SUV

When SUVs were first introduced, they were designed for tackling tough terrain, which meant they featured higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive systems, and durable materials. Today, however, the SUV is the vehicle of choice for many drivers, some of whom never give ground clearance or hitting the trails a second thought, as ride comfort is their main priority. With this in mind, you might wonder which is more important: ground clearance or ride comfort?

The good news is that our team at DePaula Ford, your premier used car dealer near Amsterdam, can help you sort through what matters most to us when shopping for an SUV and answer any questions you might have about the pre-owned options in our inventory. For now, keep reading to learn more about the ground clearance vs ride debate and which used SUVs lean one way or the other, then stop by our dealership for a test drive.

Choosing the Right Pre-Owned SUV for Your Driving Routine

The first thing to consider when choosing between ground clearance and ride comfort is how you will use your SUV. For instance, do you enjoy weekend adventures in the great outdoors and find yourself wishing for a vehicle that allows you to go anywhere, any time? Or, do you mainly stick to paved roads, whether heading to work or checking another city off your bucket list? Before answering, take a look at the pros and cons of each below.

The Pros and Cons of Ground Clearance

Ground clearance is simple to define: the vertical distance from the ground to the lowest part of the vehicle’s underbody. As you can imagine, more ground clearance helps you avoid scraping the bottom of the SUV on speed bumps, navigate gravel roads more readily, and enjoy a bit of off-roading on the weekends—either light or full throttle, depending on the SUV you choose. In other words, if you typically find yourself searching for the ideal camping spot, on snow-covered roads, or driving through fields, the extra inches matter.

However, there are some trade-offs. Higher ground clearance also means a higher center of gravity, which could translate into more body roll, a slightly “less connected” feel on winding roads, and a firmer suspension tuned to avoid bottoming out on rough terrain. Additionally, SUVs that are designed for off-roading often come equipped with specialty tires that are wider, which impacts steering and handling, as well as increases road noise.

The Pros and Cons of Ride Comfort

Ride comfort is how a vehicle cushions the ride for you and your passengers, offering a softer “landing” as you navigate bumps, potholes, and other rough terrain. With that in mind, you will find that SUVs that prioritize ride comfort are often equipped with softer suspension tuning, longer wheelbases, smaller wheel/tire combinations, and even adaptive damping or air suspension systems. These things combine to create a more car-like ride, which is key for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road. Of course, the con of focusing on ride comfort is that the SUV isn’t suited for off-roading. Not only that, but you might find that you have a harder time in snowy or muddy conditions.

Back to the questions above—are you an outdoor enthusiast, or do you prefer sticking to the road more traveled? If you’re the former, you will want to prioritize ground clearance and features such as skid plates, all-wheel drive systems, and all-terrain tires. For the latter, you will want to look for pre-owned SUVs that are equipped with a composed chassis, a longer wheelbase, and smaller wheel/tire combinations.

Navigating Your Pre-Owned SUV Options

Not only can we help you sort through what matters most, but we also carry a large selection of used SUVs to consider. This makes it easier than ever to find the one that works best. Plus, our skilled factory-trained technicians are able to work on any make and model, ensuring the one you choose gets the necessary preventive maintenance it needs to stay up and running. Even better? Our parts team can help you find the right accessories to truly customize your drive.

Now, regarding ground clearance—and ultimately off-road capability—here are a few of the pre-owned SUVs that get high marks:

• Jeep Wrangler: This should come as no surprise since the Jeep brand is renowned for manufacturing vehicles that are built for tackling tough terrain. Depending on the model year and trim you choose, you could even see double-digit ground clearance. Plus, the Wrangler is Trail Rated, with off-road gearing and approach/departure angles that are hard to beat. However, on pavement, you might find the Wrangler is more truck-like and less refined than other SUVs.
• Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is a traditional body-on-frame SUV with a solid rear axle, which makes it ideal for off-roading. This is particularly true when it comes to specialized trims such as the TRD Pro. Still, that same body-on-frame might also create a firmer ride and more road noise, which is something to consider.
• Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport, specifically the Badlands trim, offers impressive suspension lift and all-terrain gearing that give it an added bit when hitting the trails. And while it does have a stiffer ride, if you land somewhere in the middle when it comes to ground clearance and ride comfort, you will appreciate its smaller footprint for improved maneuverability in tighter driving conditions throughout Amsterdam and beyond.
• Toyota RAV4: Another smaller pre-owned SUV to consider if you want higher ground clearance is the Toyota RAV4 TRD or Adventure trim. It is worth noting, however, that the RAV4 isn’t the best choice for heavy off-roading, but it does well in lighter situations. Like the Ford Bronco Sport, its smaller frame is great for daily driving tasks that include commuting or parking in smaller spaces.

When ride comfort matters most, we suggest taking a look at these pre-owned SUVs:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s platform and suspension tuning favor a more composed, quieter ride. Plus, it’s a solid pick for long-distance driving, whether you have family or friends in tow, as it is roomy and comfortable and comes well-equipped with many of the latest safety and connectivity features, even in models from previous years. It is also worth mentioning that it does offer moderate ground clearance, which is key when facing winter driving.
• Honda CR-V: The CR-V is well-known for providing a smooth ride and sensible, car-like handling, and it does offer enough ground clearance to give you confidence when the weather turns in Amsterdam. Additionally, its smaller footprint and the brand’s focus on durability, fuel efficiency, and comfort make it a great option for daily driving.
• Chevy Equinox: The Equinox offers a comfortable, forgiving ride with predictable handling, making it a great option for busy families on the go who heavily prioritize comfort over ground clearance. Additionally, like the Highlander and the CR-V, you will find it offers more than enough room for passengers and cargo, plus many of the features today’s drivers are looking for when it comes to safety and connectivity.
• Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer strikes a balance between ground clearance and ride comfort, making it an appealing option if you have one foot in each camp. Its ride height is sufficient for handling snow, gravel roads, and uneven terrain, but it also offers a composed ride and stability whether on the highway or city streets. Plus, you will find the suspension leans toward comfort, which means it can absorb bumps while still keeping you in control.

Stop by for a Test Drive Today

If you are looking for a pre-owned SUV, there are many things to consider to ensure you find the right fit, including whether ground clearance or ride comfort matters most. Our team at DePaula Ford understands this debate and is happy to offer some assistance along the way to ensure you have all the details you need to feel confident in your final decision. You can find our pre-owned SUVs online or take the drive from Amsterdam to see our selection up close. Either way, we’re excited to help you find the right match for your driving routine.