Ground Clearance Is Essential For An Off-Road SUV, But It Isn't Everything - Jalopnik

Ground clearance helps an off-road SUV clear obstacles, but it isn’t the only factor that determines whether it can actually get through rough terrain. The article compares clearance ranges from 6–8 inches on “soft-roaders,” to 8–10 inches on more rugged vehicles, up to 12.9 inches on some Jeep Wranglers. It emphasizes traction as the next critical ingredient: without enough grip, drivers can spin wheels even if the vehicle can climb over rocks or ruts. The piece describes traction control as systems—mechanical or electronic—that manage grip through throttle control, active braking, and torque vectoring, citing named features such as Trail Control (Ford), Crawl Control (Toyota), Selec-Speed Control (Stellantis), and Terrain Response 2 (Land Rover). It also notes low range for increased torque, plus the role of tires and airing down for better contact.