Small cars with high ground clearance
Small cars are great, and what’s better than one with a high ground clearance? Here are our favourites
Luckily for us, there are plenty of small cars with high ground clearance in the UK, making them perfect for our small city streets, twisty back roads and occasional snowy weather.
Whether you live in a city with lots of speed bumps or in the countryside with muddy trails, a small car with impressive ground clearance is very handy.
Which small cars have high ground clearance?
VW T-Roc
Dacia Duster
Suzuki Ignis
Ford Puma
Toyota Yaris Cross
Honda Jazz Crosstar
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VW T-Roc
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Our pick: Volkswagen T-Roc SEL
Ground clearance
155mm
Dimensions
Length: 4,236mm
Width: 1,819mm
Height: 1,573mm
The Volkswagen T-Roc is one of the most well-rounded small SUVs money can buy, with plenty of interior space, enough tech for most people and a range of engine and gearbox options.
You also get decent ground clearance for a car that’s not designed to go off-road. It’s lower than some of its peers but still 21mm more than the Golf on which it’s based.
Read our Volkswagen T-Roc review
Dacia Duster
 "Dacia Duster off-roading")
Our pick: Dacia Duster Extreme
Ground clearance
217mm
Dimensions
Length: 4,344mm
Width: 1,813mm
Height: 1,656mm
Budget SUVs are becoming more popular as everything is getting more expensive, and the Dacia Duster is living proof that you don’t need to spend the big bucks to have a great car.
With the highest ground clearance on this list, there’s no wonder it’s so popular with families in the countryside and those who enjoy the occasional off-roading with all-wheel drive models.
Read our Dacia Duster review
Suzuki Ignis
 "Suzuki Ignis driving through mud")
Our pick: Suzuki Ignis SZ-5
Ground clearance
180mm
Dimensions
Length: 3,700mm
Width: 1,690mm
Height: 1,605mm
Calling a small car a ‘mountain goat’ is such a cliche for nippy, lightweight cars that can easily tackle off-road courses, but the Suzuki Ignis is such a surprise in this category.
With decent ground clearance (and a 4x4 option), an 895kg kerb weight (in mild hybrid form) and a wide track, it’s super to use in and around town – especially with those pesky speed bumps.
Another great Suzuki option is the Jimny... if you can find one for sale.
Read our Suzuki Ignis review
Ford Puma
 "Ford Puma front three quarters")
Our pick: Ford Puma ST-Line Design
Ground clearance
152mm
Dimensions
Length: 4,186mm
Width: 1,805mm
Height: 1,550mm
Taking the reins from the Fiesta, the Ford Puma is now the brand’s flagship product, offering a small SUV style with a decent ground clearance – 43mm above the Fiesta.
Plus, it’s got lots of tech inside including a 12.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the choice of an automatic or manual gearbox.
Read our Ford Puma review
Toyota Yaris Cross
 "Toyota Yaris Cross")
Our pick: Toyota Yaris Cross Excel
Ground clearance
170mm
Dimensions
Length: 4,180mm
Width: 1,765mm
Height: 1,595mm
If you’re a fan of the standard Yaris – and who isn’t –then, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a great next step up, literally because it’s 20mm higher off the ground.
Not only do you get futuristic-looking styling, but you know you can rely on Toyota’s dependability and overall reliability.
Read our Toyota Yaris review
Honda Jazz Crosstar
 "Honda Jazz Crosstar driving")
Our pick: Honda Jazz Crosstar Advance
Ground clearance
146mm
Dimensions
Length: 4,105mm
Width: 1,725mm
Height: 1,556mm
Whether you’re a learner driver or someone with 40 years of driving experience under your belt, you’re probably well aware of the standard car, but for a higher seating position, step in the Honda Jazz Crosstar.
Sitting 10mm higher than a normal Jazz, the Crosstar with its added cladding and roof rails is a Fiat Panda 4x4 in disguise.
Read our Honda Jazz Crosstar review
Off-road driving tips
So, you want to take your car off-road but aren’t sure where to start? Here are our top tips for off-road driving we think everyone should know:
Ground clearance – duh, we think being high off the ground is vital to ensure you don’t knock anything while going off-road
Adjust your pressures – for off-road driving, you probably want to let some air out for maximum traction, but don’t forget to bring a pump with you for joining the road again!
Check the route – you never want to be stuck in a sticky situation, so always double-check the route to avoid any issues
Triple-check the weather – you don’t want to be stuck in the mud (literally), so make sure to check the weather before heading out into the wilderness/back roads in leafy Surrey
Find a small car
Small cars with lots of ground clearance are really useful for not just everyday life with speed bumps but also if the weather is less than ideal.
If you’re in the market for a used small car, check out our range of options, some of which with impressive ground clearance.
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