Cars with best ground clearance in the Philippines

Ground clearance is one of one the more important things to consider when buying a vehicle in the Philippines. Roads can often be uneven and riddled with potholes and can be prone to flooding. This is where ground clearance comes in as it gives you a little more space between your vehicle and the road below. For this list, we have divided it into vehicle body types to make it easier to spot which top 3 vehicles ride taller than the rest of their competition in their respective segments. 

If you’re looking for an affordable sedan with high ground clearance then the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 should be on your list. It comes equipped with a frugal 1.2-liter gasoline engine and two transmission choices that can fit almost any budget. On top of that, the vehicle is also competitively priced.

Hot on the heels of the Mirage G4 is another affordable high ground clearance sedan in the form of the Suzuki Ciaz. While both vehicles come with the same ground clearance, the Ciaz takes the 2nd spot due to its higher price point. Just like its rivals this Japanese sedan also comes powered by a fuel-efficient gasoline engine.

Completing the top three high ground clearance sedans in the Philippines is the sporty Mazda2. It brings with it the same looks like it’s much bigger brother the Mazda3 and carries over the same spirited driving dynamics that newer Mazdas are known for. For a spritely vehicle, it comes powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that also gives out great fuel economy. 

Topping the hatchback list is the Suzuki S-Presso, an ideal car for those looking to get good ground clearance at an affordable price. Thanks to its compact form factor the hatchback is able to deliver well in terms of fuel economy thanks to a 1.0-liter gasoline engine. For its price, the S-Presso is well equipped coming with certain features normally found in higher-priced cars.

Coming in second place is the Toyota Wigo. It gets the second spot as it is more expensive than the S-Presso, however, brings with more features to justify the price. If you are looking for a second vehicle or a first car then this small hatchback should be on your list. It comes with an economical 1.0-liter engine and with features that are normally found at a higher price point.

While its sedan counterpart topped the list when it comes to ground clearance for the sedans, the Mitsubishi Mirage rounds off the list for the hatchbacks. Just like its sedan sibling, it carries with it an economical 1.2-liter gasoline engine and a competitive price for those looking to get a taller riding vehicle. 

Topping the list of high ground clearance crossovers is the Mazda CX-9. One of the flagship models of the Japanese brand in the Philippines the CX-9 promises to deliver a premium feel and quality ride handling that all Mazda’s are known for. It comes well equipped in terms of features and sports a powerful 2.5-liter turbo SkyActiv engine. 

A surprise contender to the crossover ground clearance list is the BAIC BJ20. A relative newcomer to the market, the crossover offers interested buyers a rugged-looking vehicle that comes at an affordable price. Like its competitors in this segment, it comes powered by a gasoline engine in the form of a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder motor.

Finishing the top 3 list for crossovers is the Chery Tiggo 7. A newcomer to the segment as the brand recently relaunched in 2019, the crossover seeks to bring great ground clearance at an affordable price. It comes well equipped with features normally found in higher price brackets and sports a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine under the hood. An overall balanced vehicle for those who want a bit more ground clearance for their vehicles.

When it comes to the people hauler segment, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross takes the top spot. Just like its lower to the ground variant, it brings with it the capability to shuttle along 7 occupants in comfort and comes well equipped as well. While it comes with more ground clearance the Xpander cross carries over the same 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine along with the 4-speed automatic transmission. 

Right behind the Xpander cross is the Toyota Rush. The Japanese brand’s popular people hauler has been recently made into an entirely 7-seater lineup. Even its entry-level variant now has seating for seven and comes with a reverse camera. All welcomed upgrades especially for a vehicle of its price point. Similar to that of its competitors it too comes powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline motor and comes with the option of a 4-speed automatic.

Rounding out the top 3 high ground clearance MPVs is the Suzuki XL7. One of the latest additions to the brand’s local lineup in the Philippines the XL7 comes with more SUV-like looks compared to its competitors. It comes well equipped for its single variant and also utilizes a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 4-speed automatic just like the rest of its competitors. 

Who says you can’t mix luxury and off-road capabilities? The Nissan Patrol Royale tops the SUV list with its impressive 273mm of ground clearance. It’s large and in charge and isn’t afraid to show it. The SUV comes well equipped with and comes with a powerful V6 gasoline engine. While not the most fuel-efficient motor on the market it does suit the SUV well and will give you the power when you need it.

Taking the second spot is another large SUV in the form of the Chevrolet Suburban. This behemoth of a vehicle offers buyers a luxurious fee with a lot of space. Unlike its other competitors, it brings a large 5.3-liter V8 motor into play making it one of the more powerful options in its segment. 

Rounding out the top 3 high ground clearance SUV list is the Ford Expedition. This large land yacht brings with it great features and a premium feel. While the rest of its competitors are running naturally aspirated engines, this large SUV adds two turbos into the mix easily placing it as one of the more powerful vehicles in its segment. 

At the top of the list is the off-road-ready Ford Ranger Raptor as it boats the highest ground clearance in its segment. Not only that but the rugged pickup truck comes with special components that are specially designed for off-road use. It also comes with a powerful 2.0-liter BiTurbo diesel engine to match its macho looks.

Trailing behind the Raptor is the ever venerable Toyota Hilux. While not as well equipped in terms of its off-roading kit, the Japanese pickup truck still delivers well when it comes to meeting the utilitarian needs of its customers. Just like the Raptor it too comes with a powerful and frugal turbo diesel engine.

Rounding off the top 3 pickup trucks in the Philippines with the highest ground clearance is the Nissan Navara. It comes with a rugged look similar to that of its competitors and with a powerful diesel motor under the hood. Separating it from the rest of its competitors is a coil spring setup at the rear giving the vehicle a more pliant ride. 

While people haulers are generally not known for having high ground clearance there are a few that do stand out especially with the Foton View Transvan as it tops out this list. It brings with it the capacity to seat 13 to 16 people depending on the variant and comes with an economical diesel motor. It also comes competitively priced for those looking to get an affordable people or cargo hauler. 

Coming in a close second is the Nissan Urvan NV350 as it only comes short by 5mm from the top spot. It brings with it a frugal diesel motor along with the ability to carry 15 to 18 occupants depending on the variant. If you’re looking for competitively priced people or cargo haulers then you might want to consider the Urvan especially with what it has to offer.

Closing off the top 3 positions and adding a little bit more of a premium feel into the mix is the Hyundai Starex. This South Korean van brings with it more luxuries than that of its competitors and a wider range of variants to suit your cargo or people hauling needs. Competitively priced it too comes powered with a turbo diesel engine that is more than ready to carry heavy loads.