Highlander is a long-running favorite in the US, but it doesn’t sit as tall as other popular SUVs. The largest ground clearance the Highlander ever had measured in at 8.1 inches for upgraded trims of the second generation model years.

Are you curious about the ground clearance specs of the 2021 Toyota Highlander? To find out everything you need to know,

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2021 Toyota Highlander ground clearance

All trim levels of the 2021 Toyota Highlander have 8.0 inches of ground clearance. There are six trim levels in the 2021 Highlander lineup. They include:

Toyota has not deviated from these Highlander trims since 2014. The Highlander also comes as a

hybrid model

which features the same eight-inch ground clearance.

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Toyota Highlander ground clearance over the years

After four generations, Toyota has made numerous design changes to the Highlander. Let’s focus on how the ground clearance height has differed in years past.

1st generation (2001–2007): 6.0 to 7.3 inches

2nd generation (2008–2013): 7.3 to 8.1 inches

3rd generation (2014–2019): 8.0 inches

4th generation (2020–present): 8.0 inches

If you’re interested in purchasing one of Highlander's early generation models, be sure to pay attention to how the ground clearance fluctuates depending on the trim. For example, a 2013 Highlander Limited will have a ground clearance of 7.3 inches while the Highlander SE of the same model year has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches.

MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing

What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

Ground clearance is the measured distance between your vehicle’s chassis and the ground. And while it’s certainly a simple concept, it's a specification that shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re in the market for an SUV with off-roading capabilities.

When it comes to ground clearance for SUVs, the heights are all over the map. Experts advise having a minimum ground clearance of 8.5 inches for any vehicle you plan to take off-road.

As you could imagine, taking a vehicle with too low a ground clearance over rough, wooded trails could present some problems. You could wind up bottomed out with no cell phone service, or with a torn-up undercarriage that will cost thousands of dollars to repair.

MORE:

Car loan for Toyota 2022

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Is the Toyota Highlander a good off-road vehicle?

The Highlander is not ideal for off-roading. You could drive your 2021 Highlander to a campground without getting stuck and its 5,000-pound towing capacity is enough to haul a small trailer. But as far as tearing over fallen tree branches and crawling over boulders, the Highlander is not the SUV for the job.

That being said, the Highlander isn’t lacking power. If you opt for the V6 engine option you’ll get 295 horsepower. Add the all-wheel-drive configuration to that, and you’ve got an SUV that drives well in the snow and is a safe and sturdy family vehicle.

MORE:

Toyota Tundra ground clearance

Guard against accidents with the best Highlander insurance

Whether you’ve got your sights set on a gently used 2021 Toyota Highlander or you’ve already purchased one, there’s one spec you should never ignore: how much you pay for car insurance. Want to find the best prices all in one place—and in record time? Download

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