Ford Explorer Ground Clearance
The base 2022 Ford Explorer gets 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The Timberline trim increases that number to 8.7 inches.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The ground clearance for the 2022 Ford Explorer is 7.9 inches in every trim except the Timberline, which raises you to 8.7 inches. Getting a 4WD build can raise the ground clearance on non-Timberline trims to 8.2 inches, however.
SUVs are known for their rugged appearance and adventurous off-roading capabilities. While it’s standard to look at the engine power, tires, and drive type to determine how well these powerhouses can handle wild terrain, it’s just as important to look at ground clearance specs.
We're here to guide you through everything there is to know about the Ford Explorer’s ground clearance, from trim level differences to how the Explorer’s ground clearance has evolved. Let’s dive in!
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Ford Explorer ground clearance
The Ford Explorer’s ground clearance varies by trim level—but typically not by much. Here’s how the ground clearance minimums break down in the latest model:
Equipped to handle intense off-roading, the Timberline trim predictably features the highest ground clearance. If you go with a 4WD build on every other trim level, however, you will increase your ground clearance to 8.2 inches.
Ford Explorer ground clearance over the years
If you’re hitting the off-road in a Ford Explorer model from the last few generations, your ground clearance might actually be marginally higher than the current generation. However, this tends to only be the case for ground clearance maximums.
Ground clearance minimums (typically the RWD configuration) run lower in previous generations. Debut generations have significantly less starting ground clearance.
Here’s a look at how those ground clearance numbers have shifted over the years:
- 1991 (1st generation): 6.3 inches
- 1998 (2nd generation): 6.7 inches
- 2004 (3rd generation): 6.7-8.5 inches
- 2008 (4th generation): 8.3-8.5 inches
- 2019 (5th generation): 7.8-8.3 inches
As you might guess, the Ford Explorer’s ground clearance really depends on the model year, trim level, and drive type. While there is a general trend of the Explorer’s ground clearance increasing over the decades (then decreasing marginally), there are still outliers within each generation.
For example, the 2004 and 2005 Ford Explorer models are both in the third generation, but the 2005 model’s ground clearance begins at 7.9 inches, whereas the 2004 model starts at 6.7 inches in the same 2WD XLT configuration.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowWhat is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
While ground clearance might seem like an extra spec most drivers forget about, it actually holds special significance for off-road SUVs. Measuring the space between the lowest point on the car’s chassis and the ground, ground clearance essentially lets you know how well your car can handle uneven terrain.
The higher your ground clearance, the less likely you’ll damage your vehicle’s undercarriage while on an off-roading adventure. Experts generally recommend that you stick to the pavement or light gravel unless your vehicle has at least 8.5 inches of ground clearance.
Therefore, you’ll want to go with the Timberline trim—which was designed with off-roading in mind—if you want to take your Ford Explorer down the most untrodden paths.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
Is the Ford Explorer a good off-road vehicle?
The rugged Timberline trim is designed with enhanced features like all-terrain tires, a suspension lift, and underbody skid plates to give the Explorer solid off-roading capabilities.
That said, while the Timberline trim comes with that 8.66 inch ground clearance lift, it lacks the option to add the aggressive 400-hp twin-turbo V6 that can power the King Ranch,
Platinum
, and ST
models. Rather, it only comes with a 300-hp 2.3 L four-cylinder, which doesn’t give quite as much off-roading edge as the Toyota
Sequoia TRD Sport’s standard V8 engine or the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
’s optional V8. However, the Ford Explorer Timberline does come with revised grilles and bumpers and limited-slip rear differential, which is useful in damage protection and maximizing traction off-road.
The Timberline also comes with all the extra safety features available in the
ST-Line
, like lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and a surround-view camera system. At around $48,800, the Explorer Timberline is a more affordable off-roader than both the Jeep Cherokee and the Toyota Sequoia. If you’re purchasing an SUV with off-roading in mind, you may want to stick with one of the less expensive classics, like the Jeep Wrangler
. MORE: Ford Explorer ST V6
How to insure your Ford Explorer for less
If you’re itching to use the Ford Explorer Timberline’s high ground clearance to your advantage on your next off-roading adventure, you’ll want to make sure your SUV is protected against any damage it might take on.
That’s where
Jerry
comes in! The app is free to use and instantly compares quotes from over 55 top insurers to find you the lowest rates available for the coverage you need. When you find a plan you like, just select it through the app and Jerry’s expert brokers will help handle all the transition calls and paperwork. The average user ends up saving more than $800 a year on
car insurance
, so it’s definitely worth a look if you want to protect your Ford Explorer on that rugged road for less!“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to giveJerrya try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
