If you’re looking for a reliable commuter car, you’re probably more concerned with things like fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety ratings than ground clearance—but the more distance there is between the bottom of your car and the ground, the easier it is to drive on bumpy roads or in winter weather conditions.

To find out more about Ford Focus ground clearance specs, keep reading this guide from

Jerry

, the

super app

for car owners. We’ll even throw in some tips on how to find affordable

car insurance

for your Ford Focus—or any other car you decide to buy.

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Ford Focus ground clearance

Although Ford doesn’t offer any official ground clearance data for the Focus, current owners indicate that the distance between the underside of the car and the ground can range from about 4.5 to 6.5 inches, depending on the model year and trim.

Did you know? The Ford Focus was the best-selling car in the world for a few years during the early 2010s, but it was retired in 2018 to make way for the

Ford Fiesta

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What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

If you’re looking into buying a used daily driver like the Ford Focus, you might be asking yourself: Why should I care about ground clearance? While ground clearance is usually associated with off-road capable vehicles like

SUVs

and

trucks

, knowing how much space is under your car can come in handy—even if you’re just driving around town.

Technically speaking, ground clearance is a measurement of the distance between the lowest part of your car’s chassis and the ground. Here are a few ways that higher ground clearance can affect driving, even if you only travel on paved roads:

More space between your car and the ground means you’re less likely to damage your car by rolling over potholes, speed bumps, or other road obstacles.

Higher ground clearance can also protect the underside of your car from damage caused by flying stones or debris on the highway.

Ever try to drive through a foot of snow in a low-riding car, only to end up sitting in place with your tires spinning? More ground clearance makes it easier to travel during winter weather conditions.

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Is the Ford Focus a good off-road vehicle?

In short, no. Off-roading in a vehicle with anything less than 8.5 inches of ground clearance can result in major damage to your car’s transmission, drivetrain, or tires.

Aftermarket mods like a lift kit or all-terrain tires might allow your Ford Focus to roll over a well-maintained gravel path or a dirt road without damage, but trying to drive a compact car over rocky terrain or through water is risky.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle mud and boulders, you can’t go wrong with a

Jeep Wrangler

or a

Ford Bronco

. But if you want something that won’t break the bank, another option is to check the used car market for vehicles with high ground clearance like a

Subaru Outback

Nissan Xterra

MORE:

What to look for when buying a used car

How to find cheap Ford Focus insurance

If you’re looking for

Ford Focus

coverage, or you just want to explore your options before you buy an off-road vehicle, look to

Jerry

for the lowest rate on your

car insurance

. All you need to do is download the app, and Jerry will scan affordable quotes from more than 50 top-rated insurance companies to find you great coverage options for less.

Once you decide on a policy, give it a tap, and Jerry handles all phone calls and paperwork to help you secure your new coverage. You’ll also get new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so there’s always another chance to save. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.