Tesla Model 3 Ground Clearance
All Tesla Model 3 vehicles have approximately 5.5 inches of ground clearance.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Edited by Kathryn Kurlychek
The ground clearance for the Tesla Model 3 across both trims is 5.5 inches, which has been a consistent specification since the electric vehicle’s inception in 2017.
- The Tesla Model 3 RWD and Performance both feature the same ground clearance of 5.5 inches.
- The Tesla Model 3 has had the same ground clearance since its introduction in 2017.
- Ride height matters for all types of road surfaces—and knowing your Tesla Model 3’s ground clearance will help you protect your undercarriage from unnecessary damage.
Tesla Model 3 ground clearance
The Tesla Model 3 offers 5.5 inches of ground clearance.
There are two different trim levels for the Model 3—Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Performance—but the differences between these offerings focus more on battery range and athleticism as opposed to physical dimensions. You get 5.5 inches no matter what.
Tesla Model 3 ground clearance over the years
Tesla has never been known to follow the status quo. The same goes with how they release and update their vehicles.
Since the Model 3’s inception in 2017, it has maintained practically identical exterior dimensions, including its ground clearance specs. This is due to the fact that most improvements to the Model 3 come in the form of software updates rather than aesthetic reconfigurations.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
Why ground clearance matters
Ground clearance is the specification that defines the distance between the road and the lowermost part of your vehicle. Having a low ground clearance makes your vehicle risk bottoming out on dips or obstructions in the road.
Not slowing down before impact can severely damage the chassis or underbody of your vehicle. In fact, the Model 3 has struggled to launch in India due to some ground clearance issues.
The 5.5 inches of ground clearance simply isn’t enough to scale some of the larger speed bumps without scraping the bottom of the car. As a result, Tesla is reengineering the vehicle’s suspension to accommodate areas that require a higher ground clearance.
Taking the Tesla Model 3 off-road
The powerful electric torque, available dual-motor AWD setup, and long electric range give the Model 3 Performance some of the capacity to conquer off-road terrain, but at the end of the day, it’s still a low-sitting sedan. From its shortened wheelbase distance to a meager 5.5 inches of ground clearance, the Model 3 simply isn’t designed to be taken off-road.
However, you can make adjustments to access greater off-road capacity!
The Tesla Model 3 rides on coil springs, which you can tune for extra clearance. Nothing is stopping you from installing aftermarket suspension kits and all-terrain tires to improve off-road performance!
But in all honesty, if offroading is what you’re looking for, you may be better off opting for the
Tesla Model X
. The Model X—an electric SUV—will get you 9 inches of ground clearance. The Tesla Model Y
sits in the middle with 6.8 inches of ground clearance for non-Performance trims and 6.2 inches for the Performance. “Jerryis an amazing app. Thanks to it, I saved a lot of money for my Tesla Model 3’s insurance. I’m so glad I downloaded the app!” —Erza S.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
