Toyota 4Runner Ground Clearance

The Toyota 4Runner has a ground clearance starting from 9.0 inches on all front-wheel-drive models to 9.6 inches when equipped with all-wheel-drive.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Ground clearance for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner ranges from 9.0 inches on all front-wheel-drive models to 9.6 inches when equipped with all-wheel drive.  
If you’re looking for an SUV, chances are you’re drawn to rugged looks, outstanding performance, large cargo capacity, and excellent towing capabilities. But whether you’re planning to take your SUV off-roading or not, there’s something else you may want to check out—ground clearance. The last thing you want to hear when trekking through rugged terrain (or even going over a high speed bump) is scratching of the undercarriage.
Whether you drive a 4Runner or are considering purchasing one, we're here with all of the ground clearance specs and how you can save on
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2022 Toyota 4Runner ground clearance

The ground clearance of this rugged off-road machine varies between trims. Here’s the breakdown by each trim level for the 4Runner: 
  • SR5
    : 9.6 inches
  • TRD Sport: 9.6 inches
  • Trail Special Edition: 9.6 inches
  • SR5 Premium
    : 9.6 inches
  • TRD Off-Road: 9.6 inches
  • TRD Off-Road Premium: 9.6 inches
  • Limited
    : 9.6 inches
  • TRD Pro: 9.6 inches
Keep in mind that FWD models have a slightly lower ground clearance of 9.0 inches, but upgrading to AWD—which you’ll want for off-roading—increases the ground clearance to 9.6 inches

Toyota 4Runner ground clearance over the years

If you’re behind the wheel of an older 4Runner, the ground clearance ranges quite a bit depending on trim level and drivetrain. The ground clearance for the 4Runner hasn’t increased substantially from previous generations, but older models tend to have lower clearance specs. 
Here’s the evolution of the 4Runner’s ground clearance over its five generations: 
  • 1st generation (1983-1988): N/A
  • 2nd generation (1989-1994): 8.3 to 10.6 inches
  • 3rd generation (1995-2001): 9.1 to 9.8 inches
  • 4th generation (2002-2008): 8.7 to 9.8 inches
  • 5th generation (2009-2022): 8.7 to 9.6 inches
Remember that ground clearance on the 4Runner varies between model years and drivetrain. For example, the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport FWD has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the 4WD Limited upgrades the clearance to 9.1 inches. On newer models, the AWD vs FWD has been further lifted to 9.6 inches and 9.0 inches, respectively. 

What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

If you’ve looked at a vehicle with off-road capabilities, you’ve probably run into the term ground clearance. And although lift and suspension probably come to the forefront, ground clearance measures the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle’s body and the ground—in simple terms, ground clearance measures the space between your vehicle and the ground. If you’re planning to take your vehicle off paved roads, you’ll want to know the ground clearance. 
Having a higher ground clearance means your vehicle can easily handle rugged terrain without risking damage to the undercarriage. Depending on the terrain you’re planning to tackle, between 8.8 inches to 10.8 inches or more of ground clearance is generally recommended. So, if you’re planning to take the road less traveled in your 4Runner, make sure you choose all-wheel-drive models

Is the Toyota 4Runner a good off-road vehicle?

When it comes to SUVs designed for off-road, you can’t beat the Toyota 4Runner. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 26-degree departure angle, and a 33-degree approach angle, this bad boy is more than a fun run to the grocery store—it’s built for work.
The 4Runner is built on a suspension composed of an independent double-wishbone in the front and a 4-link and coil-spring setup in the back. It’s equipped with a solid body-on-frame construction, advanced off-road features and technology, and a tough powertrain to keep you at the front of the pack—no matter how gnarly the terrain is. 
The 4Runner comes available with Multi-Terrain Select—choose from four modes that regulate wheelspin and brake pressure to maximize traction in all road conditions. The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Crawl Control (CRAWL) provide improved stability during low-speed technical maneuvers on the trails.

Guard against accidents with the best RAV4 insurance

Trekking off-road can be a blast, but if you’re going to take your 4Runner through some of the most rugged terrain, make sure you have an insurance policy that covers any damage you may incur along the way.
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Once you find the policy within your budget, connect with an agent to finalize the details and cancel your existing policy. It’s the easiest way to save time and money on car insurance for your 4Runner. And just by shopping with Jerry, you could save over $800 a year on car insurance! 
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