The quality of Russian roads cannot be compared with roads in other countries, however, foreign automakers, taking this factor into account, produce. These include hatchbacks, the modern representatives of which are called “pseudo-all-terrain vehicles.” In addition to increased ground clearance, they also receive a plastic body kit and underbody protection, as in the off-road version.
In fact, why buy an expensive SUV if the only off-road features are lumpy roads and medium-height curbs? Will cope with them hatchback with high ground clearance. Its clearance should let the hatches through, calmly allow it to roll into the hole and park towards the sidewalks. According to Russian standards, the minimum ground clearance is measured under the lower center point of the car. The measurement zone does not include wheels, mudguards, and sometimes suspension elements, such as lower control arms, or, for example, a resonator. Thresholds may be under attack - they are easily damaged at turning points in the roads. So, if a stump or hatch suddenly appears, you also have to sharply choose your trajectory. You should treat the measurements provided by the manufacturer with skepticism, and you still need to check and measure the anatomical features of your car yourself.
In some companies, clearance is recorded with the car equipped, but without cargo and passengers; in Renault, readings are taken when loaded, which is the maximum permissible for a given vehicle. That's why the results can vary by up to two centimeters. The ratings given by the manufacturers should not be taken at face value, but they help to at least roughly orientate oneself.
Opel Mokka
Currently, the Opel Mokka model with 175 mm ground clearance is available to Russians. The manufacturer offers three types of gasoline engines with a capacity of 140 horsepower, a 5 or 6-speed gearbox (manual or automatic) and all-wheel drive. Only the version with a 1.8-liter engine is not all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen CrossPolo
The Volkswagen CrossPolo has a slightly larger ground clearance of 176 mm. For the Russian version of the model, a gasoline engine with 85 horsepower is provided. The car's capabilities are expanded thanks to powerful body protection, but you still can't call it an off-road car, since it only has a front-wheel drive system.
Lada XRAY and Renault Sandero Stepway
Since December 2015, AvtoVAZ has been producing Lada XRAY. Many consider it an all-terrain vehicle, but it is a hatchback crossover adapted for Russian roads. Many new elements were taken from the Sandero Stepway. Another version, Lada XRay Cross, will be even better adapted to Russian roads. Its release was planned for March 2016. The version has an all-wheel drive system and can be compared with the Sandero Stepway in cross-country ability.
Kia Soul
Compared to the above-mentioned cars, the Korean “Kia Soul” looks like an all-terrain vehicle. But he received the platform from the Kia Rio hatchback. Perhaps because German developers and designers took part in the development of the design, the model turned out to be very strict in terms of ride rigidity and very dynamic, despite the diesel engine. The ground clearance is 160 mm, which allows the car to climb curbs and dip into holes.
Nissan Juke
Nissan's Juke model became a bold and successful project. It is made like a real hatchback, without pretensions to off-road capability. Its all-wheel drive is implemented in a non-standard way: two clutches on the rear axle shafts helped. They increased cross-country ability, handling, and steering effect.
Skoda Fabia Scout
The off-road modification “Scout” appeared on the Skoda Fabia hatchback. It would be appropriate to say that the model does not have high ground clearance, it is simply stylized as an SUV. Despite the power indicated in the passport, only 105 “horses,” the model is considered very playful, since it has a low weight, and the engine has solid traction at low speeds.
It must be said that foreign-made cars are not designed for Russian roads. It is not surprising that a third of cars sold on the secondary market have defects in the bottom and sills. That's why cars with high ground clearance, are in demand. Hatchbacks sold by official dealers in Russia are equipped with a special package for bad roads. It includes reinforced shock absorbers and suspension, and in addition to increased ground clearance, it has underbody protection. The Ford Fusion is distinguished by its low price and high ground clearance (about 185 mm, according to the manufacturer). Relatively inexpensive Toyota and Chevrolet hatchbacks also have good ground clearance.
There are a lot of cars with high ground clearance; it is impossible to list all the models in one article, but we will consider the most popular of them, those that are in great demand in the automobile market.
Option "bad road package"
When choosing a car, many buyers pay attention to its ground clearance, and this is natural, because the vehicle’s cross-country ability depends on the ground clearance, and this is an important advantage in our operating conditions.
As a rule, jeeps, crossovers, and SUVs have high ground clearance.
But many manufacturers, meeting the buyer who does not want to buy an expensive car, but at the same time dreams of becoming the owner of a car with high ground clearance, are introducing a special “package for bad roads” option for sedans and hatchbacks.
As a rule, this package provides:
- This model has increased ground clearance compared to its European counterpart, usually 3-5 cm;
- Reinforced chassis (levers - thickened polyhedral steel, reinforced springs, shock absorbers);
- Adaptation of the engine to our operating conditions (to our fuel);
- Factory installed engine protection;
- Other options depending on vehicle model.
But you need to take into account that the automaker indicates the ground clearance, measured on an empty car, with passengers and cargo in the trunk, the ground clearance will decrease by a couple of centimeters, so many car owners, after purchasing a car, immediately try to increase this parameter using, but this is another topic for conversation. And now about the main thing.
High ground clearance SUVs
There are many modifications of the car, as a rule they all have all-wheel drive.
Here are the ground clearance parameters for some models:
- Nissan Patrol (Y62(2014)) with an engine capacity of 5.6 liters has a ground clearance of 273 mm.
- Model Y62 5.6 4WD 2010 – 2014 – 275 mm.
- Y61 models from 2004 to 2013 by modification: 3.0 TD 4WD, 4.8 4WD – 220 mm.
- Y61 models from 2002 to 2004 by modification: GR 3.0 TD 4WD, GR 4.8 4WD -220 mm.
- Y61 models from 1997 to 2002 by modification: GR 2.8 TD 4WD, GR 3.0 TD 4WD, GR 4.2 TD 4WD, GR 4.5 4WD – 220 mm.
Since 2007, only the all-wheel drive modification of the car has been supplied to Russia; it belongs to the class of full-size SUVs (until 2003, mid-size).
The 5.6-liter V-shaped eight-cylinder engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission develops a power of 405 hp.
Ground clearance for Infiniti QX80257 mm.
Mercedes-Benz GL.
Belongs to the class of full-size crossovers, since 2015 - GLS-class.
There are two generations of the car, X164 (produced from 2006 to 2012) and X166 (produced since 2012).
The following were subjected to restyling:
- The first generation of X164 in 2009 (for example, the GL 450 CDI restyling model);
- The second is the X166 in 2015 (GLS 350d, restyling).
With the size of the ground clearance of the Mercedes-Benz GL, not everything is clear; the fact is that the car is equipped with air suspension, for example, in the first generation X164 it is present on all models. Finding a car without air suspension is quite problematic.
Accordingly, the ground clearance of the Mercedes-Benz GL (GLS) is adjustable, the maximum is 307 mm, the minimum is 205 mm.
Belonging to the SUV class is a rather rare car on our roads. 50% of produced units have all-wheel drive.
Refers to cars with high ground clearance; depending on the model, the ground clearance can be 178, 180 and 203 mm.
Land Rover Range Rover.
The well-known SUV, equipped with air suspension, is perfect for use in our conditions.
Depending on the modification, it has different ground clearance, which can vary from 221 to 295 mm.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro (USA).
There are two modifications of this car: Toyota 4Runner and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
In the first case, this is a regular version of the car, developed for the US market. Depending on the modification and year of manufacture, the ground clearance for this model can be 221, 228, 229, 231 and 244 mm.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a car specially designed for off-road driving. The introduced design innovations (and there are quite a few of them) made it possible to increase the vehicle's ground clearance to 283 mm.
Jeep Grand Cherokee.
All-wheel drive SUV with high ground clearance. Depending on the modification, year of manufacture (from 1992 to 2013) and type of suspension, ground clearance can be 200, 210, 218, 221 mm.
The latest versions of the car were produced with Quadra Lift air suspension, thanks to which the Jeep Grand Cherokee's ground clearance can be increased to 282 mm.
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
A compact SUV with all-wheel drive, specially designed for off-road driving. It has a ground clearance of 221 mm, while its predecessor Jeep Cherokee has a ground clearance of only 151 mm.
Crossovers with high ground clearance
It occupies one of the leading positions among all-wheel drive crossovers with high ground clearance. The vehicle's ground clearance is 270 mm.
In Europe, one of the best-selling models from Audi; a special highlight of the car is the transmission with Quattro technology.
A sports all-wheel drive crossover with a low ground clearance of 205 mm for this type of vehicle. But given the sporty nature of the car, this figure is acceptable.
The crossover can cope with moderately difficult off-road conditions with a bang.
Volkswagen Touareg.
Depending on the generation and modification, the ground clearance of the car can be 200, 220, 230 and 237 mm, and for the off-road version with air suspension 300 mm.
Therefore, the Volkswagen Touareg in all generations can safely be classified as a car with high ground clearance.
Skoda Octavia Scout.
The all-wheel drive mid-size crossover was specially designed for off-road travel and the ground clearance of 171 mm fully provides it with such capabilities.
Belongs to the class of mid-size crossovers. On the Russian market since 2006 and during this time it has gained great popularity. Therefore, it is not surprising that in 2014 an updated version of the car (II) appeared on the market.
There are front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the car.
The car's ground clearance is:
- All-wheel drive version with 16-inch wheels – 190 mm;
- Front-wheel drive version with 15-inch wheels – 165 mm, with 16-inch wheels – 175 mm;
- For the second generation SX4 (II) – 180 mm.
Depending on the country of assembly (Hungary or Japan), the ground clearance may change up or down, but not more than 10 mm.
Compact SUV. Two generations of the car were produced in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
Depending on the generation, modification, year of manufacture and type of drive, the Acura RDX can have a ground clearance of 159 mm (130 mm when fully loaded) and 205 mm, which provides it with decent off-road capability.
This is a mid-size crossover developed on the basis of the BMW E39 series. The letter "X" indicates that this is an all-wheel drive version of the car.
It has a ground clearance of 180 mm, in the E70 body – 212 mm.
Such ground clearance and all-wheel drive ensure confident movement of the car over moderately rough terrain.
It is worth paying attention to the domestic manufacturer - a new model with high ground clearance.
Station wagons with the highest ground clearance
A station wagon, which, depending on the year of manufacture of the model and the type of drive, has a different, but quite large ground clearance. The numbers are as follows - 190, 200, 210 mm, which is enough to overcome simple off-road areas.
Both all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and models with plug-in rear-wheel drive were produced.
Audi A4 allroad Quattro.
The five-door station wagon with a reinforced body is an improved modification of the A4 Avant.
Thanks to 17-inch alloy wheels and 180 mm ground clearance, the Audi A4 allroad Quattro has improved off-road qualities.
Five-door (three-door Sport version) hatchback with high ground clearance. With the exception of the sports version of the Suzuki Ignis Sport, which has a ground clearance of 160 mm, all other modifications with engines 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 have a ground clearance of 170 mm.
Skoda Octavia Combi.
One of the best station wagons on the automotive market. Available in various modifications (for the Russian market with suspension for bad roads).
Most models have ground clearance of 155 mm. But there are exceptions.
The Skoda Octavia Combi RS 2.0 TSI has a ground clearance of 127 mm. And the 1.8 TSI 4×4 modification has 154 mm.
It cannot be said that the station wagon has good cross-country ability; it is definitely comfortable for them to move in urban conditions or on flat roads, because the ground clearance of the Peugeot 308 SW varies from 160 to 170 mm, and if measured from the engine protection, this figure will hardly exceed 130 mm.
But we could not ignore this model, since the Peugeot 308 SW has an excellent interior transformation and the ability to transport large cargo, and such properties are not inherent in many station wagons.
In addition to the station wagon, the car is available in sedan and hatchback bodies, but we will focus on the first option.
Depending on the modification, the ground clearance of the car may be different, for example, on the Opel Insignia Country Tourer 2.0 Turbo 4×4 it is 175 mm, and on the 1.6 Turbo and 1.8 ECO it is 160 mm. But in general, the figure 160 is typical for most car models and does not go lower than this figure.
Citroen C5 tourer.
The ground clearance of a station wagon, depending on the model, varies from 150 to 165 mm. But you should understand that for a loaded Citroen C5 tourer this figure will decrease by 2-3 cm.
Below is a table of station wagon ground clearance depending on the modification of the car.
All-wheel drive minivans with high ground clearance
The seven-seater Toyota Alphard minivan, produced in Japan, immediately found its admirers both in Europe and in Russia.
Depending on the modification, the ground clearance of a given car may vary, but it does not fall below 160 mm.
For the Russian market, the car is produced with a ground clearance of 168 mm, which is considered a good indicator for this class of car.
It is produced in both all-wheel drive variations and with drive only to the wheel apron.
Three generations of the Toyota Sienna minivan were produced, which differed not only in configurations, but also in size.
The first generation Toyota Sienna was produced from 1997 to 2002. The ground clearance of the car is 135 mm.
The second generation of the car was produced from 2002 to 2009. Ground clearance – 175 mm.
The third generation has been produced since 2010 and, depending on the model modification, the ground clearance is 165, 168, 175 mm.
It is thanks to the second and third generations that the Toyota Sienna is considered a car with high ground clearance.
The minivan has, depending on the modification, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Five generations of the car were produced.
From 1994 to 1999 - the first generation, from 1999 to 2003 the second, 2003 - 2008 - the third, 2008 - 2013 the fourth, from 2013 - the fifth generation.
In each generation, car models with different ground clearance were produced.
In the 1st generation it varied between 150 to 170 mm. In 2nd – 140, 155 and 165 mm. In the 3rd generation 150, 155 mm. In the 4th and 5th generations, the ground clearance of the Honda Odyssey is 145 and 150 mm.
It cannot be said that the figures are impressive, with the exception of some first-generation models, but the Honda Odyssey was mainly produced only for the markets of Canada, the USA, Mexico, South Korea and a number of other countries.
Mitsubishi Delica.
A real four-wheel drive minibus, produced in five generations.
Depending on the generation and modification, the vehicle's ground clearance can be 140, 160, 165, 170, 180, 190, 205, 210 mm.
But most Mitsubishi Delica models are produced with ground clearance of 160, 170, 180, 190 mm, so this car has good cross-country ability.
To this list we can safely add the 2017 model, which has a ground clearance of 210 mm.
To be continued.
3.7 / 5 ( 3 votes)
Having a car with high ground clearance is a necessity for domestic car enthusiasts, which allows them to feel comfortable on the roads of Russia. Until the problem with Russian roads is corrected, cars with high ground clearance will be the kings of domestic roads! We present to you a list of the eight most affordable high-clearance cars on the Russian car market.
Chevrolet Niva.
GM-AvtoVAZ has created an excellent cross-country crossover, which is very popular among compatriots. The all-wheel drive Chevrolet Niva has a distance from the body to the road of 200 millimeters, a two-speed transfer case, a locking center differential and an naturally aspirated engine with 80 horsepower. The cost of a domestic car with an American name ranges from 579,000 rubles to 704,000 rubles.
Ford EcoSport.
The American SUV also has an impressive ground clearance, thanks to which it is loved by domestic drivers. Ford EcoSport has a clearance of the same 200 millimeters, which is quite comfortable for our roads. Plus, this advantage is emphasized by a reliable American 5-speed manual transmission and a 122-horsepower engine. The cost of the basic configuration is 902,000 rubles, and the robotic version is 80,000 rubles more.
Renault Captur.
The front-wheel drive version has a ground clearance of 204 mm, which gives drivers comfort on Russian off-road conditions. The cost of the basic version of the Renault Kaptur starts from 980,000 rubles, but the top-end, all-wheel drive version of the car has an even greater ground clearance, 210 millimeters, but costs an order of magnitude more than its smaller brother.
Lada 4X4.
The domestic Niva has a ground clearance of 205 millimeters, and this makes this car a favorite domestic SUV. The all-wheel drive Niva has several trim levels, the poorest of which costs about 465,000 rubles, and the most advanced is available at a price starting from 552 thousand rubles (five-door with Urban modification).
UAZ Hunter.
The Hunter from UAZ has a ground clearance of 210 mm, which makes it one of the leaders on our list. The domestic SUV has a classic UAZ appearance and legendary cross-country ability, which is unattainable for most modern crossovers. Three configurations of the “Hunter” are sold in stores at prices ranging from 609 to 670 thousand rubles. The UAZ Hunter engine has 128 horsepower and a volume of 2.7 liters.
UAZ Patriot.
The modernized version of the UAZ has the same 210 mm clearance, but the Patriot’s equipment is many times more interesting, and the appearance is much more attractive in big cities. 135 horsepower, 2.7 liters – these are the engine parameters of this king of Russian roads, which is available in showrooms at prices ranging from 779 to 990 thousand rubles.
Renault Duster.
Another representative of inexpensive crossovers, which has a ground clearance of 210 mm and feels great in any driving conditions. It is worth noting that the Renault Duster is popular among domestic drivers precisely because of its price and reliability, because even the most advanced modification of the SUV is available at a price not exceeding 1,000,000 rubles.
Those who are choosing a car for themselves will find the list of inexpensive cars with a high seating position useful. After all, this is exactly what the domestic car enthusiast needs. Unfortunately, our roads leave much to be desired, so this technique turns out to be useful. In winter, courtyards are often swept away; again, the easiest way to get through the snowdrifts is in a high-riding car. In this case, crossovers are an excellent alternative to SUVs that are more expensive to maintain.
In addition, such cars look solid, which in many cases also affects the choice. Thus, a car with high ground clearance turns out to be an excellent option for the driver.
Volkswagen Polo. The list of inexpensive high-slung cars should start with this car. After all, its ground clearance is 17 centimeters. This is even a little more than some crossovers. But drivers love this model not only for its high seating position, but also for its reliability. The car does not require special attention, and it costs no more than other foreign cars. Perhaps this is the biggest trump card of this model.
Kia Soul. This car is often mistaken for an SUV. This is greatly facilitated by his rather “muscular” appearance. But in reality this is an ordinary front-wheel drive car. Its assets include high ground clearance (16 cm) and a spacious trunk. Standard volume 340 liters. If you unfold the seats, you get a small cargo van with a volume of 1511 liters. This is what attracts people to him.
Nissan Juke. This car is distinguished not only by its high seating position, which reaches 18 centimeters, but also by its high cross-country ability. This model has true all-wheel drive. Moreover, it was made quite unconventionally. It has 2 couplings on different axle shafts at the back. This not only significantly increases its cross-country ability, but also improves handling. At the same time, the car is quite powerful and fast, which allows you to move normally on any type of road.
Opel Mokka. This model also has a very original all-wheel drive system. It is quite simple to implement, which made it 60 kg lighter. The car's ground clearance is 17.5 centimeters. The Opel Mokka has quite interesting proportions: it is tall, but at the same time quite narrow. Thanks to this feature, the model, despite its formidable appearance, has good maneuverability in city conditions. At a relatively low price, the car gives the impression of an expensive SUV.
Suzuki Sx4. This model was developed jointly with the Italian Fiat plant. The car received a design, both external and internal, from European engineers. The car has, perhaps, the best cross-country ability in its class. This is achieved by a high seating position, as well as the shortest possible body kits. In addition, an electronic imitation differential lock is installed here. The rest is .
Skoda Fabia Scout. Despite the low ground clearance (15.6 cm), the model is perfectly prepared for off-road travel. The lower part of the body is not only galvanized, it is also protected by special plastic linings. Sports seats are also standard. Which makes the model even more attractive in appearance. The downside is that it only has front-wheel drive. Which makes it a completely ordinary car, only a little more reliable when necessary to drive off the asphalt.
Conclusion. When choosing a car, you need to take into account all your requirements. This will allow you to choose the car that suits you best. The list of inexpensive high-riding cars will be useful to drivers in most of our country. After all, our roads are far from perfect. By purchasing such a car, you are guaranteed not to scrape the bottom over bumps.
Clearance is the distance from the road surface (asphalt, soil) to the lower central part of the vehicle. This is an important characteristic when choosing a car, which directly affects the vehicle’s maneuverability and controllability, behavior on city roads and off-road. Cars with high ground clearance belong to the classes of SUVs and crossovers. However, the interest of buyers in more comfortable and affordable cars has led to the emergence of new subclasses of vehicles - all-terrain station wagons, high hatchbacks with off-road plastic body kits. Such cars are adapted for city use, but if something happens they are ready to drive on broken country roads.
In this article we will talk about the best high-clearance cars from domestic and foreign manufacturers in the following categories:
- sedan;
- compact hatchback;
- all-terrain station wagon;
- urban crossover;
- frame SUV.
Automaker tricks
Ground clearance is measured from the lower central part of the vehicle, which is difficult to determine due to the large number of protruding parts and elements under the bottom of the car. The front part, in which the internal combustion engine is located (for most cars), is taken as the calculation point.
However, a steel structure is also attached to the power unit, protecting the mechanism from direct impacts and dirt. The engine crankcase protection “eats up” part of the vehicle’s ground clearance, and the passport often indicates the ground clearance measured from the bottom of the engine. Consider this fact when buying a car.
Rating of high clearance sedans
1. Lada Vesta
A car with beautiful X-shaped styling and balanced driving characteristics. It has a 2635 mm wheelbase, front-wheel drive and a 480-liter trunk. The ground clearance of the 4-door Vesta sedan is 178 mm, which is more than enough to drive through broken roads with potholes and other defects.
The car comes with 2 gasoline engines of 1.6 and 1.8 liters with a power of 106 and 122 hp. respectively. The power units are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT robot with the same number of stages.
A car created on the Lada Granta platform and similar to the Russian budget sedan. The main advantage over the domestic passenger car is the presence of a 4-band automatic transmission, offered in the Trust and Dream trim levels.
The updated Granta with a nameplate from another manufacturer is a compact, practical and inexpensive car, characterized by unpretentious operation, adapted to Russian road conditions due to a reliable and repairable suspension, high ground clearance of 174 mm.
It is worth noting that On-DO sedans with automatic transmission are 10-20 mm lower than versions with manual transmission.
3. VW Polo
One of the best representatives of cars in this class. The Volkswagen Polo sedan is an easy-to-drive car, adapted for Russian roads. Meets in Kaluga. Compared to its classmates, it has a rich engine range and a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, the ground clearance is less than that of AvtoVAZ’s flagship, Vesta. It is 163 mm.
Under the hood of the 4-door sedan there is a junior 90-horsepower engine, its powerful version with output of 110 “horses,” or a turbocharged TSI gasoline unit developing 125 hp.
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Characteristics |
|||
| Overall dimensions, mm |
4410 to 1765 to 1491 |
4337 by 1700 by 1500 |
4390 to 1699 to 1467 |
| Wheelbase, mm | |||
| Wheel formula | |||
| Ground clearance, mm | |||
| Trunk volume, in l | |||
| Number of internal combustion engines and gearboxes to choose from, pcs. | |||
| Starting price, in rub. |
Hatchbacks
First place in the ranking of hatchbacks with high ground clearance. Sandero Stepway is an improved version of the regular 5-door urban hatchback Sandero. It does not have all-wheel drive, but thanks to its short wheelbase, high ground clearance and large departure and approach angles, it is ready to drive on moderate off-road conditions. The car is compact, and therefore poorly suited for long-distance travel in a large company, but it is unpretentious in operation and comes with several gasoline engine options to choose from. The most powerful engine is 113 horsepower. Available with manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.
2. Kia Rio X-Line
An off-road version of the city hatchback, designed on the basis of the new Rio sedan. It is 10 millimeters higher compared to the donor model, has different suspension settings and a plastic body kit around the perimeter. Petrol internal combustion engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters, developing 100 and 123 hp, are offered as engine units. They are paired with 2 gearboxes - manual (6MT) and automatic (6AT).
Video: KIA Rio X-line test drive. Energy intensity? Testing the suspension.
Already in the basic configuration, the hatchback is offered with leather trim on the gear selector and steering wheel, 2 airbags and air conditioning.
3. Datsun mi-Do
mi-DO is an analogue of Kalina 2 with modest overall dimensions and a small trunk. However, compared to other compact city cars, it has high ground clearance, which makes you feel more confident on poor quality roads.
Under the hood of the Datsun city car there is a non-alternative 87-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. It is paired with a manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Characteristics |
Sandero Stepway |
Rio X-Line |
|
| Overall dimensions, mm |
4080 by 1757 by 1618 |
4240 by 1750 by 1510 |
3950 by 1700 by 1500 |
| Wheelbase, mm | |||
| Wheel formula | |||
| Ground clearance, mm | |||
| Luggage compartment volume, l | |||
| Starting price, in rub. |
Station wagons
1. Volvo V90 Cross Country
Premium all-wheel drive all-terrain station wagon with a large number of safety systems. Suitable for long journeys and long trips, practical and comfortable, capable of driving off-road thanks to its high ground clearance, however, its large overall dimensions (almost 5 m in length!) become an obstacle when making turns in narrow yards.
The engine range includes 2 petrol and 2 diesel units. The top engine develops 320 hp.
The VW station wagon with a powerful 220-horsepower TSI unit has a low ground clearance compared to the Volvo, but has good off-road potential thanks to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with XDS electronic differential lock. The car is dynamic and copes well with sudden overtaking. Accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The starting price of an all-terrain station wagon from Volkswagen is 2,199 thousand rubles.
The car, which is built on the Legacy platform, has high ground clearance and a permanent all-wheel drive system. Available with 2 power units to choose from, including a powerful 260-horsepower 3.6-liter engine. The engines work only with the Lineatronic CVT gearbox, which significantly limits the off-road capabilities of the station wagon, because The variator does not tolerate increased loads well and does not tolerate “slippage”.
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Characteristics |
V90 Cross Country |
Passat Alltrack |
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| Overall dimensions, mm |
4939 to 1879 to 1543 |
4777 to 1832 to 1506 |
4815 by 1840 by 1675 (with roof rails) |
| Wheelbase, mm | |||
| Wheel formula | |||
| Ground clearance, mm | |||
| Trunk volume, in l | |||
| Number of engines and gearboxes to choose from, pcs. | |||
| Base price, rub. |
The best off-road crossovers
1.Volvo XC60
The younger brother of the flagship XC90 pleases with its beautiful design and great off-road capabilities. Compared to the previous generation model, it has grown in volume. However, the ground clearance of the new XC60 has decreased by 14 millimeters.
Video: Review and test drive of the new Volvo XC60 2018!
Under the hood of the Swedish crossover lies one of 4 engines. The most powerful is 320 horsepower. It works with an 8-speed automatic transmission and, despite its high dynamics, has economical fuel consumption (8 l/100 km in the combined cycle).
2. Land Rover Evoque
An urban crossover of compact overall dimensions relative to other representatives of the Land Rover brand. Equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a large number of gasoline and diesel power plants to choose from.
The advantages of the model are its bright design, powerful engines and balanced driving characteristics for comfortable city use and confident driving on moderate off-road conditions.
3. Renault Duster
Third, prize-winning place in the ranking with a ground clearance of 205 mm. Duster is a popular car on the Russian market, which is easy to use, passable and reliable. However, the “French” is not a full-fledged SUV, since it has a monocoque body. But the Renault Duster has high ground clearance, economical engines and good geometric cross-country ability, which allows you to overcome serious obstacles without fear of damage to body parts.
The crossover is offered in mono- and all-wheel drive versions. The starting price is 589 thousand rubles.
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Characteristics |
Renault Duster |
||
| Overall dimensions, mm |
4699 to 1999 to 1658 |
4370 to 1985 to 1635 |
4315 by 1822 by 1625 |
| Wheelbase, mm | |||
| Wheel formula |
4x2 or 4x4 |
||
| Ground clearance, mm | |||
| Luggage compartment capacity, in l | |||
| Number of engines and gearboxes to choose from, pcs. | |||
| Starting price, in rub. |
To order |
SUVs
1.Range Rover
A brutal car with 220 mm ground clearance, capable of showing its best side in the city and demonstrating a wide off-road arsenal. Sold in 2 versions - with standard and extended wheelbase. Available only with all-wheel drive.
2. UAZ Patriot
One of the best Russian off-road vehicles with a reliable frame structure. It is equipped with a ZMZ-40906 gasoline engine, an all-wheel drive system and a 2-speed transfer case. It is popular in the car market due to its affordable cost, maintainability and adaptability to difficult operating conditions.
3. Toyota Land Cruiser 200
A 5- or 7-seater car with an initial price tag of 3.8 million rubles. Advantages: excellent design, huge trunk, high cross-country ability and comfortable interior.
The engine line includes two high-volume power units. The 4.6-liter petrol engine develops 309 hp. and 439 Nm of torque. The 4.5 diesel engine is less powerful (249 horsepower), but more torquey (650 Nm). The starting price of a car with an internal combustion engine running on gasoline is 3.8 million rubles. An initial car with a diesel engine will cost 200 thousand rubles more.
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Characteristics |
Range Rover |
Land Cruiser 200 (5 m.) |
|
| Overall dimensions, mm |
5000 to 2073 to 1868 |
4750 (4785) by 1900 by 1910 |
4950 to 1980 to 1955 |
| Wheelbase, mm |
2922 (standard) |
||
| Wheel formula | |||
| Ground clearance, mm | |||
| Trunk capacity, in l | |||
| Number of engines and gearboxes to choose from, pcs. | |||
| Initial cost, in rub. |
To order |
About the disadvantages of high ground clearance
Before buying a car with high ground clearance, pay attention to the characteristics of its behavior on the road. A car with high ground clearance, in addition to undeniable advantages in the field of off-road qualities, has less responsive handling at high speeds, rolls in corners due to a shifted center of gravity and the passage of powerful air currents under the wheels.
