Which Honda Has the Best Ground Clearance?

In the U.S. lineup, the Honda Pilot TrailSport currently offers the highest factory ground clearance at about 8.3 inches (211 mm). Globally, certain regional models—most notably the India-market Honda Elevate and the ASEAN-market Honda WR-V—are listed at up to 220 mm (about 8.7 inches), which is the highest among Honda passenger vehicles. If motorcycles are included, several Honda dual-sport and adventure bikes far exceed these figures.

Why “best ground clearance” depends on market and model

Ground clearance varies by region, trim, drivetrain, wheels/tires, and even how manufacturers measure it. Honda’s global portfolio includes different SUVs and crossovers by market, so the “highest” figure can change depending on whether you’re comparing U.S. models, India/ASEAN offerings, or motorcycles and powersports products.

Top Honda passenger vehicles with the most ground clearance (current models)

The list below highlights Honda’s highest-clearance road-legal passenger vehicles as of the 2024–2025 model years, noting the markets where these trims are sold and their typical published figures.

• Honda Pilot TrailSport (U.S./Canada): approximately 8.3 in (211 mm)
• Honda CR-V AWD (various markets, including U.S.): up to approximately 8.2 in (208 mm), depending on trim
• Honda Passport (U.S.): approximately 8.1 in (206 mm), including TrailSport
• Honda Elevate (India): 220 mm (about 8.7 in)
• Honda WR-V, latest ASEAN model (e.g., Indonesia): up to 220 mm (about 8.7 in)
• Honda BR-V (ASEAN): around 207 mm (about 8.1 in), depending on market
• Honda Ridgeline (U.S.): around 7.6–7.7 in (about 193–196 mm), varying slightly by trim

Among U.S. passenger vehicles, the Pilot TrailSport leads. Worldwide, the Elevate and new-generation WR-V post the highest listed clearances among Honda cars/SUVs at roughly 220 mm, though availability is regional.

What about Honda motorcycles and powersports?

If your question includes motorcycles and not just cars/SUVs, many Hondas easily surpass SUV figures thanks to long-travel suspension designed for off-road use.

• Honda CRF450RL: around 12.6 in (about 320 mm) of ground clearance
• Honda CRF300L: around 10.9 in (about 279 mm)
• Honda Africa Twin (CRF1100L): around 9.8 in (about 250 mm), depending on version

These figures show that for true off-road terrain, Honda’s dual-sport and adventure motorcycles offer far greater clearance than any passenger vehicle in the lineup.

Choosing the right Honda for clearance and terrain

Beyond the headline numbers, picking the right Honda depends on where and how you drive. The points below can help you match a model to your terrain and usage.

1. Terrain type: Occasional dirt and snow favor SUVs like the Pilot TrailSport or CR-V AWD; rocky trails require specialized off-road hardware or a dual-sport bike.
2. Angles matter: Approach, breakover, and departure angles can be as important as raw clearance for off-road performance.
3. Tires and wheels: All-terrain tires and smaller-diameter wheels with taller sidewalls can improve real-world capability.
4. Payload and accessories: Skid plates, racks, or heavy cargo can reduce effective clearance; check curb-to-loaded ride height.
5. Regional availability: High-clearance models like Elevate/WR-V (220 mm) may not be sold in all markets.

Considering these factors ensures the published clearance figure translates into real capability for your specific use case and location.

Summary

For U.S. buyers, the Honda Pilot TrailSport delivers the highest factory ground clearance among current Honda passenger vehicles at about 8.3 inches (211 mm). Globally, the India-market Elevate and ASEAN-market WR-V reach up to 220 mm (about 8.7 inches), the highest among Honda cars/SUVs. If motorcycles are included, models like the CRF450RL and Africa Twin far exceed those numbers. Always confirm local specs and trim details, as measurements and availability vary by market and model year.

Which Honda is best for off-roading?

The Honda Passport Trailsport is often considered the best off-road Honda vehicle. It’s specifically designed for off-road adventures, featuring a rugged build, available all-wheel drive, and features like all-terrain tires and skid plates. 
This video reviews the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, highlighting its off-road capabilities: 55sDriving Sports TVYouTube · Apr 5, 2025
Here’s a more detailed look at why the Passport Trailsport is a good choice for off-roading and some other Honda options:
Honda Passport TrailSport:

• Off-road tuned suspension: Provides a more comfortable and capable ride on rough terrain. 
• All-wheel drive: Enhances traction and stability in various off-road conditions. 
• Robust skid plates: Protect vital components from damage on rocky or uneven surfaces. 
• All-terrain tires: Improve grip and handling in off-road environments. 
• Recovery points: Front recovery points allow for easy towing or extraction in challenging situations. 

Other Honda Off-Road Options:

• Honda CR-V: . Opens in new tabWhile not as rugged as the Passport, the CR-V is still capable off-road with its all-wheel drive and ground clearance. 
• Honda Pilot: . Opens in new tabA larger SUV with available all-wheel drive, making it suitable for winter driving and light off-roading. 
• Honda Ridgeline: . Opens in new tabA pickup truck with available all-wheel drive, suitable for light off-roading and hauling gear. 
• Honda Africa Twin: . Opens in new tabA popular off-road motorcycle known for its adventure capabilities. 

This video compares the Honda Passport TrailSport with other off-road vehicles: 58sTexas Truck ChannelYouTube · Jul 10, 2025

Is a CR-V considered high clearance?

While the CR-V isn’t a heavy-duty off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler, it has an AWD system and decent ground clearance that make it capable of handling dirt roads, snowy conditions, and light trails.

What is the ground clearance of the Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CRV?

The base ground clearance of the Toyota RAV4 is 8.4-inches and you have an additional two inches of ground clearance on select trim levels. This helps protect the engine and makes it easier to travel off-road. In the CR-V you’ll only have 8.2-inches of maximum ground clearance.

Which Honda SUV has high ground clearance?

The allnew 2026 Passport is wider has a longer wheelbase. And gets increased ground clearance trail Sport models get real bash plates recovery points and all-terrain tires all versions of the midsize.