Subaru Outback Ground Clearance: 8 Models Checked (By Year)

Many drivers who enjoy off-roading or want a vehicle with a higher clearance, though, often wonder – “How much ground clearance does a Subaru Outback have?”

In this article, we’ll discuss how much ground clearance the various generations and models of each Subaru Outback have:

Check Also: 260 great nick names for your Subaru.

2023:

All seven of the most current Subaru Outback trims offer at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

2020-2022:

2019 and Earlier:

Which Subaru Outback Model has the Most Ground Clearance?

The 2023 Subaru Outback features eight trims, seven of which come with ground clearances of 8.7 inches.

The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness upped the ante even more.

This trim features an impressive elevated ground clearance of 9.5 inches and a standard front skid plate, according to Subaru.com.

This ground clearance rivals many sport utility vehicles and allows drivers to take the vehicle into rougher terrains.

Are Subaru Outbacks Considered High-Clearance Vehicles?

Subaru Outbacks certainly aren’t the leader in the highest-clearance, mid-size sport utility vehicles, but the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness can hold its own with 9.5 inches of ground clearance.

If you’re looking for a safe, reliable vehicle for off-roading with plenty of ground clearance – the newer Subaru Outbacks should fit the bill.

Want more information on Subaru Outback Towing Capacity? Check our article here

How Much Ground Clearance do Similar SUVs Have?

Let’s compare how much ground space the Subaru Outback has compared to similar SUV-type models:

Toyota Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Highlander features a ground clearance of 8 inches.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

According to Jeep, the Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk has 10.9 inches of ground clearance, allowing you to confidently take your adventure off-road.

Jeep Wrangler

The ground clearance of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler starts at 9.7 inches for the base level Sport through the lower Sport trims, according to Jeep.

The Sahara trims offer 9.7 inches of ground clearance, while the hybrid Rubicon offers the most ground clearance at 10.8 inches.

Ford Explorer

All 2022 Ford Explorer trims come with 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

Honda Pilot

The 2022 Honda Pilot offers a ground clearance of 7.3 inches.

What Mid-Size SUV has the Most Ground Clearance?

According to CARFAX, the SUV with the most ground clearance is the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover, with a ground clearance of 11.7 inches.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch and the 2022 Land Rover Defender feature height clearances of 11.5 inches.

The average ground clearance of an SUV is between 6-8 inches, while most sedan vehicles have an average ground clearance of just 4-6 inches.

How Much Can you Lift Up an Outback?

You can lift your Subaru Outback an inch or two, depending on the type of lift kit you buy.

Fortunately, if you want to lift your Subaru outback, many aftermarket lift options are available.

Although the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness features an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a lift kit can help improve your vehicle’s appearance and off-road performance.

Other benefits include:

• A better towing experience.
• A more comfortable ride.
• Visibility.
• Protection for vital parts.

Lift kits come in different shapes and sizes depending on where you’re planning on driving and how much extra clearance you desire.

Main Types of Lift Kits:

Strut Top Lift

The strut top lift involves installing new plate spacers on the top of the existing struts to increase the height.

This is the most common type of aftermarket lift kit because it doesn’t tamper with the vehicle’s suspension parts, making it a safe, effective way to add an inch or two of height to your vehicle.

Lower Lift Brackets

The only difference between this lift kit and the strut top lift is the bracket is inserted between the strut and the hub.

This can provide an additional 2.5 inches of ground clearance, which is ideal if you drive your vehicle on more extreme terrain.

Suspension Lift

A suspension lift kit involves replacing the existing suspension springs with sturdier, longer ones.

This typically adds an extra inch of height.

How Much do Lift Kits Cost for a Subaru Outback?

Lift kits range in price depending on several factors, including the type of kit you buy, the manufacturer, and how many inches you want to lift the vehicle.

Based on these factors, you can generally expect to pay between $350 and $2,000 for a lift kit.

Make sure to do plenty of research to find a reputable company to purchase a lift kit.

Can you Lift a Subaru Outback with Bigger Tires?

The 2023 Subaru Outback comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. Many car experts do not recommend using bigger tires on Subaru Outbacks.

However, consider using tires an inch or two more in diameter if you choose.

Conclusion

Regarding ground clearance, the Subaru Outback has come a long way from the first generation manufactured in 1994-1999, which offered a range of 4.5-7.3 inches of height clearance depending on the trim.

Now, most Outbacks offer 8.7 inches of height clearance, with the Subaru Outback leading the way with 9.5 inches.

This ground clearance rivals or surpasses many of the other mid-size SUVs.

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