9 Hybrid Cars With the Most Ground Clearance (With Pics)

Hybrid cars are great options for those who prioritize practicality and reliability. 

These vehicles are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and highly fuel efficient. 

If you need a hybrid car that offers good ground clearance, take a look at our list below. 

1. Honda Accord Hybrid (5.8 inches)

The Accord Hybrid brings just as much to the table as a regular Accord, with even better gas mileage.

A highly efficient powertrain, roomy cabin, and ample cargo space make this one of the best options on today’s market. 

The ground clearance of a Honda Accord Hybrid is a class-leading 5.8 inches. This is good enough for mild off-road ventures and bumpy terrain.

It comes in 4 trim levels: Base, Sport, EX-L, and Touring. Pricing of brand new models ranges from approximately $29,000 to $39,000.

The most popular trim is the midrange Sport variant, which has all the features of the entry-level Base trim and value-adding features such as 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.  

All trims are equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid system that provides 212 horsepower. 

Based on EPA estimates, expect up to 48 MPG for city driving, 47 MPG for highway driving, and 47 MPG for combined driving.

Noteworthy safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

Crash test ratings are excellent. The Accord Hybrid secured a perfect 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. 

1. Toyota Crown (5.8 inches)

While large sedans have fallen out of favor in recent years, Toyota reinforces its superiority in the market by introducing an all-new hybrid large sedan known as the Crown.

It is officially a replacement for the Avalon which was discontinued in 2022. 

The ground clearance of the Toyota Crown is 5.8 inches. This is more than enough to brave shallow floods, snowy roads, and occasional potholes. 

This car comes in 3 trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The base XLE trim starts at around $41,000 while the top-spec Platinum trim goes for around $53,500. 

The XLE and Limited trims are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid system to produce a total of 236 horsepower.

For this powertrain, EPA estimates 42 MPG for city driving, 41 MPG for highway driving, and 41 MPG for combined driving.

On the other hand, the high-end Platinum trim comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with more powerful electric motors, bringing the total output to 340 horsepower.

Fuel efficiency for this powertrain drops significantly as it trades economy for power and performance. EPA specifies 29 MPG for city driving, 32 MPG for highway driving, and 30 MPG for combined driving. 

3. Toyota Camry Hybrid (5.7 inches)

The Camry Hybrid provides its users with excellent fuel economy, comfortable seating, a wealth of standard safety features, and a spacious interior. 

The 5.7-inch ground clearance of the Toyota Camry Hybrid can conquer various types of terrain, challenging road conditions (snowy or flooded), and different potholes and road bumps.

Owners can choose from 5 trims: LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, and XSE. People tend to select the entry-level LE trim, priced at roughly $30,000. 

Regardless of trim level, the Camry Hybrid is fitted with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas/electric hybrid engine paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). 

Fuel economy varies based on driving practices and trim level selected. 

The entry-level LE trim reaches up to 52 MPG for combined driving while the top-spec XSE trim can only reach up to 46 MPG for combined driving, according to EPA measurements. 

Notable safety features include Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar. 

Related: 14 Hybrid Cars with Apple CarPlay (With Pictures)

4. Toyota Prius Hybrid (5.6 inches)

With decades of experience under its belt, the Prius has amassed quite a cult following and unfortunately, quite a number of negative stereotypes as well. 

Despite some negative reception, the Prius is still seen as one of the best in its class, owing to its fuel efficiency, sturdy acceleration, and various driver assistance features. 

The Toyota Prius, regardless of trim level, has a ground clearance of 5.6 inches. This is quite good for a hybrid sedan and should provide owners with the confidence to manage rough or uneven terrain fairly easily.

There are 3 versions of the Prius to choose from: LE, XLE, and Limited. When bought brand new, pricing ranges from around $28,500 to $35,500. 

Each trim comes with a hybrid system that combines a 2-liter engine with electric motors to produce 194 horsepower. 

While the standard drivetrain is front-wheel-drive, an optional all-wheel-drive can be availed of which will bump horsepower up to 198. 

Depending on trim level and driving habits, EPA states that owners can reach up to 57 MPG for city driving, 56 MPG for highway driving, and 57 MPG for combined driving. 

Our favorite safety features are Proactive Driving Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Emergency Driving Stop System. 

5. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (5.5 inches)

The Elantra Hybrid is the version of the Elantra to get nowadays.

It is smooth to drive, exceptionally fuel efficient, and feature-packed. 

The model also comes with a lot of optional safety and driver assistance features for those looking to upgrade the experience. 

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid’s 5.5-inch ground clearance is better than most in its segment. This should be enough to handle shallow waters due to flood, snowy roads due to winter season, and bumpy terrain. 

Car buyers are limited to only 2 trim levels: Blue (approx. $25,700) and Limited (approx. $30,300).

Both trims are equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas/electric engine that provides 139 horsepower.

Fuel economy measurements are great. Expect to reach up to 49 MPG for city driving, 52 MPG for highway driving, and 50 MPG for combined driving. 

6. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (5.3 inches)

The Sonata Hybrid is an absolute attention-grabber thanks to its distinctive styling, cool features, and efficient fuel management system. 

The ground clearance of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is 5.3 inches. This can be increased slightly by replacing the vehicle’s standard 17-inch alloy wheels with a bigger set of tires. 

The more recent model years come in 3 basic trims: Blue, SEL, and Limited. 

All trims are fitted with a 2-liter hybrid engine with an output of 192 horsepower. 

Fuel efficiency estimates are nearly identical, based on EPA estimates. Expect up to 45 MPG for city driving, 51 MPG for highway driving, and 47 MPG for combined driving. 

Related: 12 Hybrid Cars with Blind Spot Monitoring (With Pictures)

6. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (5.3 inches)

The Ioniq Hybrid is a daily commuter that you could rely on for several years to come.

It has excellent fuel efficiency, lots of convenient and value-adding tech, and ample cargo space. 

The ground clearance of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is 5.3 inches. This could be slightly increased by replacing its 17-inch stock tires with a bigger set of wheels or installing a third-party suspension lift kit. 

Future owners get to choose from 4 trim levels: Blue, SE, SEL, and Limited. The most popular trim is the entry-level Blue trim, which costs approximately $25,000. 

All variants are powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid system and a 6-speed automatic transmission, putting out around 139 horsepower. 

Fuel efficiency is best-in-class. While mileage may vary from trim to trim, owners could typically reach up to 58 MPG for city driving, 60 MPG for highway driving, and 59 MPG for combined driving. 

6. Toyota Corolla Hybrid (5.3 inches)

The Corolla Hybrid is a great alternative to Toyota’s more popular (or notorious, depending on who you ask) Prius. 

This model has impressive fuel economy, plenty of standard advanced safety features, and a well-built cabin with great design. 

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid has a ground clearance of 5.3 inches. This can be increased further by fitting the car with a third-party suspension lift kit or body lift kit. 

Buyers can choose from 3 trim levels: LE, SE, and XLE. The most popular trim is the entry-level SE trim, priced at approximately $24,000. 

It is fitted with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and 2 electric motor generators with an output of 134 horsepower.

Fuel economy estimates across the trims are similar. While mileage would vary based on driving habits, you can safely expect up to 53 MPG for city driving, 46 MPG for highway driving, and 50 MPG for combined driving. 

While many owners had to adapt to the low horsepower output of this model, every other aspect of the vehicle was praised, including high-quality materials, fuel efficiency, and smooth handling. 

Related: 11 Affordable Hybrid Sports Cars (With Pictures)

9. Honda Insight (5.0 inches)

The Insight is a practical small hybrid sedan with great fuel economy.

It is nice to drive, pleasant to sit in, and has peppy acceleration for such a small body. 

While the 5-inch ground clearance of the Honda Insight is nothing to be amazed by, this measurement should be good enough for daily trips through bumpy roads, small to medium-sized potholes, and the rare off-road foray. To improve ground clearance, consider replacing the tires with a bigger set of wheels. 

The more recent model years come in 2 trims: EX and Touring. 

When purchased brand new, the EX trim is priced at around $27,000 while the Touring trim comes out at around $31,000. 

Both variants of the model are powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that mainly serves as a generator to supply sufficient power to an electric motor that powers the front wheels, providing a humble output of 151 horsepower. 

Fuel economy for this model is one of the best-in-class. EPA claims to expect up to 55 MPG for city driving, 49 MPG for highway driving, and 52 MPG for combined driving. 

On top of its stellar crash test scores (perfect 5-star NHTSA overall rating), interesting safety and driver assist features include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, and Honda LaneWatch. 

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...