If you’re planning to buy an SUV that’s not only stylish and compact but also practical for Indian roads, ground clearance should be a major factor in your decision. The higher the ground clearance, the easier it is to glide over potholes, uneven roads, and occasional off-road stretches—without damaging the underbody of your vehicle.
In this article, we bring you the top 5-seater SUVs with high ground clearance in 2025 that are perfect for both city commutes and rugged terrains. Whether you’re eyeing a model for daily driving or for that long weekend getaway, this compact SUV list will guide you through your best options.
Table of Contents
Why Ground Clearance Matters for Indian Roads
Indian road conditions can be unpredictable—ranging from smooth highways to potholed city streets and rural gravel trails. Here’s why higher ground clearance makes all the difference:
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Protects underbody from speed breakers and potholes
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Enhances off-roading capabilities
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Offers better visibility and road presence
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Helps during monsoons and water-logged roads
Top 5-Seater SUVs with High Ground Clearance in 2025
Here’s a quick comparison table of the best SUVs for Indian roads in the 5-seater category:
SUV Model |
Ground Clearance |
Fuel Type |
Price (Ex-Showroom) |
---|---|---|---|
Tata Harrier 2025 |
205 mm |
Diesel |
₹15.5 – ₹24.5 lakh |
Hyundai Creta 2025 |
190 mm |
Petrol/Diesel |
₹11 – ₹20 lakh |
Mahindra XUV700 (5S) |
200 mm |
Petrol/Diesel |
₹14 – ₹22 lakh |
Kia Seltos 2025 |
190 mm |
Petrol/Diesel |
₹10.9 – ₹20 lakh |
Maruti Grand Vitara |
210 mm |
Petrol/Hybrid |
₹10.8 – ₹19.9 lakh |
These SUVs rank high not only in ground clearance but also in comfort, tech features, and fuel efficiency—making them some of the best picks from any compact SUV list.
Detailed Breakdown of Each SUV
Tata Harrier 2025
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Ground Clearance: 205 mm
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A rugged yet refined option with updated safety and ADAS features
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Feels solid and well-suited for rough Indian terrains
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Excellent for highway cruising and off-road detours
Why choose it?
Perfect SUV for Indian roads if you want a bold design and powerful diesel performance
Hyundai Creta 2025
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Ground Clearance: 190 mm
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Known for its premium interior and wide variant range
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Available in petrol and diesel, with a new hybrid likely
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Smooth ride quality and reliable for urban as well as hilly drives
Why choose it?
A great all-rounder in the compact SUV list with high ground clearance and advanced tech
Mahindra XUV700 (5-Seater)
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Ground Clearance: 200 mm
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Bold styling, strong turbo engines, and cutting-edge ADAS
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Spacious and feature-rich even in its 5-seater variant
Why choose it?
A performance-packed SUV for Indian roads that’s also future-ready
Kia Seltos 2025
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Ground Clearance: 190 mm
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Sporty design with top-notch interiors
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Offers Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, and ventilated seats
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Comes in petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel options
Why choose it?
If style meets substance is your mantra, this SUV ticks every box
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
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Ground Clearance: 210 mm
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Strong hybrid technology for better mileage
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Comes with an optional AWD variant
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Sophisticated design and feature-rich interiors
Why choose it?
Eco-conscious, efficient, and has the highest ground clearance on this list
Summary: Quick Recap
SUV Name |
Best For |
---|---|
Tata Harrier |
Rugged terrain and premium presence |
Hyundai Creta |
Versatile family usage |
Mahindra XUV700 (5S) |
High-tech and highway performance |
Kia Seltos |
Urban luxury and smart features |
Maruti Grand Vitara |
Mileage and hybrid driving |
If you’re shortlisting the top 5-seater SUVs with high ground clearance, any of these would make a smart, future-proof investment—especially suited for Indian roads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which SUV has the highest ground clearance among 5-seaters in 2025?
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara tops the list with a 210 mm ground clearance, making it ideal for tackling Indian roads with ease.
Are compact SUVs suitable for off-roading in India?
While not all compact SUVs are built for hardcore off-roading, models like the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700 handle rough terrains well thanks to their ground clearance and build quality.
What is a good ground clearance for Indian roads?
Anything above 180 mm is generally considered good. SUVs with ground clearance between 190 mm and 210 mm are ideal for Indian road conditions.
Which SUV offers the best value in terms of features and ground clearance?
The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer an excellent balance of features, design, and respectable ground clearance, making them great value picks.
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