False information in the ground clearance specification.

[Eduardo]

Hello everyone, this is my first post, I hope it's of interest. I bought a brand new 2025 Badlands. According to Ford specifications, the ground clearance is 208 mm (about 8.2 inches). This is unfortunately false. I measured the ground clearance in the middle of the vehicle, at the spare tire reservoir, and the clearance there is 160 to 170 mm (about 6.3 to 6.7 inches). This false information in the spec sheet is a scam or a hoax, at the very least. I sent a complaint to Ford to see what they respond; I'll keep them updated. It would be interesting for those interested in the subject to perform their own ground clearance checks and verify that Ford specifications are met. Greetings, everyone!

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[jkernitzki]

It's not a false claim or advertising; if it were there would have been a major issue about it here in the US with federal regulators.

Ground clearance is measured from the ground to the lowest point of a vehicle undercarriage, such as the differential, exhaust system, or suspension parts. Spare tire wells are not included in the measurement, along with other non suspension/running gear-related components.

I know it seems like a weird distinction, but that's the way it's been measured on every car for decades.

 

[Dude]

… According to Ford specifications, the ground clearance is 208 mm (about 8.2 inches) …

Here’s a good article on the ground clearance topic if you are interested:

https://suspensionsetups.com/garage/ground-clearance/

 

[Eduardo]

It's not a false claim or advertising; if it were there would have been a major issue about it here in the US with federal regulators.

Ground clearance is measured from the ground to the lowest point of a vehicle undercarriage, such as the differential, exhaust system, or suspension parts. Spare tire wells are not included in the measurement, along with other non suspension/running gear-related components.

I know it seems like a weird distinction, but that's the way it's been measured on every car for decades.

Hi John, thanks for your comment. I understand that the ground clearance from which I measured the height is part of the chassis and is slightly forward of the rear axle. I don't know if that's where the spare tire is exactly; I only mentioned it for reference. I don't know why US regulatory authorities haven't taken note of this. In practice, the vehicle's ground clearance is much lower than indicated, similar to that of some city vehicles, and this significantly limits its off-road capability, even in mild situations. Thank you and best regards.

 

[Eduardo]

Here’s a good article on the ground clearance topic if you are interested:

https://suspensionsetups.com/garage/ground-clearance/

Thanks Dude.
What is explained in the article seems to support my point of view. Best regards.

 

[jkernitzki]

Hi John, thanks for your comment. I understand that the ground clearance from which I measured the height is part of the chassis and is slightly forward of the rear axle. I don't know if that's where the spare tire is exactly; I only mentioned it for reference. I don't know why US regulatory authorities haven't taken note of this. In practice, the vehicle's ground clearance is much lower than indicated, similar to that of some city vehicles, and this significantly limits its off-road capability, even in mild situations. Thank you and best regards.

I appreciate your take on it. I’m fairly certain that the way Ford (and other automakers) measure and advertise that and other specifications is in compliance with US regulations and long-accepted practices here

Where various national regulations require different means of measurement, they are usually quite adamant in complying with those. I know the EU is quite strict on a number of things, which is why the manufacturer will advertise differently from nation to nation.

Keep us updated on what you hear from Ford; it will definitely be interesting to hear their response.

 

[Mt Goat]

I just crawled under my 25 BL Sasquatch, and the clearance is as advertised - 8.7". The low spots are in the front.

 

[Eduardo]

I just crawled under my 25 BL Sasquatch, and the clearance is as advertised - 8.7". The low spots are in the front.

Thanks so much Rick for the information. Don't you notice that from the center to the rear, in the area where the spare tire is, there's a decrease in ground clearance? I took the measurement from the guard (which is made of a flexible material) that's located below the location of the spare tire or fuel tank. My BL isn't a Sasquatch, but I don't think there are any changes in that part of the vehicle. I'll try to upload a photo. Best regards.

 

[Mt Goat]

Here's some photos - I don't have a low spot there....

 

[Eduardo]

Well, I have to say that after a thorough inspection, I've noticed that one of the guards is loose or unadjusted. It's just something that needs adjusting. Thanks everyone for the comments.

 

[Eduardo]

Here's some photos - I don't have a low spot there....

Thank you very much for taking the time to take the photos. It helped me realize where the problem was. Best regards.

 

[petegee77]

Hello everyone, this is my first post, I hope it's of interest. I bought a brand new 2025 Badlands. According to Ford specifications, the ground clearance is 208 mm (about 8.2 inches). This is unfortunately false. I measured the ground clearance in the middle of the vehicle, at the spare tire reservoir, and the clearance there is 160 to 170 mm (about 6.3 to 6.7 inches). This false information in the spec sheet is a scam or a hoax, at the very least. I sent a complaint to Ford to see what they respond; I'll keep them updated. It would be interesting for those interested in the subject to perform their own ground clearance checks and verify that Ford specifications are met. Greetings, everyone!

My Lord, under 7" IS low. That doesn't seem right at all. I'd go to the dealer and ask them WTF ? I'm looking to get rid of my BSBB. Both Subaru and Jeep have ground clearance above 8 1/2 " Good luck mi amigo !

 

[Davexxxx]

My Lord, under 7" IS low. That doesn't seem right at all. I'd go to the dealer and ask them WTF ? I'm looking to get rid of my BSBB. Both Subaru and Jeep have ground clearance above 8 1/2 " Good luck mi amigo !

Keep reading.

There is a lesson to be learned in this thread.

Something about not accusing others, until you're sure.

 

[Jmuns]

My Lord, under 7" IS low. That doesn't seem right at all. I'd go to the dealer and ask them WTF ? I'm looking to get rid of my BSBB. Both Subaru and Jeep have ground clearance above 8 1/2 " Good luck mi amigo !

They make a BS with clearance above 8.5 as well.

 

[petegee77]

Keep reading.

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