Ground Clearance?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Tx
Ground Clearance?
I’m very interested in purchasing an LC 500 but am a bit concerned about ground clearance. I have a hilly driveway with a crown at the top. Years ago I had a Nissan Altima and it would touch bottom of if I had more than 2 people. On the other hand I had no issues with my GS350 F Sport.
the ground clearance specs for the GS and LC are pretty close but the wheelbases are different, and the LC has the low front fascia.
How often do you owners run into clearance issues? Is it often a problem entering or exiting steeper parking lots, hitting dips in roads, etc?
Unfortunately I don’t have convenient access to bring one home to check the driveway issue.
Thank you very much for your input!
the ground clearance specs for the GS and LC are pretty close but the wheelbases are different, and the LC has the low front fascia.
How often do you owners run into clearance issues? Is it often a problem entering or exiting steeper parking lots, hitting dips in roads, etc?
Unfortunately I don’t have convenient access to bring one home to check the driveway issue.
Thank you very much for your input!
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 208
Likes: 91
I’m very interested in purchasing an LC 500 but am a bit concerned about ground clearance. I have a hilly driveway with a crown at the top. Years ago I had a Nissan Altima and it would touch bottom of if I had more than 2 people. On the other hand I had no issues with my GS350 F Sport.
the ground clearance specs for the GS and LC are pretty close but the wheelbases are different, and the LC has the low front fascia.
How often do you owners run into clearance issues? Is it often a problem entering or exiting steeper parking lots, hitting dips in roads, etc?
Unfortunately I don’t have convenient access to bring one home to check the driveway issue.
Thank you very much for your input!
the ground clearance specs for the GS and LC are pretty close but the wheelbases are different, and the LC has the low front fascia.
How often do you owners run into clearance issues? Is it often a problem entering or exiting steeper parking lots, hitting dips in roads, etc?
Unfortunately I don’t have convenient access to bring one home to check the driveway issue.
Thank you very much for your input!
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,859
Likes: 1,413
From: GA
I have a crown at the top of my driveway as well. When I test drove the RCF I purchased locally, I insisted on bringing it home to confirm that the driveway wouldn't be an issue. When I was considering the LC, I was also concerned about the wheelbase and front end. I found an LC locally that I had no intention of purchasing, but I took it for a test drive and told them I needed to bring it to my house to confirm it would fit. The LC's front end is very close, but it worked out for both cars.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 179
Likes: 132
From: NC
Try with Toyota Camry
I had similar concern and while researching I found that Toyota Camry is 5.7 inch ground clearance which is just 1/2 inch more than LC's. I tried with Camry and all good to move forward. I suggest trying with Camry may give you some idea here.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 172
I park in an underground car park, so was a bit concerned about this, when I got my car. Nose was fine, but breakover is marginal - essentially the rubber aero flaps just ahead of the rear wheels barely kiss the concrete, every time I leave the garage - even though I make sure my passenger, if I have one, walks up the ramp and gets in the car at the top, by the street! 
The LC has a long wheelbase for quite a low car, though thankfully the exhaust, etc. doesn't hang down beneath the body line.
The LC has a long wheelbase for quite a low car, though thankfully the exhaust, etc. doesn't hang down beneath the body line.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 37
From: CA
I too was concerned about ground clearance. To help protect the bottom of the front bumper, I looked into skid plates by Scrape Guard and Automods. I chose Automods because of a thinner product and easier installation. My example will be delivered today. Hope it works as described! Of course, having the front camera on my 25 doesnt hurt either.
Last edited by SRMLS; Jul 18, 2025 at 10:06 AM.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 247
Likes: 107
From: NC
Have never had a problem with crowns or humps but I refuse to go into a lot that has a dip between the road and the lot. When your front wheels go in the dip you are going to scrub $2k worth of paint from the front bumper.
Last edited by 2ksoftail; Jul 18, 2025 at 11:20 AM.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 172
I too was concerned about ground clearance. To help protect the bottom of the front bumper, I looked into skid plates by Scrape Guard and Automods. I chose Automods because of a thinner product and easier installation. My example will be delivered today. Hope it works as described! Of course, having the front camera on my 25 doesnt hurt either.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 121
Likes: 94
From: Texas
Also, even if you "think" you can make the dip without scrapping, make sure you look for any rocks, pavement pieces, etc., on your trajectory. I thought I could make a dip between parking lot and road. . .and did. Unfortunately, I didn't see a couple of rocks about the size of olives, and those evil rocks applied the first character marks on the bottom of my front lip. . .
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 579
Likes: 345
From: TN
I appreciate and understand your concern. Others have given good tips on how to try an test but hope you can actually try an LC on your drive which is a potential deal-breaker. I brought the ground clearance issue up with the dealer/salesman (yes, lamb talking to the wolf) on my first visit me being an SUV driver since 1993. Told me not to worry they would teach me how to navigate with no issues. When prompted on delivery-day by me, the lesson was just cross all whoop-t-doos at an angle and you will be fine. LOL. Just saying your concern is worth pursuing if possible.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 579
Likes: 345
From: TN
It's a crap shoot. Other than our long doors getting in the way, perhaps the LC's most anxious street flaw/daily-driver negative is clearance. On the otherhand, adaption to these limitations is worth the ++positive in my drive.