Ground clearance
The gap between the ground and the car's lowest point, which sets what obstacles it can pass over, such as speed bumps, rough tracks, curbs, and snow.
Ground clearance is how much daylight separates the road from the lowest hanging part of the car. It sets the terms for everyday obstacles such as steep driveways, speed bumps, unpaved lanes, and deep snow, long before anything resembling off-roading enters the picture.
Measurement conventions are worth checking. Look for the manufacturer's stated conditions, such as whether the car is unladen or loaded, and note that cars with adjustable suspension can list more than one ride height. Treat small differences between models with caution unless the method is the same.
For electric cars there is a specific angle. Hyundai says its dedicated EV platform mounts the battery pack beneath the floor, so in a car built that way the lowest point can be the underside of the pack rather than a suspension part. Check where the quoted clearance is measured before venturing onto rutted tracks.
A higher body also raises the car's height, which can affect aerodynamic drag, so compare consumption figures instead of assuming.