In this article, we discuss which vehicle has higher center of gravity in detail.
What is center of gravity?
The centre of gravity (CoG) of a body is the point at which the entire weight of the body is considered to act, regardless of the body’s orientation.
It is the average location of the weight of an object. If you support an object exactly at its centre of gravity, it will stay balanced.
A higher centre of gravity increases rollover risk because turning forces have more leverage to tip the vehicle over
SUVs, trucks, and vans generally sit higher off the ground than sedans or sports cars, making them more top-heavy
Which vehicle has high center of gravity?
A vehicle’s centre of gravity (CoG) depends on its height, width, and weight distribution.
Vehicles with a high centre of gravity are typically:
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
- Buses
- Heavy trucks (like lorries, trailers, and tankers)
In contrast, sedans, hatchbacks, and sports cars usually have a low centre of gravity, which gives them better stability when cornering.
👉 In short: Tall and narrow vehicles (SUVs, buses, trucks) have higher centres of gravity, while low and wide vehicles (sports cars, sedans) have lower centres of gravity.
Also Read: Why is center of gravity important in cars?
Vehicles with high center of gravity:
1. Pickup Trucks
- Dodge Ram B-150 (1987)
Centre of gravity: approximately 85 cm, notably high compared to many cars
2. Full-size SUVs / Truck-based SUVs
- Chevrolet Tahoe (1998)
Reportedly has a CoG of 72 cm
The 4WD “Special Service Vehicle” police version has a higher center of gravity (due to more ground clearance) and is more prone to rollover than the lower-CoG 2WD “Pursuit Vehicle” version - Ford Explorer
A truck-based SUV built with raised ground-clearance and bulkier hardware, making its centre of gravity higher and rollover risk greater
3. Off-road SUVs & Body-on-Frame Models
- Jeep Wrangler (and older models like the Jeep CJ)
Built with a narrow track, short wheelbase, and tall body, resulting in a high centre of gravity that makes them prone to tipping, especially in sudden maneuvers—even though they are optimized for low-speed off-road use - Toyota 4Runner (2025)
Highly praised for its ruggedness, but off-road build (body-on-frame design and large tires) gives it a noticeably high centre of gravity—drivers often feel body roll during turns - Ford Bronco (2025)
Similar to the 4Runner in that its off-road, body-on-frame structure raises the vehicle’s center of gravity. It delivers a top-heavy feel, particularly while driving on regular roads or during lane changes
Summary:
| Vehicle Model | Type / Build | Centre of Gravity or Risk Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Ram B-150 (1987) | Pickup Truck | CoG ≈ 85 cm – very high |
| Chevrolet Tahoe (1998) | SUV (body-on-frame) | CoG ≈ 72 cm; 4WD version even higher roll risk |
| Ford Explorer | SUV (truck-based) | High CoG leads to higher rollover risk |
| Jeep Wrangler / CJ | Off-road SUV | Narrow, tall, short wheelbase → high rollover risk |
| Toyota 4Runner (2025) | Off-road SUV | High CoG and body-on-frame produce noticeable body roll |
| Ford Bronco (2025) | Off-road SUV | High-seated, tall design → top-heavy feel |
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