The Ultimate Road Test
Potholes are frustrating, yet they’re also one of the most honest tests a car can face. A strong build and good engineering help certain vehicles manage them well, while others show their limitations right away. Looking closer at different models, you’ll see which ones carry drivers smoothly over rough streets and which tend to falter when road conditions aren’t ideal. First up are the models that handle potholes with ease.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler's military-inspired design makes it a legendary off-roader. Its full-frame construction handles rough terrain exceptionally well, while the 17-inch alloy wheels with tall sidewalls absorb pothole impacts effectively. Owners can adjust tire pressure between daily driving and off-road adventures for optimal performance.
2. Toyota Land Cruiser
Durability defines the Toyota Land Cruiser's reputation worldwide. Many units surpass 300,000 miles, thanks to their reliable performance in extreme conditions. Its body-on-frame design and sturdy suspension system combine to tackle even the harshest potholes.
3. Honda Ridgeline
Built with a unibody frame and independent suspension, the Ridgeline handles potholes with remarkable composure. The truck includes an innovative in-bed trunk for secure storage with a versatile dual-action tailgate. At the same time, standard all-wheel drive ensures confident handling on rough roads.
4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
A solid ladder-frame chassis gives the Mercedes-Benz G-Class the resilience to handle potholes. Tracing its heritage to 1970s military models, it includes three locking differentials for ultimate handling. Plus, its unmistakable boxy silhouette has endured for decades.
5. Ford Bronco
A 25-year wait ended when Ford revived the Bronco in 2021. The advanced off-road suspension, equipped with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, delivers remarkable control. Its body-on-frame design ensures lasting durability, and removable doors and roof enhance the adventure experience.
6. Land Rover Defender
Famous for conquering challenging environments worldwide, the Land Rover Defender combines a rugged chassis with advanced suspension. The design connects to its 1948 predecessor, and the practical features like adjustable air suspension provide the clearance needed for rough terrain.
7. Ram 1500 Rebel
Serious off-road capability starts with the Ram 1500 Rebel's tuned suspension system. Its optional air suspension adds versatile height adjustment, while aggressive tires and a bold blacked-out grille enhance performance. Though equipped with a factory skid plate, many choose aftermarket upgrades.
8. Subaru Outback
Outdoor enthusiasts praise the Subaru Outback for its versatility and cargo space. The vehicle's raised suspension prevents pothole damage, and the standard all-wheel drive tackles uneven roads. Its symmetrical system also ensures balanced power distribution across all wheels.
9. GMC Sierra AT4
Skid plates and increased ground clearance make the GMC Sierra AT4 a formidable road warrior. This dedicated off-road model pairs luxury touches with a carbon-fiber composite bed, plus an advanced suspension package that handles potholes with remarkable composure.
10. Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
A locking rear differential helps the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X maintain stability on rough roads. The truck features protective underbody armor and specialized Bilstein off-road shocks for superior control. As the most capable Frontier available, it handles challenging conditions with ease.
Now that we’ve checked out the tough rides, let’s see which cars crumble at the first bump.
1. Smart Fortwo
Small cars face big problems on rough roads, particularly the Smart Fortwo. Its short wheelbase and tiny wheels make pothole impacts especially dangerous, yet the low ride height adds another layer of risk. The limited suspension travel means drivers must remain extra vigilant.
2. Mini Cooper Convertible
Road hazards spell trouble for the Mini Cooper Convertible's vulnerable components. The four-seat configuration offers little consolation when low-profile tires meet potholes. Plus, that quick-operating soft top becomes a liability, while the sport suspension amplifies every impact.
SteveBaker at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
3. Tesla Model 3
Pothole encounters spell trouble for Tesla Model 3 owners, with wheel and tire replacement costs soaring to $2,600. Despite its status as 2020's best-selling electric car, the vehicle's low-profile tires and rigid suspension make it particularly susceptible to road damage.
4. Audi TT
The TT's firm suspension and quattro system offer precise handling but limited pothole protection. This iconic design, which debuted at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, draws inspiration from both Bauhaus principles and Auto Union racing heritage. Still, its low stance increases vulnerability to road damage.
5. Nissan 370Z
With its stiff performance suspension and low-profile tires, the 370Z feels every bump in the road. Add in its low ground clearance and rigid chassis, and potholes become a serious threat—especially to the underbody and wheel alignment.
6. Toyota Prius
Hybrid leadership defined the Prius after its 1997 debut, but potholes remain a persistent problem. The car sits low to the ground, so every jolt carries risk. When alignment shifts even slightly, the fuel savings that drivers expect quickly fade.
7. Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle may have had design influences beyond Porsche, with Béla Barényi and Josef Ganz shaping its famous look, but none of that brilliance helps against potholes. Produced between 1938 and 2003, its low stance and tight suspension make every bump a real problem.
Robert Couse-Baker from Sacramento, California on Wikimedia
8. Honda Civic Coupe
Road hazards pose significant challenges for the Honda Civic Coupe's vulnerable components. The car's sporty suspension and minimal ground clearance create perfect conditions for pothole damage. Drivers must stay alert on bumpy roads to avoid costly wheel repairs and alignment issues.
9. Mazda MX-5 Miata
As a record-breaking convertible inspired by British roadsters, the Mazda MX-5 Miata—first developed under “Project P729”—earned its fame through agile handling and a sport suspension. Those very traits, combined with its limited 5.3-inch clearance, make it prone to pothole damage.
10. BMW Z4 Roadster
Road hazards pose serious risks to the Z4 Roadster's delicate underpinnings. Despite its sophisticated 20-second retractable roof and Danish design heritage, the combination of low-profile tires and sport suspension leaves this BMW at risk of pothole damage.
