For many SUVs, a floor jack with a maximum lift height of approximately 18 to 24 inches is a useful starting range. The right height for your SUV depends on its ground clearance, designated lifting points, suspension travel, and tire size. A lifted SUV or one with large off-road tires may need more lift.
We recommend measuring before you buy rather than choosing a jack by maximum height alone. Your jack must also fit beneath the correct lifting point when the tire is flat, which lowers that side of the vehicle.
Start with your SUV on a level surface. Measure from the ground to the manufacturer’s designated lifting point, then account for the drop in height that can occur with a flat tire. The jack’s minimum height must be low enough to fit under that point in a roadside tire-change situation.
Next, consider how high the jack must raise the vehicle before the tire clears the ground. Suspension can extend as you lift, so the wheel may not leave the ground as soon as the body rises. A jack with extra lift range gives you room to raise the vehicle and install a properly rated jack stand when needed.
For more guidance, read our main article on the recommended jack height for an SUV.
Choose a jack with a rated capacity suitable for your vehicle and the lift you plan to perform. Many SUV owners start with a 3-ton floor jack, but capacity requirements vary. Consult your owner’s manual for lifting instructions and vehicle weight information, and follow the jack manufacturer’s guidance.
Height and capacity are separate specifications: A jack that lifts high enough is not necessarily strong enough. If you use jack stands, they must also have an appropriate load rating and enough height to reach the approved support points.
Our team recommends parking on firm, level ground, setting the parking brake, and chocking the wheels that remain on the ground. Use only the lifting and support points specified in your owner’s manual. Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack; lower it onto properly positioned jack stands first.
Yes, if the bottle jack has the correct capacity and lift range for your SUV and fits under the designated lifting point when the tire is flat. Follow the vehicle and jack manufacturers’ instructions, and use jack stands if you need to work beneath the vehicle.
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