Few things are more rejuvenating than getting out into nature and sleeping under the stars. These five SUVs make car camping easy and fun.
Have you been meaning to spend more time in the great outdoors but struggling with the idea of pitching a tent and sleeping outside? You don’t have to pay a small fortune on an RV. Whether you plan on taking weekend excursions or a months-long road trip, the right SUV will do just fine.
When choosing the right SUV for camping, you should consider interior space, off-road capabilities, towing capacity, modifications, and fuel efficiency. Those are the factors we considered when choosing these five fantastic SUVs for camping.
Ford Expedition: A King-Size SUV Camper
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that packs some serious power. Its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission pair perfectly with each other to produce an impressive 9,300-lb towing capacity, and you can have your Expedition outfitted with 4WD.
The Expedition is an excellent choice if you want to sleep in your vehicle. It’s 210 in long, 79.9 in wide, and 76.6 in tall, creating 171.9 cu ft of passenger volume plus 19.3 cu ft of cargo volume behind the rear seat. Plus, you’ll still get 23.2 mpg.
Jeep Wrangler: Car Camping Off the Grid
Though you might have to get a bit creative to convert it for car camping, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the quintessential camping vehicles for serious adventure enthusiasts. If you want to get as far as possible off the beaten track and don’t mind paying extra to get there, the Wrangler is a perfect option with 4WD and renowned off-road capabilities. You can even pop off the roof and snooze under the stars!
The Wrangler’s standard 285-hp 3.6L V6 engine isn’t quite as powerful as the Ford Expedition’s, but you can upgrade to an eight-cylinder model for 470 hp in some models. Recent model-year Jeep Wranglers are also available with a 375-hp plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain, saving you gas on short trips.
Honda Pilot: Camping Comfort and Convenience
The Honda Pilot is well-known for its reliability and spacious interior, making it a good option for longer road trips. You should note, however, that the Pilot features an optional AWD rather than 4WD, which makes it unsuitable for serious off-roading but will still get you off the beaten path.
You’ll appreciate the spacious cabin with 158.4 cu ft of passenger space and up to 21.8 cu ft of cargo volume behind the third seat. You’ll also love the fact that its 285-hp V6 engine gets 27 mpg on highways, so getting to your outdoor adventures will cost you less.
Toyota 4Runner: The Ideal Micro Camper
No list of ideal camping vehicles would be complete without the Toyota 4Runner, which has been a top contender since the early days of car camping. If you’re shopping on a budget, an older 4Runner could be a good option since they’re known for longevity.
Though it has only 90.2 cu for 48.4 cu ft of cargo space behind the front seats, the 4Runner has enough space in its cabin to fit a large air mattress. It also has a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. and a roof weight capacity of up to 300 lbs. if you want to set up a rooftop tent.
Nissan Xterra: A Car Camping Classic
Nissan stopped making the Xterra nearly a decade ago, but car campers across the country still preferentially seek them out at used car dealerships. Because the newest Xterras turned 10 this year, you shouldn’t expect the same level of comfort and convenience found in modern SUVs, but you can expect a great deal.
If you can find one, you’ll discover that the right model for camping will have a cargo area similar to the 4Runner, a roof weight capacity of 150 lbs., and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.