Before we can start talking vehicles for camping, you have to decide what type of camper you are. Are you truly roughing it? Taking a vehicle over rough terrain to find that hidden spot with no people within a hundred miles and throwing a tarp over a tree for your tent? Are you more of a glamper who enjoys being outdoors but wants all the modern comforts and conveniences of home?
Once you know your camping expectations you can decide on the vehicle. So let’s explore vehicles that are great for handling rough terrain to vehicles that bring the comforts of home outdoors, plus options in between.
Camping Cars for Roughing It
You’re a minimalist and do-it-yourselfer. A lot of the fun of camping to you is driving off-road to find that perfect camping area and it’s even better when that means forging creeks and climbing mountains.
For off-roading, tires and lift are two of the most important items to consider. For tires, you’ll want deep treads for better traction. Lift is important to make sure the vehicle is high enough off the ground to avoid taking a rock or branch to the undercarriage. Car and Driver also recommends you check your suspension as well. Stock, factory-installed shocks may not have the heavy-duty springs needed for your trip.
On the high end of MSRP at $108,700, take a look at GMC Hummer EV Pickup truck. Its CrabWalk feature allows you to get around tough terrain. CrabWalk is a unique 4-wheel steer mode available on the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup designed to offer greater vehicle maneuverability when you're off-roading or parking. The feature allows the angle of the rear wheels to mimic the angle of the front wheels — allowing your vehicle to move more diagonally.
The Hummer EV Pickup Ultravision has up to 18 cameras, including one in the undercarriage. It can clear up to 32-inch deep water, and its 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires can be deflated to better navigate rough terrain. Check out all the off-road specs on the GMC Hummer EV Pickup.
On the low end of MSRP at $29,415, consider the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro. Kia is entering the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro is this year’s Rebelle Rally so that tells you how great the Sportage X-Pro is at navigating tough terrain!. The Rebelle Rally is an all-women, off-road navigational challenge race. This year’s 7th annual Rebelle Rally is October 6-15.
Participants use only paper maps and a compass while navigating the deserts of the American Southwest. The ‘23 Kia Sportage X-Pro has active all-wheel drive with center locking differential, multi-terrain drive modes, 8.3 inches of ground clearance and 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich® all-terrain tires.
For more options for the best off-road 2022 vehicles, check out MotorTrend.
Best Vehicles for Camping with Big Families
More family not only means more people, but also more stuff. On the higher end, the Chevrolet Suburban comfortably seats nine. With the Advanced Trailering System, you get an in-vehicle app with rear trailer, inside, transparent trailer and picture-in-picture views for enhanced towing visibility. Extra conveniences like customized trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists and trailer tire pressure/temperature monitoring are available. The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban starts at $66,500.
For a little less, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, with a starting MSRP of $42,650, has room for five and their gear. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road has 17-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels, Crawl Control (CRAWL) * and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Hill Start Assist Control to help you navigate terrain. Plus, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner TRD Pro’s suspension features oversize TRD-tuned FOX® * high-performance shocks — with remote reservoirs on the rear shocks — and TRD-tuned front springs to help carry you over unforgiving terrain.
Check out more vehicles for big families U.S. News & World Report.
Best Vehicles for Camping and Towing
Motor Trend has two great pieces of advice when it comes to towing: Remember that not all trims in a particular model have the same towing capabilities, so review the owner’s manual or ask the salesperson before you buy. Plus, before you hitch up that jet ski, boat or trailer, know that you can’t max out both the weight of what you’re towing and the weight of the people and cargo in the vehicle.
On the high end, with an MSRP of $58,450, the 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country has all-wheel drive, off-road mode, high ground clearance, hill descent control and optional 4-C adaptive air suspension. The V90 Cross Country can also help optimize traction, grip and safety when driving. It can pull 3,500 pounds — the equivalent of two motorcycles, a 20-foot aluminum fishing boat, a pop-up trailer, and more.
On the low end, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with an MSRP of $38,800, is a mid-size truck ready to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Available 18-inch wheels, seating for up to five, in-bed trunk, heavy-duty tie-down cleats in the bed, and a V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262-pound feet torque has your family ready for your next outdoor trip.
Car and Driver has more vehicles for camping that are equipped to tow your toys. And if you don't own your own camper, no worries—why not try renting a camper or RV for your next vacation to get a better understanding of what you like before you consider such a large purchase.
Best Vehicles for Camping with Pets
Pets are family too! What dog doesn’t like sticking their head out the window to catch that fresh breeze as you’re driving to your campsite?
On the higher end, with an MSRP of $30,295, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is known for traveling the rough country. Mother Nature is your air conditioner when you take off the doors, roof and back. Jeep Wrangler has a high air intake, sealed electrical connections and moisture-resistant body opening and can go through up to 33.5 inches of water. A high-performance wheelbase gets you over the rocks on the trail while the suspension and axle keep you grounded with maximum traction.
With a lower MSRP of $28,395, the 2023 Subaru Outback is ready to take you and your dog camping. The Outback has 8.7 to 9.5 inches of ground clearance depending on the model and raised roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-down points.
A dog crate fits easily in the back, and there are even Subaru accessories for your dog. From Subaru seat covers to leashes to pet ramps, Subaru really caters to the pet parent.
For every Subaru purchased, Subaru’s Share the Love program allows you to pick one of their national charity partners, such as ASPCA and the National Park Foundation, to direct your donation. The event is usually held over the Thanksgiving through the New Year’s holidays so check with your local Subaru dealership for more details.
Check out more dog-friendly vehicles on Way.com.
Best Vehicles for Glamping
This is a no-judgment zone. If your idea of camping is heading to the ski lodge or cabins with all the amenities, then there are great vehicles to get you there safely and in style.
With a higher MSRP of $87,090, the Cadillac Escalade ESV trims have available four-wheel drive, 6.2-liter V8 engine and heavy-duty trailering equipment. Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Smart Trailer Integration Indicator is also available. You can seat seven and still tow up to 7,500 pounds.
On the lower end of MSRP is the Ford Lightning Pro at $39,947. This fully electric pickup has a range of 320 miles on a full charge and can tow up to 10,000 pounds
Park it next to your tent and it has three available sources of power located in the Mega Power Frunk, cab, and bed. That’s enough to power a small fridge, laptop and more. It has a targeted maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds with a ground clearance of 8.4 inches. Get your boat and jet ski ready!
Need more choices for your Glamping Trip?
The Best Cars, Trucks and SUVs for Camping
There’s a vehicle for everyone when it comes to camping.
When looking at a vehicle that you can potentially take camping, think about how you plan to use the vehicle. Is it going over rough terrain or pavement? Are you towing anything? Are you mostly going to desert sandhills or snow-covered mountains? How much cargo space do you need?
The answers to these questions will help you narrow down the right vehicle for you.
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