An intoxicating sense of freedom comes with taking to the open road, escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, and immersing yourself in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a camping novice, the right vehicle can make your wilderness experience both comfortable and unforgettable.
This article has got you covered, from versatile SUVs that traverse rugged terrains to spacious wagons that store all your gear. So buckle up and join us on this journey as we explore the best camping-friendly vehicles that offer you a home away from home amidst the great outdoors.
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Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner’s rugged body-on-frame construction and true four-wheel-drive capabilities make it a superb vehicle for off-grid camping. With a ground clearance of 9.6 inches, it can easily handle rough terrains. In addition, its large cargo space of 47.2 cubic feet (up to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded) provides ample room for camping equipment.
Subaru Outback
Subaru’s Outback is a reliable choice for camping trips due to its high ground clearance of 8.7 inches and standard all-wheel drive. The Outback also offers excellent fuel economy for its class, getting an EPA-estimated 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. Furthermore, it has generous cargo space of 32.5 cubic feet (up to 75.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded), perfect for hauling camping gear.
Jeep Wrangler
Known for its off-road prowess, the Jeep Wrangler is a fantastic camping car. With options for both two and four-door models, it provides versatility. The Wrangler’s ground clearance ranges from 9.7 to 10.8 inches, depending on the variant, making it ideal for tackling challenging terrains. Plus, with the roof and doors off, it gives you a great sense of being outdoors.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is an excellent pick for a balance of comfort and utility. It has an impressive cargo space of 39.2 cubic feet (up to 75.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded), and its 1.5L turbocharged engine offers an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. Its Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ also ensures good handling in various conditions.
Ford F-150
If your camping trip involves towing a camper or boat, the Ford F-150 is hard to beat. Depending on the variant, its maximum towing capacity can go up to 14,000 lbs, making it a workhorse for any heavy lifting. The F-150 also offers a wide range of trim levels and engines, including a fuel-efficient hybrid option.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
For a luxurious camping experience, consider the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It’s popular as a camper van conversion due to its vast interior space, tall standing height, and durable build. Sprinter also offers 2WD and 4WD options, catering to your needs for comfort and off-road capabilities.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a fantastic vehicle for large families or groups due to its enormous interior space. It offers seating for up to nine passengers and a maximum cargo space of 121.7 cubic feet. In addition, its towing capacity of up to 8,300 lbs means it can handle a sizable camper or boat.
Subaru Forester
Another great camping car from Subaru, the Forester comes with standard AWD and excellent fuel efficiency (26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway). With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, it performs admirably on rough terrains. Plus, it provides 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space (up to 76.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded).
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s Land Cruiser is renowned for its durability and off-road abilities. Its robust V8 engine can traverse rough terrains, while its sophisticated 4WD system offers multiple modes for different environments. Its cargo space is up to 82.8 cubic feet, ensuring ample room for camping gear.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder strikes a balance between off-road readiness and on-road comfort. Its Intelligent 4×4 system performs excellently on various terrains, while its 3.5L V6 engine delivers plenty of power. The Pathfinder also offers up to 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it great for hauling camping equipment.
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover’s Discovery is known for its luxurious interior and off-road capabilities. It provides a comfortable ride on any terrain, courtesy of its Terrain Response system. The Discovery also offers up to 74.3 cubic feet of cargo space, ensuring you can bring all your camping equipment.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
