What is the best SUV for car camping? Controversial question - I know. At the end of the day, it really comes down to user preference.
That being said, the list below contains a few of our personal favorite vehicles for car camping!
Keep in mind that our list of vehicles is focused towards individuals who want to camp inside their vehicle.
The best way to do that is with a custom built vehicle sleeping platform or a modular one like the Hele Box. Both options will elevate you off the floor to allow maximum storage capacity.
At Hele Outdoors we’ve personally tested the Hele Box car sleeping platform in over 50 vehicles, and during this journey we’ve seen so many different variations of makes and models.
The three common features that stood out to us in our fav vehicles for car camping were:
- Storage Capacity: How much gear can you functionally fit in the vehicle?
- Design/Layout: Does the layout make fitting your gear/bed a cinch? Or does the design create obstacles like overly protruding wheel wells/cupholders?
- Headroom: Once elevated off the floor, how much room do you have for a comfortable night’s sleep?
Let's get started!
Subaru Outback
How the heck did this vehicle make a list with such limited headroom? Because the storage capacity & design trumps it’s major drawback.
The hatch back on the Outback elongates the length and cargo space of the vehicle without making it feel like a boat. The sleek design of the cargo area and slim wheel wells allow for a ton of configuration & storage options.
Not to mention the all wheel drive and impressive wheel clearance for this vehicle make it suitable for soft-roading and tricky weather conditions.
Subaru Forester
The Forester gives up a bit of storage when compared to the Outback, but gains it right back in the headroom department.
These two vehicles are both really great options for car campers who want a vehicle that’s awesome on gas mileage with flexible storage capacity & sleeping options.
Honda CRV
The CRV dishes out a ton of storage capacity, ample sleeping length, and a ton of headroom for those who find it important!
The only drawback is the hump from the cargo space to the start of the rear seats when folded down. This is why it’s important to have a modular sleeping platform like the Hele Box that elevates you over obstacles and provides a level sleeping platform for your vehicle.
Its reliable fuel efficiency allows for long trips, while its elevated ground clearance helps with light off-road driving. 1st place:
Rav4
The Rav4 combines the reliability of Toyota, awesome mpgs, and a relatively spacious interior that’s ripe for a cozy car camping platform.
The seats fold completely flat and allow for uninterrupted storage space. The headroom isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it does provide enough to handle any tossing/turning that might come through the night
Honda Element
A legendary vehicle that Honda should’ve never stopped producing.
Its boxy shape provides a spacious, flexible interior, with flat-folding rear seats and a fully removable rear bench, making it easy to transform the space into a sleeping area.
The large, wide-opening rear doors and a rear tailgate allow for easy access to gear and a comfortable spot to relax. The durable, water-resistant materials in the interior make it easy to clean after outdoor adventures.
There’s a reason why this vehicle has such an epic community behind it!
Toyota 4Runner
This vehicle needs no introduction. It’s got a “go anywhere” attitude with exterior and interior features that back it up.
While the wheel wells do protrude a bit, they provide a unique place for resting your phone, water bottle, or midnight snack.
Once you remove the rear flip/forward seats in the back, there’s more space than you know what to do with. You will have no issue finding a place for all your gear when car camping with the Toyota 4Runner!
Toyota Landcruiser
Can you tell that the writer of this article is a Toyota guy yet?
If gas mileage isn’t on your list of priorities when evaluating car camping vehicles. The 100 series Landcruiser should be the only vehicle you look at.
If gas mileage is important, the new hybrid Landcruiser 250 can help with that!
Their interiors are built to maximize storage capacity, without missing a single note in the comfortability department.
Their legendary track record of reliable and off-road capability means they can take you just about anywhere.
And if you ask us, they are the best looking vehicles on the road!
That’s it for our list of favorite vehicles for car camping! Remember - any SUV can be an awesome vehicle for sleeping in, these are just a few that have a special place in our hearts :)
Feel like we missed a vehicle on this list? We probably did! Tell us what vehicle you think should be included and why in the comment section below.
If you are looking for a way to turn your ride into a more comfortable car camping rig, check out the Hele Box!
It’s a lightweight car camping platform that fits in most SUVs/trucks. The sleeping platform is always level thanks to the adjustable legs, and the carrying case doubles as a storage compartment.
It comes in sizes for you car camping needs.
Solo - for adventures alone
Duo - for you and your adventure buddy!