Best SUVs for Camping: Top Models for Your Next Getaway

SUVs are easily the best option for campers. Cars are far too small for loading up all the gear you need, and trucks typically have issues with open beds, smaller roofs that can’t accommodate tents, and other things.

However, not just any old SUV will do. You need an SUV that has the features to make your camping experience better.

Today, we’re going to go over our favorite SUV models for camping to help you pick the right ride as an avid outdoorsman.

What We Look for in a Camping SUV

Before we get to the list of SUVs, we need to go over the types of features we look for in a camping vehicle. After all, this isn’t something that’s just supposed to get you from Point A to Point B. It’s supposed to function as a portable base of operations.

First, storage capacity is crucial. If you’re camping remotely, you need plenty of gear to cover your basic necessities. You also want room to carry emergency gear in case you get into trouble out there.

Then, you need to worry about the car’s ability to handle different driving conditions with ease. If you’re serious about camping, you know that you can and will end up on roads that simply aren’t easy to drive on. 4WD is preferable, and other features that help with rough road conditions are good to have.

Another key point that we look at with SUVs is whether or not their roof capacity can accommodate a tent. Rooftop tents are the best way to camp. They’re safer, faster to deploy, and provide a better camping experience.

Finally, mileage and features that help you extend your mileage are important to consider. Remote camping spots are often far away from civilized society, and finding gas isn’t always easy. Being able to make the most out of what is in the tank or in your reserve tanks is crucial. 

Now, let’s take a look at our favorite SUVs for camping.

#1 Toyota 4Runner

We couldn’t make this list without putting the Toyota 4Runner front and center. It’s one of the most renowned off-road SUVs, but it’s still extremely suitable for daily family life.

You get a powerful drivetrain with all-wheel drive and plenty of torque to power through rocky roads that often line the most beautiful mountain landscapes and wilderness paths. 

That’s paired with a massive 10.1-inch ground clearance that many SUVs don’t have. So, you don’t have to worry about bottoming out nearly as much unless you make a serious mistake.

The roof capacity really stands out. While the rack has a 120lb rating from Toyota, the roof itself has a whopping 600lb static capacity. Essentially, if you’re not jumping on it, you can have 600 pounds on the roof. 

That’s more than enough for a hard shell rooftop tent and your bodyweight. You might even be able to fit a second person in there without caving the roof in.

Gas mileage isn’t bad either. It tops out at 20 miles per gallon in the best conditions, and the lowest is around 16 miles per gallon. It’s not as great as a sedan, but it’s enough to camp with.

Finally, there’s 3rd row seating that can be folded down to give you ample space for gear, but when you’re at home, there’s tons of room for your family.

#2 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is another great option. 

The main standout feature for camping is its 30mpg rating. With a 16-gallon tank, you can travel 480 miles without filling up. That’s going to ensure that you can get to the camp location and back without getting stranded.

The dynamic load of the roof is 150, but the static load rating is 650. So, it’s even a little more impressive than the 4Runner. Also, like the 4Runner, it has all-wheel drive to help you get out of sticky situations.

One way the Crosstrek stands out is that it has a continuously variable transmission. This makes shifting exceptionally smooth, and that can help whether you’re on the highway or trying to navigate harsh road conditions at the campsite.

However, the Subaru Crosstrek does have less room in the vehicle. While the 4Runner can carry 7 people comfortably and fold down the rear seating for more carry space, the CrossTrek only has room for 5 people.

#3 Jeep Wrangler

If you’re going to be camping in areas that require lots of off-road driving, the Jeep Wrangler was made for you. 

It has a high ground clearance, all-wheel drive, front and rear stabilization bars, and tons of minor features that are great for camping. These include timed headlamps, collision prevention systems, stabilizing features, removable doors, and more.

It also boasts a roof that can hold up to 800lbs when it’s not moving. The catch to that is that you need higher-grade roof rack systems to get that roof capacity. The other high-capacity vehicles we mentioned have it as a stock feature.

Another drawback of this classic camping vehicle is that it has limited space. There’s enough room to hold 4 people and put your most necessary gear inside, but you’re not going to carry every gizmo or luxury item with you.

To offset that, it boasts an impressive gas mileage with diesel options getting 30mpg and regular engines getting around 25mpg.

How to Choose the Right SUV for Camping

We gave you the best SUVs for camping, but which one should you choose?

Well, they differentiate from each other quite a bit. 

The Jeep Wrangler is really only a viable option for solo campers or couples who don’t need tons of gear. It’s also primarily an off-road vehicle, and you should know that the transmission is manual. Many people struggle with manual transmissions.

Between the other two options, it mostly comes down to preference.

Regardless of which one you choose, one of the best purchases you can make for your new SUV is a rooftop tent.

Check out our selection at Overland Junction to find the best rooftop tents for your next camping adventure.