Heading into the great outdoors is a whole lot easier — and a lot more fun — when your vehicle is up for the adventure. For car campers especially, having enough space, comfort, and versatility can turn a good trip into a great one. Room for your gear? Check. Comfort on rough roads? Check. Bonus points if it makes you feel like you’re starring in your own adventure movie.
Not every SUV or truck is made for camp life, but some handle it like champs. We’ve rounded up the best vehicles that make camping easier, cozier, and way more enjoyable. So if you’re dreaming of starry skies, crackling fires, and zero-stress packing, you’re in the right place.
What Makes a Good Camping Vehicle?
There are several factors you should consider when choosing the right vehicle for camping. We looked at payload and towing capacity (which is essential if you are towing a camper), technology features, interior comfort, and drivetrain. AWD and 4WD are the best choices for camping due to conditions you will often encounter while driving, including muddy trails, loose terrain, rain, and slushy conditions, depending on the time of year you are camping.
Another important consideration we researched was storage capacity. Having plenty of space for all your camping gear is crucial to an enjoyable trip, especially if you plan to sleep in your vehicle. If you don’t have room for all you want to bring, it can spoil your experience.
2025 Subaru Outback
If you’re ready for adventure, the 2025 Subaru Outback will take you there in style. The direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine provides 182 hp, or you can choose the impressive 260-hp turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine for extra power. Towing capacity is 3,500 lbs and offers an optional accessory trailer hitch, perfect for taking along kayaks, bikes, and other gear.
According to a review and test by Car and Driver, this camping-ready gem provides plenty of cargo room, featuring 33 cubic feet of space — enough for 11 carry-on size suitcases! The cargo area has release levers so you can easily fold the rear seats down, giving you up to 75.6 feet of space for even more gear. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is designed for improved traction on bad roads, in rain and snow, and even when there is no road at all.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
Jeep has been a favorite of campers and outdoor enthusiasts for decades, and with good reason. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler is the perfect all-terrain vehicle that is sure to make every camping trip an adventure. You’ll love the power of the standard 286-hp 3.6-L V-6 with a six-speed transmission, or you can choose to go with the eight-speed transmission instead.
Since most Jeeps are born off-road ready from the start, part-time four-wheel drive is standard across most models. A review from Car and Driver reports a full-time four-wheel drive system on the Sport, Rubicon, and Sahara, and it is standard on the 392. Cargo space isn’t as roomy as some of the others on our list, but for those who love off-road camping trips, the trade-off is worth it.
2025 Chevy Suburban
If you’re looking for size, you’ve found it in the massive 2025 Chevy Suburban. Most Suburban buyers get the base 5.3-L V-8 with 355 hp, but if you are frequently hauling a lot of people and camping gear, you can up that to the 420-hp V-8 or the turbocharged diesel. Both choices make easy work of larger and heavier loads.
The roomy interior is one of many things to love about this powerhouse. A review by Kelley Blue Book describes the impressive cargo area, which measures 41.4 cubic feet behind the split-folding third row. When the second and third rows are folded down, the cargo space expands to a whopping 144.5 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for all your camping gear, food, and drinks.
2025 Ford Expedition
The full-size Ford Expedition boasts refreshing updates for the 2025 model year that include a revised grille, new wheel designs, and new head and taillights. The power behind the Expedition lies in the twin-turbocharged 3.5-L V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s paired up with RWD or 4WD, providing plenty of power for towing your camper. All Expeditions feature an independent rear suspension that provides a soft ride for its passengers.
Some exciting optional off-road features of the Expedition include a Rock Crawl driving mode, Trail Turn Assist, and a cruise control system that helps maintain a safe speed when you’re driving down steep hills. According to a Car and Driver review, the Ford Expedition has a towing capacity of up to 9600 pounds, plenty of passenger and cargo space, and a feature-rich infotainment system with a huge 24.0″ display and onboard wi-fi.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
There is a lot to love about the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, starting with its off-road capability, towing capacity, and spaciousness. Rear-wheel drive is standard in the Grand Cherokee, but there are several all-wheel drive systems available. This great camping vehicle is powered by a 293-hp, 3.6-L V-6 with an eight-speed transmission. If you need to increase your towing power, choose the V-8, which ups capacity from 6200 lbs to 7200 lbs.
According to an Edmunds review of the 2024 Grand Cherokee, cargo space is average for a midsize SUV and provides 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The rear seats fold flat, making room for more camping gear, including large coolers.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
When you’re ready for adventure and outdoor camping fun with the whole family, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the perfect vehicle to take you there. This popular midsize SUV seats up to 8 passengers and provides plenty of cargo space and an interior that makes longer trips cozy and comfortable. Towing capacity tops out at about 6,000 pounds, more than enough to tow most campers.
This great camping vehicle gets its power from a 284-hp V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. According to a review by Kelley Blue Book, the Pathfinder tested the way they expected it to when put through its paces of turning, driving, and stopping. It never lacked in power (even on highway passing) and was up to the task as a great family vehicle when tested with kids in the second and third rows.
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V is a great choice for camping enthusiasts who prefer a more compact SUV. This gem might be a little smaller than some of the other choices on our list, but it is big on comfort and cargo space, offering 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Comfortable interior makes longer rides cozy and comfortable, and the suspension allows the SUV to glide over bumps in the road without jarring your passengers.
A review by Kelley Blue Book lists the popular safety features that come standard on the Honda CR-V, known as Honda Sensing. These important and useful features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with a low-speed follow function, and a few others. These safety features are sure to bring peace of mind and make your camping trips safer for the whole family.
2025 Land Rover Defender
Claimed by Land Rover to be the most capable Defender yet, the 2025 Land Rover Defender provides a camping enthusiast with off-road capability while retaining a luxurious interior and an array of features sure to please even the most discerning buyers. A variety of engine choices is available depending on your power needs, from a 296-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder to the massive twin-turbo V-8 with 626-hp. 4WD is standard across all the Defender models.
A review by Car and Driver discusses the interior and cargo space of the 2025 Land Rover Defender, which is somewhere between utilitarian and luxurious. Cargo Space is a little limited in the more compact models, but it is still up to speed with rivals such as the Wrangler. If you need more cargo space, the rear seats fold down to create a larger space for additional gear. If you have a lot of gear, you can always opt for a roof-top cargo carrier.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek may be Subaru’s smallest SUV, but it is big on features, off-road capabilities, and affordability. Standard all-wheel drive and over eight inches of ground clearance make the Crosstrek a popular choice for four-season regions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. There are several models to choose from with a variety of engines ranging from the 2.0-L four-cylinder with 152 hp in the base trim to a 2.5-L four-cylinder with 182 hp available in the Wilderness, Premium, Limited, and Sport trims.
A MotorTrend review lists the safety features present in all models of the Subaru Crosstrek, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, curve-adaptive headlights, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims of the Crosstrek feature additional safety features such as rear-cross traffic monitoring, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic emergency braking. You won’t be lacking for safety when you choose this ready-for-adventure subcompact SUV.
2025 Ford Bronco
If you like options, you will love the 2025 Ford Bronco. Choose two or four doors, removable roof panels and doors, soft or hard tops, and that is just the beginning. The power behind this ideal camping vehicle is a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, which is standard. You can opt for a 330-hp twin-turbo V-6 if you prefer. Towing capacity is a respectable 3500 pounds, matching the Wrangler, more than enough for two smaller campers and travel trailers.
Car and Driver tested several of the Bronco models and found that the twin-turbo V-6 delivered the quickest acceleration times, hitting 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, while another trim with a turbo four and automatic transmission took 7.1 seconds. Add in the open-air possibilities that will please any outdoor enthusiast, and you have a terrific vehicle you can enjoy on your camping trips.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is a good pick for camping enthusiasts who want a nice midsize SUV with 4WD and features with a decided off-road flair. It makes a better daily driver than some of our other picks and offers comfortable seats and a smooth ride that makes even long trips nice and cozy. All Land Cruisers feature off-road cruise control, Multi-Terrain Monitor systems, and Multi-Terrain Select that make off-road adventures even more enjoyable.
The towing capacity of this attractive outdoor-ready vehicle is 6,000 lbs, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-L, 4-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed transmission. According to a review by Edmunds, the interior of the Land Cruiser is nice and comfortable, featuring logically placed controls that are easy to reach when driving. Cargo space is on the slim side, so if you’re camping trips involve a lot of gear, you may need to invest in a roof-top cargo carrier.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The wait for a modernization of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is over! This great outdoorsy vehicle comes standard with a 278-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard on all 4Runners, but you can opt for a 4WD that comes with a two-speed transfer case. Some of the popular off-road features include an off-road cruise control system, disconnecting stabilizer bars, and a locking rear differential for maximum traction.
According to a Kelley Blue Book review, the 4Runner remains one of the most popular vehicles in the country, outselling more than 90% of new cars on the market today. Storage is a nice-sized 48.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and offers a lower cargo floor, so loading heavy or large camping items is easier. If you choose the optional third row, there will be 12.1 cubic feet of space behind the 3rd row and 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row.
2025 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is ready for adventure with a redesigned exterior, amazing interior, and much more. There are two six-cylinder engines available for Ram 1500 buyers: a base V-6 and a twin-turbo inline-six that replaced the previous Hemi V-8, providing 420 or 540 hp. If you bring a lot of camping gear on your trips, the Ram 1500 has you covered with a max towing capacity of 11,580 lbs and a payload of 2300 lbs.
The new Ram 1500 is chosen as MotorTrend’s 2025 Truck of the Year, and with good reason. The feature-rich Ram offers five different drive modes to choose from, including Normal, Tow, Snow, Sport, and Off-Road, that will maximize any situation and adventure you’re enjoying. If safety is one of your concerns, Ram 1500 boasts more than 100 standard and optional safety and security features to bring you peace of mind while on your camping excursions.
2025 Chevy Trailblazer
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact crossover with a bigger SUV style and power, making it a great choice for campers who prefer a smaller SUV. One of two engines, a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder with 137-hp or an optional 1.3L 155-hp, three-cylinder engine, powers the Trailblazer, providing an upbeat ride when driving around town. Underbody skid plates and all-wheel drive availability are perfect for enjoying light off-roading.
According to an Edmunds review, storage is where the larger size of the Trailblazer pays off, providing one of the roomiest cargo areas in the class, even against the Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Soul. This sporty, peppy SUV is the perfect choice for solo campers or couples who don’t bring a lot of camping gear.
2025 Ford F-150
No list of vehicles for camping enthusiasts would be complete without a 2025 Ford F-150. This popular and versatile truck delivers power, a great towing capacity of up to 13,500 lbs, and plenty of space in the bed for all your camping gear. If you appreciate options, you’ll love the F-150. The power behind this versatile truck comes from a lineup of powertrain systems that include a V-6, a V-8, and a V-6 hybrid.
According to an Edmunds review, the F-150 boasts one of the most diverse lineups of any vehicle, offering everything from the base XL trim to the luxurious King Ranch. In addition to an array of trim levels, there are endless features you can choose to make your truck fit exactly what you need for camping or any other outdoor activity.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a smaller SUV, but it’s only small in size, not utility. The comfortable interior is perfect for longer trips, and the cargo and storage space allows you to pack up all the camping gear you need for your adventures. With its crisp body design, the Rogue has a more elegant look than some of its peers, making it an attractive daily driver as well.
According to a Car and Driver review, the Nissan Rogue’s Rock Creek Edition is the perfect outdoor enthusiast’s choice, featuring all-terrain tires, a control-driving program for safer and controlled hill descents, and a new camera system with off-road views. There is a handy 12-volt outlet in the cargo area perfect for lighting up your campsite or running some fans during hot summer nights.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander may not be as flashy as some compact SUVs, but there are many things to love about this choice that make it a good choice for camping enthusiasts. Priorities of the Outlander include comfort and spacious cargo areas, features that are important when it comes to loading all your camping gear and taking frequent trips.
According to an Edmunds review, the Outlander offers a cozy ride with nicely padded front seats that stay comfortable even on long road trips. A unique feature is the climate control for the rear passenger area, something not all vehicles offer, which keeps your backseat passengers comfortable.
Car and Driver tests the Outlander for its cargo ability, which fits two carry-on-sized bags with the third seat raised. When the third seat was folded, the cargo space could hold up to 10 carry-on bags, which increased to a whopping 22 carry-ons when both the second and third rows were folded. You may lose some cargo space if you’re bringing a large group, but for solo campers, couples, or small families, there’s more than enough space for people and all your gear.
2025 Toyota Sequoia
If towing capacity is at the top of your list of camping necessities, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia is a great choice. The max towing capacity of this sleek SUV is 9520 lbs, more than enough for smaller travel trailers, utility trailers, small campers, and small boats. The TOW/HAUL and Tow+ modes adjust the transmission settings to maximize towing parameters, making the most of the SUV’s towing performance and capabilities.
The power behind the Sequoia is the twin-turbo, 437-hp gas V6, along with an electric motor that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD. According to a review by Kelley Blue Book, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia offers an impressive amount of muscle for its class. Another great feature mentioned in the KBB review was the Sequoia’s fuel economy, with RWD models providing a combined 22 mpg and the 4WD offering 20 mpg.
2025 Mazda CX-50
Do you want something quick and enjoyable to drive? Say hello to the 2025 Mazda CX-50. This well-designed SUV offers a lot for a small utility vehicle and makes a great vehicle for your camping adventures. This peppy gem offers a more rugged exterior and is longer, wider, and lower than Mazda’s CX-5. The nicely designed interior provides comfort and style, featuring a nice infotainment system and great connectivity options.
A Car and Driver review spells out the safety and driver-assistance features that are standard with all models, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional safety features you may choose include a 360-degree exterior camera system and automatic high-beams. Although cargo space is a little below the average, if you solo camp or just have one other person and gear, the CX-50 will be just right.
2025 Chevy Tahoe
We end our list with the popular and well-known 2025 Chevy Tahoe. This nice-sized SUV is the perfect vehicle for heavy campers, featuring a 5.3L EcoTec V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Comfort is maximized with the standard independent suspension, a new development for the current generation, so you all but glide over bumps and dips of all sizes.
If you do a lot of family camping or have a lot of gear, the Tahoe is perfect, offering 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and a whopping 122.9 cubic feet with the second and third seats folded. A test from Edmunds rated the towing capacity of the Tahoe at 8,200 lbs on a 4WD, Z71-equipped, but recommends getting the more powerful 6.2L V-8 if you plan on doing a lot of towing.
A Camping We Will Go…
Whether you are an all-year-round camper who enjoys winter camping as much as summer, or you and the family love to spend the weekends getting away from it all, having the right vehicle makes a big difference in the convenience and ease of those trips. Avid off-roaders can choose from the array of off-road features most of these great trucks and SUVs offer to take outdoor fun to another level.
All of the vehicles that made our list excel in outdoor-type driving in one form or another and create a great range for you to choose from that will match your specific camping needs. Don’t forget to do a safety check of your vehicle before you head out on your adventure, and remember to take lots of pictures! Tell us where you love to camp!