Choosing the right vehicle for a camping trip can be just as important as picking the right tent. The best cars for camping are the ones that can get you and your gear to the campsite safely and comfortably, whether that's a paved spot at a national park or a remote clearing down a dirt road. This means looking for vehicles with ample and flexible cargo space for everything from coolers to sleeping bags, and in many cases, the added confidence of all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) to handle unpredictable weather and terrain. A good camping vehicle should also offer a comfortable ride for long journeys and practical features like durable interiors and roof rails for extra storage.
This guide showcases a wide variety of vehicles that excel in different camping scenarios. For those who need to haul heavy gear or tow a trailer, a pickup truck like the Ram 1500 or the adventurous Jeep Gladiator might be the perfect fit. If maximizing secure, weather-proof interior space is the priority, a minivan like the Kia Carnival or a versatile cargo van such as the Ford Transit offers cavernous room for families and equipment. For adventurers looking to get off the beaten path, rugged SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback provide the necessary ground clearance and off-road technology to reach remote destinations. There are even options for those who prefer a sportier drive, like the AWD Subaru WRX, proving you don't always need a large vehicle to enjoy the great outdoors.
To help you find the perfect match for your adventures, we've compiled this list based on a comprehensive set of criteria. Our recommendations are rooted in the detailed testing and expert ratings of our automotive journalists. We also incorporate real-world feedback from thousands of owners who live with these vehicles every day. Finally, we analyze market data from CarGurus listings to identify models that consistently offer a high percentage of "Good" or "Great" deals. This combined approach, which generates our Overall CarGurus rating, ensures our guide highlights vehicles that deliver on performance, reliability, and value.
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The Best Cars for Camping in 2026
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1. Honda Ridgeline
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable |
Limiting towing capacity for a midsize pickup |
| Great handling |
Outdated technology |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
|
For campers who want pickup versatility without the typical “truck-first” driving feel, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline takes a different approach to midsize pickup trucks. It prioritizes everyday comfort and carlike road manners, which matters when your camping trips start with long highway stretches and end on uneven, weather-beaten access roads; standard all-wheel drive helps keep traction more consistent when you’re rolling into a damp campsite or leaving early on a muddy morning.
The Ridgeline’s strengths are also its boundaries for certain camping setups. If your adventures involve hauling a heavier trailer, its limiting towing capacity for a midsize pickup can be a real constraint compared with more traditional body-on-frame rivals. And while it’s easy to appreciate the Ridgeline’s great handling and relaxed demeanor on the way to the trailhead, its outdated technology may feel behind the curve if you rely on modern infotainment features for navigation, connectivity, and keeping everyone entertained between stops.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Honda takes a different approach to midsize pickup trucks." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Honda Ridgeline review
2. Chrysler Pacifica
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 37.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stow 'n Go seating offers unmatched cargo flexibility |
New front-end styling is polarizing |
| Confidence-inspiring V6 power |
Real-world fuel economy trails EPA estimates |
| Good third-row legroom |
Tech feels outdated |
For camping families, the Pacifica’s biggest advantage is its Stow ’n Go seating: you can quickly switch from hauling people to swallowing bulky gear like coolers, bins, folding tables, and sleeping bags without playing Tetris in the driveway. It’s also a comfortable place to spend long highway days getting to the trailhead, with a roomy third row that makes it easier to bring extra friends (or keep kids spread out) while still leaving space for supplies.
Power from the available V6 feels reassuring when you’re merging onto interstates loaded down with passengers and gear, but it’s worth budgeting for more fuel stops than you might expect, since real-world mileage can lag the EPA numbers. The refresh brings a new look up front, yet the Pacifica’s tech can feel behind the times for travelers who rely heavily on modern infotainment for navigation, offline maps, and device management on remote-road weekends.
The CarGurus Verdict: "A lackluster refresh gives the Chrysler Pacifica a new face, but the minivan’s strengths and weaknesses remain unchanged." - Matt Smith
Read our most recent Chrysler Pacifica review
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3. Honda Pilot
CarGurus expert rating: 7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable |
No hybrid option |
| Plenty of cargo space |
|
| Plenty of passenger space |
|
For camping duty, the 2026 Honda Pilot leans into its family-hauler strengths: lots of passenger room for your group and plenty of cargo space for bulky gear like coolers, tents, and folding camp chairs. It’s also described as comfortable, which matters on long highway slogs to trailheads—especially when you’re juggling multiple passengers and a loaded-up cabin.
The Pilot’s updated, brawny look fits the outdoorsy vibe, and the overall packaging makes it easy to plan around real-life trip needs: people up front, kids or friends in the back rows, and a stack of supplies that would overwhelm smaller crossovers. The main drawback for shoppers prioritizing efficiency is that there’s no hybrid option, so if your camping routine involves lots of long-distance driving, you’ll want to factor fuel costs into the overall trip budget.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Honda Pilot returns with a brawny new look." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Honda Pilot review
4. Hyundai Santa Cruz
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fun to drive |
On-pavement handling with all-terrain tires |
| Impressive technology |
Cramped back seat |
| Great warranty |
Not much cargo space |
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a smart choice for campers seeking a vehicle that’s easy to live with, both on the road and at the campsite. Built on the foundation of the Tucson crossover SUV, the Santa Cruz combines the comfort and maneuverability of an SUV with the open-bed utility of a small pickup. Its 4-foot cargo bed features a locking in-floor trunk—great for stashing camping gear out of sight—and in higher trims, you’ll find all-terrain tires and a retractable tonneau cover for added security and versatility. Even with a compact footprint, the Santa Cruz offers clever in-cabin storage solutions and a host of tie-downs and adjustable cleats in the bed, making it ideal for hauling everything from coolers to tents.
Where the Santa Cruz truly shines for campers is in its feature-rich cabin and technology. Every trim now comes standard with a slick 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation and Bluelink+ connected services. The ride is comfortable for long drives to your favorite campsite, and the available turbocharged engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque) makes merging and passing easy, even if you’re hauling gear or a small trailer (up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped). While rear-seat space is a bit tight for taller adults, the front seats are well-cushioned and heated in most trims, and the Santa Cruz’s compact size makes it easy to maneuver into tight camping spots where larger trucks might struggle.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Based on the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV, the Santa Cruz is not about towing the most weight, carrying the largest and heaviest loads, or driving to off-the-grid locations. Instead, it’s perfect for weekend do-it-yourself projects, hauling bulky items home from the big-box store, and carrying adventure gear on day trips. The 2025 Santa Cruz is better at these tasks than ever, thanks to new tech, styling updates, and off-roading enhancements." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Hyundai Santa Cruz review
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5. Jeep Wrangler
CarGurus expert rating: 6.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable seats |
Poor fuel economy |
| Plenty of cargo space |
Noisy |
| Incredibly capable off-road |
Cramped back seat |
For campers who want to reach trailheads that are more than a paved-road detour away, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler leans into what it’s best known for: serious off-road capability. That go-anywhere attitude can pay off when your “road” to camp turns into ruts, rocks, or washboard, and it’s part of why the Wrangler remains a natural fit for dispersed camping and overland-style weekends.
It also does a fair job of everyday duty on the way to and from the campsite, with comfortable front seats and useful cargo space for coolers and camping bins. Just plan around the trade-offs that can matter on long highway slogs—poor fuel economy and a noisy cabin—and keep in mind that the back seat can feel cramped if your camping crew includes taller adults.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is a capable off-roader that does a fair job as a daily driver." - Jill Ciminillo
Read our most recent Jeep Wrangler review
6. Subaru Outback
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Strong off-road capabilities |
Higher trim levels have diminishing returns |
| Comfortable |
|
| Plenty of cargo space |
|
The 2026 Subaru Outback is an ideal choice for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, blending SUV-like ruggedness with the classic utility of a wagon. Its interior boasts a generous 146.9 cubic feet of total volume and up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded—enough room for tents, coolers, and all your camping essentials. The Outback's roof rack is robust, supporting up to 100 pounds on the move or a whopping 800 pounds when parked, making it perfect for mounting overlanding tents or additional gear boxes. With features like a power liftgate, low cargo floor, and innovative multifunction cargo cover, loading and organizing your camping equipment is easier than ever.
When your campsite is off the beaten path, the Outback's standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (or 9.5 inches in the upcoming Wilderness trim) ensure you can get there with confidence. Both available engines—a 180-hp 2.5-liter boxer-four and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter—offer capable performance, while the X-Mode system and available all-terrain tires boost traction on rough terrain. Inside, you'll find comfort for the whole crew, large cupholders and door pockets for water bottles, and an interior designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Combined with strong fuel economy and a suite of advanced safety features, the Outback is ready for any camping trip.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In terms of price, performance, and practicality, we found no notable flaws with the redesigned Outback, making it a top choice for adventure-bound shoppers." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Subaru Outback review
7. Toyota 4Runner
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Off-road master |
Firm |
| Can carry the family |
jiggly ride |
| Available hybrid |
Poor second-row comfort |
|
Hybrid isn’t very efficient |
For camping trips that include rutted trailheads, sandy access roads, or rocky two-tracks, the Toyota 4Runner leans into the classic adventure-SUV formula. It’s the kind of rig you choose when getting to the campsite is part of the fun, with a reputation for serious off-road capability and the space to bring along friends, kids, and the gear that tends to multiply on weekend getaways.
The tradeoff is day-to-day comfort: the ride can feel firm and a bit jiggly on broken pavement, and second-row comfort may be a weak point if you’re loading up the family for a long haul to the state park. An available hybrid adds an electrified option for shoppers who want it, though efficiency isn’t its strong suit—so it’s best to think of it as a capability-first SUV for campers who prioritize traction, clearance, and durability over cushy commuting manners.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The old-school SUV connotes adventure, and the 2026 Toyota 4Runner is here to serve that purpose." - Kirk Bell
Read our most recent Toyota 4Runner review
8. Toyota RAV4
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 36.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple trims and styles |
Confusing trim levels |
| Standard hybrid |
Size hasn't kept up with rivals |
| Updated tech |
|
For campers, the redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 leans into what matters on long drives to trailheads: more power and greater efficiency, with a standard hybrid setup that helps stretch fuel stops when you’re crossing wide-open parts of the map. It’s the kind of everyday-friendly compact SUV that’s easy to live with year-round, then simple to load up and point toward the mountains for a weekend away.
Toyota also adds updated tech for 2026, which is useful when you’re juggling navigation, phone connectivity, and keeping everyone entertained between campsites. The flip side is that the RAV4’s many trims and styles can make choosing the right configuration for your trips more complicated than it needs to be, and its overall size hasn’t kept pace with some roomier rivals—something to keep in mind if your camping kit tends to grow over time.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 arrives with more power and greater efficiency." - Robert Duffer
Read our most recent Toyota RAV4 review
9. Nissan Frontier
CarGurus expert rating: 6 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Powerful V6 engine |
Low payload rating |
| Comfortable driver’s seat |
Cramped back seat |
| Impressive Fender stereo |
Outdated technology |
For camping duty, the Frontier’s basic formula works: a rugged pickup layout for hauling bulky gear and a strong V6 for getting to trailheads without feeling overworked. It’s also the kind of truck you can comfortably drive for hours to a campsite thanks to a supportive driver’s seat, and the available Fender audio is a nice perk when you’re winding down at camp or knocking out highway miles.
The trade-offs matter for real-world trips, though. A low payload rating can limit how quickly you can load up passengers, coolers, and extra supplies before you hit the truck’s limits, and the back seat is tight if your camping crew includes adult-sized friends for the drive in. Add in technology that feels dated, and the Frontier can be more about simple, durable transportation to the outdoors than a modern cabin experience once you’re on the road.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Nissan Frontier deserves more consideration than it gets, but it still has some big flaws." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Nissan Frontier review
10. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
CarGurus expert rating: 7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable seats |
Dull to drive |
| Plenty of cargo space |
Interior materials feel cheap |
| Impressive technology |
Not a Top Safety Pick |
If you’re shopping for a camping-friendly family hauler but don’t want the footprint (or vibe) of a minivan, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid aims squarely at that middle ground. Comfortable seating matters on long drives to trailheads, and the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s big-crossover packaging is geared toward carrying people plus all the bulky stuff that comes with camping, from coolers to folding chairs.
For campsite duty, the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s strengths are the practical ones: cargo space and tech that makes road-trip navigation and daily usability easier. It’s not the most engaging vehicle to drive, and some interior surfaces may feel a bit budget for the class, but for buyers prioritizing room, comfort, and an easygoing family-camping routine, those tradeoffs may be acceptable.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Need a minivan but want a crossover? Get a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid review
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Best Cars for Camping FAQs
What's more important for camping: cargo space or off-road capability?
This depends entirely on your camping style. If you camp with a large family or have lots of gear and stick to established campgrounds, a vehicle with massive cargo space like the Kia Carnival or Ford Transit is ideal. If your goal is to reach remote, undeveloped campsites, then the off-road prowess of a Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Outback, or Jeep Gladiator is more important.
Can a sedan be a good car for camping?
Absolutely. A capable sedan with the right features can be great for camping, especially if most of your driving is on paved roads. The Subaru WRX, for example, comes with standard all-wheel drive for extra traction on dirt roads and has roof rack mounts to expand its cargo capacity for tents and gear.
Do I need a truck for camping?
Not necessarily. While a truck like the Ram 1500 offers the utility of an open bed and high towing capacity, it's not a requirement for a great camping trip. SUVs like the Subaru Outback and Dodge Durango offer plenty of enclosed, secure cargo space, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz provides a mix of SUV comfort with small-truck utility, including a clever in-bed trunk.
What features should I look for in a good camping vehicle?
Look for a combination of generous cargo space, all-wheel or four-wheel drive, and good ground clearance for tackling varied terrain. A roof rack is a valuable feature for carrying extra gear. Inside, durable materials, plenty of storage cubbies, and modern tech like multiple USB ports and a reliable infotainment system for navigation can make the trip much more enjoyable.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in September 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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