Skip to main content

Going camping requires not only the right gear but also the right kind of car. Take, for instance, a sedan. While they’re often the car of choice for city driving, you wouldn’t really want to hit the trails in one. Instead, you’re going to want an SUV for your next camping trip. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book has already done the heavy lifting. Let’s talk about their picks for the best SUVs for camping. 

The best features for car camping

A family camping in a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, one of the best SUVs for camping.
Camping in an SUV. | Ford

There are a few things to consider before buying an SUV for your next camping trip. First, let’s talk about all-wheel drive. According to Kelley Blue Book, it’s important to determine what type of camping you plan on doing. If you see yourself really roughing it, you might want to consider an SUV with all-wheel drive.

Kelley Blue Book reports that how much space an SUV has to offer is equally important. So is how much cargo it can carry. Depending on how long you plan on camping, you’re going to need a good amount of space for transporting your gear.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs for camping

Pictured is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in the wilderness, the Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs for camping
2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk | Stellantis

This one really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Jeep is known for manufacturing SUVs with lots of off-road prowess, the Jeep Grand Cherokee included. But its off-road reputation isn’t the only thing that this SUV has going for it.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is among the best SUVs for camping because of its 1,300-pound payload capacity, and 63.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. It helps that this camping SUV can tow up to 7,200-pounds too.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is no stranger to camping on the trails

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV camping
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport may be new to the scene, but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of doing some serious car camping. In all actuality, this all-new model is among the best SUVs for camping. As to why?

Kelley Blue Book reports that it all comes down to the Ford Bronco Sport’s camping-friendly features. From its rear cargo hatch designed to accommodate rooftop tents to its slide-out table and 65 cubic feet of space with the back seat folded down, there’s no denying that this SUV has plenty to offer camping enthusiasts.

The 2021 Subaru Outback is standard with all-wheel drive

Pictured is the Subaru Outback at a car show
Subaru Outback | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

If you see yourself taking on unpaved trails, Kelley Blue Book reports that buying an SUV with all-wheel drive is likely a good idea. For an SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive, consider the Subaru Outback.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the Outback has been a favorite among camping enthusiasts for decades. But what makes this year’s model one of the best SUVs for camping? Well, it all has to do with its 75 cubic feet of space of cargo space and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. 

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has always been one of the best camping SUVs

2021 Toyota 4Runner on the trails
2021 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

You can’t write a list of the best SUVs for camping and not include the Toyota 4Runner. After all, this SUV is an icon among both off-road and camping enthusiasts. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s a body-on-frame SUV with a reputation for durability.

That’s not all either. Check out the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, which benefits from features like crawl control and multi-terrain select. It also offers up a wealth of cargo space and can tow a maximum of 5,000-pounds when properly equipped.

Related

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Actually Good for the Family