Before we can talk about camping vehicles, you need to decide what type of camper you are. Are you really sensing it? With a vehicle over rough terrain to find that hidden place where no people are within a hundred miles and throw a tarp over a tree in front of your tent? Are you more of a glamper who likes to be outside, but still wants all the modern comforts and conveniences of home?
Once you know what your camping expectations are, you can decide on the vehicle. So let’s explore vehicles that are great for handling rough terrain to vehicles that bring the comforts of home to the outdoors, plus options in between.
Campervans for roughing them
You are a minimalist and do-it-yourselfer. A big part of the fun of camping for you is driving off road to find that perfect campground and it’s even better if that means forging creeks and climbing mountains.
For off-road riding, tires and lift are two of the most important points to consider. For tires you need a deep tread for better traction. Lifting is important to ensure the vehicle is high enough off the ground to prevent a rock or branch from reaching the undercarriage. Car and driver also recommends checking your suspension as well. Standard, factory-installed shocks may not have the heavy-duty springs needed for your trip.
On the high side of the $108,700 MSRP, check out: GMC Hummer EV Pickup truck. The CrabWalk feature allows you to drive through difficult terrain. CrabWalk is a unique four-wheel steering mode available on the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup, designed to provide greater vehicle maneuverability when driving off-road or parking. This feature allows the angle of the rear wheels to mimic the angle of the front wheels, allowing your vehicle to move more diagonally.
The Hummer EV Pickup Ultravision has no fewer than 18 cameras, including one in the chassis. It can clear up to 32-inch deep water, and its 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires can be deflated to better navigate rough terrain. See all off-road specs on the GMC Hummer EV Pickup.
At the low end of the $29,415 MSRP, consider the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro. Kia is competing in the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro is this year’s Rebelle Rally, so that tells you how good the Sportage X-Pro is at navigating difficult terrain!. The Rebel Rally is a full ladies off road navigation challenge race. The 7th annual Rebelle Rally is this year from October 6-15.
Participants use only paper maps and a compass while navigating the deserts of the American Southwest. The ’23 Kia Sportage X-Pro features active four-wheel drive with center differential lock, multi-terrain drive modes, 8.3 inches of ground clearance and 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich® all-terrain tires.
For more options for the best off-road 2022 vehicles, check out MotorTrend.
Ready to buy now? If you are looking for a new car, we can put you through to a trusted CarPro certified dealer.
Best vehicles for camping with large families
More family means not only more people, but also more stuff. On the higher side, the Chevrolet Suburban comfortably seats nine. With the Advanced Trailering System, you get an in-vehicle app with rear trailer, interior, transparent trailer and picture-in-picture display for better towing visibility. Additional conveniences such as custom trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists and trailer tire pressure/temperature monitoring are available. The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban starts at $66,500.
For slightly less, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, with a starting MSRP of $42,650, has room for five and their gear. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road has 17 inches. 7-spoke alloy wheels, Crawl Control (CRAWL)* and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Hill Start Assist Control to help you navigate the terrain. Plus, it can pull up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner TRD Pro’s suspension features oversized TRD-tuned FOX®* high-performance shock absorbers – with remote reservoirs on the rear shocks – and TRD-tuned front springs to help you over unforgiving terrain.
See more vehicles for large families US news and world report.
Best vehicles for camping and towing
Motorcycle trend has two good pieces of advice when it comes to towing: remember that not all finishes in any given model have the same towing capabilities, so check the owner’s manual or ask the seller before buying. And before you hitch up that jet ski, boat, or trailer, know that you can’t maximize both the weight of what you’re towing and the weight of the people and cargo in the vehicle.
On the high side, with a suggested retail price of $58,450, the 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country has four-wheel drive, off-road mode, high ground clearance, Hill Descent Control and optional 4-C adaptive air suspension. The V90 Cross Country can also help optimize traction, grip and safety while driving. It can tow 3,500 pounds – the equivalent of two motorcycles, a 20-foot aluminum fishing boat, a pop-up trailer and Lake.
On the low side, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with a suggested retail price of $38,800, a medium-sized truck is ready to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Available 18-inch wheels, seating for up to five, in-bed trunk, heavy-duty lashing eyes in the bed, and a V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound feet of torque ensure your family is ready for your next outdoor trip.
Car and driver has more camping vehicles equipped to tow your toys. And if you don’t have your own motorhome, don’t worry, why not give it a try? rent a motorhome or motorhome for your next vacation to get a better understanding of what you like before considering such a big purchase.
Best vehicles for camping with pets
Pets are family too! What dog doesn’t love to stick its head out the window to catch that fresh breeze as you drive to your campsite?
At the higher end, with a suggested retail price of $30,295, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is known for traveling through the rugged country. Mother Nature is your air conditioner when you take the doors, roof and back off. Jeep Wrangler has a high air intake, sealed electrical connections and a moisture-proof body opening and can go through up to 33.5 inches of water. A quality wheelbase gets you over the rocks on the trail, while the suspension and axle keep you on the ground with maximum traction.
With a lower MSRP of $28,395, 2023 Subaru Outback is ready to take you and your dog to the campsite. The Outback has ground clearance of 8.7 to 9.5 inches, depending on the model, and raised roof rails with integrated crossbars and docking points.
A dog crate fits easily in the back, and there are even Subaru Accessories for your dog. From Subaru seat covers to leashes to pet ramps, Subaru really caters to the pet parent.
For every Subaru, Subaru’s purchased Share the love program, you can choose one of their national charitable partners, such as ASPCA and the National Park Foundation, to send your donation. The event is usually held during Thanksgiving through the New Year holidays, so check with your local Subaru dealer for more information.
Check out more dog-friendly vehicles on Way.com.
Best vehicles for glamping
This is a no-judgment zone. If your idea of camping goes to the ski lodge or cabins with all the amenities, there are great vehicles to get you there safely and in style.
With a higher MSRP of $87,090, Cadillac Escalade ESV trims have available four-wheel drive, 6.2-liter V8 engine and heavy trailer equipment. Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Smart Trailer Integration Indicator is also available. You can fit seven and still pull up to 7,500 pounds.
At the bottom of MSRP is the Ford Lightning Pro for $39,947. This all-electric pickup has a range of 320 miles on a full charge and can… tow up to 10,000 pounds
Park it next to your tent and it has three available power sources in the Mega Power Frunk, cabin and bed. That’s enough to keep a small fridge, laptop and Lake. It has a directed maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds with a ground clearance of 8.4 inches. Get your boat and jet ski ready!
Need more choices for your Glamping Trip?
The best cars, trucks and SUVs for camping
There is a vehicle for everyone when it comes to camping.
When looking at a vehicle that may allow you to camp, think about how you plan to use the vehicle. Is it rough terrain or pavement? Are you wearing anything? Do you mainly go to desert sand hills or snowy mountains? How much cargo space do you need?
The answers to these questions will help you find the right car for you.
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