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While it’s easy to make the case for sedans and hatchbacks in mainly city driving, SUVs make a lot of sense for outdoor enthusiasts. Their higher ride height, better dirt-road capabilities, and generally more spacious interiors work well when camping or enjoying other outdoor activities. In selecting the best SUVs for camping, we mostly steered clear of luxury models – would you really want to risk soiling the carpeting in your Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with a pair of muddy boots? Many of the SUVs here offer decent space, off-road-focused trims, and a host of available accessories, all of which make them ideal for camping duties.

1

Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe comes highly rated with a BuzzScore of 8.6 out of 10, which makes it one of the more compelling choices when it comes to picking out the best SUV for car camping. A wide range of engines means the Tahoe is more versatile than other SUVs in the segment, and it’s also one of the few left to offer a capable diesel option. In this instance, the Duramax 3.0-liter V6, which kicks out 495 lb-ft of torque. Ideal for towing a trailer, then, and the Tahoe’s 8,400 lbs max towing capacity confirms this.

As standard, the Tahoe sports rear-wheel drive, which is fine for most applications. However, if you’re keen on taking the less-trodden path, then upgrading to an all-wheel-drive trim will no doubt prove fruitful. The Z71 trim is a good bet for adventurers with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case, high approach angle front fascia, and black tubular assist steps.

2

Chevrolet Blazer

Comprehensive camping setups can easily run into six figures, but that’s certainly not necessary. The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer proves this, by offering a wide range of features that make it a perfect camping companion, all while checking in with a base MSRP of just $35,400. Two engines are available – a punchy inline-four or a more powerful V6 – and both can be specified with all-wheel drive, in addition to a slick nine-speed automatic. A total of six driving modes are available too, including one for snow and ice, off-road, AWD and towing.

So, despite the cheap and cheerful starting price, this is quite a capable mid-size SUV. Being smaller than full-size models is no hindrance either, as the Blazer should be able to dance down narrow trails where bulkier models may feel a little excessive. It won’t take you through the rainforest or complete a Dakar rally, but if you’re simply looking to have a little fun on the weekend without breaking the bank or buying specialist equipment, this could be one of the best camping SUVs out there right now.

3

Mazda CX-50

2025 Mazda CX-50

Base MSRP

$30,300

Base Trim Engine

2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 ICE

Base Trim Horsepower

187 hp

Another budget-friendly choice for SUV camping is the 2025 Mazda CX-50, which is not only packed full of ideal camping features, but it also looks the part too, thanks to chunky bumpers clad in plastic trims, and bold, bolstered arches. Clearly, Mazda wants you to know that this isn’t just an urban cruiser, but also a genuinely capable soft-roader. OK, sure, it’s no Land Cruiser, but the CX-50 does boast i-Activ all-wheel-drive technology as standard, in addition to Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, also known as Mi-Drive.

Prices start from just $30,300, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs, and there’s even a boosted version with 256 horses to keep you moving along those tougher trails.

4

Chevrolet Suburban

2025 Chevrolet Suburban

Engine

3.0L Turbo I6 Diesel | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8

Horsepower

305 hp (Diesel) | 355 hp (5.3L V8) | 420 hp (6.2L V8)

Fuel Economy

15/20/17 mpg (5.3L RWD) | 15/19/16 mpg (6.2L V8 RWD)

There are more than just a few similarities between the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe. However, the Subruban is longer, boasts a stretched wheelbase, and costs a chunk more too. The latter point doesn’t overly make it an enticing camper, but if the budget allows, then this hefty full-size might just turn out to be the best SUV for camping.

Three rows of seats ensure the Suburban is ideal for bringing the whole family, but if you’re traveling a little lighter, then it also provides the perfect base for a tent-on-wheels. Dropping both the second and third rows of seating opens up a gargantuan 144.7 cubic feet of storage space – perfect then for bringing some sleeping gear, along with everything else you might need on your first camping adventure.

5

Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru Forester

Engine

2.5L Flat 4 Gas

Horsepower

180 hp

Base MSRP

$29,695

Drivetrain

AWD

Exterior Design

7 / 10

Subaru customers will have come to expect a certain number of features and qualities to appear as standard by now. Such features include a punchy flat-four engine, all-wheel drive as standard, more off-road capability than key rivals, and a genuinely attainable price tag. Fortunately, the 2025 Subaru Forester adheres to all of these basic Subaru qualities, and therefore stands out to us as one of the best SUV models for camping on sale right now.

While it’s not essential, higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches will help you to reach those more exclusive and ‘out-there’ camping spots, for a real immersive experience in nature, and the Forester looks equipped to help you get there.

6

Ford Explorer

2025 Ford Explorer

Engine

2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6

Horsepower

300-400 hp

Base MSRP

$39,755

With a name like Explorer, you’d hope this handsome Ford boasted at least some key qualities to help it succeed as a camper. Fortunately, the blue oval doesn’t let us down, by packing optional all-wheel drive, three rows of seating, and multiple drive modes as standard into the 2025 Ford Explorer.

There are no off-road-orientated trims to speak of, but with either 300 or 400 horsepower on offer, you’d stand a fairly decent chance at just powering your way out of any difficult spots. Failing that, select one of the seven unique driving modes to help you battle through snow and ice, off-road, or slippery conditions. The Ford Explorer is also our best family car of the year, so don’t be shy about bringing the whole squad with you on any up-and-coming camping adventures,

7

Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that does more than simply offer all-wheel drive and a few slick driving modes – buyers can choose from a number of well kitted-out trims, most notably the TRD Pro, which is especially prepared for those with an adventurous spirit.

Machine-polished 20-inch alloy wheels are replaced by matte-black forged aluminum BBS wheels, which are then shod in all-terrain 33-inch tires. To assist further, 2.5-in. FOX Internal Bypass coil-overs and rear remote-reservoir shocks are fitted in place of the standard units, while a trim-exclusive stabilizer bar helps to keep things in check up front. It’s not a cheap option, with the TRD Pro model kicking off at $80,295, but a TRD Pro off-road package can be added to cheaper models, such as the SR5 and Limited, which introduce camping-friendly features such as a locking rear differential, crawl and hill-descent control.

8

Honda Pilot

2025 Honda Pilot

Base MSRP

$40,200

Base Trim Engine

3.5-liter V6

Engine

3.5L V6 Gas

Horsepower

285 hp

The 2025 Honda Pilot could possibly be the best SUV for car camping with a modest price tag, and while the base model with an MSRP of $40,200 is enticing, it’s the pricier TrailSport that should have your attention. Kicking off at $49,200, the TrailSport does ask a hefty premium above and beyond the entry-level Sport, but it comes packed full of goodies which will only work to boost your overall camping experience.

As standard, the Honda Pilot TrailSport comes wearing 18-inch TrailSport alloys shod in all-terrain tires; It boasts off-road tuned suspension, and other features such as a TrailWatch camera system and an integrated class III trailer hitch are thrown in for good measure. Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive system can be adapted to cope in tricky situations with various different driving modes, and the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

9

Toyota 4Runner

Finally, after many long years, the Toyota 4Runner received the major update it was crying out for. While the old model is still an incredibly capable SUV, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner sports a number of key improvements, and looks to be a great companion for any future camping trips. Naturally, the 4Runner is all-wheel drive as standard, and all trims are equipped to deal with at least light off-roading, although the more dedicated trims, such as the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road, are capable of much more.

There’s also plenty of space inside, too, ideal if you prefer sleeping in the car rather than having to pitch a tent every night. With all the seats laid down flat, the 4Runner offers 90.2 cubic feet, and even Toyota suggests that owners “throw a blanket and cooler in the back for some quick car-camping fun”.

10

Ford Expedition

2025 Ford Expedition

Base Trim Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6

Base Trim Horsepower

400 hp

Base MSRP

$61,700

The 2025 Ford Expedition is aptly named, as it just so happens to slot into tenth place on our list of the best SUVs for camping. Both inside and out, the Expedition is bigger than the aforementioned Explorer, and so it is perfect for hauling the family away with all the necessary gear for a successful weekend in the woods. Tight and twisty trails might prove to be a bother in the cumbersome three-row Expedition, but it will still prove capable off-road, especially in the Tremor trim, which sports 10.6 inches of ground clearance, in addition to an electronic locking differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and Rock Crawl mode.

Related

Best Cars To Sleep In

Whether you’re on a camping trip or need a rest far from home, these cars have enough interior space and comfort for a decent snooze.

What SUVs can you sleep in?

There is no shortage of crossovers with enough space to accommodate an adult, or two or three, lying down. Most modern SUVs allow you to fold the rear seats flat, creating a level surface on which to place cargo, or people if that is your desire. Larger machines, like the Kia Telluride or Ford Expedition, are obviously more spacious inside, but even compact crossovers supply more than enough room for a couple of adults.

Characteristics Of The Best SUVs For Camping

The best camping SUVs need more than just a spacious cabin. There are some key boxes you need to ensure are ticked before you sign off on a purchase. Here are some tips to help you reach the right decision.

• Is it a good off-roader? While most crossovers offer all-wheel drive, not all are genuinely capable of handling rough terrain.
• Does it have all the essentials? Roughing it does not mean abandoning all creature comforts. Features like heated seats, multi-zone climate control, moonroofs, and sound-proof windows all work to create a pretty luxurious mobile camper.
• Can it haul your family and all your gear? You do not require all that much power to get around town, but when you’re climbing steeper terrain or pulling a trailer with a full cabin, you need a lot more.
• Will it keep you safe? When you’re far from civilization, you will want to know that your vehicle is reliable. High safety ratings and a decent list of safety features are a must.

Pros and Cons

While you could technically camp in a big sedan or a wagon, sports utility vehicles have some key advantages.

Pros

• Most models offer all-wheel drive
• More spacious than sedans
• Better ground clearance for mild off-roading
• Superior ride comfort
• Saturated market means plenty of choice

Cons

• More expensive than traditional automobiles
• Some models are heavy on gas
• Too many options mean plenty of substandard models