14 Best SUV For Camping (Comfort for Sleeping) – The Camper of Your Dream

best suv for camping sleeping

After spending more than 1 year at home due to Panamic, now you are certainly planning to go camping outside. And for you, the best SUV for camping will come in handy these days. 

Many people prefer road trips to camp and do not travel to airports for their overseas travel. And there are many SUVs that offer extra ground clearance and payload.

Suv is best for camping as it can carry all the people, equipment and groceries you need to bring. In order to cope with all these tasks, it has become our preferred vehicle.

Second, it is spacious and has plenty of storage options. After all, it has to be sturdy and reliable so that you don’t get stranded in the depths of nature. Some car manufacturers now also offer special features that make their vehicles particularly suitable for camping and work as best handling cars.

With all the requirements that a better best camping SUV needs, At Locar Deals, we have selected best selling cars on these criteria in order to present you with some of our most popular motorhomes.

What Are the Best SUV For Camping?

The best camping SUV is that it has enough power to handle off-road capability, go off the beaten track, and double as an emergency tent.

There are some additional requirements such as cargo capacity as standard or with the rear seats folded down. And it has room for ample camping gear like coolers, cookware, grill, and other important gadgets. Let’s take a look at the 14 best SUVs for camping this summer.

  1. Chevy Silverado LTZ
  2. Ford Expedition
  3. Honda Element
  4. Toyota 4Runner
  5. Kia Telluride
  6. Toyota Sequoia
  7. Jeep Wrangler
  8. GMC Acadia Denali
  9. Subaru Forester
  10. Honda Ridgeline
  11. Ford F150 XL
  12.  Scion xB
  13. Mazda CX5
  14. Volvo XC90

Top 14 Best SUV For Camping Sleeping in 2021 – Sleep Peacefully on Camping

Many years ago, finding the best SUV to go camping was an easy task as there were fewer vehicles available and all of them had some off-road capability and cargo space.

There are many best sleeper cars currently available and they also have special features that make your camping easy and provide more space for your daily use and kitchen utensils. 

However, some vehicles are high on the tented SUV list and have as much space as possible to stow a lot of gear. We’ve rounded up some of the best SUVs for camping, in a variety of sizes and price ranges.

1. Chevy Silverado LTZ

Silverado’s legendary performance is evident in the 2021 model, making it an ideal outdoor companion. 

best suv for camping Chevy Silverado-LTZ

With a maximum towing capacity of up to 14,500 pounds, you’ll never need to search for the best SUV for camping sleeping than a Silverado. 

It can pull and pull as much or more than most of its competitors and has a spacious interior with user-friendly technical features. Silverado’s infotainment system, charging ports, and available integrated 4G LTE WiFi access points offer all the high-tech comforts of home for those not yet ready to sacrifice screen time.

Key Specification Of Chevy Silverado LTZ

  • MSRP: $35,600 – $57,700 (Updated)
  • Engine: 6.6 Liter / 8-cylinder
  • MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 6
  • Towing Capacity: 14500 Pound
How Safe is Chevy Silverado LTZ?

The 2021 Silverado 1500 earned a four-star crash-test rating from NHTSA, but it is not yet evaluated by the IIHS.

2. Ford Expedition

With space for up to eight passengers plus their cargo and a solid trailer load, the 2021 Ford Expedition best camping SUV.

Ford Expedition suv for camping

Ford’s twin-turbo V6 engine offers plenty of power and holds up to its competitors’ V8s. The expedition also has compound handling for a vehicle of this size.

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The independent rear suspension improves the ride quality, handling, and interior space of the Expedition. What motivates the expedition is a 3.5-liter V6 with twin-turbocharging and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission paired with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Key Specification Of Ford Expedition

  • MSRP: $49,025 – $78,825 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 6000 pound
How Safe is Ford Expedition?

The 2021 Expedition earned a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, but it hasn’t been evaluated by the IIHS.

3. Honda Element

The Honda Element exudes a thirst for adventure and outdoor excitement. The all-wheel-drive model only enhances this mood.

best suv for camping sleeping Honda Element

People love it for the ease with which the interior can be converted into a sleeping, dining, or living room space and the amount of gear that can be carried in and upstairs.

Cargo space inside with the rear seats removed offers, that’s 74.6 cubic feet. With the roominess the little box offers, it’s no wonder the Honda Element is the best SUV to camp in.

Key Specification Of Honda Element

  • MSRP: $20,825 – $24,185 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.4 Liter / 4 cylinder
  • MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 4
  • Towing Capacity: 1500 pound
How Safe is Honda Element?

The Element earned a five-star rating for both driver and front-seat passenger in the federal (NHTSA) frontal crash test. The IIHS gave the Honda Element the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests.

4. Toyota 4Runner

Today’s 4Runner is small and compact, ideal for stealth camping on the city streets or for small wooded campsites. 

Toyota 4Runner best suv for camping

The high, square shape of the 4Runner contributes to a spacious cabin and cargo space. It’s an optional removable cargo bed that makes it a little easier to load and the best SUV to sleep in.

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It can also serve as a back door to sit on. Each 4Runner is powered by a 270 hp 4.0-liter V-6 engine in combination with a five-speed automatic transmission. 

The 4Runner has an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The user interface includes a number of physical buttons as well as rotary buttons for volume and voting.

Key Specification Of Toyota 4Runner

  • MSRP: $36,765 – $50,745 (Updated)
  • Engine: 4.0 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 16 City / 19 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 5000-pound
How Safe is Toyota 4Runner?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Toyota 4Runner an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 4Runner the highest rating of Good.

5. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is a great three-row SUV. It’s good value for money, good drivability, an attractive cabin, and plenty of luxury features at a reasonable price.

best camping vehicle Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride also makes it easy to transport all your gear to camp and can lift up to 5,000 pounds with the right equipment.

Under the hood of each Telluride is a naturally aspirated V6 engine that develops 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Kia Telluride is the perfect way to travel to camp with all your gear and then makes the best SUV for camping while you sleep.

Key Specification Of Kia Telluride

  • MSRP: $32,790 – $44,590 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.8 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Towing Capacity: 5000-pound
How Safe is Kia Telluride?

Top Safety Rating Agency NHTSA gave the 2021 Telluride an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2021 Telluride the highest rating of Good in all six safety tests.

6. Toyota Sequoia

With three rows of seats and a range of driver assistance systems as standard, the Sequoia is the best camping SUV with one of the best Japanese car brand Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

best suv for camping Toyota Sequoia

It has a powerful V8 engine, well-balanced handling, decent off-road capabilities, and a spacious bedroom. The Sequoia line comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Toyota is finally bringing the functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the table and making both smartphone-compatible functions standard.

Key Specification Of Toyota Sequoia

  • MSRP: $50,400 – $69,675 (Updated)
  • Engine: 5.7 Liter / 8 cylinder
  • MPG: 13 City / 17 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Towing Capacity: 7000 to 7400 pounds
How Safe is Toyota Sequoia?

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has fully crash-tested the 2021 Sequoia.

7. Jeep Wrangler

A jeep is an off-road vehicle dreamed of by every adventurer. They are sturdy and can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. 

Jeep Wrangler best suv for camping

A jeep is a great companion for anyone who enjoys camping outdoors. This SUV has up to 150.4 cubic feet of volume inside, so it can easily accommodate various things to make your camping trip a memorable one. 

Wrangler’s previous-generation 285-hp standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine finds its way under the hood of the new JL and if you want an alternative to a jeep then there are many cars similar to the jeep wrangler available right now.

There are so many accessories you can get on your Jeep to make it the best SUV for camping and sleeping, including a portable canopy that gives you the shade you need when the sun is shining.

Key Specification Of Jeep Wrangler

  • MSRP: $28,900 – $73,500 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.6 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 17 City / 25 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 4
  • Towing Capacity: 2,000 to 3,500 pound
How Safe is a Jeep Wrangler?

The Wrangler JL has not yet been rated by NHTSA, and it was not named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

8. GMC Acadia Denali

With the Acadia, GMC has made a name for itself as one of the leading manufacturers of full-size SUVs.

GMC Acadia Denali best camping vehicle

It has two powerful engine options, a turbo four and a V6, a subdued ride, and two rows of spacious and comfortable seats. It also has an easy-to-use infotainment system and a respectable maximum load capacity and has pretty good fuel economy.

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Its spacious interior design allows you to sleep in the comfort of your own home when you don’t bring a tent. The Acadia’s compact exterior may help it fit into garages and parking lots, but it has consequences for the amount of space available.

Key Specification Of GMC Acadia Denali

  • MSRP: $29,800 – $48,600 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.6 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 22 City / 29 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 6
  • Towing Capacity: 4000 -pound
How Safe is GMC Acadia Denali?

Top Safety Rating Agency NHTSA gave the GMC Acadia an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet crash-tested the Acadia.

9. Subaru Forester

With increased ground clearance, protective skid plates, and modern technology, a Subaru is the Best SUV to camp and sleep in for all your adventures.

Subaru Forester best suv for camping sleeping

The updated Forester benefits from a styling makeover that gives it a truck-like look, but the cabin remains as comfortable and practical as ever.

Exceptionally airy and filled with practical storage compartments. All Forester models are powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and can pull 1,500 pounds.

Key Specification Of Subaru Forester

  • MSRP: $24,795 – $34,895 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 26 City / 33 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 1500 pound
How Safe is Subaru Forester?

The NHTSA gave the 2021 Subaru Forester an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The IIHS gave the 2021 Forester the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests.

10. Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is a unique alternative to all traditional SUVs. The Ridgeline offers space for five people in the cabin, a relatively slim front section.

Honda Ridgeline best suv for camping

While the bed isn’t huge, especially in-depth, it’s more than enough to carry a four-person camping load or carry Home Depot.

Its minivan-based bases and V-6 drivetrain don’t allow it to pull more than 5,000 pounds, but they allow the Ridgeline to accelerate quickly and use fuel efficiently.

Key Specification Of Honda Ridgeline

  • MSRP: $36,490 – $43,920 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.5 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 5000 pound
How Safe is Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

11. Ford F150 XL

The Ford F-150 is an excellent full-size SUV for camping and everyday use. It consists of the optional 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 coupled with a hybrid system for an impressive combination of powerful performance and high fuel consumption.

Ford F150 XL best camping suv

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The F-150 has a safe handling and a smooth ride, and none of its classmates can haul that much. Inside you’ll find a well-made cabin, spacious seats, and easy-to-use technical features. Ford offers an 8.0-inch infotainment screen as standard, with an improved version of the brand’s Sync 4 software.

Key Specification Of Ford F150 XL

  • MSRP: $37,000 – $74,600 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.3 Liter / 6 cylinder
  • MPG: 25 City / 26 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 6
  • Towing Capacity: 5000 to 9400 pound
How Safe is Ford F150 XL?

The IIHS gave the 2021 F-150 the highest rating of Good in all safety tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not crash-tested the 2021 F-150.

12. Scion xB

The Scion xB is considered to be the best SUV for camping sleeping with plenty of space for passengers and cargo is all this Scion has to offer. 

Scion xB best camping off-road vehicle

The total of 70 cubic meters of cargo space in the Scion xB with the rear bench folded forward is perfect for stretching out for two. 

The 2015 Scion xB comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 158 hp. The Ford F-250 is a serious truck for serious trailers.

Key Specification Of Scion xB

  • MSRP: $9,936 – $13,650 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.4 Liter / 4 cylinder
  • MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 3500 pound
How Safe is Scion xB?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the xB the highest rating of Good in four crash tests The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not fully test the Scion xB.

13. Mazda CX5

best camping vehicle

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 easily wins the race for the best camping off-road vehicle with its spacious and unique cargo space when it comes to compact crossovers.

It offers a sophisticated and elegant interior, comfortable seats, and a revised infotainment system that makes it ideal for long trips and sleeping. 

This SUV offers a sleek design and impressive driving characteristics. It also has a top-notch interior and an optional powerful turbo engine that wouldn’t look out of place in a BMW.

Key Specification Of Mazda CX5

  • MSRP: $25,370 – $37,505 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4 cylinder
  • MPG: 25 City / 31 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 2000 pounds
How Safe is Mazda CX5?

The CX-5 earned a five-star crash-test rating from NHTSA, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. 

14. Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 vehicle for camping

The Volvo XC90 is a three-row SUV with a spacious interior and a lot of styles and is well suited for luxury family service. Volvo’s largest vehicle has seven seats and more available cargo space than its smaller XC60 sibling. Every XC90 has a four-cylinder turbo engine.

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If you want to camp in the comfort of your home, bundle the family, your food, and your belongings in this spacious and comfortable crossover, Make it your partner.

Key Specification Of Volvo XC90

  • MSRP: $49,000 – $70,250 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4 cylinder
  • MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 57
  • Towing Capacity: 4000 to 5000 pounds
How Safe is Volvo XC90?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Volvo XC90 an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The IIHS gave the XC90 the highest rating of Good in all safety tests.

FAQ Section

What is the best vehicle for camping?

After studying many vehicles, we found the Ram 2500 to be the best camping vehicle as it stands out from its competitors.

It can handle a payload well in excess of a ton, that’s a ton of camping and off-road gear. 

What is the best SUV for long trips?

The Highlander Hybrid is the ultimate long-haul SUV with a spacious 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space when all three back rows are folded down.

Eight people fit in the Highlander Hybrid and its rows are spacious and comfortable.

What is the best SUV for camping and sleeping?

GMC Acadia Denali is the most suitable vehicle for camping, with additional space even for sleeping. Its spacious interior design allows you to sleep comfortably without a tent.

What’s the best SUV for sleeping?

The best SUV to sleep in is one that has enough space and meets your daily driving needs. Aspects like fuel economy, reliability, and others play a crucial role in choosing the best sleep vehicle.

How To Sleep In A Car Overnight?

Remember to bring pillows and blankets. You can also use an inflatable air mattress or sleeping bag if you travel to a place with freezing or low temperatures.

Ensure adequate ventilation by slightly lowering the windows or opening the sunroof while you sleep.

How much cargo space do you need?

It depends on where you can go and for how long. This is why it is important to know how much cubic feet (cubic feet) of cargo space is available with the seats up and down. 

How much cargo weight can your car carry?

The weight of the cargo carried by car is an indication that can be found on the inside of the driver’s door post or in the instruction manual.

For example, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a payload that ranges from 850 pounds to 1,300 pounds.

What are The Features Your Vehicle Needs for Camping?

You should consider choosing a four-wheel-drive vehicle with more ground clearance than a typical car. It also has enough room for extra food, water, and clothing to sit down and add weight.

Final Thought

After reading this article, you will know that the best SUV for camping should have some specific specifications like off-road capacity, more cargo space, and towing capacity.

And you also need to focus on the number of people who commute to camp and the things you take care of, like kitchen utensils and clothes and other things in daily life. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments and tell us what you think is the best vehicle for camping?


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Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

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