Best cars to sleep in for camping
Whether you’re going on road trips with long distances in between, don’t want to bother packing a tent, or you simply want to experience car camping, sleeping in a car has its own unique advantages.
You can save tons of money in accommodation fees by car camping. It’s also relatively simple and doesn’t require a lot of equipment to set up.
But there are some challenges so it’s important to look out for certain factors when choosing the best car to sleep in. These include features like roomy and comfortable interiors with decent cargo space, seats that are removable or fold completely flat, off-road capabilities, and fuel efficiency.
Here is our list of the best vehicles to sleep in for camping.
Best Car to Sleep In
We’ll start our review of the best vehicles to sleep in for camping with regular size cars and sedans.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a small, compact vehicle. Despite its size, it’s one of those cars big enough to sleep in because it has good seat configuration possibilities.
These configurable seats are what Honda calls “Magic Seats” which fold in several ways to accommodate cargo in different shapes and sizes. The back seats can fold down almost completely flat, making enough space for two people though it’s ideal for solo campers.
Pros:
- One of the most low gas mileage vehicles available
- Good seat configuration possibilities
- On the more affordable side (a little over $16,000 brand new)
Cons:
- Only around 53 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than most other competitors
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius V has a reputation for being one of the most reliable vehicles and fuel efficient cars. This makes it one of best cars to sleep in for camping during a long road trip as you can save on fuel.
We have experience road tripping with a regular Prius as well as the Prius V. Though we usually bring a tent, we have successfully slept two people in the back of the Prius V and would definitely do it again in a pinch.
This version specifically is a hybrid model, which can run on electricity alone for short distances while also using gasoline for a longer range and great fuel efficiency.
Importantly, the Prius V model is also longer than the standard, with 67.3 cubic feet of space and a high roof, which all adds up to a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Pros:
- Known for its reliability and excellent fuel economy
- Pretty spacious for its size
- Some models available as fully electric vehicles
Cons:
- Not suitable for off-road driving
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is one of the best cars for sleeping in because it ticks a lot of boxes in the checklist. It has a large interior space, with lots of storage compartments in the cabin, and over 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
A used Subaru Outback was the first car we had together, and we loved it. The only reason we sold it was because we were leaving the country for two years to do Peace Corps.
All Outback models come with standard all-wheel drive so it’s a great choice for dirt roads and off-road camping. They’re practical, durable vehicles so even finding one in the used market in good shape will last you a long time.
Pros:
- Roomy interior that comfortably seats 5 passengers and has great storage options
- Popular with outdoor enthusiasts for off-road terrain capabilities
Cons:
- Rear seats don’t come out or fully fold to make a flat surface for sleeping
Best SUV to Sleep In
Naturally, SUVs tend to have more space than sedans or hatch back cars, so most of the best vehicles for car camping are SUVs.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the best road trip vehicle to sleep in for outdoor enthusiasts. It was designed to navigate any sort of terrain you might encounter in your journey like dirt roads, boulders, shallow creeks, inclines, and more.
This off-road vehicle has decent room with 67.4 cubic feet of trunk space when the seats are folded. For extra space, you can even remove the doors and roof, perfect for taking in the outdoors.
Pros:
- Can handle any terrain
- High ground clearance and enhanced suspension
- Removable doors and roof
Cons:
- Rides can be loud and rough
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a classic SUV with plenty of space and advanced features. It may seem small with only 40 cubic feet of storage space, but seats in the second row fold flat for a total of 75 cubic feet.
The CRV has all-wheel drive and can handle most terrains. There are also hybrid versions available in the market.
Regardless of the model, the CR-V has a reputation for being one of the most durable and long-lasting SUVs which is great for long trips.
Pros:
- Sleek, compact, and attractive
- Good fuel economy
- There are hybrid versions available
Cons:
- A bit pricier compared to others in the market
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a popular choice for SUVs you can sleep in because of its modern comforts.
Depending on the model year, available features like wireless hotspot, a robust navigation system, built-in charging ports, and an infotainment system, make it ideal for those who want to still stay connected while in the great outdoors.
The seats in the second row can be folded down completely flat, which doubles the Chevy Equinox cargo area to 64 cubic feet.
Pros:
- Good towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs
- Average price point
- Decent fuel efficiency
Cons:
- No hybrid models
Honda Element
The Honda Element is an interesting option because it remains people’s top choices for best vehicles to camp in despite the fact that Honda actually stopped manufacturing it with the 2011 model year.
An Element is the best option if you’re looking to buy pre-owned, with great versatility and large interiors. Cargo capacity can be expanded to a generous 128.7 cubic feet without the seats, perfect for a good night’s sleep.
It’s also a good car in terms of storage capacity, since its boxy shape makes it easy for things to fit in a neater way.
Pros:
- Plenty of room for sleeping and storage, one of the most spacious vehicles
- Seats were designed to be easily removed
Cons:
- Not as accessible and can be hard to find, only available in the used market
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is an affordable but reliable SUV with enough room for a mattress since the back seats can be folded flat. It has a cargo area of around 67.3 cubic feet which is at par with most of its competitors. It has standard all-wheel drive and the newer models come with handy security features that make it a great option for camping.
Pros:
- One of the more affordable SUV options
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Newer model comes with security features like adaptive cruise control
Cons:
- Might be hard to get privacy with large windows
Jeep Cherokee
Just like the Wrangler, the Jeep Cherokee is a practical and durable SUV with good off-road capabilities, perfect for navigating all sorts of terrains.
However, since it’s not a full-size SUV, the interiors aren’t as spacious. The cargo area of the standard model is around 54.9 cubic feet when the back seats are folded flat.
Pros:
- Great towing capability
- High clearance and off-road capabilities
- Highly customizable with loads of upgrade options
Cons:
- Not as much space compared to full-size SUVs
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevy Suburban is one of the best SUVs for families since it can fit up to 8 passengers. I actually learned to drive on highways in a Suburban as a teenage!
It’s one of the largest options in this list with three rows of seats with a grand total of 121.7 cubic feet of storage space.
A suburban is a great car if space is your top priority. However, because of its size, the Chevrolet Suburban isn’t the most fuel efficient or budget-friendly.
Pros:
- Very spacious and comfortable interiors
- Four-wheel drive option
Cons:
- Much pricier compared to other vehicles
Volvo XC
The Volvo XC90 is marketed as a luxury SUV as seen by its premium interiors trimmed with quality materials. There’s generous seating complete with a third row, making it easy to accommodate up to 7 people.
The second and third-row seats can be folded flat for a total 85.7 cubic feet. It’s also capable of off-road driving though that isn’t necessarily its main function as a luxury SUV.
Pros:
- Luxurious, high-end feel and quality
- Good amount of space
- Advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep, assist, and a 360-degree camera system
Cons:
- Not the best fuel efficiency
Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is a full-size SUV with three rows of seats. It’s another good option for those who want maximum space and comfort.
Just by folding down the third row of seats, you get 43.2 cubic feet of space. But once both rows are folded, the total area goes up to 83.2 cubic feet.
Similar to the Honda Element, the Flex has a boxy-style construction which makes it convenient for storage.
Pros:
- Large and spacious interior with lots of storage built in
- Luxury feel and aesthetic
Cons:
- Recently production was discontinued in 2019 so it might be harder to find brand new
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is another full-size SUV known for its large interiors. The three rows of seats can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. This translates to a roomy cargo area.
For the 2021 model, the total space reaches 104.6 cubic feet when both rows of seats are folded down.
It’s pretty versatile since it also has a decent off-road package, though it’s only available with the Ford Explorer Limited trim which costs more.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interiors
- Good fuel efficiency for its size compared to competitors
Cons:
- Off-road capabilities are not available in all models
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a good choice for an all-around SUV since it has all the comfort and space of the large, full-size SUVs while also having practical functions that are ideal for camping trips. These functions include a fairly robust all-wheel drive system, high ground clearance of over 8 inches, and a good towing capacity for heavy loads.
In terms of space, the three rows of seats accommodates 8 people and when folded down, the cargo space is 87 cubic feet.
Pros:
- Towing capacity of 5,500 lbs
- Powerful engine and high ground clearance
- Roomy interiors
Cons:
- Newer models are more expensive and also not the most fuel efficient
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the manufacturer’s best-selling vehicles, known for its reliability and wide range of models available. The latest hybrid model is particularly great for camping due to its range.
For off-road driving, the Adventure model would be the most suitable. Overall the base model has decent space as well for sleeping with a cargo space of approximately 74 cubic feet.
Pros:
- Different models available including hybrid and off-road drive
- Known for being reliable and durable
Cons:
- Price increase from base model to have access to more features like all-wheel drive, better suspension
Mazda CX
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV and is actually one of Mazda’s worldwide best-selling models since 2014. It’s a popular choice since it promises a luxurious look and feel at a much more affordable price point.
The CX also has good safety features like adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. In terms of space, it offers 30 cubic feet of storage space but with the seats folded down it comes to about 59.3 cubic feet.
Pros:
- Luxury and high-quality feel
- Good standard safety features
- High ground clearance
Cons:
- Not as much space compared to similar options
Best Truck to Sleep In
Trucks are another vehicle option that can be adapted for car camping with the right accessories and set up.
Honda Ridgeline (pickup truck)
The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck with all-around great features for camping. For sleeping in pickup trucks, people either usually choose to sleep inside (as you can see in the video above) or by setting up a tent on the truck bed.
The interior is actually bigger than it seems as it is a crew cab pickup truck with five seats. It has a 5-foot-4-inch truck bed, roughly 33.9 cubic feet of space.
Pros:
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
- High ground clearance
Cons:
- Newest 2022 model discontinued front-wheel drive for standard all-wheel drive
Ford F-150 (pickup truck)
The Ford F-150 is part of Ford’s F-series which is made up of light-duty but full-size trucks. The F-150 model is the most popular and is currently in its 14th generation.
For sleeping inside, you can make the most out of it with the vehicle’s max recline seats which lay almost flat at 180 degrees.
Pros:
- Powerful engine and great towing capacity (14,000 lbs)
- Hybrid model available
- Seats lay almost flat
Cons:
- Not the most fuel efficient
Best Minivan to Sleep In
Finally, minivans can make great vehicles to sleep in, as they tend to have plenty of space.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is the best choice if you’re looking into minivans camping. Jedd’s family had a Sienna for many years, though never tried camping in it.
The spacious interiors are perfect for traveling with families as there’s plenty of space in the large trunk to hold everything from camping gear, coolers, outdoor equipment, and bags.
The seating configurations are flexible since the second-row is removable and the third row folds down completely flat for a maximum of over 140 cubic feet.
The Sienna’s all-wheel drive hybrid version has a powerful engine and can roughly navigate off-terrain, though other vehicles are more suited.
Pros:
- Good towing capacity of around 3,500 lbs
- Hybrid version has great fuel economy
- One of the most spacious vehicles
Cons:
- Not the best off-road capabilities
Whether you’re considering between a sedan, SUV, truck, or minivans, we hope this list helps you choose the perfect vehicle for car camping.
Let us know if you have any car camping vehicle recommendations of your own. We’d love to hear about your experience, tips, or questions in the comments.
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