The Best Cars For Camping

Spend your weekends sleeping under the stars? Whether you’re a rambler, hiker or simply enjoy the solitude of nature (if that’s possible with the kids in tow), you’ll need a car that can get you there!

If you’ve ever been camping before, you’ll know the volume of stuff that comes with it; we’re talking everything from tents and sleeping bags to barbecues and chairs. Not only that but your trip will often take you off the beaten path, so your car needs to be able to tackle more than just motorway tarmac. So what are the best cars for camping?.

At Family Car Deals, we’re dedicated to helping you find a car to suit your needs. Find out more about the best cars for camping, including what to look for and our recommended models, below.

Best cars for camping: Features to look out for 

There are so many family cars that would be a great choice if you’re heading off on a weekend camping trip, but trawling through them all isn’t the best use of your time — so let us do it for you! To help you narrow down your options, here is a list of features that would be helpful if you’re heading off the beaten track with the kids and the dogs in tow: 

Storage space: This is a necessity in family cars, but even more so when you’re packing all your camping gear in too! Look for cars with big boots, flat-folding seats and underfloor storage. 

Off-roading: The likelihood is that if you’re going camping, you’re heading into the wilderness. Off-road capabilities like all-wheel and four-wheel drive mean you can tackle a range of terrains. High ground clearance is also a bonus. 

Towing: Whether you’re towing a caravan or a trailer, the best cars for camping have the power to do this with ease. Make sure you find out the towing capacity of the car you’re considering. 

Weatherproof: Look for features including climate control to keep you warm in chilly weather, as well as heated seats, steering wheel and air conditioning.

Durability: Some models are known for durability — think the best family SUVs and crossovers that can handle rough terrain and cars with high-reliability ratings. No one wants to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a car that won’t start! 

Infotainment tech: Look for models with infotainment and car safety technology. Built-in sat navs will get you where you need to be and entertainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will keep the kids quiet on the journey. 

Top Cars for Camping 

Here is our team’s pick of the very best cars for camping:

Land Rover Defender 

The Land Rover Defender is known for its ability to handle tough terrain with its advanced 4-wheel drive system, which is perfect if you’re heading off the beaten track. You can choose 5, 6, 7 or 8 seats so you can bring the whole family along. It’s spacious inside with plenty of legroom and space to pack all your kit. It boasts an advanced climate control system to help you warm up and dry off and is packed with safety features to keep you safe wherever the road takes you. 

At a glance 

• 5-star safety rating 
• Choose from 3 models depending on your space requirements
• See what's going on around you with a high-seating position 
• Option to choose a fridge in the centre armrest to keep drinks cold 
• 12-way adjustable seats for ultimate comfort 
• Drop the car down a few inches to load the boot with air suspension 

Volkswagen Amarok 

An SUV that looks the part out in the wilderness, the Volkswagen Amarok is a rugged pick-up with generous load space meaning loads of room in the back for everything from tents to climbing equipment. With a double-cab body style, there’s still room for all the family and with a 5-star NCAP rating, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re in safe hands. You can switch between driving modes depending on terrain, and a high seating position with rear camera means you’ll know what's going on around you. 

• 5-star safety rating 
• Up to 3,500kg towing capacity 
• Spacious back seats so everyone can stretch out 
• Spacious door bins and glove boxes for extra storage 
• 360-degree camera system to navigate your surroundings 
• Clear, crisp navigation and infotainment systems 

Kia Sorento 

The Kia Sorento is a robust SUV with space for up to seven passengers. It comes with a roomy interior that makes it easy to settle into long journeys and means everyone can stay comfortable no matter the terrain. The Sorento has roof rails which makes it easy to attach additional kit you might need while out in nature. Enjoy the view under the panoramic sunroof and take advantage of zoned climate control so you can turn up the heating on those crisp, cold nights and still keep everyone happy. 

• 5-star NCAP rating 
• 2,000kg towing capacity with a trailer that has brakes 
• Heated, adjustable, wide seats for maximum comfort 
• Pull-up sun blinds to reduce annoying glare 
• Loads of boot storage with flat loading seats perfect for bulky loads
• No loading lip on the boot to make loading up easier 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for entertainment on long journeys 

MINI Countryman 

The definition of stylish and practical, the MINI Countryman is versatile. It looks great winding around town but will happily take you off-road if you’re heading off on an adventure. It’s an SUV but not necessarily as we know it, with a stylish, modern exterior for something a little different. With a range of features including towing capabilities, loads of interior space and tech so you can stay connected, the Countryman is a secure and stylish option. 

• Awaiting NCAP test but other models have scored highly 
• 1,500kg towing capacity on a trailer with brakes
• 450 litres (3 suitcases) of boot space with extra underfloor storage
• Loads of cabin space with plenty of legroom for taller passengers 
• Secure grip on winding roads 
• Stay connected with wireless phone charging and 2 USB ports 
• Head-Up Display for navigation at a glance

Skoda Kodiaq 

From the school run to the campsite, the Skoda Kodiaq looks great doing both! Big and practical, this SUV gives families the option of adding two seats in the back, perfect for group trips away. It comes with loads of space inside so everyone can get comfortable on the road, a panoramic sunroof that lets the light stream in and tinted windows and blinds that work perfectly if you just can’t take sleeping in a tent any longer. 

• 5-star NCAP ratings on previous models 
• Raised driving position for a great view of the road ahead 
• Four-wheel drive options for additional grip and security on the road 
• Umbrella in the passenger door in case of downpours 
• Ice scraper in the fuel filler cap for those cold mornings
• 630-2,005 litre of storage if you don’t need all of the seats 
• Flat boot floor and low loading lip to make packing the car easier 

Kia Niro

A reliable family car, the Kia Niro is a great choice for families that want to combine their love for camping with a car that suits their everyday needs. There’s also a range of engines to choose from including PHEV. Its compact shape means it’ll fit nicely on your drive when you’re not out on the road and it boasts loads of interior space and practical features to make heading to the campsite a bit easier. 

• 5-Star NCAP rating on the latest models 
• Up to 1,300kg towing on a trailer with brakes 
• Loads of cabin storage with wireless phone charging options 
• Wide, comfortable front seats 
• Plenty of leg and headroom - store more in the footwells and backseats 
• Luggage hooks in the boot prevent items from rolling around 
• Flat-loading boot floor - load bulky tents and equipment easily 

Volvo XC90 

Volvo is known for safety, so it’s no surprise it’s a top family car. But it can also suit off-road, camping adventures too! If you’re looking for a car that you know will keep you safe on the road that can take a bit of rough terrain, the Volvo XC90 could be a great choice. With hybrid and petrol options to choose from, the XC90 has space for 7 adventurers, loads of room for kit and navigation systems as standard — so your car will know exactly where you are, even if you don’t! 

• 5-Star NCAP rating - as you’d expect! 
• 2,200kg towing capacity 
• Plenty of space to stretch out in the rear with loads of headroom 
• Cubby holes, door bins and charging ports for convenience and connectivity 
• Individually reclining seats in the front two rows 
• 680 litres of boot space (5 suitcases) with the back row folded down
• 12V socket in the boot so there’s always somewhere to recharge 

If you love spending time in the great outdoors, you need a practical car that can happily tackle the commute during the week before you head off road at the weekend. 

Whether you’re towing a trailer, looking for optimal comfort for long journeys or looking to make the most of interior space, browse our range of family cars to find the perfect camping companion. 

For more advice before you go, check out our guide to adding storage accessories to your car and essential checks before a long journey.