The Top 7 Vehicles for Car Camping in 2026

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SUVs & EVs That Turn Your Daily Driver Into Basecamp

In 2026, you don’t need a $4000 rooftop tent.
You don’t need a trailer.
You don’t need a $100K van build.

You just need a vehicle with a flat cargo area, all-wheel drive, and the right setup inside.

Car camping is the sweet spot between freedom and comfort. It’s warm when it’s cold. Dry when it’s pouring. Fast when you roll in after dark. And when you pair the right SUV or EV with Luno gear, your daily driver becomes a ready-to-roll basecamp in minutes.

This is our list of the top 7 vehicles for car camping in 2026. We've picked a few SUVs, EVs, some new and some tried and true. This list is in no particular order and we haven't necessarily camped in every single one, but based off what our community is saying and excited for, we hand picked these because we think you should know about them. We're not here to shame your 1999 Outback with 400k miles on it - we love to see those types of cars still out adventuring - we just wanted to update our list for 2026. Did your car make the list? Did we forget one? Let our team know on our socials (@luno.life) or drop us an email at hello@lunolife.com letting us know what we missed. 

1. Toyota RAV4 Woodland

For the explorer who wants tried and true reliability and utility

The RAV4 Woodland takes one of the best-selling SUVs in the world and adds trail credibility. AWD, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, roof rails — and hybrid efficiency that keeps your road trip budget intact. Plus you get the legendary reliability of Toyota.

Toyota’s legacy is built on durability (Land Cruiser roots run deep), and the Woodland channels that mindset into a practical, everyday-sized SUV. This new model is definitely hyped up for this year and surrounded with excitement.

Why it’s a camping weapon:

  • Hybrid MPG for cross-country road trips
  • Nearly flat cargo space for sleeping
  • 120V outlet for charging gear
  • 3,500 lb towing for bikes, small trailers, or extra toys

Who it’s for:
The weekend warrior. The national park chaser. The person who commutes Monday–Friday and disappears into the mountains by Friday night.

2. Subaru Outback

For the trailhead regular and snow-chaser

The Outback isn’t trying to look outdoorsy. It just is. It is pretty much the definition of "you live in a mountain town." This year the all-new Outback got a full redesign. The new model features more head room, a completely flat cargo area with seats folded down and all the modern touches you'd expect in Subaru's newest vehicles.

Subaru built its reputation in ski towns, dirt parking lots, and forest roads. Standard Symmetrical AWD, X-Mode traction control, roof rails ready for boards or bikes — it’s baked into the culture. The all-wheel drive from Subaru is legendary and will surely keep you planted on any road.

Why it’s ideal for sleeping inside:

  • Long, flat cargo floor
  • Boxy shape that maximizes usable space
  • Durable interior materials
  • Excellent ground clearance for a wagon
  • Dog friendly!

Who it’s for:
The climber. The skier. The mountain biker. The person who keeps microspikes and sunscreen in the same gear bin.

3. Honda Passport TrailSport

For the road tripper who packs heavy and goes far

The Passport TrailSport brings real muscle to the midsize SUV world. A 285-hp V6, intelligent AWD, off-road tuned suspension — and a wide cargo area that feels noticeably roomier than compact crossovers. This TrailSport version has gone viral for it's surprisingly good looks. Honda's might not be in the headlines as often as some of the other flashier competitors but its a steady, no-frills, competent machine.

Honda’s strength has always been reliability. This is the vehicle you trust for 10-hour drives and remote desert highways.

Why it shines for camping:

  • Wide sleeping platform area
  • 5,000 lb towing capacity
  • Strong passing power on mountain grades
  • Elevated ride height for rougher access roads

Who it’s for:
The couple doing multi-state road trips. The gear-heavy adventurer. The “let’s just keep driving” type.

4. Rivian R2

For the modern explorer who wants the perks of an EV

Rivian didn’t enter the EV space to make commuter cars. They built adventure vehicles first, electric second. This is Rivian's newest and most modern vehicle in their lineup at their most affordable price point too.

The R2 brings that philosophy into a more compact platform. AWD options. 300+ miles of range. Flat-folding interior. Front trunk for separating gear. This car is sure to be a hit once it makes it into the market. Based on our experiences with camping in an R1S, the bar was already raised and the R2 is set to raise it again.

Why EVs hit different for camping:

  • Run AC and Heat all night long
  • Instant torque on steep gravel climbs
  • Lower fuel cost over time
  • Camp mode with auto-leveling
  • run electric appliance and charge all your devices whenever

Who it’s for:
The tech-forward adventurer. The early adopter. The person who wants the most modern tech without giving up dirt-road access.

5. Kia Sportage

For the city-based explorer who refuses to be boxed in

The Sportage proves you don’t need a massive SUV to build a capable camping setup. Bold design. Surprising cargo capacity. AWD and terrain modes available.

Kia has transformed its brand in the last decade and the Sportage reflects that evolution: modern, practical, quietly capable. It looks great both in the city and at the trailhead.

Why it works for car camping:

  • Spacious for a compact SUV
  • Fold-flat rear seats
  • Hybrid options for better efficiency
  • Excellent warranty coverage

Who it’s for:
The apartment dweller with a trail map saved in their phone. The person who wants one vehicle that does everything well.

6. Volkswagen ID. Buzz

For the road trip romantic who blends old-school with new tech

The ID. Buzz carries the spirit of Volkswagen’s original camper vans into the electric era.

Van-like proportions. Massive interior space. Flat load floor. Electric drivetrain. It’s nostalgia but modern. You can endlessly customize the interior space for hauling goodies from Costco runs to customizing a full camp set up for the weekend. Great for longer trips on the road too.

Why it’s elite for camping:

  • Huge interior for sleeping setups
  • Quiet electric drive
  • Easy road trip comfort
  • Iconic design rooted in camper heritage

Who it’s for:
The long-haul traveler. The festival-goer. The person who romanticizes highway sunrises and coastal pullouts.

7. Subaru Solterra & Toyota bZ

For the Subaru and Toyota lover who wants to go electric

Built on shared engineering between Subaru and Toyota, these electric crossovers bring AWD capability into the EV camping world.

The Solterra and bZ quiet, smooth, and capable — with the reliability reputation of two of the most trusted automakers in the game.

Why they work for camping:

  • Electric drivetrain = peaceful campsites
  • AWD access to dirt roads
  • Low load floor for sleeping setups
  • Lower maintenance than traditional gas vehicles

Who they’re for:
The sustainability-first camper. The weekend trail explorer who wants fewer gas stops and fewer emissions.

Why Sleeping Inside Your Car Wins

Tents flap in the wind.
Rooftop tents require ladders.
Trailers limit where you can go.

Sleeping inside your vehicle means:

  • Pull in → fold seats → sleep
  • Protection from wind, rain, and wildlife
  • Climate control when you need it
  • Stealth camping flexibility
  • No breakdown time in the morning

With the right flat cargo platform and a vehicle-specific mattress, your SUV becomes a weatherproof bedroom on wheels.

FAQ: Best Vehicles for Car Camping in 2026

What makes a vehicle good for car camping?

The best camping vehicles have:

  • Flat cargo areas
  • Fold-down rear seats
  • AWD or ground clearance
  • Roof rails
  • Adequate cargo volume
  • Comfortable front seats for long drives

Are electric vehicles good for camping trips?

Yes. EVs are quiet, cost less per mile, offer instant torque for steep roads, and reduce emissions at camp. Many modern EVs are excellent for weekend or regional road trips.

Is car camping better than tent camping?

For many people, yes. Sleeping inside your car provides faster setup, better weather protection, improved security, and increased comfort — especially when paired with a purpose-built sleep system.

What’s the best SUV size for sleeping inside?

Compact and midsize SUVs with flat cargo floors typically offer the best balance between drivability and interior sleeping space.

Outfit Your Vehicle for Car Camping with Luno

Once you’ve chosen the right SUV or EV, turning it into a ready-to-roll basecamp is simple: create a flat, comfortable sleep surface, add privacy and airflow, and keep your gear organized so setup takes minutes—not hours. With vehicle-specific Luno gear, your daily driver transforms from commuter to campsite fast, whether you're in a compact crossover or a fully electric adventure rig.

  • Start with a vehicle-specific mattress like any of the mattresses in the Luno lineup for your car, SUV, truck, or van.

  • Accessorize →  build out your rig with all the creature comforts from air flow to privacy to storage.

  • Leverage built-in vehicle power → (especially in hybrids and EVs) for lights, fridges, and devices.

  • Keep it simple → fold seats, inflate, and sleep—no poles, trailers, or rooftop setups required.