Bold Machines Meet Nature
That feeling when wilderness beckons is unlike anything else. Modern vehicles have evolved beyond simple transportation into ultimate adventure machines. These incredible automobiles, pair smart engineering with practical design to perfectly match your passion for the great outdoors. So, here's a peek at some trailblazing rides that'll provide you with everything you need on your next camping trip.
1. Subaru Outback
Adventure junkies swear by the Outback's legendary X-MODE system that crushes off-road challenges like they're nothing. This crossover beast packs a turbocharged punch while giving you 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind those rear seats. When the trail gets muddy, the water-repellent StarTex upholstery keeps your interior looking fresh.
2. Honda CR-V
Ask any die-hard camper about versatility, and the CR-V's engineering always pops up. Here, you’ll find a best-in-class cargo space that expands from 39.2 to 75.8 cubic feet. Honda packed this beauty with their turbocharged 1.5L engine, pushing out 190 horses while still managing 34 mpg on the highway.
3. Toyota Tacoma
Without bragging too much about numbers, let's talk about what matters. The Tacoma's composite bed just won't quit. However, the real magic happens with that Deck Rail System, which lets you secure everything. Also, the available TRD Pro package turns this truck into a serious trail machine.
4. Jeep Gladiator
You know what's wild? The Gladiator can wade through 30 inches of water without breaking a sweat. Those Trail Rail cargo bits are genius for organizing your gear. The coolest part is that you get four different engine choices, including a torquey diesel that'll make mountain passes feel flat.
5. Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner's got this old-school charm that's getting rare nowadays—body-on-frame construction. Here's something neat: grab the optional sliding rear cargo deck, and you've got an instant picnic table or camping kitchen. With Crawl Control handling the tough stuff and the 270-hp V6 engine, it’s all good in the hood.
6. Kia Carnival
This isn't your typical soccer-parent ride. The Carnival's got style for miles. Picture this: VIP lounge chairs that recline like business class seats, perfect for stargazing through the sunroof. Nine USB ports mean everyone's devices stay satisfied. Plus, the 3.5L V6 engine gives you enough grunt to tow a small camper.
7. Ford Bronco
If trail turns worry you, the Bronco's Trail Turn Assist feature lets you pivot like a tank. Everything is modular; be it doors, roof panels, or fender flares, they all come off without special tools. Those trail sights are suitable mounting points for auxiliary lights or action cameras.
8. Honda Element
Remember when Honda went wild and created this box on wheels? This beast has a 2.4L DOHC MPFI 16-valve i-VTEC I4 engine and a drive-by-wire throttle system. Here’s a fun fact: the clamshell tailgate literally doubles as a rain shelter when you are cooking outdoors.
9. Subaru Crosstrek
Rolling with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek's got the same ground clearance as many proper SUVs. The hybrid option is sweet, giving you instant torque for climbing while still managing impressive fuel economy. Engine options include a 152-hp four-cylinder.
10. Toyota Sienna
Toyota flipped the script by making every Sienna hybrid and all-wheel drive. It offers an impressive 36 mpg while still having plenty of room for all your gear. Those power sliding doors are clutch when your hands are full of camping gear. Plus, the four-zone climate control keeps everyone happy.
11. Tesla Model X
Ever camped in complete silence? The Model X's Camp Mode maintains an appropriate cabin temperature all night without engine noise. Interestingly, the Bioweapon Defense Mode keeps your cabin air clean. With 325 miles of range, you can go deep into the wilderness and still make it back.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) on Wikimedia
12. Volkswagen California
Europeans sure know how to picnic in style. This van comes with a built-in kitchen and a pop-up roof that creates a second-story bedroom with a view of the stars. There's a freshwater tank that holds 7.4 gallons, and all the furniture is cleverly integrated, even the camping chairs stored in the tailgate.
Southampton Campers on Wikimedia
13. Land Rover Defender
The Defender laughs at water crossings up to 35.4 inches deep. Additionally, Terrain Response 2 scans the ground beneath you and makes adjustments before you can say, "Mind the gap." Almost your whole house might be transported with you because of the towing capacity of up to 8,201 pounds.
14. Hyundai Santa Cruz
This hybrid powertrain gives you 37 mpg, causing fewer stops between campgrounds. Moreover, the bed extension that folds up when not in use is a brilliant idea. It also includes side storage, a sealed underfloor storage bin, and a 115-volt power outlet to power appliances.
15. Chevrolet Colorado
Talk about a jack of all trades. Chevrolet Colorado nails the sweet spot between daily driver and weekend warrior. The available diesel engine is a torque monster powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its bed possesses a built-in 120-volt power outlet and cargo bed lighting.
16. Nissan NV200
Here is a van that stands as a blank canvas for DIY camper builds. The 2.0L engine sips fuel like expensive tea, making it a great pick for cross-country adventures. Even in constrained camping areas, the car is simple to drive and park due to its size, measuring 4.40 m in length.
Kārlis Dambrāns from Latvia on Wikimedia
17. Ford Transit
Want to stand up straight while changing clothes? The high-roof Transit lets you do just that. This car's EcoBoost engines provide surprising pep along with an all-wheel drive system. The Ford Transit also gives practical features such as a passenger-side running board for cleaning shoes.
JustAnotherCarDesigner on Wikimedia
18. Honda Pilot
Camping has never been more opulent. For late-night stargazing, the Pilot allows the second-row seats to independently slide and recline. With its powerful V6 engine, it can tow a compact camper while still offering great fuel economy. Plus, there's plenty of cargo space, with 21.8 cubic feet behind the third row.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
19. Jeep Wrangler
Freedom on four wheels—that's what you get when you can remove the doors and roof and even fold down the windshield, all with the help of an intricate toolkit. The Wrangler now also offers modern touches, like a plug-in hybrid option, while still maintaining its rugged design, complete with seven skid plates to protect the important parts underneath.
20. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, its air suspension gives you multiple ride heights, from low enough to load gear easily to tall enough to clear obstacles. The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system makes you feel like an off-road pro, and the real luxury is a night vision system for spotting wildlife after dark.
