For families who love to camp and explore the great outdoors, choosing the right vehicle can make a world of difference. Whether you're tackling rugged trails, carrying gear, or seeking comfort on long drives, the right car or SUV ensures your adventure is enjoyable and stress-free. The perfect camping or overlanding vehicle is more than just transportation. It’s your mobile base camp, storage space, and, sometimes, your sleeping quarters. With features like off-road capabilities, spacious interiors, and smart storage, some vehicles are specifically designed to handle the challenges of outdoor adventures. To help narrow your search, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best vehicles for those who crave the outdoors, highlighting what makes each one ideal for camping and overlanding.

1. Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its rugged design and outstanding off-road capabilities make it a great choice for families who love overlanding. It's also proof that customizing your vehicle doesn't have to mean adding neon lights. With features like an optional third-row seat and a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, it’s versatile enough to bring along your trailer or extra camping gear. The cargo area is spacious, and the addition of roof rails makes it easy to carry everything from kayaks to rooftop tents.

Why it’s great: The 4Runner’s durability and advanced 4x4 options ensure it can handle just about any terrain, giving peace of mind when traveling into remote areas.

2. Subaru Outback Wilderness

Families that want a crossover for their adventures will like the Subaru Outback Wilderness. This capable vehicle has standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and improved off-road performance over the standard Outback. It even includes features like a front skid plate for added protection. Although compact, its interior is thoughtfully designed, offering ample space for camping gear and roof rack systems for larger items.

Why it’s great: It combines daily driving comfort with enough ruggedness to tackle dirt trails and forest roads without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

3. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler is an icon for off-road enthusiasts, and the four-door Unlimited model makes it great. Known for its unparalleled off-road performance, this vehicle features superior ground clearance, powerful 4x4 systems, and removable doors and roof for an open-air outdoor experience. It has options for towing and plenty of aftermarket accessories available, giving the Wrangler tons of options to be customized to suit your family’s camping style.

Why it’s great: The Wrangler Unlimited gives you the adventure-focused features of a Jeep with added seating and space for kids and gear.

4. Ford Bronco

The new Ford Bronco has taken the overlanding community by storm, offering impressive off-road features in both two-door and four-door configurations. It has high ground clearance, advanced 4x4 systems, and a rugged body built to withstand the elements. Inside, custom options like washable flooring and marine-grade vinyl seats make cleaning up after a muddy outing a breeze.

Why it’s great: Its modular design and versatility make it a perfect durable vehicle that can handle nature’s challenges while adapting to their unique needs.

5. Honda Passport TrailSport

The Honda Passport TrailSport is designed for light off-road adventures while maintaining the smooth ride you’d expect in a family SUV. It includes extra ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and skid plates for light trail use. The Passport’s cargo space is generous, with hidden compartments for smaller items. Families will enjoy its spacious seating and advanced safety features, such as collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control.

Why it’s great: It’s a dependable vehicle that can handle moderate trails and still be comfortable for road trips.

6. Chevrolet Tahoe Z71

Need space for a big family and a lot of gear? The Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 delivers. Its large interior can seat up to eight passengers, and its cargo area easily accommodates camping gear. The Z71 package includes off-road suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires to give it some trail-ready chops. Plus, with up to 8,400 pounds of towing capacity, it’s perfect to bring along camper trailers or boats.

Why it’s great: The Tahoe balances comfort with power, making it an excellent choice for both long road trips and rugged outdoor adventures.

7. Land Rover Defender 110

The Land Rover Defender 110 combines luxury and ruggedness, making it an exciting option for adventurous families. It has seating for up to seven and excellent off-road capabilities. The Defender is ready for any terrain, from rocky trails to sandy deserts. Its durable materials and advanced tech, like a configurable terrain response system, ensure comfort and performance.

Why it’s great: The Defender offers a premium experience without compromising its ability to handle harsh overlanding conditions, making it as suitable for remote trails as it is for a family outing to the beach.

8. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro offers excellent off-road features, such as Fox Internal Bypass shocks and crawl control, designed to tackle tough terrain. The truck bed is perfect for hauling gear, and there’s even enough room to install a camper shell or rooftop tent, further increasing its utility for camping.

Why it’s great: The Tacoma TRD Pro is tough enough for overlanding but still manageable in size, making it a flexible choice for families who need a hardworking truck.

9. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (with AWD)

No, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid isn't traditionally considered a camping or overlanding vehicle, but it deserves a spot on this list because of its value, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Equipped with all-wheel drive and a roomy interior, this minivan can comfortably carry your family and all their gear. Its hybrid engine provides excellent mileage, reducing the need for frequent gas stops on long trips. It is better suited for paved roads and lighter camping outings, but the Pacifica’s versatility is hard to beat if you don't plan to go too off-road.

Why it’s great: The Pacifica is a blend of eco-friendly driving and multipurpose functionality while sticking to less rugged routes.

10. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 offers unmatched interior space, with options to convert it into a full camper van or use it to haul all your outdoor equipment. Its four-wheel-drive system and high roof clearance make it surprisingly capable off-road, while its customizable interior ensures the space works for your family’s unique needs.

Why it’s great: The Sprinter 4x4 turns overlanding into a comfortable home-on-wheels experience, ideal for creating memorable adventures with your family.