There's nothing quite like escaping the daily grind and heading for the great outdoors. The UK's stunning coastlines and national parks are the perfect backdrop for a camping adventure, offering a sense of freedom that's hard to beat. But let's be honest, the dream can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare if you're trying to cram a family-sized tent, four sleeping bags, a cool box, and the kitchen sink into a car that's just not up to the job.
The secret to a stress-free camping trip is having the right vehicle. You need something that can swallow all your gear without complaint, get you to the campsite comfortably and efficiently, and maybe even tackle a muddy field or two when you arrive. From budget-friendly estates with van-like space to rugged pickups and luxurious seven-seat SUVs, the perfect car for your next adventure is out there. We’ve rounded up the best of the bunch to help you get away from it all.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
Best Cars for Camping 2026
- Skoda Octavia
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Kia Sorento
- Ford Ranger
- Volkswagen Passat
- Honda Jazz
- Land Rover Discovery
- Dacia Jogger
- BMW X7
- Chery Tiggo 8
1. 2026 Skoda Octavia
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Larger than its rivals – and cheaper to boot | There are more exciting family cars out there |
| Comfortable and refined driving experience | Not quite the bargain Skodas used to be |
| Thoughtfully designed and well-built interior | No fully electric version |
When it comes to packing for a camping trip, space is everything, and the Skoda Octavia delivers in spades. While the hatchback’s 600-litre boot is already enormous, campers should look straight to the Estate model. Its vast 640-litre boot will swallow tents, coolers, and sleeping bags without breaking a sweat, leaving plenty of room in the cabin for passengers to stretch out. For sheer load-lugging ability in a car this size, the Octavia Estate is pretty much in a class of its own, making it a brilliant choice for adventurous families or groups of friends.
Getting to your rural campsite will be a breeze, too. The Octavia is a wonderfully civilised car to drive, with a comfortable ride that soaks up bumpy country lanes and impressive refinement that makes long motorway treks feel effortless. The engine range offers a great blend of performance and economy; the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol is a superb all-rounder, but high-mileage campers will love the 2.0-litre diesels, which can return fuel economy in the mid-sixties. That means more money for campsite luxuries and less spent at the pumps.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Its generous size and space means it’s (by some distance) the most practical car of its type, and it’s also packed full of clever little features that help make family life that little bit easier." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Skoda Octavia review
2. 2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good to drive | Hugely expensive |
| Beautifully finished interior | Charging cables cost extra |
| Fantastic retro styling | There’s still no official camper version |
The ID. Buzz is a camper's dream, a modern-day tribute to the iconic VW bus but with practicality at its core. Its van-like proportions translate into an enormous interior, perfect for stashing all your camping gear. The standard-wheelbase model offers a cavernous 1,121-litre boot, which expands to a colossal 2,205 litres with the rear seats folded. That's not just big; it's big enough to slide a double mattress in for a spontaneous overnight stay. Plus, the standard sliding side doors make accessing your kit a breeze, even when you're squeezed into a tight spot at the campsite.
Long journeys to remote camping spots are a joy in the ID. Buzz. It’s a seriously comfortable and serene way to travel, soaking up bumps in the road and keeping the cabin impressively quiet. The standard 282bhp electric motor provides more than enough poke for merging onto motorways, even when fully loaded. Once you've arrived, the Buzz continues to impress. VW has cleverly designed it so you can run the climate control and radio from the main battery even when the 'ignition' is off. You can even option a proper three-pin plug socket, turning this cool bus into a proper home away from home.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Given the space and versatility the ID. Buzz offers, as well as its style kudos and tech features, it makes a convincing case for itself as the ultimate lifestyle vehicle." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full Volkswagen ID. Buzz review
3. 2026 Kia Sorento
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for a seven-seat SUV | Hybrids having lower towing limits than diesels |
| Spacious and high-quality interior | BMW and Audi rivals are better to drive |
| Wide engine range including hybrid and plug-in hybrid | Feels large and bulky to drive in towns |
The Kia Sorento is a brilliant choice for families who love the great outdoors. While it’s a proper seven-seater, it’s with the rearmost seats folded down that it really shines for a camping trip. Doing so reveals a huge boot, offering up to 813 litres of space – more than enough for your tent, sleeping bags, and the all-important cool box. The interior is not just spacious but also cleverly designed, with the middle row of seats able to slide forward to help you configure your load. Plus, with USB ports in all three rows, everyone can keep their devices charged on the way to the campsite.
Getting to a remote campsite is half the adventure, and the Sorento is well-equipped for the task. All-wheel drive comes as standard, providing extra grip and confidence on slippery tracks or wet grassy fields. For those with a caravan, the 190bhp 2.2-litre diesel is the engine to go for, thanks to its impressive 2,500kg towing capacity. While hybrid options are available, the diesel’s torque and long-distance efficiency make it the workhorse of the range and a firm favourite for anyone hauling serious camping gear.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In fact, if practicality is your priority, you'd be hard pressed to buy a better SUV without spending much, much more." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full Kia Sorento review
4. 2026 Ford Ranger
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Car-like build quality and levels of equipment | EcoBlue diesel engines have a poor reliability record |
| More enjoyable to drive than a pickup should be | Rival trucks from Isuzu and KGM are cheaper |
| Huge portrait-style touchscreen on some models | UK-spec Raptor is limited to 288bhp (US version gets 400bhp) |
The Ford Ranger is a titan of practicality, making it a top contender for any serious camping trip. The double cab model features a load bed just over 1.5 metres long, which is more than enough for tents, cool boxes, and all the associated paraphernalia. There's even an option for an onboard inverter and three-pin socket in the load bay for powering accessories. For extra security, an optional remote-controlled power roller shutter can keep your gear safe and dry. If you're planning on bringing a caravan, the Ranger's impressive 3,500kg towing capacity has you covered. Inside, the rear seat bases flip up to reveal a large, hidden storage area, perfect for stashing valuables out of sight when you're off hiking.
Getting to your remote campsite is half the adventure, and the Ranger is more than up to the task. Unlike many SUVs that just look the part, the Ranger has serious off-roading chops, with standard all-wheel drive and multiple terrain modes to tackle tricky surfaces. Despite its rugged nature, it's remarkably civilised on the road, making long motorway slogs comfortable. The plug-in hybrid model, with its 277bhp and 26-mile electric-only range, is a particularly interesting option for campers, allowing for quiet, emission-free pottering around a campsite or through a national park.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Provided you can find somewhere big enough to park it, the Ford Ranger is an impressive pickup truck. It is less sophisticated to drive than a regular family SUV, but it’s not as far off as you might think." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Ford Ranger review
5. 2026 Volkswagen Passat
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Posh-feeling interior | Infotainment system is difficult to navigate |
| Generous standard equipment | A few strange ergonomic issues |
| Lots of space for people and luggage | Doesn’t come cheap |
The Volkswagen Passat has always been a sensible choice, but in its latest estate-only form, it’s a camping enthusiast’s dream. The sheer size is the headline act here; being longer and wider than its predecessor translates into a colossal 690-litre boot (510 litres in the eHybrid). That’s more than enough space to swallow a family-sized tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and anything else you might need for a week in the wilderness. The rear seats fold almost flat, creating a long, level load area that’s not only perfect for bulky equipment but could even double as a makeshift two-person camper bed if you get caught out by the weather. A powered tailgate, standard on all models, is a welcome touch when your hands are full.
Getting to your remote campsite will be a relaxed affair. The initial engine offering is a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol with 148bhp, which is smooth and impressively efficient, promising over 50mpg on a long run. While it’s not designed for rapid getaways, it’s more than adequate for cruising comfortably to your destination. The ride is composed, soaking up the bumps and ruts you might find on country lanes leading to the campsite. For those planning greener getaways, take a look at the plug-in hybrid models, which promise an impressive 82 miles of electric-only range – perfect for silent, early-morning departures that won’t disturb fellow campers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It delivers big on space and practicality, with an enormous boot and huge passenger space." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen Passat review
6. 2026 Honda Jazz
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Space and clever seating make the Jazz very practical | Rivals from Renault and Toyota have longer warranties |
| Slick infotainment system | Not as much fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta |
| Expect very good reliability | Noisy petrol engine and CVT combo |
Don't let the Honda Jazz's supermini size fool you; this car is a master of practicality, making it a surprisingly brilliant choice for a camping getaway. Its party piece is the 'magic seats' system, which allows the rear seat bases to flip up like cinema seats. This creates a tall, versatile load space perfect for stashing bulky items like a cool box or a folded tent. Even with the seats in place, the boot offers a respectable 304 litres, complete with a low loading lip and underfloor storage, making it a doddle to pack all your weekend-away essentials.
Getting to your rural campsite is a stress-free affair in the Jazz. Its hybrid powertrain is quiet and efficient, capable of returning up to 60mpg on longer runs, saving you money for more campsite luxuries. The excellent visibility and compact dimensions make navigating narrow country lanes a breeze. For those who might venture slightly off the beaten path, the Crosstar model offers a taller ride height, providing a little extra clearance for bumpy tracks leading to that perfect, secluded pitch.
The CarGurus Verdict: "What matters more is its roomy interior, and its clever seating. If you want to carry adult passengers or bulky loads in a small car with manageable dimensions, the Jazz fits the bill very well indeed." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Honda Jazz review
7. 2026 Land Rover Discovery
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enormously roomy and practical seven-seat cabin | Poor reputation for reliability |
| Tremendous to drive off road | Not as exciting to drive as a BMW X5 |
| Comfortable to travel in | Less distinctive-looking than earlier generations |
The Land Rover Discovery is a camper’s dream when it comes to packing. This is a car that laughs in the face of a fully-loaded roof box. With the third row of seats folded away, you’re looking at a colossal 1,137 litres of boot space, which expands to a van-like 2,391 litres if you fold the middle row flat. That’s more than enough room for a large tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and anything else you could possibly need for a week in the wilderness. What’s more, the Discovery’s trademark split tailgate is a brilliant feature for the great outdoors, providing a perfect perch for pulling on muddy wellies or just enjoying a cuppa with a view.
Getting to that remote, picture-perfect campsite is where the Discovery truly shines. Its legendary off-road prowess, courtesy of standard four-wheel drive and height-adjustable air suspension, means that bumpy farm tracks and muddy fields are handled with dismissive ease. It’s not just about the rough stuff, though; the Discovery is a supremely comfortable and easy car to drive, making long motorway slogs to the Highlands or Cornwall feel effortless. The 345bhp D350 mild-hybrid diesel engine is a great choice, providing a creamy wave of torque that makes light work of hauling a fully-laden car, ensuring your camping adventure starts the moment you leave the driveway.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Land Rover Discovery is a world-class off-roader that has morphed into a world-class luxury family car. It’s as practical as a posh SUV can be, and about as luxurious." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Land Rover Discovery review
8. 2026 Dacia Jogger
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding value for money | Seats lack support |
| Seven seats as standard | Lots of engine and tyre noise |
| Willing engines | Poor Euro NCAP safety rating |
The Dacia Jogger is a camper's dream, disguised as a budget-friendly family car. Its practicality is simply staggering for the price. While it has seven seats, the real magic for a camping trip happens when you start folding and removing them. With the third row taken out (they're surprisingly light at only 10kg each), you're blessed with a cavernous 820 litres of boot space. Fold the second row down as well, and you've basically got a small van with a colossal 2,085 litres of capacity. That’s more than enough room for a large tent, sleeping bags, a portable stove, and all the gear for a week-long adventure. Dacia even offers a range of accessories, including awnings, to turn your Jogger into a proper basecamp.
Getting to your remote campsite won't break the bank, either. The Jogger is offered with a choice of two efficient engines. The 1.0-litre TCe 110 petrol engine, with 108 bhp, provides perfectly adequate performance even when loaded up, thanks to the car's remarkably low weight. It can achieve a real-world 45-50mpg, making those long drives to the Highlands or Cornwall much more affordable. For even better economy, the Hybrid 155 version pushes that figure up towards 60mpg. Its light controls and good visibility make it an easy car to drive, whether you're navigating tight country lanes or cruising on the motorway.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Given its low price, the Dacia Jogger would find an audience even if it wasn’t very good. The fact it actually performs well in terms of practicality, engine performance, equipment and running costs could make it a hit with families who had previously thought a used seven-seater was the only option." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Dacia Jogger review
9. 2026 BMW X7
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Luxurious and spacious cabin | Cumbersome size is a burden on narrow country roads |
| Rapid performance, whichever engine you choose | Very expensive to run |
| Optional captain's chairs are wonderfully comfortable | The Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are better value, and roomy enough for most needs |
If your idea of camping involves bringing the entire family and half the contents of your house, the BMW X7 is basically a luxury hotel on wheels. As BMW’s largest SUV, it offers three rows of seats with genuine space for seven adults, so nobody gets left behind. When it comes to packing, the X7 is a champion. With the rearmost seats folded down, the boot is absolutely huge, providing more than enough room for large tents, coolers, and all the assorted gear a serious camping trip demands. Plus, with standard air suspension, it glides over bumpy tracks to the campsite, ensuring you and your passengers arrive feeling refreshed.
Getting to a remote location is no trouble for the X7. Every model comes with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, giving you the confidence to tackle slippery fields or gravel access roads. While there are some seriously powerful petrol engines available, the xDrive40d mild-hybrid diesel is the smart choice for long-distance adventurers. It packs a hefty 347bhp punch while returning a respectable 35mpg, meaning fewer stops on the long haul to the Scottish Highlands or the Cornish coast. It’s a supremely comfortable motorway cruiser, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
The CarGurus Verdict: "But if you want go-anywhere ability, room for seven adults and limo-like luxury, the X7 delivers. The cabin is beautifully made and exceptionally spacious." - David Motton, contributor
10. 2026 Chery Tiggo 8
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 1.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Phenomenal value for money | Not brilliant on ergonomics |
| Fantastic standard equipment | A little unpolished dynamically |
| Genuinely pleasant interior quality | But nothing that isn’t worth putting up with for the value you get |
The Chery Tiggo 8 presents a compelling case for campers on a budget. While it offers seven seats, its true strength for a camping trip lies in its load-lugging ability. With the third row folded, you get a decent 494-litre boot, but drop all the rear seats and a cavernous, flat 1,930-litre space is revealed. That’s more than enough for a large tent, sleeping bags, and all the associated kit – you could even slide a couple of bikes in without taking the wheels off. Considering its price undercuts key rivals by a significant margin, it offers an almost unbeatable amount of space for your money.
Getting to your remote campsite should be a relaxed affair. The plug-in hybrid model is particularly appealing, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 201bhp and an official electric-only range of up to 56 miles. This means you can cruise silently and efficiently through villages and countryside. The soft suspension does a fine job of absorbing lumps and bumps on less-than-perfect rural roads, ensuring your journey remains comfortable. On the motorway, standard double-glazed side windows help keep the cabin quiet, making long-distance treks to the wilderness feel less of a chore.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The sheer value for money you get with the Tiggo 8 is nothing short of phenomenal. You get proper everyday seven-seater practicality, impressive interior quality, smart looks, and oodles of standard equipment." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Chery Tiggo 8 review
FAQ
What's more important for camping: boot space or off-road ability?
This really depends on where you plan to camp. For the vast majority of trips to established campsites with tarmac or gravel access roads, boot space is king. A large estate or MPV will be perfect. However, if you're an adventurer who seeks out remote, 'wild camping' spots, then the all-wheel drive and good ground clearance of an SUV or pickup truck become far more important.
Are electric cars suitable for camping trips?
They are becoming more suitable every year. Many new EVs offer a real-world range of over 250 miles, which is enough to reach most corners of the UK. The main challenge remains the charging infrastructure in very remote areas. Careful planning of your route and overnight charging stops is essential. On the plus side, the ability to power accessories from the car's main battery, as seen in the VW ID. Buzz, is a fantastic feature for campers.
Do I need a seven-seater for camping?
Not at all. While seven-seat SUVs are popular for camping, it's mainly because of the huge boot space they offer when the rearmost seats are folded flat. A large estate car, such as the Skoda Octavia or VW Passat, can often provide just as much, if not more, practical luggage space without the need for the extra row of seats.
What are the benefits of a pickup truck for camping?
A pickup like the Ford Ranger is the ultimate tool for rugged adventures. It combines serious off-road capability with a separate, hard-wearing load bed. This means you can throw wet, muddy gear, bikes, or firewood in the back without worrying about damaging a carpeted boot. They also boast excellent towing capacities, making them ideal for anyone with a large caravan.
Should I consider a roof box?
A roof box is one of the best accessories a camper can buy. It dramatically increases your carrying capacity and is perfect for stashing lighter, bulkier items like sleeping bags, pillows, and clothing. This frees up space inside the car, meaning your passengers will be much more comfortable on the journey to the campsite.
What are some essential car features for camping?
Beyond a big boot, look for rear seats that fold completely flat to create a long, level load area. A low boot lip makes loading heavy items easier, and a powered tailgate is a godsend when you have your hands full. Inside, multiple USB ports are essential for keeping devices charged, and durable, easy-to-clean plastics and upholstery will be a blessing after a muddy weekend.
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