When the open road calls and the allure of nature beckons, having a car that’s not just a means of transport but also a cozy haven to rest becomes essential. Whether you’re an avid camper, a long-distance traveler, or someone who enjoys spontaneous road trips, finding the perfect car to sleep in can transform your adventures. From spacious SUVs with fold-flat seats to eco-friendly hybrids offering ample cargo space, the market offers a variety of options that cater to both comfort and practicality. In this guide, we delve into the top best cars to sleep in, exploring vehicles that blend utility with the comfort of home, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for the journey ahead.
Top best cars to sleep in for camping
#1 2023 Subaru Forester
The 2023 Subaru Forester is a top contender for anyone looking to sleep in their car during camping trips or long road journeys. One of the standout features is its spacious interior with fold-down seats that create a flat sleeping surface, making it incredibly comfortable for one or two people. This SUV is not just about comfort; it also comes with standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance, making it perfect for off-road adventures where regular cars might struggle. The Forester’s respectable fuel economy of 26/33 MPG ensures that you can travel long distances without frequent refueling stops, which is crucial for extended trips.
Moreover, the Subaru Forester is well-known for its reliability and practical features. Its ample cargo space and good ride quality further enhance the sleeping experience, allowing you to pack all the gear you need without feeling cramped. However, while the Forester excels in providing a comfortable sleeping area and reliable off-road performance, it may require additional gear for optimal comfort, such as an air mattress. Despite this, its overall package makes it one of the best choices for those who love the great outdoors and need a dependable vehicle for sleeping under the stars.
#2 2024 Honda CR-V
The 2024 Honda CR-V continues to be a favorite among campers and road trippers for its roomy and comfortable interior. This compact crossover offers a near-flat sleeping area when the seats are folded down, making it a cozy option for overnight stays. The CR-V is particularly appealing due to its excellent fuel economy, with the hybrid model achieving an impressive 28/34 MPG. This efficiency means fewer stops at gas stations and more time enjoying your travels. Additionally, the CR-V’s standard all-wheel drive in higher trims and its reputation for durability make it a reliable choice for those planning extended trips.
One of the key advantages of the Honda CR-V is its practicality and thoughtful design. It provides ample cargo space and advanced features that enhance the overall camping experience, such as available roof rails for extra storage. Despite its relatively higher price compared to some competitors, the CR-V’s long-lasting build and high resale value justify the investment. Whether you’re venturing into the wilderness or simply need a comfortable spot to rest on a road trip, the CR-V offers a well-rounded package that caters to various needs.
#3 2023 Toyota Rav4
The 2023 Toyota Rav4 is another excellent vehicle for those who enjoy camping or need to sleep in their car. Known for its spacious interior and good fuel efficiency (25/32 MPG), the Rav4 is a versatile and practical choice. The Adventure model is particularly well-suited for camping, featuring standard all-wheel drive, a roof rack, and enhanced suspension, making it ready for off-road adventures. When the seats are folded down, the Rav4 provides a generous length of space, enough to comfortably fit a mattress, which is great for sleeping.
In addition to its sleeping-friendly design, the Rav4 is also equipped with modern conveniences like a 120V outlet in the rear, perfect for charging devices or plugging in small appliances. This SUV is highly reliable, making it a great choice for long-term travel. While it might be a bit noisier than some competitors and lacks a larger engine option, its overall package of reliability, spaciousness, and practicality makes the Rav4 a top pick for anyone looking to combine daily driving with occasional camping trips.
#4 2024 Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride stands out as a spacious and practical SUV perfect for family road trips and camping adventures. One of its major highlights is the large cargo space of 87 ft³, providing ample room for sleeping arrangements and storage. The Telluride’s interior is designed with comfort in mind, offering near-luxury levels of equipment and ambiance without compromising on practicality. The user-friendly technology and smart cruise control further enhance the driving and camping experience, making long journeys more enjoyable.
Despite its many strengths, the Telluride does have some limitations, such as the lack of a hybrid powertrain option and mixed reviews regarding the ride quality of the X-Pro model. However, its handsome design and overall value proposition make it a standout choice. The Telluride combines form and function, making it an excellent vehicle for those who need a reliable and spacious car for sleeping during their travels.
#5 2024 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable and practical solution for sleeping on the go. With a cargo space of up to 63.9 ft³ when the seats are folded, it provides enough room to set up a sleeping area. The Equinox is known for its user-friendly technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a convenient option for tech-savvy travelers. Its fuel efficiency (26/31 MPG) and standard safety features across all trims ensure that you can travel safely and economically.
While the Equinox offers great value, especially in the LS trim, it does have some drawbacks, such as limited towing capacity and some models feeling underpowered. However, for those looking for a reliable and comfortable vehicle to sleep in, the Equinox remains a strong contender. Its balance of comfort, practicality, and affordability makes it a great choice for road trips and camping.
#6 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a versatile SUV that excels in providing a comfortable and spacious interior, making it one of the best cars to sleep in during camping trips. Available with V6, V8, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, it offers a range of options to suit different needs. The spacious interior and various four-wheel-drive systems ensure comfort and reliability across different terrains. The Grand Cherokee’s strong towing capacity and high-performance capabilities make it a standout choice for those who need a robust and versatile vehicle for both driving and sleeping.
In addition to its practical features, the Grand Cherokee also offers modern amenities and a comfortable ride. The plug-in hybrid version enhances fuel efficiency, making it a more economical option for long trips. However, the V6 and V8 models have average to lower fuel economy, which might be a consideration for some buyers. Overall, the Grand Cherokee’s blend of comfort, capability, and versatility makes it one of the best cars to sleep in for those who love outdoor adventures.
#7 2023 Toyota Prius V
The 2023 Toyota Prius V is a great choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and comfortable vehicle to sleep in. With its recent redesign, the Prius V offers an improved driving experience and aesthetics. Its impressive fuel efficiency of 50/56 MPG makes it an economical choice for long trips. The interior has been designed to provide a smooth and pleasant ride, and the enhanced all-wheel-drive system now works at all speeds, adding to its versatility.
One of the standout features of the Prius V is its significant cargo space of 67.3 ft³, providing ample room for sleeping and storage. The Prius V’s hybrid powertrain ensures a balance between performance and efficiency, making it a reliable option for those who need a comfortable place to sleep during their travels. Its combination of practicality, efficiency, and comfort makes the Prius V a top pick for road trips and camping.
#8 Chevrolet Suburban (9th gen)
The Chevrolet Suburban (9th gen) is a fantastic vehicle for sleeping during long camping road trips due to its spacious interior. It provides plenty of head and legroom, even for taller individuals, and has a great space for moving around and storing gear. The Suburban’s off-road capability and reliability make it a versatile choice for various terrains and weather conditions, ensuring you can safely drive to and from remote locations.
Additionally, the Suburban’s no-built design means that no tools are required to set up the interior for sleeping, making it convenient for impromptu stops. It is also known for its reasonable maintenance costs and simple engine design, which is great for those who prefer DIY repairs. When it comes to the best cars to sleep in, the Suburban stands out for its combination of comfort and rugged capability.
#9 Volvo Wagons (V70/XC70)
Volvo wagons, such as the V70 and XC70, are excellent choices for sleeping in your car. These wagons offer a spacious cargo area that can easily accommodate an air mattress, providing a comfortable sleeping space for one or two people. The setup process is straightforward, as you only need to fold down the back seats, making it convenient for those who need a quick and easy sleeping arrangement. The Volvo wagons are also known for their comfortable seats, which are great for shorter naps during long drives.
In addition to their sleeping-friendly design, Volvo wagons come with practical features like a 12V socket in the back for charging devices, enhancing the overall camping experience. These vehicles are reliable and durable, making them a great choice for long-term travel and camping. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to sleep or a reliable vehicle for your adventures, Volvo wagons offer a well-rounded solution that combines comfort, practicality, and ease of use.
#10 2024 Volvo XC90
The 2024 Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it an excellent option for those looking to sleep in their vehicle during camping trips or long road journeys. One of the standout features of the XC90 is its elegant and well-crafted cabin, which includes high-quality materials and a range of standard features such as a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and quad-zone climate control. The XC90 also comes with a panoramic moonroof, adding to the overall comfort and luxury feel. Additionally, the vehicle provides several seating configurations, allowing for seating for up to seven with dual captain’s chairs or a second-row bench.
When it comes to sleeping in the XC90, its cargo space and foldable seats provide a relatively flat surface, making it practical for overnight stays. The XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid is particularly noteworthy, offering an electric-only driving range of up to 33 miles, which is ideal for eco-conscious travelers. However, the third-row seats are somewhat cramped and more suitable for children, which could be a limitation if you’re planning to use the entire vehicle for sleeping space. Despite this, the XC90’s combination of luxury, safety features, and practical amenities like wireless device charging and adaptive cruise control make it a strong contender for a comfortable and reliable vehicle to sleep in.
