Best Subaru for Car Camping
With ample ground clearance and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system designed to tackle challenging terrains and conditions, Subaru vehicles are an ideal choice for camping enthusiasts who want to make the most of their next adventure.Â
A combination of safety, comfort, and versatility continue to make Subaru vehicles a favorite among avid and casual campers alike. A robust lineup of camping-friendly features come standard on most Subaru models, with exciting options and accessories available to enhance your experience.
What Makes a Vehicle Good for Camping?
The best cars for camping are equipped to handle the great outdoors while keeping you comfortable and safe. When weighing your choices, Subaru vehicles offer an array of practical, camping-friendly features to make your time in the great outdoors easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
- Storage – Going on a camping trip often involves lugging all your gear. Look for a vehicle with plenty of cargo space to stow equipment and camping equipment. From tents to coolers packed with campfire treats like hot dogs and s’mores for grilling, Subaru SUVs offer ample storage space for all your camping essentials.
- Drivetrain – Your camping adventures might take you off-road, so it’s important to have drivetrain capability that can handle nearly any terrain. Subaru vehicles are ready for any camping excursion and are equipped with our Symmetrical AWD System. And with X-MODE® available on most models, you can feel confident you’ll get the traction and stability you need when trekking through tough conditions.
- Ground clearance – Off-road driving can also mean your vehicle has to scale rocks, uneven terrain, and capably maneuver through a variety of obstacles. Easily navigate rugged camping trails and steer around winding rivers and lakes. The higher your vehicle’s ground clearance—the distance between the ground and your car’s undercarriage—the easier it will be to face those challenges on–and off– the road.
- Fold flat seating – Rear seats that fold flat make for added versatility in a vehicle’s interior, giving you more space to stash all the gear you need to make the most of the great outdoors – from firewood to folding chairs, Subaru vehicles are made for memorable nights under the stars. In addition to added storage, flat-folding seats can be transformed into a sleeping area in a pinch.
- Power outlets – Vehicles with built-in power outlets or inverters are particularly convenient for remotely charging electronic devices and running camping equipment.
Car Camping Accessories
Subaru offers a variety of useful accessories compatible with your vehicle, ready to help you get even more enjoyment out of your camping trips and other outdoor adventures. When shopping for a new Subaru, keep in mind some of our favorite camping accessories to take your excursion to the next level:
- Shelter options including roof-mounted awnings, designed to add a layer of protection from the elements.
- Cargo solutions such as dividers, organizers, nets, fixed crossbar sets, rooftop carriers, ball mounts (for towing), and trailer hitches.
- Outdoor sporting equipment carriers for kayaks, paddleboards, skis/snowboards, and bikes, available in roof- or rear-mounted options.
- Pet accommodations including collapsible kennels and carriers, protective floor mats, and cargo space/seat liners.
Which Subaru Models Are Great for Camping?
Not sure which Subaru model should accompany you on your next outdoor outing? Check out some of our favorite models made with camping in mind.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a terrific option for camping enthusiasts, thanks to its spacious cabin and cargo areas, generous ground clearance, and off-roading capabilities. Our X-MODE with Hill Descent Control (HDC) comes standard on all trims, making the Outback one of our most popular models for adventure-minded drivers.Â
Certain trims offer features that that make every drive to your favorite campground or nature trail a treat, larger wheels, all-season/all-terrain tires, increased maximum towing capacity, and water-repellent upholstery. The Outback Wilderness, designed specifically for camping and other outdoor adventures, is outfitted with extra-rugged styling, a turbocharged engine, and the highest ground clearance available on any Subaru.Â
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester packs comfort and improved fuel efficiency in a compact SUV, ready for any camping excursion. The Forester’s distinctive design offers style alongside functionality, with its high driver’s seat position allowing for outstanding visibility in all directions.Â
All Subaru Forester models come with Symmetrical AWD standard. Certain trims, including Forester Wilderness, are equipped with X-MODE and larger wheels to tackle the trickiest off-road scenarios. Whether you’re charging up steep inclines or driving down dirt road and rocky terrain, X-MODE is an ideal Subaru feature for off-roading adventures.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek represents the classic Subaru aesthetic in a compact, affordable package. An outstanding option for transporting smaller groups on camping trips, the Crosstrek offers the same Subaru AWD driving experience as larger models. It has all of the same capabilities, but in a smaller package, appealing to budget-conscious drivers. Collapsible 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks make efficient use of cargo space, while the cabin offers a roomy feel, despite its compact size.Â
Premium trim options equip the Crosstrek with even more camping-friendly features such as X-MODE, all-terrain tires, as well as increased ground clearance and towing capacity.Â
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is built to take the whole family on adventures. Three rows of seats can accommodate up to 8 passengers and their gear, while certain trims offer luxurious second-row captain’s chairs. With X-MODE standard on all trims, the Ascent is equipped to conquer off-road exploration with ease.Â
Additional camping-friendly features– including water-repellent upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a useful 12-volt AC power outlet–are available on certain trims. Densely-forested nature trails and rocky terrain are no match for the Ascent! Easily ascend steep hills and soak in the scenery in comfort while traveling to your next camping experience.
Shop Subaru for Your Camping Adventures Today!
Whether you’re traveling off-the-beaten-path to enjoy nature or embarking on a family adventure at nearby camping grounds, Subaru vehicles are ready to accompany you on any journey. With a reputation for quality, reliability, and durability, the Subaru lineup has a variety of models available to fit a wide range of needs for any camping enthusiast.
