2023 Best Cars for Camping and Road Trips in Australia

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries on earth, so it’s a no-brainer that Aussies love to get out on long road trips and camping adventures. 

With the right gear and the right car at your disposal, you can comfortably - and in some cases luxuriously - hit the road, set up camp and discover the best of what Australia’s landscapes have to offer. 

That said, let’s check out 15 of the best cars for camping and road trips currently on sale here in Australia, covering everything from 4x4s, SUVs, wagons and even some battery-electric options that can keep you powered on the move.

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series

Our list kicks off with perhaps the ultimate Aussie road-tripper, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, which has deservedly become one of the most respected vehicles to navigate fierce terrain in Australia. 

The LandCruiser’s twin-turbo V6 diesel offers bucketloads of torque, while the hardcore suspension package means you can eat up thousands of kilometres in comfort and confidence when tackling off-road trails.

Ford Everest

Ford’s latest-generation Everest has been quick to impress buyers here in Australia, with a long list of variants on offer at a range of different price points. 

Stepping up higher into the range adds Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel that offers 600Nm of torque to keep you moving and lug around a caravan without breaking a sweat thanks to the 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Kia EV6

While it might seem bizarre to have an electric vehicle on our list, the EV6’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) system is a great addition to any camping trip. 

V2L tech allows you to power camping gear and even kitchen appliances while you’re on the move, meaning you can bring some creature comforts with you on the road which is particularly useful for families.

Volkswagen California

Volkswagen’s Kombi is one of the most iconic road-trippers and roadside campers on the planet, and the latest California shows the company hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to an adventure-ready van. 

The VW California’s interior offers enough space to sleep four people, while the clever interior design can seat up to seven people, with added touches like a side awning, a table and camping chairs making it a one-stop-shop for adventurous families looking to hit the ground running.

Mazda CX-90

Mazda’s latest family flagship has received two new mild-hybrid engine choices and a sleek new interior design with a tonne of space inside for seven people. 

Driving comfort is exceptionally smooth, and while the CX-90 isn’t an off-road machine, it provides some of the best levels of comfort for the money when it comes to tackling long-distance highway road trips.

Isuzu MU-X

For the money, it’s hard to beat what’s on offer in the Isuzu MU-X range, which offers a very healthy blend of rugged underpinnings, a powerful engine and a comfortable cabin for up to seven people. 

Underneath, the MU-X is effectively a D-Max ute wearing SUV bodywork, meaning it packs a punch when pushed off-road and offers braked towing figures of 3500kg thanks to the 450Nm of torque from its turbo-diesel engine.

Subaru Outback

If you’re looking for a versatile car perfect for daily duties in the urban jungle with an adventurous spirit, the Subaru Outback range has you covered. 

It’s just picked up a new turbocharged engine option that lifts towing power up to 2400kg, comes with a raised platform for some light off-roading and a nice practical cabin perfect for a family of five planning to hit the road on a holiday road trip.

Hyundai Staria

Hyundai’s futuristic people mover has proved a hit with family buyers here in Australia, and makes for a great long-distance road-tripper for large families. 

With enough space for eight people, super large windows throughout the cabin and a comfortable driving nature, it’s not hard to see why families absolutely love what’s on offer inside the Staria.

Nissan Patrol

Nissan’s Patrol wagon gives the likes of the LandCruiser a serious run for its money, both on the road around town and while pushing off into the Australian outback. 

Power comes supplied by an immensely powerful 5.6-litre V8 with 560Nm of torque that gives it braked towing capacities of 3500kg and enough torque to tackle off-road adventures and get you out of trouble - all without breaking a sweat.

RAM 1500

For those looking to tow a heavy caravan in Australia, leaning on the RAM 1500’s HEMI V8 provides effortless touring and a great deal of driving comfort for long tours around the country. 

The RAM 1500 range features class-leading towing figures of 4500kg, giving you a one-tonne advantage over pretty much anything else on the road, and a super spacious cabin to stretch out and chew up the kilometres.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger has been tested specifically in some of Australia’s roughest conditions, making it a rock-solid option for those looking to tackle the outback and wrap their way around the country. 

With a heap of choice within the range, the Ranger offers a perfect platform to add camping equipment and hit the ground running knowing it can handle the rough and tumble of Australian roads and off-road trails.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

For family buyers looking for a tough yet comfortable 4x4 at a particularly good price, the Pajero Sport remains one of your best options here in Australia.

In higher variants, the Pajero Sport comes packing a 4x4 system with a locking rear differential, towing figures of 3100kg and impressive off-road abilities for a family wagon, making it a super versatile option for adventurous families looking to hit the road.

Kia Carnival

When it comes to moving around a family of eight in comfort, there are few packages that can match the Kia Carnival for sheer practicality and family-friendly features. 

While it’s no off-roader, if you’re planning on chewing up kilometres on future family road trips, the Carnival’s large and spacious cabin offers comfortable seating for up to eight people and doesn’t disappoint behind the wheel, either.

Volkswagen Caddy California

VW’s Caddy California is a super versatile little camper that can comfortably seat two people, with enough space for five meaning that with the addition of a tent of swag in the boot, the whole family can go camping. 

With a panoramic sunroof and large windows, the Caddy California is a spacious and light-filled place to sit back, kick your feet up and listen to the sounds of nature while you’re out on the road.

Jeep Wrangler

If you don’t have a large family and you’re looking for maximum thrills on your next camping adventure, the Jeep Wrangler remains one of the most impressive off-roaders on the market. 

With a healthy amount of power from its V6 engine and super rugged design, there are few things that can stop a Wrangler, while the removable roof, doors and even a fold-down windscreen make you feel like a kid again.

Request a Quote

If you’re searching for your best options for a camper or road-tripper, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help you with the search and find your best possible price.