15 Best Cars for Camping and Road Trips in Australia 2025

With no shortage of kilometres to cover, Australia is one of the world’s best options for a road trip while our wide-sprawling countryside provides endless camping opportunities.

In 2025, there’s a growing range of tough, capable and comfortable vehicles with the spirit to match your appetite for adventure, many of which have acres of interior space that make for a practical, family-friendly affair.

To help get you prepared for your next adventure, join us as we break down 15 of the best cars for camping and road trips here in Australia in 2025.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6

The Ford Ranger is one of the only dual-cab utes you’ll find on our list because it comes packing one of the most versatile suspension setups in the whole segment.

Typically, a dual-cab ute can be unforgivingly firm due to the work-ready platform that prefers to be loaded up with cargo to help tie down the rear axle.

In the Ranger, though, there’s a great suspension setup that can handle some serious off-road punishment while remaining forgiving on your spine, making for a leading road trip and camping option.

• Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 

• Power & Torque: 184kW / 600Nm

• Fuel Economy: 7.6L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: N/A 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2022) 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0 4x4

The Isuzu MU-X is another cracking option for Aussies looking to hit the road with the confidence of a sturdy platform and tough turbo-diesel powertrain that makes it an off-road and towing hero.

Better yet, the MU-X provides exceptional value for buyers and the versatility of a large, seven-seat interior that can handle family duties and off-road excursions with confidence thanks to a 4x4 system, low-range transfer case and a locking differential.

• Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel 

• Power & Torque: 140kW / 450Nm

• Fuel Economy: 8.3L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Seats: 7

• Boot Space: 311 - 1,119 - 2,138L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2022)

• Warranty: Six-year/150,000-km

Subaru Outback Touring XT

The Subaru Outback remains a great option for Australians with a calling for the outdoors, with the ever-practical wagon body shape making for a super practical offering.

The Outback XT comes powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine that throws power to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, while decent ground clearance and capable suspension package soaks up punishment inflicted by rough Aussie B-roads.

• Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

• Power & Torque: 183kW / 350Nm

• Fuel Economy: 9.0L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2,400kg

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 522 - 1,267L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2021)

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Toyota LandCruiser 250 Series Prado Altitude

Toyota has made waves in 2025 with the introduction of its latest-generation, 250 Series LandCruiser Prado.

With a fresh styling package underpinned by a sturdy body-on-frame platform shared with the LandCruiser 300, the new Prado means business when the going gets tough thanks to a locking rear differential and stabiliser disconnect system while retaining some great table manners on the road.

• Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel 48V mild-hybrid 

• Power & Torque: 150kW / 500Nm

• Fuel Economy: 7.6L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg 

• Seats: 5 - 7

• Boot Space: 954 - 1,895L  

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2024)

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km (up to seven years for driveline)

Jeep Wrangler Overland

For fans of doing things differently, the Jeep Wrangler is a charismatic 4x4 that takes a bold, all-American approach to tackling the outdoors.

Putting its iconic styling package and ability to remove the doors and roof aside, the Jeep Wrangler is a serious off-roader that can confidently tackle rough terrain and steep inclines.

Better yet, the introduction of a new turbocharged four-cylinder has maintained power figures while dropping fuel use to a more respectable mark which makes a big difference on a long road trip.

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol 

• Power & Torque: 200kW / 400Nm

• Fuel Economy: 9.2L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2,495kg

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 987 - 2,050L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Three-star (tested 2019)

• Warranty: Five-year/100,000-km

Ford Everest Sport

The Ford Everest is an all-conquering 4x4 SUV that over-delivers when it comes to family-friendly practicality, towing power and off-road antics, representing one of the best all-rounders in the segment.

Underneath all the clever 4x4 software, there’s a tough body-on-frame construction that means the Everest doesn’t shy away from a challenge while the versatile suspension package makes it a dream on a long cross-country road trip.

• Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel 

• Power & Torque: 184kW / 600Nm

• Fuel Economy: 8.5L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Seats: 5 - 7

• Boot Space: 259 - 898L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2022)

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is another versatile 4x4 wagon package that offers the best of both worlds approach to family-friendly motoring for adventurous buyers.

With an impressive value proposition, the Pajero Sport impresses with its off-road abilities, spacious cabin, comfortable on-road manners and outstanding ownership program thanks to Mitsubishi’s ten-year warranty.

• Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 133kW / 430Nm

• Fuel Economy: 8.0L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,100kg

• Seats: 5 - 7 

• Boot Space: 131 - 502 - 1,488L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Expired five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/100,000-km (extends to 10-years/200,000-km)

Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport

The Subaru Forester is one of the most versatile members of the midsize SUV pack and is well worth a closer look if you’re looking for a partner in crime for your next adventure.

While most of its rivals prefer not to get their toes dirty, the Forester is happy to dive right in with its impressive ground clearance, spacious cabin, large boot and the confidence of a capable, all-wheel drive system that gives it confidence when the going gets tough.

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Power & Torque: 136kW / 239Nm

• Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 1,800kg

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 498 - 1,740L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2019)

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Kia EV9 Earth AWD

While it’s a little unusual to have an electric vehicle on a list of the best vehicles for camping and road trips, there’s a unique appeal of Kia’s flagship EV9, arguably the best EV for adventurous Aussies.

Not only does it have 225mm of ground clearance, 700Nm of torque paired with an all-wheel drive system offering mud, snow and terrain driving modes but it also packs a monstrous 99.8kWh battery pack that could keep a campsite powered for weeks thanks to its vehicle-to-load charging that allows you to power household appliances directly from the boot.

• Engine: Dual electric motor

• Power & Torque: 283kW / 700Nm

• Energy Efficiency: 22.3kW/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2,500kg

• Seats: 7

• Boot Space: 333 - 828 - 2,318L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-km

Nissan Patrol Warrior

If you’re looking to not only head into the Great Outdoors but tackle the toughest trails and cover thousands of kilometres in comfort, the flagship Patrol Warrior is impossible to ignore.

Complete with an intoxicating 5.6-litre V8 that offers endless power for towing, the Patrol Warrior is an off-road machine thanks to numerous improvements from Premcar that have lifted the ground clearance, tweaked the suspension and added a GVM upgrade that make it incredibly versatile for your next adventure.

• Engine: 5.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol 

• Power & Torque: 298kW / 560Nm

• Fuel Economy: 14.1L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Seats: 8 

• Boot Space: 467 - 1,413 - 2,623L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Suzuki Jimny XL

The Suzuki Jimny is a wonderful little 4x4 package that aims to prove you don’t need a heap of power - nor a six-figure price tag - to be a well-accomplished off-roader.

With its charming styling, the Jimny has become a cult-classic for Aussies that love hitting the road and tackling off-road trails on the weekend, representing one of the best value propositions anywhere on the market when you consider just how capable it is when the going gets tough.

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol 

• Power & Torque: 75kW / 130Nm

• Fuel Economy: 6.9L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 1,300kg

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 211 - 1,113L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GX

The LandCruiser 300 Series is one of the best 4x4 wagons you can get behind the wheel of in 2025, remaining the benchmark for the segment for three generations now.

With a bullet-proof platform, super capable suspension package and 700Nm of torque from a wonderful twin-turbo V6 diesel unit, the LandCruiser 300 is unphased by challenging terrain, and towing heavy loads while absolutely chewing up kilometres on a cross-country road trip.

• Engine: 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel 

• Power & Torque: 227kW / 700Nm

• Fuel Economy: 8.9L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 1,153L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2022)

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km (up to seven-years for driveline)

GWM Tank 500 Lux Hybrid

If you’re looking for a tough and versatile off-roader that blows competitors out of the water on the value front, the GWM Tank 500 would like to say hello.

It doesn’t lead the segment in terms of driving refinement but it does command attention when it comes to equipment levels for the price while offering a smooth hybrid powertrain offering tonnes of torque and a claimed 8.5L/100km, with the confidence of a four-wheel drive system.

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol + electric motor hybrid 

• Power & Torque: 255kW / 648Nm

• Fuel Economy: 8.5L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000kg

• Seats: 7

• Boot Space: 98 - 795 - 1,459L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2024)

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-km (eight-years for battery)

Lexus GX Overtrail

Twin-under-the-skin to the latest-generation Prado, the Lexus GX takes all the things buyers have come to love about the tough-as-bricks platform and off-road hero and throws a generous sprinkling of luxury on top.

While it’s a super-sleek package, the GX is not afraid to get its hands dirty on the trail, with 650Nm of torque, aggressive approach and departure angles, a clever eKDSS adaptive suspension system and locking centre and rear differentials, it’s almost unstoppable off the beaten path.

• Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol 

• Power & Torque: 260kW / 650Nm

• Fuel Economy: 12.3L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Seats: 5 - 7

• Boot Space: 1,063 - 2,000L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Nissan X-Trail ST-L AWD

Our list wraps up with an adventurous hero of the midsize SUV segment, the Nissan X-Trail.

The X-Trail’s original design brief centred on having an adventurous spirit and while it’s gotten smarter, sleeker and more civilised all-around, it remains a great option with solid abilities, smooth on-road manners and a super practical layout for family buyers.

• Engine: 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol 

• Power & Torque: 135kW / 244Nm

• Fuel Economy: 7.8L/100km

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2,000kg

• Seats: 5 - 7

• Boot Space: 465 - 585L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star (tested 2021)

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-km

Request a Quote

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, SUV, wagon, hatchback or sports car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

FAQ: What is the Best Car For Long Drives?

While its difficult to pinpoint a single best car for long drives here in Australia, some of our favourites include the Mazda CX-90, Subaru Outback, Toyota LandCruiser 300, Kluger and Prado, the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, BMW X5, Nissan Patrol, Genesis GV70, Lexus LX, Hyundai Palisade, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q5.

FAQ: What SUVs Can You Sleep Inside in Australia?

If you’re looking to sleep in the back of your SUV on a cross-country tour in Australia, you’ll want to opt for at least a midsize SUV that offers a wheelbase measuring 2700mm, which gives you enough space for a mattress with the rear seats folded. Better yet, a large SUV package will offer more length for a mattress and width for a better night’s sleep in the back of your SUV.

FAQ: What is the best 4x4 for Touring Australia?

Some of the best 4x4s for touring Australia include vehicles like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, 70 Series and Prado, the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender, RAM 1500 as well as 4x4 utes like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara.

FAQ: Which Toyota is Best for Camping?

Toyota has several vehicles that are great for camping, including its largest 4x4 SUV package, the LandCruiser 300, as well as the LandCruiser Prado & 70 Series, the Kluger, Fortuner and even the midsize RAV4.