15 Best Cars for Camping and Road Trips in Australia 2024

In 2024, there’s a huge number of versatile vehicles that offer both a charming, adventurous spirit combined with a large, family-friendly cabin that makes them great for camping or road trips.

With a heap of options out there, we thought we’d help you narrow down your shortlist and give you 15 of our favourite vehicles for camping and road trips on sale here in Australia in 2024.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD

The Toyota RAV4 has been a favourite for Australian families for decades, with the latest RAV4 Hybrid lineup standing as one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs currently on sale in 2024.

This, combined with its option AWD system and extremely practical cabin and relaxing driving nature makes it a hero on long-distance holiday road trips, while the option of hybrid powertrains across the range means price-conscious buyers can get a slice of the fuel savings, too.

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder, dual electric motor hybrid 

• Power & Torque: 163kW

• Braked Towing Capacity: 1500kg 

• Fuel Economy: 4.7 - 4.8L/100km

• Seats: Five 

• Boot Space: 580L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Volkswagen Touareg R

If you’re looking for a long-distance cruiser with an immense amount of power, the Volkswagen Touareg R might be the perfect premium SUV for you.

It comes powered by a radical V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers 700Nm of torque, meaning it’s happy to chew up thousands of kilometres while towing up to 3500kg of cargo.

• Engine: 3.0-litre V6 petrol, single electric motor hybrid 

• Power & Torque: 340kW/700Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg 

• Fuel Economy: 3.3L/100km

• Seats: Five

• Boot Space: 740L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4x4

The Isuzu MU-X stands strong in its segment as an incredibly tough and versatile 4x4 that can confidently whip the kids to school while conquering an off-road trail without breaking a sweat.

Built on the same bones as the D-Max ute, the MU-X has been designed as a super practical seven-seat SUV that eats up road trips and isn’t afraid to get to work towing large loads and getting its toes dirty.

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

• Power & Torque: 140kW/450Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg

• Fuel Economy: 8.3L/100km

• Seats: Seven 

• Boot Space: 311 - 1119L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Six-year/150,000km warranty

Ford Ranger XLT Dual Cab

The Ford Ranger was the best-selling vehicle in Australia in 2023, with its ultra-tough build and outstanding versatility making it one of the best options for adventurous Aussies.

There are a tonne of options within the Ranger lineup to meet the varying needs of buyers, though we think the XLT dual-cab sits as a great option for Australian families looking to hit the road thanks to its added safety tech.

With an endless range of camping accessories tailor-built for the Ford Ranger, you can create the perfect camping companion for your family, while its hardcore abilities mean you can tackle off-road trails with confidence.

• Engine: 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel 

• Power & Torque: 154kW/500Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg 

• Fuel Economy: 7.2L/100km 

• Seats: Five

• Boot Space: N/A 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre 

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Night Eagle

Jeep has updated its Grand Cherokee lineup with its biggest family member yet, with the Grand Cherokee L making for a wonderfully comfortable seven-seat SUV package.

The Grand Cherokee L impresses with its sleek styling, long equipment lists and a powerful V6 beating heart that offers effortless long-distance cruising and decent towing figures, while the underlying suspension proves itself worthy when tyres hit the dirt.

• Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol 

• Power & Torque: 210kW/344Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2813kg

• Fuel Economy: 10.6L/100km

• Seats: Seven

• Boot Space: 487 - 1328L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/100,000km warranty

Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL

The LandCruiser name is synonymous with camping and road trips here in Australia, and while the flagship LandCruiser 300 Series is hard to beat, the LandCruiser Prado is mighty impressive when you consider its more accessible price tags.

The Prado is a strong performer in pretty much every test you can throw at it, offering go-anywhere abilities with a practical cabin in both five- and seven-seat layouts while providing the perfect platform for you to customise your rig with camping equipment and off-road hardware.

• Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 150kW/500Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3000kg 

• Fuel Economy: 7.9L/100km 

• Seats: Five - Seven

• Boot Space: 120 - 620L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Mazda CX-90 D50 Touring

Mazda’s latest generation SUV range has been quick to make a great impression, standing as the company’s largest and most luxurious SUVs to date.

Sitting atop the range, the CX-90 looks fantastic and drives even better thanks to a choice of powerful mild-hybrid inline-six engines, while the interior layout can comfortably accommodate six or seven people which makes it a fantastic road trip companion.

• Engine: 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder diesel with 48V mild-hybrid tech 

• Power & Torque: 187kW/550Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2000kg 

• Fuel Economy: 5.4L/100km 

• Seats: Six - Seven

• Boot Space: 608L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Kia Carnival SLi Diesel

For buyers looking for the easiest and most comfortable means of transporting a family of eight on a long holiday road trip, the Kia Carnival may prove the answer to your prayers.

While it’s not the most exciting option, the Carnival is incredibly user-friendly both around town and on the open road, while the massive platform provides outstanding interior space and practical touches for large families that makes it truly hard to beat on a road trip.

• Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 148kW440Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2000kg 

• Fuel Economy: 6.5L/100km 

• Seats: Seven - Eight 

• Boot Space: 627L 

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

Hyundai Palisade Elite AWD Diesel

Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade, is an absolute beast when put under the road trip test with a large family in tow, with our favourite being the entry-level Elite AWD Diesel.

The Palisade’s premium interior makes for a particularly nice for the family to sit on long journeys, while a bucketload of entertainment features will keep the kids happy and active safety gear helps to get you to your destination.

• Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 147kW/440Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2200kg 

• Fuel Economy: 7.3L/100km 

• Seats: Seven - Eight

• Boot Space: 311 - 704L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Subaru Forester 2.5i-L

The latest Subaru Forester is one of the most versatile members of the midsize SUV segment, with the package happy to zip around town and tackle some light off-roading without a second thought.

The Forester’s cabin is a particularly practical affair, with its tall windows adding to the sense of interior space, while the company’s symmetrical AWD system helps to keep things planted and stable on road trips, with the bonus of tonnes of active safety gear as standard.

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol

• Power & Torque: 136kW/239Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 1800kg 

• Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km 

• Seats: Five 

• Boot Space: 498L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Ford Everest Trend 4WD Bi-Turbo

When it comes to outright versatility, there’s almost nothing that can outperform what’s on offer in the latest Ford Everest range.

It’s comfortable around town, and incredibly smooth on the open road while offering off-road abilities that will have you questioning just how Ford has managed to pack so much into a single package without any major sacrifices.

• Engine: 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel 

• Power & Torque: 154kW/500Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg 

• Fuel Economy: 7.2L/100km 

• Seats: Five - Seven

• Boot Space: 259 - 898L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Toyota Kluger GX Hybrid

The Toyota Kluger is a fabulous family all-rounder which has picked up the option of a super fuel-efficient hybrid engine for every trim level, which will come as welcome news for price-conscious buyers.

The Kluger’s cabin is super spacious, while its smooth driving nature makes it a particularly relaxing option for a family road trip and the clever hybrid tech keeps fuel economy figures as low as 5.6L/100km - not bad for a seven-seat SUV.

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder, three electric motor hybrid 

• Power & Torque: 184kW

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2000kg 

• Fuel Economy: 5.6L/100km 

• Seats: Seven

• Boot Space: 241 - 552L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Isuzu D-Max LS-M Dual Cab

One of Australia’s best-selling utes, the Isuzu D-Max is a perfect vehicle for working Aussies looking to hit the Great Outdoors and tackle some serious off-road adventures.

The D-Max is unphased by even the most challenging off-road trails, while its hearty turbo-diesel offers 3500kg of braked towing capacity and a recent safety upgrade has made it a great long-distance touring option.

• Engine: 3.0 four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 140kW/450Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg 

• Fuel Economy: 7.7 - 8.0L/100km 

• Seats: Five 

• Boot Space: NA

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Six-year/150,000-kilometre

Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed AWD PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a well-credentialed member of the midsize SUV segment thanks to its spacious cabin, comfortable long-distance driving nature and the fuel efficiency of plug-in hybrid variants.

Atop its fuel efficiency, the Outlander Exceed picks up a confidence-inspiring AWD system, a seven-seat layout and bucketloads of premium touches that make it a lovely place to sit back and enjoy a long Aussie road trip, while the onboard battery can keep creature comforts at your campsite powered.

• Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder, dual electric motor plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 

• Power & Torque: 185kW/450Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3000kg 

• Fuel Economy: 1.5L/100km 

• Seats: Five - Seven

• Boot Space: 191 - 461L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/100,000km extends to ten-year/200,000

Volkswagen Caravelle TDI340 Trendline LWB

The Volkswagen Caravelle is an outstanding people-mover option for Aussies looking to hit the road in comfort and style.

With enough space inside for up to nine people, the Caravelle is unphased by large families, while Volkswagen’s premium interiors and sturdy platform make it a super relaxing van to pilot on a long-distance road trip.

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 110kW/340Nm

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2500kg 

• Fuel Economy: 6.6L/100km 

• Seats: Nine

• Boot Space: N/A

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

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 & Prado, Ford Everest, BMW X5, 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 and Prado, 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.

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