Top 12 SUVs for Summer Camping in Canada

Summer in Canada means warm weather, sunny skies, and the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the great outdoors. And what better way to do that than by going on a camping trip? Whether you prefer roughing it in the remote wilderness or enjoying the comforts of glamping, having the right vehicle can make or break your experience. 

In this blog, we'll explore the best SUVs for Summer camping in Canada, taking into account factors such as space, durability, and off-road capabilities. So, buckle up and let's hit the road to find the perfect camping vehicle for your next adventure!

 

Here are the Top 12 SUVs for Summer camping in Canada:

Subaru Outback

When it comes to outdoor adventure, few brands are as synonymous as Subaru. Whether it's a hatchback, wagon, or crossover, Subaru vehicles are built for trekking through muddy or snowy national park trails. One model that stands out from the rest is the Subaru Outback.

This lifted station wagon features standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) and ample ground clearance, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. And with up to 2,141 litres of cargo space, you'll have plenty of room to store your camping gear and other essentials.

 

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner may not have seen many significant changes in its design for the past decade or so, but that's because it has remained a reliable and popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. Equipped with a powerful 4.0-litre engine that can produce up to 270 horsepower, the 4Runner can handle even the toughest terrain with ease. It also comes with full-time four-wheel drive to help you navigate through mud and other obstacles. With up to 2,540 litres of cargo room, you can pack all your camping gear without any trouble.

For those who want to take their off-roading experience to the next level, the 4Runner offers a TRD Off-Road Package that comes with upgraded suspension, crawl control, Multi-Terrain Select, and a locking rear differential. If that's not enough, you can opt for the TRD Pro Package, which includes even more off-road-friendly features like Fox shocks.

 

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular crossover that offers plenty of space and capability, with the added benefit of hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for improved fuel efficiency. While it's not the most rugged off-road vehicle, the RAV4's capable AWD system and ample ground clearance make it a solid choice for frontcountry camping. The Trail model offers even more capability, with dynamic torque vectoring, rear driveline disconnect, and Multi-Terrain Select to handle rough terrain. With a towing capacity of up to 1,588 kg, it's even capable of hauling a small camper if needed.

 

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a popular choice when it comes to off-roading vehicles. It has a proven track record of tackling tough terrains and is capable of handling shallow water crossings. Additionally, it offers ample cargo space to accommodate basic camping supplies and a tent, making it a top pick for off-the-grid campers. The Wrangler also boasts removable drain plugs and water-resistant carpeting, ensuring that the interior remains clean and mud-free during your camping trips.

 

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a perfect fit for those who want to experience the great outdoors with their family. This Jeep model provides a comfortable and smooth ride on long journeys, while its upgraded suspension and four-wheel drive make it competent enough to handle off-road adventures. It can even wade through up to 50 cm of water.

In addition to its off-road capabilities and smooth ride, the Cherokee Trailhawk also has ample cargo space to carry a medium-sized tent and all your camping gear. Moreover, you can easily haul your equipment on the roof-top haulers that come with the vehicle.

The Cherokee Trailhawk has a 115-volt power outlet that lets you power your devices at your campsite, and its standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure that you won’t get lost thanks to smartphone-based navigation.

 

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

While the Jeep Renegade may not have the same off-road capabilities as some of its siblings, its Trailhawk model is still a strong contender for frontcountry camping. Equipped with Jeep's Trail Rated Active Drive Lock four-wheel-drive system, a slightly higher ride height, and Selec-Terrain with Rock Mode, the Renegade Trailhawk can handle a variety of terrains.

In addition, the Renegade Trailhawk offers ample cargo room and a compact design that's easy to maneuver through tight trails and traffic. So, if you're looking for a Jeep that's versatile enough for camping and city driving alike, the Renegade Trailhawk is worth considering.

 

Jeep Cherokee

Jeep makes another appearance on this list with its compact yet capable Cherokee. The Cherokee as a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms when equipped with the 3.2-liter V6 and the proper towing gear, making it a great option for middle-of-the-road campers who don't plan on doing any serious off-roading. However, if you do plan on tackling tougher trails, you may want to consider upgrading to the Cherokee Trailhawk. It's worth noting that the Cherokee is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, which can only tow up to 907 kilograms. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully consider the powertrain options while shopping.

 

Chevy Equinox

For those looking to tow a small pop-up camper, the Chevy Equinox is an excellent option, capable of towing up to 1,585 kilograms with its optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. While the Equinox offers multiple engines, only one has the necessary towing capacity, so it's essential to choose wisely.

In addition to its towing capacity, the Equinox also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone-based navigation, and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi to keep you connected even in remote camping areas.

Ford F-150

The F-150 is a popular choice for camping because of its versatility. It comes in a range of trims and configurations, including extended and crew cabs, and a choice of bed lengths. The F-150 also offers a variety of engine options, including a V6 and V8 engines, and even a diesel option. With its high towing capacity, the F-150 can easily haul a trailer or camper, and the spacious cabin provides plenty of room for passengers and gear.

 

Ford F-250

The F-250 is a heavy-duty truck that is designed for more heavy-duty tasks, such as towing large trailers and hauling heavy loads. It has a higher towing capacity than the F-150, which makes it an excellent choice for larger campers or trailers. The F-250 also has a spacious cabin and plenty of storage options, making it easy to bring all your camping gear along.

 

GMC Sierra 1500 

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck that can be suitable for Summer camping in Canada. With its powerful engine and spacious interior, it can easily tow a camper or haul camping gear.

The GMC Sierra 1500 offers a comfortable and refined cabin, making it a great choice for longer camping trips. Its large bed can also accommodate a camping tent and other camping equipment. In addition, the truck's advanced safety features can provide peace of mind when driving on rough terrain.

The GMC Sierra 1500 can be an excellent option for camping in the summer. However, it's important to make sure that the truck is properly equipped for your specific camping needs, such as towing capacity and storage space.

 

Chevy Silverado 1500 

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is also a great option for Summer camping in the Canadian wilderness. It has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride, which make it perfect for long trips. Additionally, the Silverado 1500 has a powerful engine that can handle rough terrain and steep hills, making it a great choice for camping in remote locations.

If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, the Silverado 1500 has a high payload capacity and a large cargo bed that can accommodate all your camping equipment. Additionally, if you opt for the crew cab model, you'll have plenty of room for passengers and their belongings. Overall, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is a reliable and versatile vehicle that's well-suited for Summer camping.

 

Choices, choices, choices...

As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect vehicle for your Summer camping trip in Canada. From the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to the versatility of the Subaru Outback and the towing capacity of the Chevy Equinox, there is a vehicle that will meet your specific camping needs. If you need help finding the right vehicle for your upcoming trip, get in touch with Approval Genie.

So, get ready to hit the road and explore the great outdoors with the perfect Summer camping SUV!