By Edmunds and Dan Julio
Summer days beckon campfires, fishing holes and scenic hiking prospects. When it’s time to interact with nature, when you arrive, you need a car that can be there and provide convenience and practicality. Whether you’re far from the beaten path or simply looking to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of your home, we took this opportunity to round up the five best vehicles.
Ford F-150
Before the SUV, pickup trucks were the ultimate camper. Place the shell on the cargo bed and lay out the foam rolls and sleeping bags and finish – instant shelter. The Ford F-150 is not only an American bestselling truck, but also makes it the ideal campervan. Optional 4-wheel drive helps you reach remote sites, but onboard camping-friendly pro power is the star feature. It is an integrated system that offers power in the 2,000-7,200 watts range, up to home-style outlets for cabs and beds. It’s enough to charge your portable speaker, electric grill, movie projector, or electric dirt bike. The lightning bolts of the all-electric F-150 produce more power up to 9,600 watts and feature 11 outlets. To turn Pro Power onboard, you will need an optional hybrid V6 engine on the F-150 other than the XLT trim. We found the fuel economy to be slightly disappointed with our own F-150 equipped with an onboard Pro Power, but we also use innovative systems to run overnight heat while camping, as well as power hedge trimmers for yard work.
2025 F-150 XLT with Pro Power On Board Starting Price (including destination): Approximately $59,320
Lexus GX
If you prefer more luxury from Campmobile, the Lexus GX fits the bill with its sturdy styling and refined leather-soaked interiors. Based on the truck platform, the GX comes with standard four-wheel drive and low range gear, providing excellent functionality on dirt roads and trails. Hardcore off-roading offers the option of Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim, which add beef tires and hardware for even better traction. Available third row seats and ample cargo space means more people and gear can join the ride. And despite its impressive backwood capabilities, the GX is still a Lexus. It offers a variety of luxurious features, such as front seat massages, perfect for relaxing after a long hike.
2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: $73,830
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Though more functional than an SUV, a nymbler than an RV, the Sprinter is an infinitely customizable van with a high roof that can stand inside. Campsite Cooks appreciates its utility when preparing meals, but the remaining large boxed cargo space in Sprinter is equally convenient. Hundreds of accessories from factories and aftermarket businesses will transform Sprinter’s large, boxy cargo space into the ultimate car camper van with all kinds of racks, beds, cabinets and storage. With two different lengths and 8 or 9 feet of roof height, the Sprinter, along with a variety of tires and suspension options, gives the Sprinter extraordinary versatility. The price of the blank canvas in Sprinter is not cheap, just over $50,000 before accessories. But the possibilities are endless.
2025 Sprinter Cargo Van: $53,125
Libian R1t
Experienced campers can forgive skepticism about EVs. Most do not have enough range for travel to and from far away campsites. With a range of up to 420 miles, the R1T has no problem. You can pull a 11,000-pound trailer on a camping adventure, but standard all-wheel drive and advanced drive modes that cleverly manage traction allow for easy tasks on tough trails. Like the Ford F-150, the R1T also offers integrated power distribution with four 120 volt outlets and six USB charging ports. This means you can refill your rechargeable flashlights, headlamps and camping layouts at any time. (The R1T also comes with its own flashlight.) The clever storage space, such as a lockable front trunk and a storage bin under the bed, is perfect for securing things before leaving camping unattended.
2025 Libian R1T: $71,700
Subaru Outback
The long and low body of the Outback returns to the old camp favorite, the station wagon. However, Subaru divides the difference between a wagon and an SUV, but has ample trail capabilities and a maximum cargo capacity of over 70 cubic feet. Camp Pros will prefer wilderness trims with heavy-duty all-terrain tires, protective lower body armor, water foliage upholstery, and 9.5-inch ground expansion devices that rival most Jeeps. Standard roof rails, low roof height and a weight limit of 700 pounds allow for easy loading of gear over the wilderness, while hands-free liftgates allow for easy access to camping once. Front view cameras also help with a careful approach to unfamiliar trails and campsites.
2025 Outback Wilderness: $43,130
Edmunds says
The perfect car for camping today offers a variety of abilities, utilities and even luxury. Whether you prefer a truck, an SUV or a van, there’s something in every camper.
This story was provided to the Associated Press by the car website Edmunds.
Dan Julio is a contributor to Edmunds.
