Best Subarus for Camping

While Subarus have a reputation for their practicality, a lot of Subaru vehicles also double up as the perfect camping cars with their high ground clearance and all-wheel drive (AWD). If you’re looking for the best camping vehicle for your weekend adventures, consider checking out these Subaru models.

Essential Features To Look For in a Camping Vehicle

There are a few factors you should consider when picking a camping vehicle, including comfort, space, and convenience.

Versatility and Cargo Space: Accommodating All Your Gear

If you’re into overnight camps with family or friends, you’ll want to look for a car with plenty of cargo space. This will give you space to store your camping gear, such as sleeping bags, tents, coolers, and more. The Subaru Forester can handle all these. With the rear seats folded down, the Forester provides up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Weight is also not a problem since the Forester can support a rooftop tent and occupants with a total weight of up to 700 pounds.

Off-Road Capability: Handling All Terrains With Ease

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring off the beaten path, you’ll need a vehicle that can handle different types of terrain. The Subaru Outback is a fantastic choice for this, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a 22.9-degree approach angle, and a 24.6-degree departure angle to tackle uneven terrain. Meanwhile, the Outback Wilderness boasts 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the highest of any Subaru model.

Fuel Efficiency: Take Your Adventures Further

Getting a car with better fuel efficiency means minimizing refill stops and maximizing your exploration. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a good choice for long trips, with its combined 35 mpg fuel economy and larger fuel tank.

Top Subaru Models for Camping

Below are our recommended Subarus for your camping trips.

Subaru Outback: The Ultimate Adventure Companion

While the Subaru Outback is already a great choice with its high ground clearance, its other features make it a well-rounded camping vehicle. Drive up steep inclines with zero hassle with its turbocharged 2.4-liter flat I-4 engine and keep stable on varying terrains with AWD.

Subaru Forester: Versatility Meets Practicality

The Subaru Forester is another excellent option if you’re looking for a versatile and practical car for your camping trips. With the signature I-4 SUBARU BOXER engine, this model has a lower center of gravity, contributing to better stability and handling. The Forester Wilderness lets you enjoy better off-road suspension. Together with water-resistant upholstery and all-terrain tires, you can tackle all kinds of trails in any weather and still enjoy your camping trip.

Subaru Crosstrek: Compact Yet Capable

Don’t let the Subaru Crosstrek’s size fool you. The Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and an AWD powertrain for stability on terrains. For better fuel efficiency, there’s also a hybrid version available. The Crosstrek is a great choice if you live in the city but want a weekend escape to appreciate nature occasionally.

Subaru Ascent: Family-Friendly and Rugged

The Subaru Ascent seats up to seven passengers across three rows and has 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space for all your gear and more. With its large capacity, the Ascent can haul heavy loads, towing up to 5,000 pounds with its turbocharged engine. Your camping group will also appreciate the optional heated seats on longer rides.

Shop Off-Road SUVs for Camping

Honorable Mentions: Subaru Baja and Subaru Impreza Hatchback

While not made specifically for camping trips, these two other Subaru models could be viable options:

• Subaru Baja: While not in production anymore, this pickup truck-car hybrid can still be a good option for camping trips, with its large truck bed and durable exterior.
• Subaru Impreza Hatchback: While mostly used for everyday drives, the Impreza Hatch is an affordable option with commendable cargo space that you can use for shorter weekend camping trips.

How To Choose the Right Subaru for Your Camping Needs

If you’re still not sure which Subaru vehicle to pick, we have some tips on how to choose the right one according to your lifestyle and needs.

Analyzing Your Lifestyle and Camping Habits

It’s important to factor in your usual day-to-day lifestyle and camping habits since you want a car that you can also use every day. If you’re a solo camper with occasional company, a Crosstrek or Outback can be great options, providing space while still being compact. If you often camp with your family or friends, the Ascent or Forester has more space to fit everyone and their gear. If you’re a hardcore camper who needs the off-road capability, consider either the Outback Wilderness or Forester Wilderness.

Matching Subaru Features to Your Adventure Style

Another factor to consider is what kind of camping adventures you usually go on. If you’re a weekend camper who usually goes on short trips, the Crosstrek is a good option due to its compact size and fuel efficiency. For long hauls, you may want to consider the Outback or Ascent, which have more cargo space and comfort features. For off-road trails, the Wilderness models have tires and suspension that can handle uneven paths and unpredictable weather.

Cost Considerations: Balancing Budget and Needs

Aside from picking the right Subaru for your camping needs, you should also consider your budget. For a starter Subaru that’s budget-friendly, you could opt for the Crosstrek, which starts at $25,810 MSRP. For something more midrange, the Outback has a starting MSRP of $29,010. The high end of the range would be the Ascent, which starts at $38,910.

Transform Every Road Into an Adventure With Sport Subaru South

Whether you’re off spending the weekend by the beach or going on various mountain trails, you can definitely find the perfect camping vehicle in a Subaru. If you’re ready to explore the right camping car for you, visit Sport Subaru South in Orlando, Florida, to explore our inventory and take a car on a test-drive, or make an appointment with us today.