The Best SUVs for Camping and Overlanding

The right SUV isn't just a vehicle. It's base camp on wheels when it comes to maximizing weekends on trail.

Overlanding and off-grid camping have exploded in popularity, and the market has responded with a wave of capable, tech-forward SUVs built for serious exploration. But with so many options on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Ground clearance, powertrain, cargo capacity, towing capacity, four-wheel drive systems—the list of specs to consider is long.

This guide cuts through the noise. Below, you'll find the best SUVs for camping and overlanding in 2024, ranked across different categories so you can find the perfect match for your style of adventure.

What Makes an SUV Good for Overlanding?

Before we get to the rankings, it helps to understand what separates a great overlanding SUV from a great everyday SUV. They're not always the same vehicle.

Ground clearance is one of the first things to check. A minimum of 8 inches is generally recommended for light off-road use, while serious trail driving often demands 9 inches or more.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) vs. all-wheel drive (AWD) is another critical distinction. AWD systems are designed for on-road traction and light off-road conditions. True 4WD systems—especially those with a low-range gear setting—are built for the technical stuff: rock crawling, deep mud, steep descents.

Approach and departure angles determine how steep a slope your SUV can tackle without scraping its bumper. Cargo space matters for gear-heavy trips. And towing capacity becomes important the moment you decide to haul a trailer, boat, or off-road camper.

With those criteria in mind, here are the top picks.

Best Overall: Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Few vehicles have earned the kind of cult-like loyalty the Toyota 4Runner commands. It's been a staple of the overlanding community for decades, and the TRD Pro trim takes everything that made the 4Runner great and cranks it up.

The TRD Pro rides on Fox Internal Bypass shocks, giving it serious off-road capability while staying composed on the highway. Ground clearance sits at 9.6 inches, and the full-time 4WD system features a locking rear differential and crawl control—Toyota's system for maintaining a set speed over technical terrain without driver input.

Inside, the cabin isn't the flashiest on this list, but it's durable, functional, and purpose-built for adventure. The rear seats fold flat to create nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space—plenty of room for a full camping kit.

Best for: Weekend warriors and serious overlanders who want proven reliability on long-haul expeditions.

Best for Luxury Off-Roading: Land Rover Defender 110

The Land Rover Defender has a legendary reputation, and the modern 110 carries that legacy forward with a thoroughly 21st-century package. It blends premium interior finishes with genuine off-road capability in a way very few vehicles manage.

The Defender 110 offers up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance with the optional air suspension—raise it at the push of a button when the trail demands it, lower it for easy loading at camp. The Terrain Response 2 system automatically selects the optimal drive settings based on what it detects underfoot, handling everything from sand to snow to rock.

Inside, the panoramic roof, heated seats, and premium audio system make it as enjoyable to spend time in after a long day on the trail as it is during it. Cargo space is generous at 89 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

Best for: Overlanders who want high-end comfort without sacrificing off-road capability.

Best Budget Option: Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Serious overlanding doesn't have to mean a six-figure price tag. The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk punches well above its weight class, offering a purpose-built off-road package at an accessible price point.

The Trailhawk's Selec-Terrain system gives you five drive modes—Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, Sport, and Rock—covering most off-road scenarios with ease. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches, and the front tow hooks and skid plates signal that this isn't just a trail-inspired aesthetic package; it's the real deal.

For camping-focused buyers, the interior is practical and easy to clean—a feature that doesn't get enough credit. The cargo area expands to 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Best for: Newer overlanders or budget-conscious adventurers who need solid off-road capability without overspending.

Best Full-Size Option: Chevy Tahoe Z71

When the trip calls for maximum capacity—big family, big gear, long distances—the Chevy Tahoe Z71 answers. This full-size SUV packs a 355-horsepower V8, a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 lbs, and 94.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded flat.

The Z71 package adds Rancho shocks, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a 2-speed transfer case with a proper 4WD low setting. It's not a rock crawler—its 7.8-inch ground clearance and long wheelbase mean it's better suited to forest roads, fire tracks, and graded trails than technical rock terrain.

That said, for families who want a capable, spacious base camp vehicle with serious towing muscle, it's tough to beat.

Best for: Large groups or families who prioritize interior space and towing capacity alongside off-road ability.

Best for Technical Terrain: Ford Bronco

If the terrain you're chasing involves boulders, deep ruts, and trails that make you question your decisions, the Ford Bronco is your vehicle. Built specifically to challenge the Jeep Wrangler's dominance in the off-road segment, the Bronco delivers class-leading angles, a rock crawl mode, and available 35-inch tires straight from the factory.

The Sasquatch package—available on multiple trims—adds those 35s, Dana axles, locking differentials front and rear, and 11.6 inches of ground clearance. The GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes system offers seven drive settings, including dedicated modes for mud, sand, and baja terrain.

Removable doors and roof panels are a genuinely unique touch that transforms the Bronco into an open-air off-road experience on dry, clear days at camp. Cargo capacity is 77.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

Best for: Technical off-road enthusiasts who prioritize trail performance above all else.

Gear That Makes the Difference

An overlanding-capable SUV is only part of the equation. The gear you pack—and how you carry it—has a massive impact on comfort and capability in the field.

A few essentials worth investing in:

• Rooftop tents: Free up interior cargo space and get you off the ground. Look for low-profile, hardshell designs that won't dramatically affect your fuel economy or clearance.
• Recovery gear: A quality traction board set, recovery strap, and a portable air compressor should be in every overland kit.
• Roof rack or cargo system: Expands your carrying capacity and opens up mounting options for lights, shovels, and fuel cans.
• Skid plates: If your SUV doesn't come with factory plates, aftermarket options offer meaningful protection for the transfer case and fuel tank on rocky terrain.

How to Choose the Right SUV for Your Adventures

The best overlanding SUV is the one that fits the way you actually adventure—not the one with the most impressive spec sheet.

Start by asking a few honest questions: How technical are the trails you typically run? Do you need to tow? How many people are you bringing? What's your realistic budget, both for purchase and for aftermarket upgrades?

If you're mostly running forest roads and established campgrounds, the Tahoe Z71 or Bronco Sport Badlands will serve you well. If you're chasing remote single-track and technical off-road terrain, the Bronco or 4Runner TRD Pro are worth the premium. For those who want luxury without compromise, the Defender 110 remains one of the most complete packages on the market.

Hit the Trail With Confidence

The vehicles on this list represent the best the current market has to offer for camping and overlanding enthusiasts. Each one excels in specific areas—capability, luxury, value, capacity—so the right choice depends on your priorities.

What they all share is the ability to take you somewhere worth going. Whether you're setting up a rooftop tent at elevation, crossing a river ford, or just finally exploring that fire road you've driven past a hundred times, having the right SUV underneath you makes every mile more rewarding.

Now get out there.