Make car camping better with the best SUV tent! Whether it is on the roof or an extension of the trunk, the right tent can make a huge difference when setting up your temporary shelter.
With a high-quality SUV tent, it is easier to sleep, cook, and have fun outdoors. It will make you more comfortable. Not to mention, you will also feel more secure. On the other hand, if you pick one with inferior quality, it can turn your camping trip into a nightmare.
Read on as we list down some of the top SUV tents, including their most notable features. We’ll also talk about their pros and cons to help you decide.
Top Choice:
Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is a stand-out. We love how it has a spacious interior, providing a generous room to move around. It also has a large opening and mesh windows for ventilation. Plus, the tent has a storm flap for your privacy.
Our favorite SUV tent is spacious and easy to install, making it a great companion to your next outdoor adventure.
Looking at its features, one thing that makes it stand out is the large interior space. With a floor area of 10 x 10 feet and headroom of seven feet, it is easy to move around. Up to five adults can sleep comfortably, making it great for families.
The universal sleeve is also a good feature. It fits not just SUVs, but also minivans and CUVs. You can easily attach it to the trunk, creating a seamless connection for your temporary shelter when camping.
Your comfort is a sure thing when you are inside the tent. This is possible because it has a large door and three mesh windows, which will provide optimal ventilation.
More than being comfortable, it is easy to stay organized in a tent. It has a gear pocket so your stuff won’t end up scattered around. It even comes with a lantern holder.
We also love how quick it is to assemble. In less than 10 minutes, the tent is ready. It comes with two fiberglass poles. Although, some users note that the poles feel a bit flimsy.
Another good reason to buy this SUV tent is to support the company’s advocacy. For every tent that you purchase, they will plant a tree.
Key Features and Specs:
Material: Polyester
Sleeping Capacity: Five adults
Headroom: 7 feet
Interior Space: 10 x 10 feet
Weight: 2.2 pounds
Pros:
Easy to assemble and transport
Comes with a storm flap for privacy
Spacious interior
Excellent ventilation
Cons:
Flimsy poles
Verdict
From the spacious floor area to the multiple mesh windows, this SUV tent has plenty of features to ensure comfort and convenience on your camping adventure.
Setting up a tent does not have to be difficult. Sleeping on the ground shouldn’t be uncomfortable. This tent has everything you will need to enjoy the outdoors.
One of the best things about this tent is its freestanding design. Even if you disconnect it on your SUV, the tent will stand on its own and will still be usable.
We also like this SUV tent because of its exceptional construction. It is made of 2,000mm polyurethane fabric. With its water resistance, it is easier to stay dry and comfortable when you are inside. Plus, it has taped seams, which will minimize condensation.
If you find it challenging to set up a tent, you’ll like this SUV tent because it comes with color-coded poles. That way, it is easy to figure out which pole is for what part. The vehicle sleeve also has an intuitive design, which can attach to the trunk of different vehicles.
Another good feature of this SUV tent is the sewn-in bathtub-style floor. You do not need to put a ground tarp. The floor is designed in such a way that it can keep critters and water out.
Key Features and Specs:
Sleeping Capacity: Six people
Number of Poles: 3
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 7.2 feet
Weight: 20 pounds
Pros:
Has a bathtub-style floor to prevent water from getting in
Weather-proof construction
Effortless installation
Stands on its own even when disconnected from SUV
Cons:
Zipper quality can be better
Verdict
With its freestanding design, water-resistant fabric, and easy installation, there are countless reasons to pick this in your search for the best SUV tent.
If you’re bringing your family camping, the kids will love the experience when you have a tent that is as comfortable and spacious as this product.
One of the best things about this SUV tent is the awning. It provides an area with a covered roof and no walls. You can read a book, enjoy coffee, or play board games in this part of the tent. It also maximizes the floor area.
As for the tent itself, it has a seamless attachment to the back of your SUV. This way, you can utilize the latter as a supplementary sleeping area.
The roomy interior is also a plus. Even tall people will be comfortable moving around the tent since it has a high headroom.
While the manufacturer claims that the set-up takes only 10 minutes, that isn’t the case. In our experience, the assembly took a while, which is probably because of its size.
It is also notable because of the steel and fiberglass poles. They offer the perfect balance of longevity and portability. Plus, it comes with an expandable bag, providing a single place where you can keep everything that you need for setting up the SUV tent.
Key Features and Specs:
Sleeping Capacity: Six persons
Number of Doors: 2
Number of Windows: 3
Center Height: 7.25 feet
Dimensions: 10 x 10 feet
Pros:
Has a seamless connection to your SUV’s trunk
Made of long-lasting materials
Comfortable ventilation
Provides an outside covered area
Cons:
Setting it up may take a while
Verdict
With a large interior and an awning as an extension, this is a spacious SUV tent that will elevate your family’s camping experience.
With this tent, you will have a space big enough to sleep six to eight people when camping in your SUV.
Aside from the spacious cargo and sleeping space, this SUV tent also stands out because of the polyester Taffeta fabric for the walls. It is naturally UV-resistant, so it isn’t easily damaged even with frequent sun exposure. Aside from longevity, it also helps in effective temperature management, so your comfort is assured.
Meanwhile, the floor fabric is made of polyethylene. It is tough and heavy-weight, which makes it less prone to damage. More so, with the plastic coating, it is easy to clean.
It has several smart design features that will make the tent livable. For instance, it has a middle hook, which is where you can position a lantern to keep the interior well-lit. Meanwhile, it has a large mesh window and door for air circulation, making the tent well-ventilated.
We are also fans of the freestanding design. The latter means that you do not always have to attach it to the trunk of your SUV.
Nonetheless, one of the shortcomings of this SUV tent is that it does not have a manual or diagram. The installation can be quite tricky, especially if you haven’t assembled a tent before.
Key Features and Specs:
Sleeping Capacity: 6 to 8 persons
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 7.2 inches
Pros:
Multiple windows make the inside bright and airy
Middle hook for hanging a lantern
Roomy interior
Has a freestanding design when disconnected
Cons:
No instructions and diagrams
Verdict
This spacious SUV tent has mesh windows for ventilation, a middle hook for your lantern, and a freestanding design.
Do not let the price discourage you from buying the Smittybilt Overlander rooftop tent. With its innovative construction and impressive features, it is worth every dollar.
To deliver the best possible quality, the tent uses 600D ripstop polyester canvas as the main material. It is waterproof and has polyurethane to make it even stronger. The material can withstand even harsh conditions and long-term use. It has also been water-tested, which allows it to withstand even harsh environments.
Even the poles have incredible construction. They are made of anodized aluminum with stainless steel hinges. They provide a robust frame, so the tent maintains its shape once it is on the roof.
Another good reason to choose this SUV tent is its flame-retardant foam mattress. It has a comfortable sleeping surface away from home.
One more thing that impressed us is the telescoping aluminum ladder. Going up and down the tent is effortless. Since the ladder is foldable, it is a great way to save storage space.
More so, it comes with a LED light strip, which you have to plug in a USB port. The latter provides the illumination that you need at night.
Key Features and Specs:
Material: 600D ripstop polyester canvas
Capacity: Two persons
Load Capacity: 661 pounds
Weight: 48 pounds
Pros:
Made of long-lasting waterproof polyester canvas
Has lightweight but tough poles to keep the tent’s shape
Comes with a comfortable mattress
Includes an LED strip
Cons:
Not for people on a budget
Verdict
With a telescoping ladder, durable polyester canvas, and comfortable foam mattress, the SUV tent will make camping more enjoyable.
This high-end tent makes SUV camping enjoyable. From its unique design to superior comfort, the product delivers a plethora of benefits.
Setting up a rooftop tent in an SUV can be a headache. Luckily, such won’t be the case when you have this model. It sets up and takes down in seconds, so it is ready in no time. We also love the telescoping aluminum ladder, making it easy to go up and down.
One of the most notable features is the rollable net door. When you roll it up, you can have a wide-open space, which will increase ventilation for your comfort. Additionally, it has two built-in air vents with an option for customization, so you can control the amount of air that gets in.
Inside the tent, you will find several pockets. These will help you organize your stuff. There are also storage compartments for your shoes. Meanwhile, there is an awning, which creates a shaded area.
The aerodynamic engineering of the tent is also worth highlighting. It can withstand wind and rain, making it durable.
Key Features and Specs:
Sleeping Capacity: One to two persons
Ladder Length: 8 feet
Weight: 159 pounds
Pros:
Easy to set up and take down
Door is wide open for ventilation
Built-in pockets for easy organization
Includes an awning
Cons:
Expensive
Verdict
This SUV tent opens and closes within seconds, so assembly is a breeze. It has a telescoping ladder, storage compartments, awning, and built-in air vents.
With this affordable awning tent, you can transform your trunk into a comfortable sleeping area with an extended shade.
Looking at its features, one that stands out is the use of polyester Taffeta as the main tent material. It is lightweight but strong, making the tent durable without compromising its portability.
More than the material, we also love how it has a mesh screen instead of a solid door. The latter will give you a good view of the outside while keeping the insects out. Even better, it improves ventilation inside your SUV.
The package is inclusive of a carrying bag. This way, you can easily organize and carry everything that you will need for setting up the tent.
Before buying this product, however, take note that it is only an awning tent. It creates a roof extension at the back of the SUV, but it does not have a platform for sleeping.
Key Features and Specs:
Material: Polyester Taffeta
Awning Length: 2 feet
Weight: 8 pounds
Pros:
Affordable
Has a mesh screen to keep insects out
Includes a lightweight storage bag
Cons:
Does not have a sleeping area
Verdict
With a polyester construction, mesh screen, and carrying bag, this is another top-notch SUV tent that should be on your radar.
Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5
How to Choose the Best SUV Tent
The choices are endless, but it does not mean that they are the same. To help you narrow down your options, below are the important considerations.
Type
The type of tent depends on its configuration of where you will install it, including the following:
Hatchback Tent: This is the most common option. It has an opening that attaches to the rear of your SUV, creating a wide and spacious interior. The tent works like an extension of your vehicle. Some can also stand on their own, which means that you can use them even without your SUV.
Rooftop Tent: As the name implies, it is designed for installation on the roof of your SUV. It often has limited floor space depending on the size of the SUV. Some people might not also like how they have to go up and down a ladder.
Awning Tent: The simplest and most affordable of the three, it is more of a shade than a tent. You can install it at the back of your SUV and it will create a shaded area. However, there are no walls or platforms for you to sleep on.
Size
The size of the tent should depend on two things: the size of your SUV and the number of people who will be using it. Most of the products we’ve listed can sleep four to six people, which includes utilizing the trunk space. Rooftop tents are often smaller, which can only sleep one or two people.
Ease of Use
From setting up to taking down, make sure that the SUV tent is user-friendly. It must come with color-coded poles, so you don’t have to be left guessing. Some have an instant pop design, so you won’t need to stake poles to tie wires.
Material
The choice of material is directly related to the overall quality of the tent, especially its durability. Polyethylene and polyester are common materials. Go for waterproof or water-resistant material. Consider the floor material as well. Do not hesitate to spend more if it means enjoying high-quality material.
Comfort
One of the best features that will ensure your comfort is a mesh window or door. This will not only keep the insects out, but they can also improve ventilation.
The thickness of the material is also vital to keep the interior warm or cold.
FAQs
Is it warmer to sleep in a tent or a car?
It is warmer to sleep in a tent than in a car. Especially if it is made of thick fabric, a tent can provide better insulation than your car. Not to mention, it is smaller, so it gets hotter quicker if you ever have to install a heater.
How can you make SUV camping more comfortable?
To make SUV camping more comfortable, one of the most important is to maximize the use of available space for sleeping. Adding an air mattress is also a must for a good sleep. Meanwhile, portable heating and cooling systems will help in effective temperature management.
If you need to free up some space for your camping trip, installing a rooftop cargo box should do the trick.
Of all the products in this review, our top pick is the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent. It has a large 10 x 10 feet floor area and a tall headroom of seven feet, so you can move around with ease. The set-up is a breeze, and the durability is impressive. It is also affordable given its features.
Jerry Ford started his career as a freelance writer for Australian Associated Press. A wide variety of outdoor interests (off-road driving among them) brought him to car magazines. He has a distinguished career as a print and broadcast reporter and editor with over 25 years of experience writing about the car industry, best practices and new technologies.
