The Best SUV Tent for Outdoor Adventure in 2023 (Ranked)
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Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a convenient and comfortable way to camp off the beaten path? If so, investing in a reliable SUV tent is something you should consider.
An SUV tent offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to create instant shelter quickly and effectively. Not only do they protect you from sunlight, wind, rain, and other elements on your car camping trip but they also dramatically increase your comfort levels with plenty of interior space that can be used as extra sleeping space or for gear storage.
If this sounds like just what you need on your next adventure into the great outdoors – keep reading to discover our top picks for the best SUV tents currently available on the market.
Our Top Picks:
An SUV tent allows you to use your vehicle as a base camp while still giving you the freedom to explore the area around you. But with so many different SUV tent options on the market, how do you know which one is best for you?
Read on for our guide to finding the perfect SUV tent for your next camping adventure.
- Best Tent ( Overall): Napier Outdoors – Family Sportz SUV Tent
- Best Value Tent: Napier Outdoors – Sportz SUV Dome-To-Go Tent
- Best Rooftop Tent: Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Rooftop Tent
- Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
- Rightline Gear SUV Tent
Best SUV Tents
Napier Outdoors – Sportz SUV Dome-To-Go Tent
The Napier Sportz Dome To-Go Tent, designed specifically for smaller SUVs, crossovers, and hatchbacks, has 8.5’x8.5’ (259 x 259cm) of floor space and 6.5’ (198cm) of headspace and comfortably fits 4 people. This SUV tent can be converted into a stand-alone tent by unzipping the detachable vehicle sleeve. It has a 6′ x 6′ awning and a full-length rain fly with taped seams that provide additional protection. This freestanding tent features two large doors and three large mesh windows ( 2 of which are fully seam-taped for waterproofing). It also features 2 internal pockets and a gear loft for storing your gear.
Specifications:
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Height: 78 in
- Floor Space: 8.5 x 8.5 (72.25 sq ft)
- Setup Time: 10 mins
- Sleeping Capacity: 4 person
- Best For 3-seasons
- Price: $$$
Features:
- 2 doors
- 3 no-see-um mesh windows
- 2 shock-corded fiberglass poles
- Detachable vehicle sleeve
- Full-length rainfly with taped-seams
- 6′ x 6′ awning
- 2 internal pockets
- Gear loft
| Pros | Cons |
| – Detachable vehicle sleeve helps make it a standalone tent when required – Polyethylene tent material ensures protection from wind and rain – 2 doors for easy entry/exit – 3 mesh windows for good ventilation – 6′ x 6′ awning provides an additional 36 sq ft of shaded outdoor living space | – Not fully leak-proof – Does not fit every hatchback |
Napier Outdoors – Family Sportz SUV Tent
The Napier Outdoors Family Sportz SUV Tent is a roomy tent measuring 10 by 10 feet and has a headroom space of more than 7 feet. It boasts of a 7 by 6 feet screen room (with no floor) and comfortably accommodates 5 to 6 people. The adjustable vehicle sleeve of this family tent easily connects to the cargo area of your vehicle and you can use the cargo area as additional sleeping space. You can seamlessly detach this vehicle sleeve to convert the vehicle tent into a stand-alone tent. These camping tents are easy to set up thanks to the hub and fiberglass tent pole combo and their high quality materials ( polyester taffeta and polyethylene) ensure durability.
Specifications:
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Height: 90 in
- Floor Size: 10 x 10 (100 sq ft)
- Setup Time: 15 mins
- Tent Capacity: 6 person
- Best For 3-seasons
- Price: $$$
Features:
- Waterproof vehicle sleeve
- Taped-seams rainfly
- 5 fiberglass tent poles
- 6 steel poles
- 6′ x 7′ screen room
- 2 large doors
- 3 no-see-um mesh windows
- Bathtub style floor
| Pros | Cons |
| – 2 doors for easy entry/exit – Roomy and spacious with 10′ x 10′ floor space and more than 7′ headspace – Vehicle sleeve can be easily detached to make it a freestanding tent – Good ventilation from the mesh windows – Polyester taffeta and polyethylene materials ensure durability | – Not fully leak-proof – Bulky |
Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Rooftop Tent
The Raptor Rooftop Tent sets up and closes in seconds and doesn’t require additional setup thanks to its unique design. This rooftop tent sleeps 2 with a high-density 78 x 48-inch foam double or full mattress. The inside of this rooftop SUV tent has a spacious living room, built-in pockets, and many options for hanging your belongings. This outdoor tent has a mosquito net door that rolls from the top down, which lets in air and keeps you safe from the elements It also has a built-in awning and a telescoping 8ft aluminum ladder.
Specifications:
- Weight: 140 lbs
- Height: 48.5 in
- Floor Space: 52 x 83.5 in (30 sq ft)
- Setup Time: 5 mins
- Tent Capacity: 2 person
- Best for 4-seasons
- Price: $$$
Features:
- Polycotton tent material
- 78 x 48-inch foam double or full mattress
- Telescoping 8ft aluminum ladder
- Storage pockets
- Built-in air vents
- Mosquito netting
- Built-in awning
- Aluminum pole
| Pros | Cons |
| – Doesn’t require additional setting up – Mosquito netting keeps the bugs out – Good value for money – Good quality materials ensure durability | – Condensation forms – Difficult to get it on the roof by 1 person |
Napier Backroadz SUV TENT
The Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is a spacious tent with 10′ x 10′ floor space and 7′ of headspace. It comfortably fits 5 people. This SUV camping tent has a universal vehicle sleeve that fits all CUVs, SUVs, and Minivans and its adjustable sleeve straps guarantee a bug-free and watertight fit. These SUV tents connect seamlessly to your vehicle’s cargo area, providing additional storage or sleeping space and power outlets to keep your devices charged. 1 large door, 3 mesh windows, and taped-seams full rainfly (providing privacy and weather protection) are some of the features of this SUV tent. It also features a gear pocket and a lantern holder.
Specifications:
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Height: 89 in
- Floor: 10 x 10 ft (100 sq ft)
- Setup Time: 10 mins
- Tent Size: 5 person
- Best For 3-seasons
- Price: $$$
Features:
- 1 large door
- 3 mesh windows
- Universal vehicle sleeve
- Adjustable sleeve straps
- Taped-seams rainfly
- Gear pocket
- Lantern holder
- 2 shock-corded fiberglass poles
| Pros | Cons |
| – Quick and easy set-up with 2 shock-corded fiberglass poles – 10′ x 10′ floor space and 7′ headspace fits 5 people comfortably – Good ventilation from 1 large door and 3 mesh windows – The Universal vehicle sleeve with adjustable straps fits all CUVs, SUVs, and Minivans | – Just 1 door – Weak tent poles |
Rightline Gear SUV Tent
The Rightline Gear SUV Tent is a fully waterproof tent with a sleeping capacity of 6 people ( 4 people in the tent and 2 people in the car’s cargo area). This tailgate tent is compatible with the rear hatch and barn doors and It has a vehicle sleeve that can be adjusted to fit any size SUV, minivan, wagon, or pickup truck with a cap, whether it has a roof rack or not. This hatchback tent ensures you a dry camping experience thanks to its polyurethane fabric with 2,000 mm water resistance, tape-sealed seams, and polyethylene bathtub floor
Specifications
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Height: 86 in
- Floor Space: 10 x 10 ft (100 sq ft)
- Setup Time: 30 mins
- Tent Capacity: 6 person
- Best for 3-seasons
- Price: $$
Features
- Adjustable vehicle sleeve
- Heavy-duty straps
- Nylon buckles
- Color-coded poles
- 2 gear pockets
- An overhead lantern hook
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls
- PE bathtub floor
- Taped-sealed seams
- No-see-um mesh windows
- 2,000 mm water-resistant polyurethane fabric
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy set-up thanks to the color-coded poles – Additional space since you can sleep in the back of your SUV, and can use the tent’s portion as a storage space or as another sleeping space – Can be easily detached from the car and made a stand-alone tent – Good protection from wind and rain thanks to the water-resistant fabric and bathtub-style floor | – Just 1 door – Poor quality zippers |
How To Choose The Best SUV Tent?
Consider the following while choosing The Best SUV Tent:
- Size
The first thing to consider when choosing an SUV tent is its size.
The size of your SUV tent will depend on two things: how big your vehicle is and how many people need to sleep in it.
If you have a large family or plan on bringing along friends, make sure that the tent is big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.
It’s also important to consider whether or not you want your vehicle inside the tent or out. Some larger tents can fit an entire vehicle, while others are designed only to fit over the bed of a truck or off-road vehicle.
- Capacity:
Depending on how many people will be joining you on your trip, you’ll need to make sure that the tent is large enough for everyone to sleep comfortably.
Most tents are designed for two or four people, but some models can accommodate up to eight people—so make sure that you look at all of your options before making a decision.
- Material and Weatherproofing
The materials used in the construction of the tent are very important.
Look for a durable material that can withstand wear and tear from both weather and use.
You’ll also want to make sure that the tent is waterproof so that it won’t get damaged if any rain or other moisture gets inside.
Many tents come with additional features such as large mesh windows and zippered doorways which can help keep bugs out and provide maximum ventilation.
- Set-Up Ease
Finally, consider how easy it will be to set up your SUV tent models.
Some SUV tents can be set up in minutes, while others require more time and patience.
- Features
When shopping for an SUV tent, look for features that will make your family camping trips more enjoyable and convenient.
Does it have multiple entry points? Is there enough ventilation? Are there gear pockets or pouches built in for easy storage? Will it keep out insects and other pests? These are all important questions to ask before buying an SUV tent.
Additionally, make sure that any roof rack attachments are compatible with your vehicle’s roof rack system.
- Durability and Quality
The last thing you want is for your expensive new SUV tent to start leaking after just a few uses!
Make sure that any tent you buy has been tested in various weather conditions and can stand up against wind, rain, and sun exposure without losing its shape or structure.
It should also be made from durable materials like ripstop nylon so that it can withstand wear and tear from everyday use without tearing or fraying easily.
Benefits of A SUV Tent:
Let’s take a look at what makes an SUV tent such an attractive option for campers.
- Spacious Sleeping Area
SUV tents offer campers more sleeping space than traditional tents do because they are designed to fit on top of the cargo area of your vehicle, rather than taking up space on the ground.
This means that you have room to sleep more people or just spread out and stretch out after a long day on the trails.
Additionally, many SUV tents come with built-in privacy tent walls, so you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing into your tent in the middle of the night!
- Flexibility
The beauty of putting up an SUV tent is that you can use it no matter where you decide to camp.
Whether it’s in a campground or deep in the backcountry, an SUV tent gives you all the comforts of home without having to carry too much extra gear.
With an SUV tent, all of your gear is within easy reach since it’s stored safely inside your vehicle.
Plus, if you want some extra protection from inclement weather, there are also models available with rainfly and mesh windows for ventilation.
- Easy Setup
One of the best things about using an SUV tent is that it’s incredibly easy to set up and take down.
All you have to do is attach it to your vehicle’s roof rack or cargo area and secure it with straps or clamps provided by most manufacturers.
Once it’s secured properly, just add stakes around the perimeter of your tent—and voila! You now have a comfortable shelter ready for any type of adventure!
CONCLUSION:
For those who want more luxury when camping in their vehicles, investing in an SUV Tent is worth considering!
Not only does it provide an incredible amount of space but also offers plenty of flexibility when choosing where to camp at night as well as ease when setting up or breaking down camp each morning.
Whatever type of outdoor adventure you choose, having one of these SUV tents will make sure you get plenty of restful sleep so that each day spent outdoors will be even more enjoyable!
Matt Kratos
About the Author
An intrepid content creator and relentless hiking enthusiast. With a passion for travel and adventure, Matt is never one to shy away from a daring challenge or a breathtaking view.