© Copyright John Horner and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
© Copyright John Horner and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
With a heatwave on the way for the UK this weekend, you may be considering embarking upon a camping holiday, and it's best to be prepared!
A recent study carried out by leisure retailer Halfords revealed that more than 8 out of 10 people (83%) surveyed believe that camping helps to relieve stress and increase happiness.
The decision to go camping is therefore hoped to involve as few glitches as possible, and owning a car which is fit for purpose is half the battle in ensuring that your camping holiday goes as smoothly as possible.
With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best cars for camping:
Ford describes the new Expedition model as the ‘do-it-all SUV’; but where this car really shines is with its towing capability. When properly equipped with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition 4x2 regular-length model boasts an impressive maximum 9,200-lb. towing capacity, making towing a large car trailer a piece of cake! If you’ve got a big family to accommodate, this is no problem either; the Ford Expedition can comfortably fit 8 passengers whilst maintaining large cargo space, which can be optimised by folding the 3rd-row bench seat for a flat load floor. The second-row split bench seats also fold flat to floor for maximum cargo space.
More of a reasonably priced option than the larger SUV’s on this list, the Nissan Qashqai merges off-road and traditional hatchback design; a forward thinking approach to urban driving. Low CO2 emissions help keep tax bills low and maximum boot space, with the rear seats folded, is 860 litres. The new Qashqai recently won the 'Best Crossover' award at the New Car Awards 2014, proving its place as a fine family car.
This heavy duty off-road 4WD SUV is perfect for the more adventurous among you. This car is capable of taking on pretty much any terrain you choose to rag it on (including 28 inches of water!), and it’s cool, retro bare-bones exterior adds to the rugged appeal. Off-road shock absorbers and an impressive safety system ensure a smooth ride off the beaten track. Roof racks and that all-important cargo space are sure to hold all your camping kit.
The Nissan Xterra’s no-frills interior is pretty dirt and stain-resistant, and since the rear cargo area is plastic, there will be no issues giving it a quick spring clean after spending some time living in and around the car. Again, fitting all your gear inside is no problem, with great cargo space and a roof rack which comes as standard. With a 261 horsepower V6 engine, this vehicle is more than capable of satisfying all of your off-road driving needs.
Our top choice is the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – a formidable update on this classic SUV. Impressive new technologies mean that you can really camp in style; leather and suede heated seats will keep you nice and toasty if the weather gets a bit nippy in the evenings, and a Harman Kardon 7.3 Surround Sound System ensures you get the best out of your camping holiday soundtrack! The four-wheel drive is excellent for driving on rough terrain if you’re planning on getting off the beaten track, and a generous cargo area ensures that you’ll be able to take all of those camping essentials and more! Despite this large size usually meaning an economical disadvantage, the new engine boasts a Fuel Saver Technology system that de-activates half of the V8's cylinders when maximum performance isn’t required, meaning the Grand Cherokee is economical despite its size. As the most awarded SUV ever, you can rest assured that you'll be in more than capable hands with this choice.
