Top 3 Hyundai Models for Car Camping

If you’re planning a camping trip near Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, or the greater Kansas City area, choosing the right SUV can make all the difference. At McCarthy Hyundai of Olathe, we help outdoor enthusiasts find Hyundai SUVs that combine space, capability, and comfort for unforgettable adventures. Here are the top Hyundai models for car camping in 2025.

Car camping in an SUV is a fun and easy activity to enjoy the nature around us, just outside of Kansas City, Olathe, and Overland Park. Simply pack up, drive, and enjoy a break from routine, everyday life, and work; sit back and relax. However, Car camping in an SUV requires a little bit of thought and prep, especially when it comes to choosing the right Hyundai vehicle for your adventure. Fortunately, there are some great options in the Hyundai lineup, so we’ll review the 3 best SUVs for car camping to help you narrow down your choice. Read on to find out which Hyundai SUV is right for you.

2025 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is perfect for solo, duo, or smaller groups to go camping, particularly when you plan on staying in a tent. When you plan on car camping in an SUV alone or with one other person, it is possible to configure the interior cabin to accommodate sleeping. Or, you can purchase a Hyundai car camping tent that can attach to the trunk or sit atop the SUV.

The Hyundai Tucson comes with a 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower, so you’ll have enough power to tackle the trails to get to the good spots. Front wheel drive comes standard on all trims, and while that will likely get the trek done, we recommend going for the available all-wheel drive for the improved handling, especially for off-road. Now let’s look at space.

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with seating for up to five passengers, but there’s plenty of space despite the compact moniker. You’ll have access to a max of 80.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, which is plenty of space to sleep. Or, you can use that space for loading gear if you plan to use a tent. Total passenger volume is 108.2 cubic feet, which is a very comfortable ride if you bring some friends along. If you want more space or power, read on to learn about the larger siblings in the Hyundai family of SUVs.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

We mentioned power, and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers. The standard turbocharged 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine is standard across all trims, so you’ll have control of a whopping 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Max towing capacity is 4,500 lbs. if you choose the XRT trim and get trailer brakes, otherwise you’ll have a maximum of 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. Like the Tucson, the Santa Fe comes standard with front-wheel drive. With all of that power, you can handle more challenging trails, but we once again recommend stepping up to the all-wheel drive option to make sure you don’t get stuck.

Space is no issue, as the Santa Fe is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. Max cargo space clocks in at 79.6 cubic feet, so there’s no shortage of storage space for gear when you go camping. Passenger volume is 151 cubic feet, so you can comfortably sleep in the back if you choose to forego a car tent. Properly equipped, you could take the Santa Fe out for quite a long stretch. But what if you wanted an even bigger ride?

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Like the Tucson and Santa Fe, the Hyundai Palisade only has one engine across all the trims. However, that engine has power. You’ll have a 3.8L, V-6 engine worth 291 horsepower under the hood, so feel free to hit the rugged trails to get to the pristine, untouched, and secluded spots when SUV camping. With all of that power, and properly equipped, you can haul up to 5,000 lbs. with the Palisade, so you can camp to your heart’s content. Front-wheel drive is again standard, but AWD is available on all but one trim. The Calligraphy Night Edition comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Looking for the most space for camping? The Palisade has you covered. Enjoy seating for up to eight passengers, a max of 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded, and 155.3 cubic feet of passenger volume to lounge on the ride.

The Best SUVs for Camping for Sale in Kansas City

If you’re looking for the best SUV for car camping and to take SUV camping to the next level, head down to McCarthy Olathe Hyundai to see our lineup of new Hyundai vehicles and pre-owned Hyundai vehicles to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a test drive of your next Hyundai SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hyundai SUVs for Camping

1. Which Hyundai SUV is best for car camping?

The best Hyundai SUV for camping depends on your needs. The Tucson works well for solo or couple trips, the Santa Fe offers more power and space, and the Palisade provides maximum cargo and passenger room.

2. Can you sleep inside a Hyundai Tucson?

Yes. With the rear seats folded down, the Tucson offers up to 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which can accommodate sleeping arrangements for one or two people.

3. Which Hyundai SUV has the most cargo space?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers up to 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it ideal for camping gear and larger groups.

4. Is AWD recommended for camping trips?

All-wheel drive is recommended for camping, especially if you plan to drive on gravel, dirt roads, or uneven terrain around Kansas and Missouri.

5. Where can I buy a Hyundai SUV for camping near Kansas City?

You can explore the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade at McCarthy Hyundai of Olathe, conveniently located at 683 North Rawhide Drive in Olathe, KS.

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