Best SUV Tent for 2023

Editor’s Choice – Napier Outdoors Sportz SUV Tent

Napier Outdoors is one of the best manufacturers when it comes to SUV tents and we’ve selected their Sportz SUV Tent for several reasons. The first thing that really stood out to us was the spacious interior, which has more than enough room to sleep upwards of six people. With a max height of 7.25 feet, even the tallest campers can stand upright inside.

Our next favorite feature is the oversized screen room, which adds another 42 square feet to the already roomy interior. This extra room is an incredible additional living space that would be great for bug-free hanging out, cooking, or gear storage outside the tent walls.

We also love how they’ve included an awning, which measures 6×6 feet. This extra feature gives you more shade-protected space for hanging out during the daylight hours.

When tent shopping we always look at the quality of the materials used. We love how not only are there several great add-ons that take this outdoor tent to the next level, but it’s also made with materials and fabrics that make it weather resistant and long-lasting. The 1200mm waterhead rating is considered waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain water seeping in through the tent walls.

As for the tent poles, Napier used a mixture of fiberglass and steel. The support poles are steel, but the roof ones are fiberglass so you can save money where you don’t necessarily need the extra strength of a metal pole.

There’s also two doors for easy access, three windows and two skylights for an airy and open feel, and a lantern holder, gear pocket, and gear loft for storing small items. In addition, it can be used as a stand alone tent.

All these features, add-ons, and quality upgrades make for a great family SUV tent that’s ready for all kinds of adventure and fun.

Timber Ridge 5 SUV Tent

This Timber Ridge Tent is a newer product but so far it has great reviews from users. It’s a 5-person SUV tent that measures 8×10 feet with a max height of 7 feet 8 inches tall. These dimensions make it one of the tallest and most spacious tents on this list, so it’s the perfect size for going car camping with several people.

This tent fits all hatchback SUV’s seamlessly, meaning you don’t have to worry about it fitting the specific model of your vehicle. It can even stand on its own if you need to use it as a regular camping tent.

One of the coolest features that we love on this tent is the included movie screen, which hangs down on one of the tent walls. You can use a small projector to watch a movie at night – how fun!

Although this tent does use fiberglass poles (which isn’t ideal for longevity and durability), it does have a 2,000mm waterhead rating. So with the additional support of the vehicle and the ample water resistance, this tent is ready for any weather conditions you could encounter on a weekend away.

Plus, the price is relatively affordable, so it’s a great option for couples or small families who want a simple and effective SUV tent for fun weekends away at the campground.

North East Harbor (NEH) Universal SUV Camping Tent – Best Budget-Friendly

If you’re looking for a simple, easy to use, budget-friendly SUV tent then this North East Harbor Universal Tent is the answer. It’s an affordable SUV Tent that measures 8×8 feet, which is enough space to comfortably sleep two adults or up to four people in close quarters.

It’s called a universal tent because it fits all kinds of vehicle shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to worry about it being compatible or not. It can also be used on its own as a freestanding tent if you don’t want to connect it to your SUV.

The tall center height of 72 inches (6ft.) is tall enough for the average person to stand upright in the center, and the 64 square foot interior could even fit a king or queen size air mattress. This gives you plenty of space to be comfortable, plus it gives you access to the back of your vehicle for extra storage or more sleeping space.

Because this is a budget tent, the waterhead rating isn’t ideal for exposure to wet conditions. If you only go camping during ideal weather, then this isn’t an issue. But if you’re anticipating being exposed to rain, you may want to take some steps to waterproof your tent further.

Specifications

• Capacity: 4 person
• Weight: 19 lbs.
• Interior Max Height: 72″ (6ft.)
• Dimensions: 8×8 feet
• Square Feet: 64 sq ft
• # of Doors: 1
• #of Windows: 3
• Pole Material: fiberglass
• Waterhead Rating: 2000mm

Napier Backroadz SUV Tent

This Backroadz SUV Tent by Napier is a more simple and affordable version of their Sportz SUV Tent that made our Editor’s Choice above. It’s shaped a little different, but the lower price point and simpler design could be more up your alley depending on your typical use.

The Backroadz measures 10×10 feet, which is plenty of space to sleep four to five people in close quarters or two people comfortably. The max height is over seven feet tall, so even tall campers can stand upright in the tent’s center.

On the other hand, it’s a dome-shaped tent, so the walls are more sloped than the other ones on this list (the others are cabin-shaped). That will lead to a less spacious interior, but having less room inside can have its advantages. For one, it’s easier to setup. Second, it will be easier to keep warm if you regularly camp in cooler weather.

Perhaps our favorite features of this tent is that for every Backroadz purchased, Napier Outdoors plants a tree in partnership with Trees for the Future. We love a sustainable company so this is just a cool bonus.

The main downside of this tent is the fiberglass poles (not great for longevity) and the low waterhead rating. If you regularly experience rain when camping, you will need to add more waterproofing to this tent or use a tarp over it. If you only camp during clear and sunny weather, then that’s not as much of a concern for you.

Note: this tent only fits hatchbacks where the distance between the open hatchback tip and the ground doesn’t exceed 80 inches.

Specifications

• Capacity: 5 person
• Interior Max Height: 84″ (7ft.)
• Dimensions: 10×10 feet
• Square Feet: 100 sq ft
• # of Doors: 2
• #of Windows: 3
• Pole Material: fiberglass
• Waterhead Rating: 800mm

Thule x Tepui Explorer Autana 3 + Annex – Best Luxury

Now if you want to seriously take SUV camping to the next level, then this Thule x Tepui tent is the way to go. It’s a three person rooftop tent that includes a lower annex that hangs next to your vehicle like an SUV tent would. This gives you lots of space for both sleeping and standing upright, but then it all packs down into a compact unit that stays on your roof rack.

The first thing we noticed about this tent is the true quality of the Thule brand. It really makes it stand out from the rest of the options on this list and can even be used in all four seasons during all kinds of temperatures and adverse conditions.

One of our favorite things about any rooftop tent is that it’s ready to go at all times and it’s super easy to set up. It simply unfolds from its storage place, which means you don’t have to worry about carrying around heavy equipment to set up a traditional tent.

Plus, you don’t even have to worry about sleeping on something comfortable because the rooftop tent comes with a high-density foam mattress. Simply add sheets and a couple blankets and you’ll be comfortable and cozy all night long.

Note: this arrangements also comes in a 4-person if you want more space.

Kelty Backroads Shelter – Best Floorless Awning

Kelty is one of our favorite outdoor gear brands when it comes to quality gear for an affordable price, and their tents and awnings consistently make our lists for product suggestions. We love their Backroads Shelter, which is an awning that’s compatible with any kind of vehicle whether it’s a hatchback, car, or van.

Our favorite feature is the flexibility of the structure, which sets up like a tent but then can attach to any kind of vehicle. It doesn’t have a floor, so it’s not meant for camping, but it’s a great option for a shaded space for hanging out. You can roll down the sides to close it off for privacy (pictured above) or roll the sides up for a cross breeze and shade.

Because it works with pretty much any vehicle and can attach to either the side of back, the space inside depends on the height of your vehicle. Shorter cars and compact SUVs will allow for more space, while something like a Sprinter van will have less space inside because of the added height.

This awning would be perfect for anyone looking for a spacious awning for sun protection that also offers the option for privacy as well.

ROAM Adventure Co. Rooftop Awning Room

This awning room from Adventure Co is a product that thinks outside the box when it comes to SUV Tents. It uses their awning (which comes in either 6.5ft. or 8ft. – dimensions below are for 8ft.) and attaches a tent to it. This means it functions like a SUV tent, but offers more durability and quality than a standard one.

The first thing that stood out to us with this awning room was the quality of the fabrics, which are ripstop material that’s waterproof and weather proof. The PVC floor is heavy duty and keeps the user dry and the storm flaps over the doors add another element of weather protection.

When it’s nice outside, you can open the three doors to their mesh layers for ample breeze. But because of the durability of the tent and its materials, it’s also ready for adverse weather and strong winds.

Users frequently comment that the tent can withstand anything (“Did get stuck in a sudden heavy wind / rain storm in SD.. wind blowing up to 40+ mph… No damage.) and that the quality is “far beyond our expectations“.

Note: this product requires that you purchase the awning separately from the tent. This makes it a bit more expensive and means you cannot use it as a stand-alone tent since it requires the awning to be setup.