Best Cars for Camping and Road Trips

If your idea of a road trip involves a 3-tonne caravan or a heavy-duty boat, these are your best bets.

• Nissan Patrol: In 2026, the Patrol remains a beast. Whether you go for the legendary 5.6L V8 or the newer Twin-Turbo V6, it offers a wider wheel track and a more stable platform than almost anything else. It’s the ultimate "Big Lap" vehicle for those who want luxury and power.

• Ford Everest: Voted one of Australia's best off-road SUVs again this year, the Everest is the "Ranger for families." Because it uses coil-spring rear suspension instead of leaf springs (like a ute), the ride is much smoother for the kids in the back while still maintaining a massive 3,500kg towing capacity.

The Unstoppable Utes: Toyota HiLux & Ford Ranger

For many Queenslanders, a dual-cab ute is the only way to go. You can throw the muddy recovery gear and the Webber BBQ in the tray and keep the cabin clean.

• Toyota HiLux: It’s the "Unbreakable" legend. The 2026 HiLux has received a major tech facelift, but it keeps the 2.8L turbo-diesel engine that local mechanics in every tiny QLD town know how to fix. It’s the safest bet for remote touring.

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger is Australia’s most popular used ute for a reason. Even older "Next-Gen" models (from 2022 onwards) come packed with tech like 12-inch touchscreens and "Pro Trailer Backup Assist." It’s the perfect choice if you want a second-hand car that still feels like a luxury vehicle inside, but can handle the soft sands of Bribie Island on the weekend.

The Adventure Specialists: Toyota Fortuner & Mazda CX-5

• Toyota Fortuner: Often overlooked, the Fortuner is essentially a HiLux with a wagon body and seven seats. It’s narrower than a Prado or Patrol, making it much better for tight, winding tracks in the Daintree or the Scenic Rim. It’s a serious off-roader in a more compact package.
• Mazda CX-5: Let’s be real not everyone needs to climb a mountain. If your "road trip" is a weekend at a powered site in Noosa or a cruise down the Pacific Motorway to Burleigh, the CX-5 is the smartest pick. It’s zippy, fuel-efficient, and much easier to park at the shops once you get back home.