The Best Hatchbacks for Car Camping: Compact, Capable, and Road-Trip Ready
You don't need a van or even a full-size SUV to enjoy the freedom of car camping. Choosing the right hatchback for car camping can give you the perfect balance of fuel efficiency, drivability, and interior space. Whether you're planning weekend getaways or extended road trips, the right hatchback—paired with a Camp N Car Pioneer Platform—can become your adventure-ready basecamp. Below, we break down our favorite vehicles and explain why each stands out as a great hatchback for car camping.
Subaru Outback
The Most Versatile Hatchback for Car Camping Adventures
With its blend of SUV ruggedness and wagon practicality, the Subaru Outback is one of the most popular choices among those looking for a hatchback for car camping. It offers high ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and one of the most spacious cargo areas in its class. Drop the seats, slide in a Pioneer Platform, and enjoy a flat, supportive sleeping surface with plenty of storage underneath.
Why it works:
Room for a full-length sleeping platform
Rugged enough for forest roads and off-grid sites
Great for couples or solo travelers with lots of gear
Subaru Crosstrek
Lightweight, Off-Road Capable Hatchback for Car Camping
Smaller than the Outback but just as outdoorsy, the Crosstrek is a compact hatchback for car camping that doesn't compromise on capability. With all-wheel drive and a compact frame, it's ideal for navigating narrow roads, dispersed campsites, and mountain passes. The rear seats fold nearly flat, offering enough room for a sleeping platform and basic storage.
Why we love it:
Excellent fuel efficiency for an AWD vehicle
Compact enough for city and trailhead parking
A smart balance between utility and simplicity
Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Affordable, Compact Hatchback for Car Camping Comfort
If you're working with a smaller budget but still want AWD and a proven track record, the Impreza Hatchback is your best bet. It's one of the most compact AWD options on the market, making it ideal for campers who want to stay low-profile. With the rear seats down, you can enjoy a surprisingly comfortable setup for solo travel.
What makes it great:
A true compact hatchback for car camping
Ideal for urban stealth camping or tight trailhead spots
Budget-friendly with no compromise on reliability
Honda Fit
Minimalist Hatchback for Car Camping on a Budget
The Honda Fit is one of the smallest hatchbacks on this list, but don't let its size fool you. Its innovative interior layout and flat-folding seats allow it to accommodate a car camping sleeping platform easily. The Fit is hard to beat if you're looking for a fuel-efficient, low-cost hatchback for car camping.
Why we recommend it:
Extremely efficient on gas
Easy to park anywhere
Great for solo travelers or minimalist setups
A solid used-market option for camping conversions
Upgrade Your Hatchback for Car Camping with the Pioneer Platform
No matter which vehicle you choose, Camp N Car's Pioneer Platform makes upgrading your hatchback for car camping easy. It creates a flat, durable sleeping surface with space underneath for bins, bags, and gear. Built in the Pacific Northwest using sustainable materials, it's designed to fit most hatchbacks and wagons with zero hassle.
Pioneer Platform benefits:
No assembly required
Adjustable height and length
Custom bi-fold mattress available
Built to last, easy to install, and road-tested
Choosing a hatchback for car camping allows you to travel light, camp comfortably, and go places bigger rigs can't. Whether you're camping solo, with a partner, or looking for a stealth setup for city overnights, hatchbacks are a practical, budget-friendly alternative to vans and trucks. At Camp N Car, we believe your vehicle should work for your lifestyle, not the other way around. That's why we design solutions to help you camp better, smarter, and more comfortably in the vehicle you already own.
Ready to start your build? Explore our kits, sleeping platforms, and accessories to create your dream hatchback camping rig.
