Camping is an enriching way to explore nature and escape the hustle of urban life. In India, a country with a vast and diverse landscape, camping presents the perfect opportunity to experience the great outdoors. However, you need the right vehicle to make the most of a camping adventure. A car suitable for camping must offer space, comfort, reliability, and off-road capability.
While many vehicles can serve as makeshift campers with proper modifications, certain models in India excel in providing a reliable base for a camping trip.
Read on to learn about the best car for camping in India.
List of best cars for camping
The following are the best car camping vehicles in India, ideal for rugged terrains, long-distance travel, and, most importantly, comfort when you're out in the wilderness.
1. Mahindra Thar
Launched as an SUV focused on off-roading, the Mahindra Thar is one of India's most capable 4x4 vehicles. Its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities make it ideal for camping.
- Engine:
- Petrol: 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged engine producing 150 bhp and 320 Nm of torque.
- Diesel: 2.2-litre mHawk engine delivering 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: Available in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options.
- Drivetrain: Available in Rear-Wheel drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) configurations
- Ground clearance: 226 mm, making it well-suited for tackling rough terrains.
- Seating capacity: 4-seater configuration with foldable rear seats for additional cargo space.
- Price: Starting at ₹11.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
2. Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner is renowned for its strong build and exceptional off-road capabilities, making it a preferred camping choice.
- Engine:
- Diesel: 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 201 bhp and 500 Nm of torque.
- Petrol: 2.7-litre engine delivering 164 bhp and 245 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: Available in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.
- Drivetrain: Offers 4x2 and 4x4 variants, catering to different terrain requirements.
- Ground clearance: Approximately 225 mm, suitable for rough terrains.
- Seating capacity: Comfortably seats seven passengers, with ample boot space for camping gear.
- Price: Starting at around ₹33.78 lakh (ex-showroom)
3. Mahindra XUV700
With its spacious cabin, advanced safety features, and multiple drivetrain options, the Mahindra XUV700 is designed to cater to diverse driving needs.
- Engine:
- Petrol: 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 197 bhp and 380 Nm of torque.
- Diesel: 2.2-litre mHawk engine available in two tunes—153 bhp with 360 Nm, 182 bhp with 420 Nm (manual) or 450 Nm (automatic).
- Transmission: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options.
- Drivetrain: The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available in select variants for mild off-roading.
- Ground clearance: Approximately 200 mm, suitable for mild uneven terrain.
- Seating capacity: Available in 5 and 7-seater configurations.
- Price: Starting at ₹13.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
4. Tata Safari
The Tata Safari combines comfort and ruggedness, making it one of the best camp car in India.
- Engine:
- 2 litre Kryotec diesel engine delivering 168 bhp and 350 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: Available in 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options.
- Drivetrain: Offers only Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
- Ground clearance: 205 mm.
- Seating capacity: Available in 6 and 7-seater layouts, with flexible seating arrangements for camping equipment.
- Price: Starting at ₹15.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
5. Force Gurkha
Designed for serious off-road enthusiasts, the Force Gurkha is built to handle challenging terrains.
- Engine:
- 6-litre diesel engine producing 138 bhp and 320 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox.
- Drivetrain: 4x4 with manual locking front and rear differentials.
- Ground clearance: 233 mm, with a water-wading capacity of 700 mm.
- Seating capacity: Typically a 4-seater, with ample space for gear; customisation options are available for camping needs.
- Price: Starting at ₹16.75 lakh (ex-showroom)
Conclusion
The key to choosing the best car for camping lies in assessing its off-road capabilities, the terrain you'll be navigating, and the number of people accompanying you. Different camping trips require varying levels of vehicle performance, so make sure your car is equipped to handle the specific conditions you'll face, whether it's muddy trails, rocky paths or steep inclines.
When planning a camping trip, it is equally important to take precautionary measures to ensure you're protected in case of any mishaps. Ensure you have a car insurance policy that acts as a safety net, providing financial security in case of accidents, theft, repair costs, and even third-party liability.
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