If you travel frequently, whether it’s for business or pleasure, you probably already know that long or continuous journeys can be exhausting and that hotels, while a godsend, can be expensive.
I’ve learned a lot about sleeping in the car on long road trips over the past ten years and thousands of miles of travel.
I’ve learned a lot about car camping through the course of the journey, though, and I’ve also made a lot of mistakes.
The best cars for sleeping in will be covered in this article based on the opinions of ardent campers.
Best Cars To Sleep In
1. Honda Element
A Honda Element has a bed. Contrary to popular belief, the Honda Element is a very roomy vehicle. The Honda Element is probably one of the best cars to sleep in.
It’s a cozy place to spend the night thanks to its roomy interior, comfortable seats, and weatherproof design.
Since the Honda Element has so much space, I must admit that I was surprised to learn of it.
The cargo space is just under 75 cubic inches behind the front row of seats.
You have an additional 25 inches if you move to the second row.
If you prepare the space and fold down all of your seats, you will have about 100 inches of cargo space to sleep in.
2. Volvo Xc90
The Volvo XC90 is renowned for its luxury and ample space. It has enough space for sleeping as well as being able to carry a sizable number of people comfortably.
A Volvo XC90 is a comfortable place to sleep. It’s a good idea to purchase a conversion kit that fits your sleeping requirements in order to have the best experience. The kind of kit you purchase will depend on the length of time you plan to sleep in the car, the amount of space available, and the location of the vehicle.
Especially in the summer, you don’t want to feel your car’s aggressive heat. In a warm car during the summer, even lipstick can melt. As a result, unless you have enough fuel to keep the A/C running all night, you might need a fan to keep the car cool while you sleep.
3. Subaru Outback
The best Subaru Outback car camping mattress has been discovered! This mattress is very cozy, well-insulated, and precisely the right size for the back of the car. The Exped Megamat duo 10 insulated self-inflating sleep pad (medium size, not wide long) is discussed in this gear review article. Read on to learn more about the inflatable mattress we recommend having and our personal experience if you want to sleep in the back of your car.
Sleeping in the back of a Subaru Outback is awesome because it offers a sturdy shelter alternative to a tent.
Almost anything can be done to make your Outback a camper. In truck stops, for example, if you want to, you can sleep while you’re moving across the country.
Another advantage of sleeping in your car is that you have a little more security if you choose to stay in an unfamiliar location (such as the wilderness or a rest area). Sleeping in the car offers a little more comfortable if you’re concerned about wildlife or the weather.
4. Ford Econoline Van
The Ford Nugget camper is a specially designed camper van that Ford manufactures on a Ford Transit chassis. The only markets where the Nugget campers are sold are in Europe, as far as I know.
A Ford van, whether a passenger or cargo van, can be purchased in the US and customized. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of individuals, nationwide have carried out similar actions to mine.
Even if you’ve never used a tool in your life, Van Life Academy’s 95+ lesson online course will teach you everything you need to know about building a DIY camper van.
5. Honda Cr-v
The advantages and benefits of sleeping in a Honda CRV are numerous and unexpected. We can easily sleep in a Honda CRV and save $200 per night on hotel expenses. Many seasoned campers choose to spend their nights in a Honda CRV instead of a tent.
Travelers favor sleeping in a Honda CRV for several reasons, including improved comfort and safety. Learn more about how to convert your car into your favorite bed by reading on.
You safeguard all of your possessions when you sleep in your vehicle. Your luggage stays in one location rather than being transported to and from a campsite.
The needless moving and rearranging of items can be reduced with the use of central storage. Things are less likely to get lost as they move less frequently. A car helps with more than just object storage.
A vehicle also makes it easier to keep the occupants safe. A locked car is less likely than a tent to be disturbed by wildlife or other annoyances. One thing to think about is the level of safety a Honda CRV can offer.
6. GMC Acadia
The seats are cozy and the ride is smooth. The entire car is very spacious. For groceries and other daily items like strollers and baby accessories, there is plenty of storage space. Bags and other items can fit easily inside the GMC Acadia. There is ample storage space for groceries and daily items like strollers and baby accessories.
7. Ford Escape
Good SUVs include the Ford Escape. Models with the base engine have good fuel economy, and the optional turbo-four helps them accelerate quickly. The Escape offers a comfortable ride, two rows of comfortable seats, and a large amount of cargo space. Additionally simple to use is the SYNC 3 infotainment system that is offered.
We’re satisfied with the Escape’s overall level of comfort. The front seats have an appealing amount of padding and are well-shaped. The back seats are also cozy and give adults a good amount of thigh support. Our SEL test car had basic controls for the front passenger, but the Titanium adds a power-adjustable seat, which is unusual in this class.
The Escape travels smoothly and steadily both in town and on the highway. At speed, it is also relatively quiet, with road noise being the main source of background noise. On a hot day, the airflow provided by the automatic climate control is less than you might anticipate. Unlike competitors, none of the trims offer heated or ventilated front seats.
8. Chevy Express
The Express for 2022 is largely unchanged from the model from the previous year, which was largely unchanged from the 2003 version. The Express’s continued viability as a tool for business use is proof of the ease of use and robustness of well-made tools.
It’s still possible to improve this tool. The Express seems crude in comparison to the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. There are glaring omissions of contemporary infotainment and safety driver features. The Chevy’s optional V-8 powertrain, which is one of its biggest selling points, is hindered by a poor transmission.
The Express is still one of the more affordable full-size vans on the market and can rely on its impressive payload and towing capacities. However, the savings aren’t substantial, and we believe that most buyers would be happier with a Transit or Ram ProMaster.
9. Toyota Venza
The seats are so comfortable; they are undoubtedly the most comfortable ones I have ever ridden in. We can simply throw our wallet in the safe before heading to the gym and not have to worry about it being stolen. I suppose it gives me comfort. The drive, handling, and quietness of it while you’re driving are all really nice. The features and details are all extremely luxurious without being expensive.
10. Nissan Note
Ford Fiesta and Chevy Sonic have managed to avoid looking exactly like Fits. Remembering that Nissan is the company that gave us the Juke and the Murano CrossCabriolet’s quirky styling, I’d anticipate its design team to take more chances.
The Versa Note hatchback is undoubtedly more practical than the Versa sedan that was previously reviewed and more attractive than the doughy four-door, putting comparisons to Honda (for now) to rest. Despite being slightly larger inside and out than the previous Versa hatchback model, the new hatch appears smaller than it actually is. Being larger on the inside is probably one of the most significant improvements that the Versa Note can make for a compact car at this price, which will probably serve as the “do-everything” car for a younger buyer.
What Characterizes A Great Sleeping Car?
Comfort, safety, and privacy are the most important factors to take into account when choosing the best car for sleeping in. A large car has more space, so it does matter up to a point. But because of this, the cost of the vehicle and fuel is frequently higher.
The items that make a car a great place to sleep are as follows:
Tinted Windows Or A Private Area
Tinted windows can significantly increase your level of solitude when you lie down to sleep, even though most cars lack the van’s opulent private area.
Removable Or Foldable Seats
Lying down while you sleep is much more comfortable, and SUVs have plenty of room to lay reasonably flat. This is best done in the back of the car.
How much space there is to lay down is the most important thing to think about when selecting a car to sleep in.
The best cars for sleeping have flat-folding or removable back seats. Some vehicles, such as vans, can be altered to fit a full bed in the back; pure luxury!
Good Entertainment And Accessories
You must put entertainment first when looking for a car to sleep in. If you plan to spend the night in your car, having a great entertainment system is helpful. Even the car’s good radio can make a big difference. In most cases, you’ll want to plan ahead and bring entertainment for yourself.
Faq About Best Car To Sleep In
Which Car Types Are Comfortable For Sleeping In?
A car with enough space for you to spread out comfortably is the best kind of car to sleep in.
Avoid attempting to sleep at odd angles because you’ll likely wake up with neck or back pain.
For maximum comfort, you should have a car with foldable seats, like a hatchback.
How To Sleep In The Car Overnight Comfortably
Pack some useful items, like a sleeping bag or extra blankets, if you intend to spend the night in your car. If it’s possible, recline the back seats so you can lay down like you would in a bed.
Invest in a few sleeping bags if you anticipate cold weather. If it gets very cold, having some blankets, thermals, and a beanie will also be helpful! To let air in while keeping bugs out in humid climates, hang a thin cloth from the windows.
Gather the necessities for a cozy night of car camping. Make a plan if you want to spend the night in your car! By doing this, you won’t have to waste time on the trip looking for supermarkets and gas stations. Water, a battery-operated phone, a flashlight, a blow-up mattress, and a pillow are all necessities.
Is Snoozing In A Car Healthy?
If you are in a place where you feel safe and don’t leave the car running while you sleep, then sleeping in your car is usually healthy and safe.
Attempting to sleep in your car should be avoided when the weather is extremely hot or cold.
Conclusion
This blog goes into great detail about the best vehicles for camping and long road trips. These opulent vehicles are ideal for long road trips in any kind of weather. Your budget, price range, preferred style, cargo space, and a number of other factors will all play a role in your decision.
