11 Best SUV Tents Reviews 2020 | Is Texsport Uncontested #1?

[BEST OVERALL]NAPIER BACKROADZ SUV TENT

The tent is broad and spacious

Editor’s Rating

[BEST for the money]NAPIER SPORTZ SUV #84000 5-PERSON TENT

Sleeve fits most of the SUVs

Editor’s Rating

[BEST suv adjustable sleeve]NAPIER SPORTZ 4-PERSON #82000 SUV TENT

Great construction promises sturdiness

Editor’s Rating

3 Top Picks of SUV Tents

More and more people are purchasing sport utility vehicles as their preferred form of transportation. SUV’s offer the capacity to transport large items while offering comfortable passenger seating. Drivers like the power to pull a trailer with extra features they can get in a nice car. Most SUV’s have 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive which makes them safe to drive in any weather. These are all the same reasons that make SUVs a smart choice to take camping and what better way to do it, than with an SUV tent that connects to your vehicle to transform it into a comfortable and spacious tent/camper.

3 Top Picks

3 Reviewers

7 Hours of Research

17 Products Considered

Reading Time: 17 minutes

Campers take pride in being practical. With the advancement of technology, they get a way to take it to the next level. Having to worry about space or transferring your gear from your car to your camping space is a thing of the past when you have the best tents that attach to suvs. Now you can have a safe, shaded sleeping area at the very back of vehicles like a Jeep Wrangler and minivans on camping trips.

Space-saving and functional, getting the right tent for the car is sure to make your camping campsite experiences that much better. So, if you happen to be planning a trip, and you own an SUV, read on to pick the best tents for suv vehicles.

11 Best SUV Tents 2020

1. [BEST OVERALL] NAPIER BACKROADZ SUV TENT

Editor’s Rating:

If the Rightline Gear SUV Tent is outside your price range, then the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent will work with any type of SUV thanks to its universal vehicle sleeve. If you desire, you may turn it into a standalone tent; it’s a two in one investment! Still, it’s a lightweight tent for easy transportation and provides a shaded area that makes for an awesome camping experience.

This spacious tent fits up to five adults without any issues and allows you to stand up straight inside it. The entrance of the tent is more than big enough for you to prepare your sleeping space effortlessly and three big windows bring light and fresh air inside. All these reasons make this option a top-rated SUV tent.

The tent materials are safe and durable. It comes with a mesh bug screen keeping you safe from nasty experiences while you rest and offers air circulation. You will also be secure from the wind thanks to an extra wind flap. The flooring is pretty standard so be sure to get a ground tarp to make the floor less hard.

This SUV tent has a universal sleeve that adjusts to fit all SUV’s and minivans. There is plenty of room and a large sleeping area for a family of 4-5 people in the 9’ x 9’ interior.

It has over 7’ of headroom. It has a watertight bathtub-style floor and a waterproof rain fly and gets bonus points for coming with a lantern hook inside. The three window design provides superior ventilation for comfortable sleeping.

The only real downside stems from the benefit of this tent. The side windows are see-through, so while you may enjoy the nature around you, you also don’t get privacy with them. Rain covers take care of that issue with ease, though.

Things We Liked

A durable tent
Has four windows for adequate ventilation
Very lightweight
The design focuses on protection

Things We Didn’t Like

The side windows don’t offer a lot of privacy

2. [BEST FOR THE MONEY] NAPIER SPORTZ SUV #84000 5-PERSON TENT

Editor’s Rating:

This SUV #84000 5-Person Tent made by Sportz is spacious and broad; even the tallest person (maybe not an NBA player) will be able to stand up straight in it. A family of six will find it easy and comfortable to sleep in and it comes at an affordable price and is the best deal for your money. Not to mention there is a vast floorless screen room for sitting and relaxing that comes with the tent.

The sleeve is designed to fit most vehicles. If you need even more sleeping space in this tent, attach it to your car and fit up to eight people. And if you want, you may also use it as a big, standalone tent.

The tent materials are durable, and poles are made of steel and fiberglass. All this makes the tent sturdy and robust while staying easy to set up. Each of the windows comes with a storm flap to keep your security and privacy. There are hooks on the interior walls as well. Conveniently hang your equipment and fragile possessions on them.This tent has new steel and fiberglass pole structure that is designed to be set up by one person. It has two large entrance doors and three windows.Sleep up to 5-6 people in this 10’ x 10’ SUV tent with an attached 7’ x 6’ screen room. It has 7’ of headroom. This is a versatile SUV tent that can easily be set up as a free standing tent. It comes with a storage bag as well, making it easy to haul along.Overall, it’s a great option as our #2 pick, but keep in mind that it’s a bit more expensive than most, but the tent quality comes with a price. You may also need to invest a bit extra to get the floor for the screen room.

Things We Liked

The tent is broad and spacious
Comes with a screen room
Sturdy design
May be used on itself
Sleeps up to 6 people

Things We Didn’t Like

Screen room doesn’t come with a floor

3. [BEST SUV ADJUSTABLE SLEEVE] NAPIER SPORTZ 4-PERSON #82000 SUV TENT

Editor’s Rating:

The Outdoors #82000 SUV tent by Sportz boasts a fantastic design. It offers room for five adults itself and can fit even more if you use the vehicle sleeve. Besides attaching it to your SUV, you may also use it by itself. This is another product that is more an investment than a cost!

This tent is made of polyester material and polyethylene, materials known for their quality. The critical point of the design is in the poles. This tent is quite big and bulky, and yet the steel and fiberglass poles keep it sturdy and steady. This also means that whatever the size, it is easy to set up.

Of course, you can’t have this big a tent without windows. Each of them comes with a flap, and we already know how important that is. Similar to the previous product options, it comes with a carry bag for secure storage. Here, that’s an extra benefit, for this tent is of considerable size.

This is one of Napier’s SportZ SUV tents that has a 9’ x 9’ area with 7’ of headroom at the center and 6’ headroom at the corners – that is a lot of room! The tent has enough room to comfortably sleep 4-5 people. Like the other SUV tents, it has an adjustable sleeve that attaches to the vehicle to convert cargo space into sleeping space. Unlike others, it comes with a convenient lantern hook.

The pole structure allows for an easy 1-person set-sup. This tent can also be used as a freestanding tent for campsite camping.

If you use the Sportz SUV tent independently, keep in mind that this model isn’t ideal for windy conditions. Should it be windy outside, keep it attached to your car.

Things We Liked

Great construction promises sturdiness and water resistant
Easy to store although it’s big
Easy to set up
Many windows for ventilation and light
Comes with a carry bag

Things We Didn’t Like

Not the best tent for windy climate

4. Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent

Editor’s Rating:

The Sportz Dome-To-Go 86000 Tent turns vehicles into a safe space in no time. This is a hatchback tent made for smaller SUVs. It still sleeps four people, though, plus as many as can fit your cargo space. And if you unzip it, you get a separate, ground tent. What is a ground tent? A ground tent is one that is large enough for 4 to 6 people and is tall enough to stand in.

The construction is excellent and the tent is well designed. Since it’s made of fiberglass poles, it will stand any weather while still being easy to set up. There are full-length rain protection and a big piece of awning for creating extra shaded space.

There are 2 doors for tent entrance, and you can access your car from the inside. The three large windows aren’t see-through so that they give you privacy and still let fresh air in. The inside of the tent also has storage space pockets to store your valuables off the ground.

One thing to keep in mind if you choose this tent is that it doesn’t fit all hatchbacks. Make sure you get a confirmation for your particular model before you buy.

Things We Liked

Great for smaller SUVs
Excellent construction
Provides great ventilation
Extra space for storing possessions

Things We Didn’t Like

Not a universal hatchback tent

5. Honda Genuine SUV Tent

Editor’s Rating:

Honda’s Genuine SUV tent puts comfort first. The polyethylene floor and the easy access to your vehicle from your tent means weather will be the least of your concerns. It is large enough for a family, and you may use it by itself if you wish. It provides a large shaded area as well. This is indeed a perfect product for family gatherings.

The polyester material and polyethylene are excellent alone. Yet, Honda guarantees safety even further with the rainfly.

It covers the entire construction, making you able to camp through the heaviest of rainstorms. The poles are durable and heavy, as well.

As an additional benefit, this tent is more affordable than most of the others we reviewed here. The most significant downside of this Honda tent is its weight. More than one person is needed for the setup, and the mobility is not its greatest feature.

Things We Liked

This tent is quite versatile
Offers enough space for many people
The construction guarantees utmost safety

Things We Didn’t Like

The structure is heavy

6. DAC Full – Size Truck Tent

Editor’s Rating:

This Full-Size Truck Tent by DAC Inc. fits any vehicle with a tailgate. If you are looking for an SUV tent you can also use with full-size trucks, look no further. It also fits camper vehicles with a flat back, all in all, it’s a highly multifunctional product.

The base material of the construction is durable polyester construction. Its design provides elastic shock cords coated in plastic as well. These parts fit your vehicle, leaving no room for water or bugs to enter. The set up is quite straightforward and less complicated than with most tents.

There are two adjustable windows with mesh for ventilation. You will be delighted to hear that they aren’t see through – privacy guaranteed.The negatives include that you will have to measure your tailgate. If it’s narrower than 58 inches, this tent will not fit. Additionally, if your vehicle has an external rear tire, you won’t be able to use it. Just bear in mind these conditions in mind when choosing.

Things We Liked

Provides a perfect fit for your vehicle
It’s sturdy and durable
Works for SUVs, trucks, and more
The windows are sealed

Things We Didn’t Like

Doesn’t fit cars with external spare tires

7. Smittybilt Overlander Tent

Editor’s Rating:

This Overlander Tent by Smittybilt is the only roof tent on the list. It is a standard size, great for 2 or 3 people to sleep in. It comes with a foam mattress to provide comfortable slumber space.

This grey tent is quite massive, but the set up is easy. It comes with a ladder for easy access. Both the poles and the ladder are heavy but sturdy. There are rain-flies on the windows, keeping you safe from storms.

An excellent, unique feature is a LED strip that deals with the issue of lighting. There are also windows and a skylight, so if you prefer looking at the night sky, Smittybilt makes your wish come true.

Another positive aspect is that there are various storage pockets inside the tent this grey tent. The negative side of this product is a common campers’ concern. If you’re going to camp out in wet weather, the condensation may get inside, also lowering the temperature of the indoors.

Things We Liked

Easy to install and use
Good quality of the materials
Various storage pockets inside the tent
Comes with a mattress
This tent features a LED light for sufficient lighting

Things We Didn’t Like

Condensation may get into the way of comfort

8. KingCamp Melfi Plus SUV Tent

Editor’s Rating:

The Melfi Plus SUV Tent by KingCamp is a blue and grey tent that offers huge space in terms of camping spaces. There is also a screen room, excellent for family outings, and with it: a removable floor. This tent is the epitome of comfortable camp gear in all weather conditions.

The tent is made of heavy-duty polyester, covered in an extra layer of rain coating. Polyester is known for its durability and the frame is steel and fiberglass – sturdy and light to keep the canvas in place.

There are three doors and meshed windows on the Kingcamp SUV tent, keeping the considerable space inside aired and fresh. You may put up a canopy either in front or on the side. The material is also fireproof, so even a barbecue is not out of the question with this tent.

The price is a bit higher, but considering all the features included, it’s more than worth it. Putting it together is difficult, though. KingCamp’s tent comes with various pieces, giving it a myriad of benefits, but also making the set up definitely not a one-man job.

Things We Liked

Offers huge space
There are a screen room and a canopy
Works with a canopy
Heavy-duty materials
Great ventilation

Things We Didn’t Like

No free carry bag with this SUV tent

9. SPORTZ FOOTPRINT SUV TENT

Editor’s Rating:

This is a small, but useful SUV tent that is made from a strong polyethylene material. It has a footprint size of 7’ x 6’ and it’s easy to install.It has peg loops on each corner to help secure it to the ground in all weather conditions. The sleeve is adjustable to most SUV’s.This is not a model for the whole family but it is a comfortable option for two people out camping who don’t need that many tent features.

10. NAPIER OUTDOORS SPORTZ #86000 4-PERSON DOME TO GO TENT

Editor’s Rating:

This SUV tent has shock-corded fiberglass poles for fast and easy set-up. It has 2 large entrance doors and 3 large, clear, mesh windows for excellent ventilation. It has two inside pockets and a gear loft for storing personal items.This tent sleeps four people comfortably and has extra sleeping or storage space in your vehicle’s cargo area. To convert the SUV tent to a freestanding tent, just unzip the removable sleeve. This tent includes a full-length rain fly with taped seams for extra protection against rain. Set up the 6’ x 6’ awning for an extra shade space.

11. Texsport Retreat SUV Tent

Editor’s Rating:

Attach this tent to your SUV or set it up as a freestanding tent. It measures 10’ x 10’ and has a 76” center height. It sleeps up to five people.

It’s made with a rugged 190T polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating that keeps rain out. It has three interior pockets for storing personal items, which is one of the welcomed features. Enter through the D-style door or right from your SUV.

It’s clear that many there aren’t many models of SUV tents available, but Napier SportZ has a few different models to offer. The basic features are the same, but there are subtle differences regarding size and style. Getting the perfect SUV tent is really a matter of taste.

Factors to Be Considered When Buying the Best SUV Tent

THE MATERIAL

The material is probably the most essential feature of any SUV tent. Thus, it must also be the first thing for you to consider. It determines how durable it will be. Choose the best tent fabric to keep you dry and warm. Our best recommendations are:

Polyester fabric
Polyethylene

Both are inexpensive, tried and tested, and guarantee protection.

Another thing to keep in mind is security. SUV camping promises the most comfortable and safe experience. To further enhance that, choose materials without any lead or other harmful substances such as phthalate. It is a place you will sleep in, after all. Remember that the right SUV tent should beat out the competition by excelling in durability, and can withstand minimal damage from the elements and your surroundings. Regardless of the type of terrain, your new tent should offer weather protection and shield you from bugs.

THE SIZE

There are two factors to take into account when choosing the size of your SUV camping tent:

First: The size of your SUV. Most of the models come with universal sleeves for attaching them to the back of your vehicle. Either way, be sure to check it before you purchase.

Second: The number of people you want to share it with. All typical SUV tents can accommodate two or three people, but some models fit more. A good rule of thumb to follow is to pick a size for one more person than you plan for. Try to be realistic and go for a size and height that seems both convenient and reasonable and fits you all comfortably.

INTENDED USE

The first thing to consider is your travel plans and then your preferred form of transportation. Are you a year-round traveler, or a seasonal camper? Based on this, pick either a three-season or four-season tent together with additional gear. While three season ones are more available and tend to be cheaper, four-season ones are heavy-duty. One the other hand, their only major drawback is that they get stuffy in summer.

Think also of the number of companions you expect and the amount of gear and accessories needed for the trip. This is when a gear loft or gear pockets will come in handy for extra storage. Hatchback tents will be great if you have a smaller SUV. They turn your cargo space into a protected, comfortable sleeping spot. Those designed for larger vehicles are harder to install but can take in more people and camp gear.

Features to look for in the Best SUV Tents

NOTABLE FEATURES

As aforementioned, size and material are your top considerations. Besides that, look for high-quality poles.

The poles are one of the most notable features that separate good tents from bad ones. They maintain stability and provide primary support for the construction. They also determine the weight and the ease of setup. Nowadays, most make come with durable, yet light, aluminum poles; we highly recommend this choice.

Ensure you will get rain flies on the roof as well. They are waterproof, saving you from adverse weather. They also let in natural light while keeping everything else out. Bungee cords are a great way to secure your tent to the SUV. Bungee cords are robust ropes that can fasten your tent securely.

EXTRA FEATURES

You could look for tents with color-coded poles for more straightforward setup. This is not a must but will make your life easier. If possible, choose a model with many windows. They will come with covers in most cases, providing you with both ventilation and privacy.

Larger tents sometimes come with features such as screen rooms. With this, you get extra sitting space in the shade. A screen room excellent for comfortable, days-long camping trips. If you do get one of those, consider floor covers. In case they aren’t a part of the package, you may purchase them separately. They are lifesavers for people traveling in rainy climates. A free carrying bag is also a great extra feature. The carrying bag also helps store the tent when it’s not in use to save space.

There are also tents that come with its own mattress to add to your comfort. The flooring won’t matter as much for options that have a mattress and it adds to the versatility of the tent for all-season camping.

We think you’ll like: 7 Best Waterproof Tent Reviews | To Keep The Rain Out the Whole Camping Trip

SUV Camping Tents vs. Freestanding Camping Tents

The main characteristic of free standing tents is one that doesn’t attach to anything like your SUV and can be moved around without losing its shape. Free standing tents are great for people who are looking for a fun and inexpensive vacation. They’re also fantastic for people who just love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming. Many campers would like to have the luxury of camping in a camper or travel trailer. Even though camping is inexpensive, the cost of a camper can be prohibitive.

If you love camping, you’ll love SUV camping even more. An SUV tent wraps around the cargo area of your vehicle, essentially turning the cargo area of your SUV into a camper. The SUV camping tent attaches to the SUV via an adjustable sleeve. One of the benefits of an SUV tent is that you have access to the tent area without ever going outside. That’s especially nice if it’s raining, because you won’t have to zip or unzip tent doors to get something out of the vehicle.

SUV Tents as Standalone Units

Another nice feature of many of the SUV Tents is that they can also be used as a standalone tent for use at a campsite. You have the flexibility to use it with or without your SUV.

Tents for jeeps are also great options for car camping. If you already have a jeep check out this article on the best jeep tents. On the other hand, if you have trucks you may want to consider the best bed tents for trucks. The bottom line is, the next time you go camping, a tent will definitely add to your comfort and convenience.

Known SUV Tents Issues

Any outing will lead to many common camping issues. These also apply to using SUV camping tents. However, you should be aware of two main things when preparing for your first experience of this kind.

If you camp at a place without electricity, be ready for pitch darkness. Your tent comes attached to your car, so there’s even less space for light to enter. So prepare batteries and lamps for a safe camp set up.

Also, the rainfly protects you, but it also collects rain, dust, and snow. Practice ways of cleaning them up if you plan to travel out of season. Otherwise, they may end up in your sleeping bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an SUV tent work?

An SUV tent is a tent that you can attach to the back of your SUV. They have a direct hatch into the vehicle so that you can enjoy heating, A/C, circulation and power. Make sure you measure your trunk accurately to find the right size.

What is the purpose of an SUV tent?

An SUV tent allows you to have the convenience and protection of your SUV while being able to have a more authentic camping experience. It is also easier to set up in the back of your vehicle than a traditional ground.

Are SUV tents any good?

SUV tents are good who want a glamping (glamorous camping) experience. It’s a combination of traditional camping with additional luxuries such as A/C, heating, and power since the tent will connect to your vehicle because of the direct hatch to the vehicle. It is also a trusted piece of equipment that can protect you from rain, snow and any sort of terrain.

We think you’ll like: 5 Best Glamping Tents Reviews

Can you use a truck bed tent on the ground?

You can use a truck bed tent on the ground but it’s meant to be leaned against and supported by a truck. Therefore, you’ll likely need a way to prop it up such as a tree, as well as some rope and ties. Support poles and extra panels could stabilize the construction of the tent as well.

What are the top SUV tents?

The Napier Backroadz SUV and the and the Napier Sportz are the top tents for sport utility vehicles. They are lightweight and durable designs that go well with multiple SUVs. They offer side windows and more for breathability and Napier is a brand that offers high-quality products at affordable prices.

Conclusion for SUV Tent Reviews

Assembly of your new SUV tent should not be a hassle and shouldn’t take more than a few steps. There are a lot of qualities to consider when looking for a new tent but to guarantee success, refer to our buying guide and the several suv tent review blurbs above. A few things to consider would be the overall performance and the materials for your safety. The tent should be optimized for any environment no matter the location and be equipped with certain features such as protective netting, storage compartments and pouches, and maybe even come with carrying bags.

For easy storage and versatility, look for tents with magnets or velcro closures to help it stay in place. Think about the space you need and the height. Tents for children can be lower in height, but to accommodate an entire family, you would need one with a taller framework. Hopefully, your first attempt at choosing the right SUV tent will be the last one. We know one thing for sure is that the right SUV camping tent will protect you from reptiles and even save you some bucks without the need to book hotels for the night.

Expert Tip

Bring your own inflatable mattress for tents that don’t come with their own. This way, you don’t have to worry about the flooring as much and where you set up your camp.

Did You Know?

A portable car awning attachment can provide you with more room on a budget. It allows you to have an “outdoor area” added on to the shaded sleeping site and can be easily stored away for access to some sunshine.

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