Whether you’re living the #vanlife, worried about getting rained out on a camping trip, or looking to save money by sleeping in your car on a long road trip, every car category has at least one great option for you to get a good night’s sleep in.

In the small car/hatchback category, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the best option for its relatively impressive 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space and back seats that lay flat.
In the crossover and small SUV category, the Subaru Outback’s 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space and folding seats give plenty of options for sleepy road trippers.
In the midsize and full-size SUV category, the Chevrolet Suburban has an impressive 121.7 cubic feet of cargo area. With the ability to fold two rows of seats down, the Suburban is perfect for sleepy passengers or roadside campers alike.
In the minivan category, the Honda Odyssey has the best space-to-price ratio at 155.7 cubic feet and a starting price of $34,265.

Small cars & hatchbacks

Not only are these compact cars highly rated and affordable, but there’s enough space for two average-sized people to sleep when the rear seats are folded down. Smaller cars also have the added bonus of better gas mileage, which will come in handy on road trips.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10

Starting price: $30,530

Maximum cargo space: 34.5 cubic feet

The

Golf GTI

combines the sportiness of a

hatchback

with a surprising amount of cargo space. The backseats lay flat, so you have plenty of room to add whatever bedding you need to snooze comfortably.

Hyundai Veloster N

Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10

Starting price: $33,595

Maximum cargo space: 44.5 cubic feet

The

Veloster N

offers excellent performance for its price, and as a hatchback, there should be a nice amount of space for a night or two of shut-eye. If you’re looking for a turbo engine to zip around in, but still want car camping accessibility in the back, the Veloster is your car.

Honda Civic Hatchback

Car and Driver rating: 10/10

Starting price: $24,545

Maximum cargo space: 24.5 cubic feet

The

Civic

has been a favorite compact car for years, but the hatchback model offers much more cargo space than the sedan. The clean styling and comfortable cabin should provide a more-than-adequate resting spot.

Crossovers & small SUVs

The compact SUVs on this list deliver cargo space to rival their larger cousins, making them a bit more ideal to sleep in and lug cargo on trips.

Subaru Outback

Car and Driver rating: 9/10

Starting price: $29,620

Maximum cargo space: 75.6 cubic feet

Everyone knows Subarus are made for adventure, so it’s no surprise the

Outback

made our list. There’s enough room to rest in, whether you want to recline in the front seat, back seat, or sleep with the seats folded down.

Mazda CX-30

Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10

Starting price: $24,325

Maximum cargo space: 45.2 cubic feet

If you want a more upscale-feeling crossover that can deliver an occasional comfy night’s sleep, the

Mazda CX-30

has you covered. Between its stylish outer appearance and luxurious cabin, you’ll wake up thinking you stayed in a boutique hotel instead of sleeping in a car.

Chevrolet Equinox

Car and Driver rating: 7/10

Starting price: $27,995

Maximum cargo space: 63.9 cubic feet

The

Chevy Equinox

is one of the most popular crossovers, and not for nothing. The Equinox brings a lot of space to the table for slumbering—and it has decent fuel economy, too.

Honda CR-V

Car and Driver rating: 10/10

Starting price: $29,705

Maximum cargo space: 76.5 cubic feet

With only two rows, you may think the

CR-V

is a bit too cozy, but it beats out its competitors when it comes to the trifecta of rating-price-space. It also doesn’t get bad gas mileage, with 34 mpg on the highway—perfect for your next road trip.

Midsize & full-size SUVs

These larger rides are comfortable cars for families or those toting major cargo. Large SUVs also provide another layer of safety, and they can be driven in winter weather.

Chevrolet Suburban

Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10

Starting price: $58,795

Maximum cargo space: 144.7 cubic feet

As one of the classics, the

Suburban

is definitely the way to go if a spacious interior is your main objective.

You’ll have more than enough legroom to remain comfortable on even the longest drive, and with the second row and third row both folded down, you have plenty of space to cozy up for a good night’s rest. Who needs hotels?

Hyundai Palisade

Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10

Starting price: $37,235

Maximum cargo space: 86.4 cubic feet

The 2023

Palisade

is one of the highest-rated three-row SUVs. Its ample space, decent price, and high-class feel make it the perfect SUV to double as a tent for the night.

Kia Telluride

Car and Driver rating: 10/10

Starting price: $37,255

Maximum cargo space: 87 cubic feet

As a rare 10/10 vehicle, the

Kia Telluride

has endless features and functions. It’s one of the best SUVs both for driving and for sleeping in!

Even with all eight seats in place, there’s still room for a few suitcases in the back. Or put all the seats down and unroll your sleeping bag for a comfortable sleeping space.

Consider it a cabin on wheels.

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Minivans

Despite their reputation for being, well, less cool than SUVs, minivans are often more affordable, more accessible, and more spacious. If space is what you’re looking for, a minivan is your best bet—that is, unless you’re looking to tow a trailer or go off-roading.

Honda Odyssey

Car and Driver rating: 9/10

Starting price: $38,835

Maximum cargo space: 140.7 cubic feet

The space-to-price ratio of the

Odyssey

makes it unbeatable among vehicles in its class. It’s not the most sophisticated of the bunch, but it does deliver the most practicality and value.

Kia Carnival

Car and Driver rating: 9/10

Starting price: $34,465

Maximum cargo space: 145.1 cubic feet

The Kia Carnival looks so chic, you’ll forget it’s a minivan. The cabin feels upscale, too, making it the perfect car for cozying up in.

Add the optional panoramic sunroof for some fresh air or nighttime stargazing.

Toyota Sienna

Car and Driver rating: 8/10

Starting price: $37,470

Maximum cargo space: 101.0 cubic feet

The

Sienna

has the total package: spaciousness, affordability, and fuel efficiency. It gets 36 mpg on the highway, saving you money in the long run—especially if you’re taking your Sienna out on adventures—who could say no to the fantastic storage space?

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