Gear up for festival season with these load-and-camp-friendly cars

Heading to a festival this summer? We’ve cherry-picked the best cars for camping and road-tripping, combining space, comfort and versatility.

Even for seasoned festival-goers, the drive to the field is half the thrill. From battling mud-slicked car parks to cramming tents, coolers and crates of cider into every last inch of boot space, your car becomes part pack mule, part sanctuary. After a long day dancing in the sun – or surviving a downpour – the right set of wheels can mean the difference between a weekend to remember and one you’d rather forget.

We’ve rounded up the most practical and roomiest rides to crush this festival season and your summer road trips, so you can focus on the music and leave the car drama behind.

Top 10 festival-ready cars with boot space to spare

Boot space is king when it comes to the festival season. You need room for tents, sleeping bags, booze, coolers, and all the gear that turns a weekend away into an adventure. Here’s our selection of cars that combine ample cargo capacity with festival-friendly practicality.

1) Dacia Duster – a great value SUV

The Duster has a laid-back off-road feel while still being surprisingly roomy for a budget SUV. It’s affordable without feeling cramped, offering different boot capacities depending on the trim and engine (ranging from around 450 up to 600 litres), which means you can choose what’s best for your camping gear and festival stuff. You can even get a sleep pack – a fold-out mattress and tent combo that turns the Duster into a ready-made camper – making it a great choice for festival camping.

Whether you’re navigating muddy festival fields or uneven paths, it handles tougher ground better than you might expect. With decent fuel economy (up to 55.4 mpg) and a price that won’t break the bank, it’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a no-frills festival adventure.

2) Kia Sorento – a stylish and versatile SUV

With seven seats, this SUV makes sure all your mates can come along for the ride. The boot space is a modest 179 litres when all seats are in use, but fold down the third row and it expands to a huge 813 litres – perfect for hauling plenty of gear. The Sorento strikes a great balance between comfort and space, making those long festival drives easy and enjoyable for everyone on board.

3) Land Rover Defender 130 – a rugged yet luxurious 4×4

The Defender 130 is rugged and comfortable, with space for eight people – though it does come with a higher price tag. Its boot offers up to 290 litres of space with all seats up, but folding down the third row expands that to an impressive 1,094 litres, making it ideal for bulky camping gear. It’s also pretty posh, so you can live out your full glamping fantasy. This car is also unstoppable off-road and is built to handle muddy fields and the occasional mountain. It’s perfect for those who want serious off-road capability without sacrificing room or comfort.

4) Skoda Superb – the traditional family car

If you don’t want an SUV but want lots of space, the Superb is a great choice. With a generous boot space of 645 litres – expanding to an impressive 1,795 litres when the rear seats are folded down – it offers one of the largest cargo holds in its class. Its wide, low loading lip makes packing and unpacking a breeze, while the flat-folding rear seats create a cavernous load area, perfect for big tents, coolers, and all your festival gear. You can even opt for four-wheel drive, giving you the confidence to power through even the muddiest fields after a weekend escape – no slipping, no stress.

5) Dacia Jogger – the practical seven-seater

Cheap and crazy spacious, the Jogger is a solid budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on room. With seven seats, there’s plenty of space for your mates, and the boot offers 212 litres of storage, expanding to 700 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Like the Duster, you can get the sleep pack which comes with a tent. Its practical design and affordable running costs make it a favourite for festival fans who want function over flash.

6) Volkswagen ID Buzz – a chic electric people carrier

With lots of space and the coolest double car in the campsite, this electric icon perfectly captures classic festival vibes with a modern twist. Its flexible boot space ranges from 306 to 1,121 litres, adapting easily to whatever gear you need to bring. Ideal for festival-goers who want an eco-friendly ride that doesn’t compromise on style or practicality.

7) Subaru Outback – reliable, rugged, adventure-ready wagon

It may not look cool, stylish, or be particularly economical, but my gosh the Outback is the kind of rugged wagon that’ll actually get you out of the car park when it turns into a mud bath. With a generous 561 litres of boot space, it easily fits large camping kits, while its all-wheel drive gives you a confident grip over muddy or uneven terrain. It’s a dependable choice for anyone who values adventure-ready practicality and plenty of cargo room over style.

8) Jeep Wrangler – a raw off-roading SUV

With the doors off and the ultimate cool off-roader vibe, the Wrangler is built for adventure. It offers a respectable 548 litres of boot space, and its boxy shape combined with foldable rear seats makes loading bulky festival gear a breeze. Thanks to its 4WD capability, you can tackle muddy fields with ease – perfect for festival-goers who want rugged fun without sacrificing storage.

9) Ford Ranger – a high-tech, practical pickup truck

Because pickups are cool, and you can even fit a DJ booth or an actual bed in the back, the Ranger is unbeatable if you need serious cargo space and don’t mind popping a double inflatable mattress into the load area. With a massive 1,233 litres of load area, it can haul everything from tents to the beverages of your choosing – just be sure to cover it up if rain’s coming. It’s a perfect cocktail of utility and toughness, ideal for anyone who wants both in one rugged package.

10) VW California – a versatile and cool camper van

You don’t even need to pack a tent with our final pick. This ultimate campervan doubles as your living space on wheels. Its boot space ranges from 191 to 446 litres, depending on how you use the interior. It’s also more than just a place to store your gear. Complete with a pop-up roof, kitchenette, and sleeping area, it’s great for festival fans who prefer cozy nights without pitching a tent. You’d be going beyond glamping with this.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow for your festival and summer getaways. And you can also sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

2WD vs 4WD: what you really need for a muddy field

Planning your festival ride? You might be wondering whether to go with a four-wheel drive (4WD) to handle muddy fields and rough access roads, or stick with a more fuel-efficient two-wheel drive (2WD). The answer isn’t always clear-cut, but knowing the realities of festival terrain can help you decide.

Festival terrain reality check

Most festivals are held on grassy fields that can get soggy after rain – the UK weather is, after all, predictably unpredictable. But they rarely require serious off-roading skills. Unless you’re heading to an event deep in the wild or in a notoriously wet region, a 2WD car with decent ground clearance and good tyres will usually do the trick.

When 4WD helps

If you expect to tackle wet, slippery grass, uneven or sloped camping zones, or rural access roads that might be muddy and rough, 4WD gives you extra confidence and traction. It’s especially useful if you’re hauling heavy gear or camping deep inside the site where paths aren’t well maintained.

When 2WD is enough

For lighter loads, fair-weather festivals, or well-maintained sites, a 2WD car with good all-season tyres can handle most conditions. 2WD cars tend to be cheaper, lighter, and offer better fuel economy. This is important if you’re covering long distances.

Fuel economy vs festival fun: finding balance

The best cars don’t just haul your refreshments, camping gear, and half the high street – they also go the distance without burning through your festival budget (or battery). Whether you’re cruising the M5 or crawling into a muddy field, these cars strike a fine balance between practicality, efficiency, and a damn good drive.

High(ish) MPG heroes with serious space

If you’re looking to save on fuel without skimping on boot space or comfort, cars such as the Dacia Jogger (up to 58.9 mpg), Dacia Duster (up to 55.4 mpg) and Skoda Superb (up to 58.5 mpg) offer a decent fuel economy for their size. This means you can carry all your essentials and still save on pennies for your weekend getaway.

Top 5 by category: best for every budget

Here’s a guide to help you choose the best cars based on your needs and budget.

Best premium pick

Land Rover Defender 130: This is both luxurious and rugged and handles rough terrain effortlessly. This is ideal for festival sites where style and off-road capability matter. But be aware that it’s very expensive, though.

Best value all-rounder

Skoda Superb: Spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for friends and gear, making long festival journeys and camping setups a breeze.

Best budget buy

Dacia Duster: This SUV is affordable and tough, offering solid off-road performance for navigating muddy campsites without stretching your budget.

Best electric option

VW ID Buzz: A retro-inspired electric van that’s eco-friendly and roomy, ideal for festival goers looking for modern convenience with plenty of character – not to mention a head turner.

Best petrol/diesel option

Subaru Outback: Reliable and versatile, this all-wheel-drive estate handles winding roads and rough festival grounds while offering plenty of space for your gear.

Don’t forget these 5 things

Portable battery or solar charger

Nothing ruins the mood faster than a dead phone or speaker. A reliable portable battery pack (or even a compact solar charger) keeps your devices powered all weekend long, so you can capture every epic moment and keep the tunes going.

Tarp or groundsheet

Mud, dirt, and damp grass are inevitable at festivals. A sturdy tarp or groundsheet is your best friend – use it under your tent for extra protection or as a clean spot to kick back beside your car. Bonus: it helps keep gear dry and boots clean.

Jump starter pack

Festival fields can be tough on car batteries, especially if you’re running lights, music, or camping fridges. Don’t get stranded with a dead battery – carry a jump starter pack and avoid the stress of waiting for help.

Reusable water containers

Stay hydrated without the hassle of constantly queuing for bottled water. Large, refillable water containers let you keep water handy at your campsite or car, saving time and reducing plastic waste.

Emergency EV charger info

If you’re rocking up in an electric car, know your options for charging at or near festival sites in advance. Keeping emergency charging options on hand – such as a portable EV charger or contact details for roadside assistance services such as the RAC – can be a lifesaver on a weekend trip.

If your battery runs low in a remote spot or at a campsite without charging facilities, the RAC now offers mobile EV charging support. This means they can come to you and give your car enough power to get to the nearest charging station, saving you from a cut-short weekend or being stuck longer than planned.

So, are you festival ready?

No matter your festival style – minimalist camper, group road-tripper, or full-on adventurer – these cars offer a range of boot sizes and practical features to keep your gear safe and your weekend hassle-free. When choosing your festival car, think about how much gear you’re hauling, how rough the terrain might be, and whether you want off-road ability alongside space.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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