Skip to main content

4 Reasons Why The New Crosstrek And Forester Are The Ultimate Glamping Vehicles

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback are the perfect vehicles to get away from it all. Check out four reasons why the three models are best for an alternative camping term called "glamping."

According to a new report from Kampgrounds of America (KOA), camping has exploded in popularity in the last six years. If you have been out recently, you have experienced overcrowded campsites. You want to get away from it all, but with all the new interest in camping how do you find the solitude? The “sport” of Overlanding allows you to get out, explore, and experience the journey, not just get to a destination. There's a new term called "glamping", but what is it and why is Subaru the perfect vehicle for it?

A new story from WardsAuto says 80 percent of Americans have spent time outdoors since the global coronavirus pandemic began earlier this year, and 32 percent are first-timers. The report also says, because there are new items available like rooftop tents and easy-install camper systems, for vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, an alternative term “glamping” (glamor camping) has arisen. It's glamorous when you can be isolated and still enjoy some creature comforts.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

1. Subaru vehicles have been at the forefront of the glamping movement boosted by the brand’s “go-anywhere” attitude. Subaru doesn’t just offer standard all-wheel-drive on its SUVs; Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models. They also provide dual-function X-Mode. You can read about the advanced off-pavement feature here and its off-road benefits.

2. You don’t have to spend $20,000 on aftermarket components for your vehicle. You can outfit your Subaru for a few thousand dollars, and your vehicle is ready. All you need are all-terrain tires, camping gear, sports gear, and a roof rack and a top cargo carrier to haul the equipment.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

3. You can sleep in your Subaru

If you don’t have $2,000-$3000 to invest in a rooftop tent, newer Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek vehicles are big enough to throw down a sleeping bag, and two people can sleep comfortably in the back.

We found a company that makes cool gear for your Subaru to turn the vehicle into a comfortable and convenient sleeping spot within minutes. The company is Luno Life, and its signature product is an air mattress that is made specifically for your Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek.

The mattress fits perfectly behind the front seats with the back seats folded flat. They use durable Oxford Nylon fabric, and you can take your furry friends with you on the camping trip as they are pet-friendly for easy cleanup. The mattress costs $224.99.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

4. Many aftermarket suppliers

Many aftermarket suppliers offer camping equipment to take your Subaru Forester, Crosstrek or Outback to the next level. There are many styles of rooftop tents, easy-install camper systems, and in-vehicle fridge units to turn your Subaru into a mobile campsite.

You Might Also Like: How The New 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Pulls Off More Power And Improves Fuel Efficiency

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru

Comments

C West (not verified)    August 27, 2020 - 12:08AM

Might be great camping but good luck getting there and back reliably. My 2019 crosstrek was on its third cvt whdn i got rid of it. CVT is a fancy word for a $7400 transmission that a big problen. First one at 47000 miles then two in a row at 59000. Sold the car with 61000 miles after owning it one week short of 2 years. Never again Subaru. Back to Jeep.

C West (not verified)    August 27, 2020 - 6:30AM

Might be great camping but good luck getting there and back reliably. My 2019 crosstrek was on its third cvt whdn i got rid of it. CVT is a fancy word for a $7400 transmission that a big problen. First one at 47000 miles then two in a row at 59000. Sold the car with 61000 miles after owning it one week short of 2 years. Never again Subaru. Back to Jeep.

Subaru-Fan (not verified)    August 27, 2020 - 9:55AM

I purchased a 2014 Outback and drove it 78000 miles without any problems. I gave it to my son who is enjoying it. My other son owns a 2017 Outback and he has not had any problems.

Karlos (not verified)    August 27, 2020 - 2:31PM

This channel is a totally sponsored Subbie love fest!
Subbies are very overrated and AWD will be nothing but a No Wheel Drive once its crappy CVT fails or overheats and shuts down !!!

Samuel Harrison (not verified)    August 27, 2020 - 3:53PM

This is a great idea! I'm on my third subaru and they have all taken me on many long journies into the backcountry. I usually just drive to a trail and start backpacking, but the older I get, the more car camping seems like a solid choice. I can officially add camper to the long list of capabilites of the subaru, I couldn't possibly drive anything else!

Karlos (not verified)    August 27, 2020 - 6:45PM

Yes you could , hope your CVT does not poop out on you as it did on so many and even if it is still working why struggle with it when you can have normal and proper automatic ?

Why-Can’t-Amer… (not verified)    August 28, 2020 - 9:23AM

My manual 2014 Crosstrek has been very reliable and I’ve taken it off road and through mountains plenty of times. Sorry you all got the wrong transmission. But if Subaru stops selling manuals my next car will be something else. #NeverCVT

SubieInSJC (not verified)    August 28, 2020 - 11:18AM

In reply to by Why-Can’t-Amer… (not verified)

This is why you should have picked a MANUAL transmission. Subie CVTs come from JATCO (IIRC), and they suffer the same problems of other companies that use them (Nissan, etc.). I drive my MANUAL in LA traffic; it can be tedious at times, but worth the peace of mind knowing that I'm not looking at an out-of-warranty $8K bill. To date, the only issue I've had with my Subie (and I've explored trails and desert with it) are a $50 ABS wheel sensor (replaced by me). #NeverCVT. If Subie stops selling MANUAL transmissions, I change brands; never a CVT, worst case is a proper automatic.

Mashell Bauer (not verified)    March 13, 2021 - 12:45PM

Would be nice to have a "hot" outlet to charge a phone withouf running the car. I take my 2002 Sierra truck instead of my Forester, because of this. It's a big deal!