Best cars for sleeping in

If one vehicle perfectly captures the idea of sleeping in your car, it's the Volkswagen ID.Buzz. Inspired by the classic VW camper but designed for the electric age, the ID.Buzz combines distinctive styling with a spacious, flexible interior that's ideal for weekends away.

Fold the rear seats and you'll find a long, flat load area that's large enough for a camping mattress, while the tall roof means there's plenty of headroom once you're inside. Unlike a traditional campervan, the ID.Buzz is still easy to drive around town and surprisingly refined on longer journeys.

One of its biggest advantages is its electric power. The optional stationary climate control system allows you to keep the cabin warm on chilly evenings or cool during summer nights without leaving an engine idling. That makes overnight stays quieter and more comfortable.

There's also plenty of storage throughout the cabin, numerous USB-C charging points and a panoramic feel that makes spending time inside genuinely enjoyable. If you're looking for a vehicle that doubles as everyday family transport and an occasional micro camper, the ID. Buzz is one of the most versatile choices currently available.

If you're looking for maximum value, the Dacia Jogger deserves to be near the top of your shortlist. Even before adding the optional Sleep Pack, the Jogger offers impressive interior space and outstanding practicality for the money.

The optional InNature Sleep Pack transforms the car into a genuine micro camper. Once installed, the removable wooden storage unit unfolds into a surprisingly comfortable double bed measuring around 1.9 metres long. Beneath the bed is useful storage space for luggage, cooking equipment and camping essentials, allowing everything to remain neatly organised overnight.

Unlike many camper conversions, the entire system can be removed whenever you need the car for everyday family duties. That flexibility makes the Jogger particularly attractive if you only camp occasionally.

Running costs are low thanks to economical petrol and bi-fuel LPG engines, while the Jogger remains one of the UK's most affordable seven-seat cars. It's proof that you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy weekends away under the stars.

The Skoda Kodiaq combines generous interior space with the kind of practical thinking that has become a hallmark of the brand. As one of the largest family SUVs on sale, it offers plenty of room for sleeping while remaining comfortable enough for everyday family life.

With the rear seats folded flat, there's enough space for two adults to stretch out on a camping mattress, while the high roofline means you won't feel cramped inside. It's also easier to get dressed or organise your belongings than in many lower estate cars.

The Kodiaq's clever storage solutions make camping trips much easier. Large door bins, underfloor compartments and numerous cubby holes provide plenty of places to keep torches, cooking equipment and clothing organised overnight.

Available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power, the Kodiaq is equally capable on long motorway journeys or muddy campsite access roads. If you want one car that can handle family duties during the week and outdoor adventures at the weekend, it's one of the strongest all-round choices available.

The Citroen Berlingo has long been a favourite among DIY camper converters, and it's easy to understand why. Its boxy shape creates a remarkably practical interior that's almost purpose-built for sleeping. The XL version offers enough load length for most adults to stretch out fully, while the tall roof means you can to sit upright once inside – something many estate cars simply can't offer.

Sliding rear doors make access easy in confined parking spaces, while the enormous tailgate provides useful shelter when preparing food or organising equipment during wet weather. Just don't reverse park too near anything...

The Berlingo is also affordable to run, with efficient petrol and diesel engines keeping fuel costs sensible. Comfortable suspension and a relaxed driving experience make it well suited to longer journeys too. If you want maximum interior space without paying campervan money, the Berlingo remains one of the smartest and most affordable options available.

If your ideal campsite is miles from the nearest road, few vehicles can match the Land Rover Defender 110. Built with genuine off-road capability, it can reach remote beaches, forests and mountain campsites that would leave most family SUVs struggling.

While the rear load space is large enough to accommodate a sleeping platform, many owners take advantage of the Defender's impressive roof load capacity by fitting a roof tent. This creates a flat, elevated sleeping area while leaving the entire interior available for luggage, cooking equipment and outdoor gear.

The Defender also features numerous power outlets and optional air suspension, making it particularly well suited to expedition-style travel. Despite its rugged image, it's surprisingly refined on the motorway, with comfortable seats and excellent technology making long journeys enjoyable. If your adventures regularly take you far beyond established campsites, the Defender combines genuine capability with everyday usability better than almost anything else on sale.

The Volkswagen Caddy Life is one of the best alternatives to a traditional campervan. Although based on Volkswagen's commercial vehicle, it drives much more like a family car while offering significantly more interior space than most SUVs or estate cars.

Choose the standard version and you'll have ample room for a single sleeper, while the longer wheelbase Caddy Maxi comfortably accommodates two adults. Fold the seats away and the load area becomes long enough for a proper mattress, with plenty of height remaining to sit up comfortably while getting changed or relaxing.

Sliding rear doors make access particularly easy in tight campsites or supermarket car parks, while the huge tailgate provides useful shelter when unloading your kit in the rain.

Economical petrol and diesel engines make long road trips affordable while higher-spec models include adaptive cruise control, digital instruments and a large touchscreen. For anyone wanting maximum practicality without committing to a full camper conversion, the Caddy Life is exceptionally difficult to beat.

The Tesla Model Y has become one of the most popular electric cars for camping thanks to a feature designed specifically with overnight stays in mind. Camp Mode allows the vehicle to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature throughout the night while keeping the ventilation system running, all without producing engine noise.

Fold the rear seats and the Model Y has more than two metres of usable load length, making it suitable for most adults to sleep comfortably. The flat floor also means you don't need a custom mattresses to create a comfortable bed.

Storage is another strength. Alongside a generous boot, the Model Y also features a large front luggage compartment, allowing you to keep bedding separate from camping equipment.

Rapid charging and Tesla's extensive Supercharger network make longer adventures straightforward, while over-the-air software updates continually add or improve features. For buyers looking to combine electric driving with spontaneous weekends away, the Model Y remains one of the most practical EVs available.

The Volkswagen Passat Estate proves you don't need an SUV or van to enjoy comfortable nights away. Its enormous boot has long made it a favourite among families but it also happens to be one of the best estate cars for sleeping in.

Fold the rear seats and you're left with a long, relatively flat load bay that's capable of accommodating most adults without needing to curl up. The low loading lip also makes getting in and out much easier than many taller SUVs.

Where the Passat really excels is refinement. Excellent sound insulation helps reduce traffic noise overnight, while supportive front seats and superb motorway comfort make the journey to your destination every bit as enjoyable as the stay itself.

Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions provide plenty of choice depending on your mileage, while Volkswagen's reputation for strong build quality means the Passat continues to make sense as a long-term purchase. If your adventures involve covering hundreds of motorway miles before reaching the campsite, few cars do it better.

Designed primarily as a premium family estate, the Volvo V90 also happens to offer one of the largest and most comfortable load areas in its class. With the rear seats folded, the boot becomes long enough for most adults to sleep comfortably, while Volvo's superb sound insulation helps create a peaceful place for overnight stays.

The cabin is one of the highlights. Supportive ergonomic seats make long drives far less tiring, while high-quality materials and understated Scandinavian design create an atmosphere that's relaxing rather than overwhelming.

Efficient mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines help keep running costs competitive, while Volvo's reputation for safety makes it particularly reassuring on long road trips. For couples planning regular touring holidays without sacrificing premium comfort during everyday driving, the V90 is one of the finest estate cars you can buy.

The Subaru Outback is half way between an estate car and SUV, making it a slightly unusual choice for adventurous drivers who regularly venture off the beaten track. Standard four-wheel drive gives it far greater capability than most estates, while the raised ride height makes rough tracks and muddy campsites far less intimidating.

Inside, the Outback offers generous space for both passengers and luggage. Fold the rear seats and the load area is long enough for a camping mattress, while the wide opening tailgate makes loading and unloading simple.

Subaru's reputation for reliability makes the Outback particularly appealing for long-distance touring, especially if your travels regularly take you into remote parts of Scotland, Wales or the Lake District.

It may not have the glamour of some premium SUVs, but its combination of practicality, durability and genuine all-weather ability makes it one of the best vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts who spend as much time exploring as they do driving.