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Mom's wilderness camping cars

Remove the kids from their screened devices and get them back to nature. These cars let mom take the family on a modern camping trip, offering light to serious off-road capability.

CNET Cars staff
Subaru Outback
1 of 9 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Subaru Outback

This favorite of the outdoors set not only works as a road tripper and and car camper, it handles the every day commutes and errands with equal grace. Moms will appreciate the Eyesight system which automatically hits the brakes if it detects an impending collision. Standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance open up the possibilities of where you can go.

Passengers: 5

Cargo, behind second row: 35.5 cubic feet

Base price: $24,995

Audi A4 Allroad
2 of 9 Audi

Audi A4 Allroad

Audi's A4 model offers the latest in drivetrain and cabin technologies, and the Allroad version adds the practicality of a lifted wagon body for dirt and backroad capability. The Allroad gives mom everyday urban elegance, with an efficient engine and a connected navigation system, plus room for sleeping bags, a cooler and camp stove to take the kids out for a bit of star-gazing. This new generation of the Allroad, based on Audi's A4 model, comes out late this year.

Passengers: 5

Cargo: Not announced

Base price: Not announced

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3 of 9 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has a proven reputation for serious off-road capability, letting Mom take the family far afield. At the same time, the Grand Cherokee offers premium interior appointments, making the cabin a comfortable place for the long trek out to wilderness and camping grounds. This SUV is ready for a full load of gear and can even tow more on a trailer.

Passengers: 5

Cargo, behind second row: 36.3 cubic feet

Base price: $29,995

Land Rover Range Rover Sport
4 of 9 Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Range Rover Sport

Posh moms deserve to travel in comfort, something the Range Rover Sport manages on roads both paved and dirt, or just about any other terrain that can hold up four wheels. Add family members, Valendre sleeping bags, a Yeti cooler and maybe an Aerobed, and you are all set to "rough it". Just give the cook GPS coordinates for where to meet up.

Passengers: 5

Cargo, behind second row: 27.7 cubic feet

Base price: $64,950

Ford Expedition
5 of 9 Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Ford Expedition

When it comes to sheer interior space and the ability to cover rugged terrain, it's hard to beat the Ford Expedition. Moms with larger families can pack in all the kids along with all the gear to survive a car camping, er, expedition. Ford mitigates fuel economy concerns with its Ecoboost V-6 engine, and contributes to safe driving with a blind-spot monitoring system.

Passengers: 8

Cargo, behind second row: 55 cubic feet

Base price: $45,435

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6 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

Dodge Durango

The surprisingly modern Durango SUV will please moms who favor cutting edge comfort. The UConnect infotainment system features a built-in data connection for online destination searches and available rear-seat entertainment keeps the kids entertained. The Durango can carry large families or a lot of cargo onto the backroads for unforgettable wilderness adventuring.

Passengers: 7

Cargo, behind second row: 47.7 cubic feet

Base price: $30,495

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7 of 9 Tim Stevens/Roadshow

Chevrolet Colorado

Moms looking for even more versatile cargo space, suitable for recreational equipment, will find a friend in the Chevy Colorado. This rugged medium-sized pick-up isn't too big for day-to-day driving, and its bed fits camping gear, bicycles and boats. The crew cab includes room for the kids, while OnStar provides an online safety cushion.

Passengers: 5

Bed length: 61.2 to 74.4 inches

Base price: $20,995

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8 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Toyota Tacoma

Similar in size to the Chevy Colorado, the Toyota Tacoma also offers excellent cargo versatility with its open bed. TRD versions boast serious off-road capability, getting mom and family far off the beaten path. An available crew cab seats five, although that might be a squeeze for longer treks, while Toyota's latest Entune infotainment system gives quick access to maps and apps.

Passengers: 5

Bed length: 60 to 73.2 inches

Base price: $23,300

2017-honda-ridgeline-007medium.jpg
9 of 9 Honda

Honda Ridgeline

The all-new Honda Ridgeline will be the choice for Moms who need a comfortable, everyday commuter but also want to take the kids up to the mountains for back-to-nature excursions. Available all-wheel drive includes terrain settings, helping the Ridgeline get to areas you might not see from a typical campground. Add in Honda's latest infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you've got a modern pick-up with great versatility. The Ridgeline is set to go on sale this spring.

Passengers: 5

Bed length: 64 inches

Base price: Not announced

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