Is the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun) reliable?

The Mitsubishi Pajero is a well-known and popular SUV among camping enthusiasts, thanks to its rugged and capable off-road performance, spacious interior, and ample cargo capacity. In terms of reliability, the Pajero has a reputation for being a durable and dependable vehicle. One reason for the Pajero's reliability is its robust construction. The body-on-frame design provides excellent strength and durability, making it ideal for off-road adventures. The Pajero also comes with a range of features designed to enhance its off-road performance, such as a locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and high ground clearance. In terms of engine reliability, the Pajero has a range of engines available, including a diesel engine that is known for its durability and fuel efficiency. The engines are paired with a smooth and responsive automatic transmission, providing a comfortable and effortless driving experience.

Can you sleep in a Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun)?

The Pajero is one of the best SUVs to sleep in. It offers an average boot length of 180cm (71'') but it beats most other SUVs with its boot height - 110cm (43''), almost as tall as bigger MPVs . With these measurements, there is plenty of room for two people to sleep, but you will have to take the 2nd and 3rd row of seats out, as they don't fold down flat.

What is the difference between Pajero, Shogun and Montero?

There is no difference - these are different names for the same car in different markets. Pajero is not a word you would want to associate your brand with in South America, so Mitsubishi used Montero there. They used Shogun for the UK. But the car is the same.

Best cars for camping

What car is best to sleep in? Browse US or EU/UK specific cars.

I have compiled a database of 60+ everyday cars that people most frequently use for camping and sleeping in, across the EU and the US. Cars are sorted by NimbleCamper rating – taking into account primarily their boot size for sleeping (length, width and height), comfort and consumption. The best cars for camping are on top of the list. Add them to a comparison and easily view them in a table. See images and tutorials of camping conversions for each car.

If there is a good everyday car for sleeping in and camping in the EU or the US, you will find it here.

Electric campers

MPV / Minivan campers

Panel Van campers

People carrier campers

Small car / City car

Station Wagon / Estate campers

SUV campers

NimbleCamper rating (max 5)

Boot length

Boot height

Consumption (MPG - UK)

Consumption (l/100km)

Average Rating

Average Used Price (2015, GBP)

Comfort rating (higher = better)

Showing 40–78 of 83 results

EU/UK
US
4x4
Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero, Shogun) camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢180Width ↔102Height ↕110
The best SUV in our database for camping. The Pajero’s boot is about as long (if not a bit shorter) than other SUVs, but it’s much taller, allowing you to sit and sleep in the back more comfortably. Plus, it is a frequent Dakar winner – you don’t need more than that to know it will perform really well off the road. Where it doesn’t perform that well, especially the older models, is on tarmac – it is a bit rougher than you’d like. Recommended if you plan to spend much more time off-road in rugged terrain.

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EU/UK
Renault Grand Scenic Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢183Width ↔109Height ↕93
It’s not the biggest MPV out there but still offers a good-sized boot for sleeping in. People tend to build sleeping platforms that are 180cm or longer and make them fit by pushing the front seats forward. As a bonus, you can also enjoy the panoramic sunroof that lets you admire the stars at night. This seven-seater MPV is not only stylish and practical, but also fun to drive and easy on the wallet.

But what makes the Grand Scenic a great choice for camping enthusiasts? Well, for starters, it has a clever modular seating system that allows you to fold down or remove any of the five rear seats individually, creating a flat load floor and up to 1,870 litres of space. That’s enough room for a tent, a couple of sleeping bags, a cooler box, a stove, and whatever else you might need for your trip.

The Grand Scenic also has plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including underfloor bins, door pockets, cup holders, and a sliding centre console with four USB ports and an AUX input. You can keep all your gadgets and snacks within reach, and charge them on the go. Plus, the Grand Scenic features a panoramic sunroof that lets you enjoy the view of the sky and the stars at night.

The Grand Scenic is not only practical but also comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and potholes, while the steering is light and responsive. The Grand Scenic also comes with a host of safety and convenience features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a reversing camera.

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EU/UK
Skoda Octavia Camper & boot size (Combi)
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔101Height ↕85

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EU/UK
US
4x4
Subaru Forester Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢190Width ↔107Height ↕81
Standard SUV boot length and height and better width between the wheel arches. This time (and dirt) tested veteran won’t let you down when camping off the road. Well-built and rugged, ready to take you off the beaten path.

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EU/UK
VW Touran Camper boot size
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢179Width ↔105Height ↕94
It’s a bit smaller Sharan – easier to park, but less space inside, the rest is about the same. If you want a smaller (and a bit cheaper) car with VW interior & engine standards, good safety rating and good consumption that you can still sleep in, the Touran might just be it. If you don’t mind the interior as much, you’re better off looking at Berlingo, Caddy or similar cars.

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EU/UK
Hyundai Santa Fe Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢190Width ↔110Height ↕82
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers an average-sized boot, it’s very similar to other SUV Campers with a higher-than-average consumption.

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EU/UK
Skoda Roomster camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢150Width ↔100Height ↕100
Although there are quite a few Skoda Roomster campers, it’s not the best car for the job – it’s too short (although you can push the front seats forward and put in a whole 195cm camping bed, you are sacrificing storage space + can’t drive with the bed set up). The only thing that saves the car is a slightly higher boot than a standard estate car. It’s not an expensive car, but that shows in the interior & drive quality. It’s a good choice compared to a VW Golf, but not compared to a Caddy, Peugeot Grand Kangoo (closest in the price range to a Roomster) or a Ford Galaxy.

Many conversions I’ve seen fold the front seats down completely (not towards the front, but they lay the backrest down towards the back) and then build a platform above them. This way, you can get more than 200cm/78in sleeping area – but you are still sacrificing quite a lot of storage space. You can get some of it back by removing the rear seats.

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EU/UK
US
Toyota Prius camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢190Width ↔102Height ↕79
The Prius gives you unmatched consumption whilst still boasting a good-size boot for a station wagon/estate body type, even with the battery being in the boot. So if you are looking for a low-fuel cost car that you still can sleep in, the Toyota Prius is a very good choice.

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EU/UK
4x4
Toyota RAV4 Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢181Width ↔112Height ↕85
Good boot length and standard SUV height with better width between the wheel arches. Good for camping when you are planning to venture off the road (albeit not as rugged as the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun). Plus, Toyota’s hybrid engine is one of the most reliable engines out there. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 ranks very high in terms of reliability. It is also quite a frugal car, especially the hybrid version, with an average consumption of 4.5 l/100km (around 6.5 l/100km for the petrol engine).

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EU/UK
Audi A4 Avant Camper
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢176Width ↔100Height ↕71
You can sleep in the back of the Audi A4 Avant easily – even without any camping conversion – the rear seats fold down flat, tilting upwards slightly, which is ok for sleeping (might depend on the model). It’s long enough if you only put a mattress down (not too thick), and it’s also tall enough to sit on your bed. But of course, it’s still an estate – not as big, especially not as high in the boot as MPVs.

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Dacia Bigster camper
Boot dimensions:
There is not much information available about the Dacia Bigster yet. This page collects what is available in one place for you. Watch this space! :) Dacia Bigster’s biggest selling point will be its promise of spaciousness and practicality that we’re accustomed to in larger SUVs, while keeping the price closer to what you’d expect with smaller models.
- expected in 2025
- estimated 4.6m long (medium SUV size)
- 5 and 7 seats
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EU/UK
Dacia Dokker Camper (Stepway, MPV)
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢170Width ↔113Height ↕127
With quite a short boot and barn door (not tailgate), this isn’t the best option for a camping conversion – you’ll find better ones in our database. But people still do convert their Dokker for sleeping and companies manufacture camping boxes for it. Find out more below.

The most common approach seems to be a full professional camper conversion (rebuild) or a Dokker-specific camping box, which will give you the most sleeping length and storage space. As you’ll be throwing out all the seats anyway, check out the van version if you still like the Dokker, but want a much longer boot – without paying for the seats in the first place.

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EU/UK
4x4
Dacia Duster Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢176Width ↔100Height ↕90
Dacia Duster is surprisingly spacious and offers high ground clearance (200mm) and 4×4 four-wheel drive, making it a great microcamper. It offers a perfect blend of practicality and affordability. The boot size is shorter than an average SUV, but still, the Duster provides enough room for sleeping inside.

Looking for something bigger and more rugged? Try the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun).

User ratings for the Dacia Duster among camping enthusiasts have been generally positive. The vehicle is appreciated for its affordable price point, spacious interior, and off-road capabilities. Many users have praised the Duster for its versatility. With its reliable performance(1,2,3) and practical features, the Duster has garnered a loyal following among camping enthusiasts seeking an affordable and reliable camping companion.

Feedback from a fellow Duster owner: “With seats folded, the boot floor is not completely even. Back seat’s backrest is on an incline, so the real height from the top of the backrest to the car ceiling is around 70cm.”

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EU/UK
Dacia Jogger camper boot size
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢190Width ↔124Height ↕69
This successor of Dacia Lodgy seems to be boasting everything you need from a good car for camping – SUV features to take it off-road, MPV size with 7 seats + a long and spacious boot at a very affordable price. This could be the next best everyday camping car – if you are prepared to let go of a few comforts, slightly lower boot height or accept a lower safety rating.

Combined with Dacia’s own Sleep Pack, you can easily turn it into a camper (or try a DIY camping conversion too).
- an overall good car for camping, losing to other MPVs only because of its lower boot height
- some users might find the build quality and safety features lacking behind other MPVs, but that is nicely balanced by its low price
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EU/UK
US
Honda CR-V Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔101Height ↕91
It’s a good enough camper if you push the front seats forward – giving you enough room to sleep. But its main advantage is that it’s a 4×4, not its size (there are bigger cars in our DB for that).

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EU/UK
US
Kia Carens Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢181Width ↔108Height ↕79

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EU/UK
Kia Ceed camper
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔104Height ↕69
The Kia Ceed is a typical hatchback that still offers enough sleeping area when the seats are folded away properly. You can sleep in it, but there won’t be much storage or headroom, therefore a roofbox might come in handy.

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EU/UK
Kia Ceed Sportswagon Camper & boot size
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢186Width ↔104Height ↕69

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EU/UK
US
4x4
Nissan Pathfinder camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢200Width ↔116Height ↕84
This is one of the best SUVs in our database for car camping – a big boot overall, but its width stands out the most (see comparison with other SUVs). But – it’s not very well rated on top car reviewing websites and it does eat a lot! You might find the Subaru Forester a bit better (2.8/5 Nimblecamper rating – similar size, better consumption and comfort), or, if you are after something more rugged and mostly for off-road camping, try the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun)

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EU/UK
Opel (Vauxhall) Zafira Tourer Camper
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢184Width ↔106Height ↕90
The Vauxhall / Opel Zafira Tourer is one of the more compact MPVs – close to a Ford S-Max or the VW Touran in terms of size and luxury (only the Tourer, the older Zafira is even smaller and less luxurious). Its rear seats fold flat (newer models), opening up a spacious boot that’s good enough for sleeping two people.

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EU/UK
US
4x4
Subaru Outback Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔107Height ↕74
A very popular SUV amongst camping enthusiasts – not the biggest one, but has enough room for sleeping, plus offers an excellent safety rating and is one of the best cars you can take off-road, well rugged and well-built, matched only by the rugged Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun).

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EU/UK
VW Passat Camper & boot dimensions (Combi – Estate)
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢195Width ↔117Height ↕89
You can sleep in the back of the Passat Combi easily – even without any camping conversion – the rear seats fold down flat, tilting upwards slightly, which is ok for sleeping (might depend on the model). It’s long enough if you only put a mattress down (not too thick), and it’s also tall enough to sit on your bed. But of course, it’s still an estate – not as big, especially not as high in the boot as MPVs.

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EU/UK
US
Chevrolet Orlando camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢178Width ↔101Height ↕65
The Chevrolet Orlando was aimed at the MPV market, albeit unsuccessfully – it’s not as big as its rivals a fact that even its lower price didn’t rectify. It’s about as big as a VW Touran, with a smaller rear opening. On the positive side, it does offer some clever storage solutions and its seats fold completely flat, so all you need to do is throw in a mattress and you’re good to sleep in it. Could be a good quick camping solution – just carry the mattress and sleeping gear in the boot and you are always ready for an impromptu camping stop.

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EU/UK
Fiat Freemont Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔92Height ↕82
Although it might strike you as a big car, its boot is on par with most SUVs – about the same length and height. It is a big city SUV, not that well suited for rugged off-road conditions, like the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun) for example.

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EU/UK
4x4
Land Rover Discovery camper
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔122Height ↕84
The Land Rover Discovery offers about average boot length and height compared to other SUV Campers but gives you more width. It is a luxurious (and hence expensive) car so it’s not the usual choice people go for when looking for an SUV camper. It offers great off-road capabilities and more luxuries than your average SUV. It’s consumption is also a bit higher than a typical SUV in our database.

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EU/UK
Volvo V60 Camper
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢175Width ↔104Height ↕74
The Volvo V60 is a very reliable and safe car. It offers an average size boot for a typical estate/station wagon (combi) body type and slightly higher consumption than other estates.

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EU/UK
BMW 3 Series Camper & boot size
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢179Width ↔96Height ↕70

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EU/UK
4x4
Nissan X-trail Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢170Width ↔99Height ↕79
It’s a good enough camper if you push the front seats forward – giving you enough room to sleep. But its main advantage is that it’s a 4×4, not its size (there are bigger cars in our DB for that).

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EU/UK
Renault Grand Espace Camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢180Width ↔117Height ↕104

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US
4x4
Toyota FJ Cruiser camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢142Width ↔109Height ↕98
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV that pays homage to the original FJ40 and it is well-rated for off-road driving and people like its distinctive looks and the rear doors that open towards the back. It also drew criticism for having significant blindspots due to its design, smaller-than-average load capacity, and rear seats that were cramped and difficult to access. Its boot is not very long and sleeping inside is doable (mostly for one person), if you don’t mind having your legs bent and can lie diagonally across the boot. Max possible length, with a DIY camping conversion and front seats pushed forward as much as possible is 188cm/76”.

It has a retro style and a strong off-road capability. It is also a reliable vehicle, with high ratings from J.D. Power and Associates and RepairPal ¹ ². The FJ Cruiser has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. It has a fuel consumption of 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway ¹. The FJ Cruiser can be a good choice for camping, as it has a spacious cabin and a single wing boot door that opens to the side. It can fit up to five people, but the rear seats are cramped and difficult to access. The boot space is not very long, but it can accommodate some camping gear. The FJ Cruiser also has some features that can enhance the camping experience, such as a rearview camera, a compass, an inclinometer, and a roof rack ³. The FJ Cruiser is a unique and rugged SUV that can handle any terrain and provide a comfortable ride.

Discontinued in 2014

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EU/UK
Kia Sorento camper boot size
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢197Width ↔108Height ↕85
The Kia Sorento is a spacious SUV that offers ample room for both passengers and cargo, making it a suitable choice for car camping enthusiasts. It is a luxury large SUV which means it offers a longer than usual SUV boot, better safety features, ample storage and a more comfortable ride.

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EU/UK
Kia Sportage camper boot size
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢185Width ↔104Height ↕81
The Kia Sportage is a typical SUV that offers enough sleeping area when the seats are folded away properly. It doesn’t offer anything in terms of size that any other compact SUV in our database doesn’t offer too. It’s boot is 7 cm narrower and 5 cm lower than it’s closest rival, the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. If you like it’s size, but prefer a more rugged outdoor SUV, I’d suggest Subaru Outback.

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EU/UK
Citroen Nemo camper – boot dimensions
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢152Width ↔104Height ↕104
It is one of the smallest MPVs out there, but sleeping two people in the Nemo is still possible. Preferably average-height people as anyone taller than 180cm might struggle. The 2-seat van version has a slightly larger boot than the Multispace version, but no huge difference.

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EU/UK
Peugeot 3008 Camper – boot size
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢175Width ↔99Height ↕75
The 3008 is a comfortable car that’s good to drive, its boot is on the shorter end of the spectrum, but still good 175cm. With front seats pushed forward or sleeping with the bottom tailgate open (and top closed), you can gain even more room. The boot height is 75cm, so don’t put a very thick mattress in if you want some headroom. Make sure you use the removable boot floor (double floor) for storage.

Models until 2016 were classified as MPV, models since then are SUVs.

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EU/UK
US
Tesla Model X camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢210Width ↔107Height ↕72
What Tesla can you camp in? The Model X for sure! The boot easily turns into a bed. You can sleep comfortably in a Tesla Model X – easily fit a 200x100cm mattress inside. There are some DIY conversions to be found out there too (see images and videos below). The biggest advantage of the Model X is the hidden storage compartments you don’t get in many other cars (two big ones in the boot [or one if you have a 7-seater] and one in the front under the hood). Good to store most of your camping gear. There are two things that might put you off – the price tag of course and the relatively low boot height.

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EU/UK
Volvo XC60 boot size (2025)
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢190Width ↔110Height ↕76
The XC60 offers a typical SUV boot length, but is quite low.

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Sion – a solar camper
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢163Width ↔124Height ↕78
The development of this car has been terminated by Sono Motors in February 2023.

“A spacious electric car with a range of up to 305 kilometres that charges itself through the power of the sun.” – this says it all! It is the cheapest electric car out there and on top of that, it has built-in solar panels that can charge the car and your appliances. Or even other cars and things around you.

There isn’t much information available beyond the prototype specs on Sono Motors, but the Sion is looking very promising as a camping car. It isn’t the biggest – but it’s big enough (about as long as the short version of the Caddy). What sets it apart is its ability to charge itself – if you are driving in a sunny country, you could add 112-245km to your range for free!

The boot length is 163cm – not that much for sleeping, but with the front seats pushed forward, you could get 180cm of actual length.

It won’t dazzle you with comfort – it wouldn’t be able to keep its low price tag, but the comfort and luxury-seeking crowd isn’t Sion’s target audience. It’s the environmentally conscious, practicality over comfort and EV-enthusiastic buyer that will find all this in the car.

As it is still a prototype, its dimensions might change – we’ll keep it updated as much as we can!

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EU/UK
4x4
Skoda Yeti camper
Rated 3.00 out of 5
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢174Width ↔101Height ↕80
Skoda Yeti offers about 10cm shorter boot compared to other SUV Campers but comes with much lower consumption. It has been awarded Family Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine. It’s a good car that you can convert into a camper easily, but don’t expect too much headroom or storage space. It’s best combined with a suitable car tent that will give you plenty of living room when camping, whilst you sleep in the boot.

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EU/UK
Fiat 500 camper boot size
Boot dimensions:
Length ⤢129Width ↔98Height ↕89
This little fella wouldn’t be the first car you’d think of when going camping. But it is still possible to sleep in it, albeit not very comfortably.

The 500 is shorter than its uglier brothers, the Punto and the Panda, but it is ~13cm taller inside the boot. For this small difference, it consumes quite a bit more!

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