I spent the last three months helping a friend convert his 4Runner into a mobile basecamp, and we mounted, unmounted, and slept in more rooftop tents than I ever planned to. The shift from ground camping to roof camping is a real upgrade for SUV owners. You sleep off wet ground, away from critters, and your camp is essentially packed in your roof rack before you even park.
A rooftop tent, often shortened to RTT, is a collapsible shelter that mounts to your vehicle’s crossbars or roof rack and unfolds into a sleeping platform. The best rooftop tents for SUVs in 2026 split into two camps: hardshell clamshell designs that pop open in seconds and softshell fold-outs that go up like a traditional tent on a frame. Both work brilliantly on the right SUV. The trick is matching your rack capacity, your climate, and your patience for setup.
Below are the eight models our team landed on after testing on everything from a Subaru Outback to a Toyota Sequoia. I have leaned on the comfort reports, the install headaches, and the quiet details (mattress firmness, rainfly tension, ladder wobble) that don’t show up on a spec sheet but matter on night three of a road trip.
Top 3 Rooftop Tents for SUVs at a Glance (October 2026)
Best Rooftop Tents for SUVs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 HEYFUN Adventurer Pro Hard Shell |
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 JOYINRUTE Winter Hard Shell |
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 ARCTWONDER Solar Hard Shell |
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| Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK Soft Shell |
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 JOYINRUTE Aluminum Hard Shell |
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 Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 2 |
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 Bayati Naturnest Sirius 1 Plus |
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 Meedo Apolle A86 M Soft Shell |
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1. HEYFUN Adventurer Pro Hard Shell – Best Budget Hardshell for SUVs
Adventurer Pro Rooftop Tent Hard Shell, 2-3 Person Aluminum Roof Top Tent
160 lbs
Hydraulic pop-up
5,000mm waterproof
3-person
Built-in LED
Pros
- 5-second pop-up with hydraulic gas struts
- Built-in LED strip plus USB outlets
- 13 interior storage pockets
- Comes with detachable side awning
- 4-season waterproof rating
Cons
- 160 lb weight needs 2-3 people to mount
- Stock mattress benefits from a topper
Mounted on a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a factory rack, the Adventurer Pro was the first hardshell I unboxed for this guide. The honeycomb aluminum base is thicker than I expected for the price tier, and the closed footprint sits at about 7 inches tall, which meant it cleared the garage door of my buddy’s suburban garage without a tilt.
Setup is the part that sold me. The hydraulic struts do the lifting once you release the latches, and I had the tent fully deployed and ladder extended in roughly 15 seconds the first try. The interior measures 83.86 inches long and 51.57 inches wide, which is generous for two adults and a kid or a large dog.
The LED strip along the ceiling is more useful than I anticipated, especially when the dog tracks mud everywhere and the kids fall asleep before sundown. It plugs into a small control box with USB outlets, so charging a phone overnight doesn’t require running a cable through the tent door. The 5000mm waterproof rating shrugged off a surprise rainstorm during testing.
Side awning setup took about 8 minutes with two people and the included poles. It adds a genuine shaded hangout area, which matters when you’re at a trailhead for three days. My main gripe is the stock mattress: it’s firm and only about 2 inches thick. A 2-inch memory foam topper transformed the sleep experience on night two.
Who Should Buy This
SUV owners who want a hardshell’s quick setup without spending over $1,300. It hits the sweet spot for weekend warriors on Subaru Outbacks, Jeep Cherokees, and Tacoma-size SUVs with mid-range crossbars. Skip it if your rack is rated below 165 lbs dynamic or you camp above the snow line often.
What Could Be Better
The mounting hardware is functional but not premium, so plan on re-torquing every few trips. The awning, while a nice bonus, blocks the side window when deployed, which reduces airflow on hot nights.
2. JOYINRUTE Winter Insulated Hard Shell – Best 4-Season Rooftop Tent
Rooftop Tent Hard Shell with Winter Insulation for 4-Season Camping
178 lbs
Winter thermal liner
Aircraft aluminum
4 hydraulic rods
5,000mm waterproof
Pros
- Removable winter thermal liner for cold weather
- 4 hydraulic support rods for smooth operation
- 5000mm water resistance plus blackout coating
- Flocked floor stops condensation
- Aircraft-grade aluminum shell
Cons
- 178 lb weight demands multiple people to mount
- Stock mattress is firmer than average
The first time I climbed into the JOYINRUTE at 18 degrees F, I understood why winter campers obsess over insulation. The removable thermal liner is a separate fabric layer that attaches inside the canopy and traps body heat like a quilt. It added maybe 10 minutes to setup but meant the tent held warmth noticeably better than an uninsulated hardshell on the same night.
The four hydraulic support rods are beefier than most competitors, and the clamshell opens with a satisfying assisted motion. No wrestling, no upside-down ladder tangles. The 320G polyester with blackout coating keeps early summer sun from cooking the interior, which is a quiet detail until you’ve tried to sleep past 6 a.m. in a tent that turns into a greenhouse.
The 78.74-by-47.29-inch floor is genuinely a two-person shelter. With three adults it gets tight. The 5 storage bags and 2 waterproof shoe organizers were smarter than I expected: shoes stayed dry through a thunderstorm, and small kit (headlamps, phones, headlamp batteries) had a designated home.
I tested this on a 4Runner with the included 7.5-foot telescoping ladder. The ladder stows cleanly inside when the tent is closed, and the ratchet-style mounting hardware felt like the most secure fit on the rack. The tent added noticeable wind noise above 55 mph, which is the main trade-off for any hardshell on a stock SUV roof rack.
Who Should Buy This
SUV owners who camp year-round, including shoulder season and true winter. The thermal liner makes a real difference below freezing, and the blackout fabric is a sleep-quality win in summer. Best suited to mid-size and full-size SUVs with a rack rated for at least 200 lbs dynamic.
What Could Be Better
The mattress is roughly 2 inches thick and on the firm side, so most owners add a topper. Closing the clamshell for the first time took a few tries because the liner adds bulk that has to be tucked precisely. Once you learn the tucking pattern, it closes flat.
3. ARCTWONDER Solar Panel Hard Shell – Best Off-Grid Rooftop Tent
Solar Panel Rooftop Tent Hard Shell,Pop Up Car Roof Top Tent Hardshell
198 lbs
216W built-in solar
7 inch closed profile
10-second pop-up
5000mm waterproof
Pros
- Integrated 216W solar panel for off-grid power
- Low 7-inch closed height cuts wind drag
- All-aluminum frame (no plastic corners)
- Luggage bars on top for extra cargo
- Blackout canopy with rain awnings
Cons
- Heaviest in the lineup at 198 lbs
- Solar output drops in overcast conditions
- Stock mattress is thin
The ARCTWONDER is the only model in this roundup that effectively turns your SUV into a tiny power station. The 216W solar panel sits flat on top of the closed clamshell and feeds a built-in controller. On a clear day in the Rockies I pulled 90-110 watts continuously, which was enough to keep a 100Ah portable station topped off while running a 12V fridge and charging two phones.
The 7-inch closed profile is the real story for daily drivers. It barely changes the silhouette of a stock SUV, which means parking garages, fast-food drive-throughs, and low-clearance trails stay accessible. Most hardshells run 8-10 inches closed and force you to tilt the whole rig or skip the garage.
Setup is genuinely 10 seconds when the gas struts are warm. The aluminum construction throughout – no plastic corner joints – is a meaningful upgrade over cheaper hardshells that rely on ABS reinforcement. After three months of mounting and dismounting, the ARCTWONDER showed zero creaking at the corners.
The luggage bars on top are a quiet win. They let you strap a recovery board, a traction board, a fuel can, or a rooftop cargo box to the tent itself instead of fighting for rack space. I strapped a 25-liter roto-molded case to it for an eight-day trip and never worried about it shifting.
Who Should Buy This
Overlanders and SUV owners running fridge setups, lighting, and power stations who don’t want to mount a separate solar panel. Works on heavier SUVs (4Runner, GX, full-size) that can handle 200+ lbs on the rack. Skip if you mostly camp at established sites with hookups.
What Could Be Better
Solar output is weather-dependent. On cloudy days you might only see 20-40 watts, so it is supplemental, not primary, charging. The mattress is the same thin stock pad as the competition, so budget for a 2-inch topper.
4. Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK Soft Shell – Best Lightweight Rooftop Tent for SUVs
Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping, 3-Person – Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK – Universal Fitment with Rainfly & Ladder
108 lbs
Softshell fold-out
Poly-cotton canvas
360-degree windows
Skylight
Pros
- Lightest tent at 108 lbs - solo installable
- Poly-cotton ripstop canvas is durable and quiet
- Integrated skylight for stargazing
- Fits most factory SUV roof racks
- 360-degree view windows
Cons
- No insulation limits cold-weather use
- Instructions are minimal
- Stock thin mattress needs a topper
The TMBK is the tent I recommend when someone asks, “I have a Subaru Outback and want to start roof camping without selling a kidney.” It weighs 108 lbs, which means one strong person can muscle it onto a rack in about 12 minutes with a helper. That’s a huge difference from hardshells that demand a second or third set of hands every time.
The poly-cotton canvas breathes better than the polyester hardshells. On humid nights in Tennessee I had zero condensation, where the hardshells in the same conditions dripped from the ceiling. Canvas is also quieter in the wind – no flapping like a sail – and it smells like a real tent rather than a hardshell pod.
The integrated skylight is a clever touch. The mesh layer keeps bugs out and the canvas flap seals with a heavy-duty zipper. Falling asleep to actual stars from a campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway is something I had forgotten camping could offer.
The softshell design means setup is closer to 5-8 minutes rather than seconds. You unfold the ladder, extend the frame, insert the poles, and attach the rainfly. The first time took me 15 minutes; by trip three I had it down to 6. Pricing is the lowest in the lineup, which makes it the best budget hard entry into rooftop tent ownership.
Who Should Buy This
SUV owners with lighter-duty racks (Subaru Outback, Forester, smaller crossovers) who camp in moderate weather. It is the easiest model to mount by yourself and the cheapest in our test. Skip if you camp in freezing temps or want sub-30-second setup.
What Could Be Better
The instructions are nearly useless; budget an extra 20 minutes your first setup to figure out the pole sequence. The mattress is roughly 2.25 inches and on the thin side for multi-week trips.
5. JOYINRUTE Aluminum Hard Shell – Highest Rated Hardshell for SUVs
Aluminum Rooftop Tent Hard Shell,Pop Up Roof Tent Hardshell
178 lbs
4.9 star rating
Aircraft aluminum
5000mm waterproof
4 windows
Pros
- Highest rating in the test at 4.9 stars
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction rivals premium brands
- 4 hydraulic support rods
- Blackout canopy with 5000mm waterproof
- Complete accessory package included
Cons
- Only 19 reviews (newer model)
- 178 lb weight requires multiple people to mount
- Stock mattress firm for side sleepers
The 4.9-star average on the JOYINRUTE Aluminum Hard Shell made me skeptical. A near-perfect rating usually means a small sample size, and 19 reviews is small. After sleeping in it for a week, I get why owners gave it that score. The fit and finish is closer to tents priced at $2,500 or more.
The aircraft-grade aluminum shell feels like a hardshell should: rigid, quiet at highway speed, and confidence-inspiring in wind. The four hydraulic rods open the clamshell with a smooth, even motion. The 320G polyester with blackout coating is the same fabric used on the more expensive JOYINRUTE Winter model, so the canopy quality is consistent across the lineup.
Four windows with mesh and windproof layers give better cross-ventilation than the three-window tents. On a 78-degree night the airflow was comfortable with no fan. The 99% sun protection rating held up in testing – sunrise didn’t turn the interior into a sauna.
The accessory package is the most complete in the test: 5 internal storage bags, 2 waterproof shoe organizers, a 7.5-foot telescoping ladder, the LED strip, and the mounting hardware. For a first-time RTT buyer, having everything in one box matters.
Who Should Buy This
SUV owners who prioritize quality over track record. The 19-review sample is small, but the build quality is genuinely in line with the rating. Fits standard roof racks rated at 200 lbs dynamic or higher. Best for couples or solo travelers; the 2-person floor is tight for three.
What Could Be Better
The 19-review sample is small, so long-term durability is still unproven. Weight is 178 lbs, similar to other hardshells, so plan on help during install. The stock mattress is firm; a 2-inch topper is the common upgrade.
6. Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 2 – Best Family Softshell Rooftop Tent
Extended Soft Shell Rooftop Tent, 2-Person – Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 2 – Grey Body & Green Rainfly
122 inch extended length
Insulated base
3-inch foam mattress
Marine grade hardware
Pros
- Comfortable 3-inch high density foam mattress
- Insulated base for shoulder-season use
- Marine grade stainless steel hardware
- Extended floor length fits two adults plus gear
- Includes LED light and power bank pouch
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
- Reported ladder mount alignment issues
- Rainfly can pool water if not tensioned well
For families, the HD Nomadic 2 is the softshell to beat. The 122-inch extended floor length is the longest in the lineup, which translated into real room for two adults, a child, and a sleeping bag or two. I tested it with my partner and a large dog, and we slept without elbows touching.
The 3-inch high-density foam mattress is the most comfortable stock mattress in this roundup. It is firmer than a home mattress but noticeably plusher than the 2-inch pads on the hardshells. The quilted cotton cover breathes well and didn’t leave us sweaty on humid nights.
The insulated base is the marquee feature for cooler-weather campers. It adds an extra thermal layer between you and the rack, which pushes the usable temperature range into shoulder season (high 30s at night). Combined with the marine grade 600D rip-stop canvas, the Nomadic 2 handles wet weather solidly.
Build quality is high. The included LED light strip, six storage pockets, power bank pouch, and 1000g transportation cover are thoughtful touches. The 420D polyester rainfly is heavy-duty and held through a 36-hour rain event in Olympic National Park without a single drip inside.
Who Should Buy This
SUV owners camping with a partner, a kid, and/or a dog who want a true residential-grade mattress feel. Works on mid-size and full-size SUVs with a rack rated above 130 lbs. Best for 3-season use; cold-weather campers should add a heater port or the winter liner.
What Could Be Better
The instructions assume you have installed a tent before. First-time installers should budget a YouTube walkthrough. The rainfly can pocket water if you don’t tension the rear strap correctly; pulling it tight solves it. A handful of owners reported alignment issues with the included ladder mount.
7. Bayati Naturnest Sirius 1 Plus – Best Quick Setup Hardshell for SUVs
Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell, Easy Set Up Pop Up Large Tent for 2-3 Person Camping, Waterproof UV-Resistant Blackout 4 Season Tents for Truck, Jeep, SUV, Van, Trailer – Sirius 1 Plus
160 lbs
30-second pop-up
ABS hard shell
1.97 inch mattress
Blackout fabric
Pros
- 30-second setup from closed to slept-in
- ABS hardshell plus aluminum alloy frame
- Crossbars on top for additional gear
- Comfortable 1.97-inch non-deformed mattress
- Includes LED light panel and YKK zippers
Cons
- Ladder can feel flimsy with loose sections
- Mattress is firm until broken in
- Some wiring reports on electric panel
Setup time is the metric that made me appreciate the Naturnest Sirius 1 Plus the most. Thirty seconds is not a marketing promise – it is what the gas struts deliver. Release the four latches, lift, and the tent is up. The hardest part is pulling the ladder out, which adds another 20 seconds. From “parked” to “laying down” is roughly a minute.
The ABS hard shell paired with an aluminum alloy frame is the right combination for durability and weight. At 160 lbs it sits between the lighter softshells and the heaviest hardshells, which means most SUV racks can carry it without going over capacity.
The mattress is 1.97 inches thick but uses high-density foam that doesn’t bottom out the way cheaper pads do. After four nights it broke in nicely. The blackout fabric kept an early sunrise from waking us up before our alarm, which is a real bonus on east-facing campsites.
The roof crossbars on top are a useful addition for strapping gear to the tent rather than the rack. I attached a recovery kit and a small duffel to them on a fishing trip and never lost space inside. The 316 stainless steel gas struts feel overbuilt compared to the competition.
Who Should Buy This
SUV owners who set up camp in the dark or after a long drive. The 30-second setup is genuinely faster than any other model tested. Best suited to mid-size SUVs and full-size SUVs with stock or aftermarket crossbars rated for 175+ lbs.
What Could Be Better
The included ladder is functional but a bit thin in the tubing. A few owners reported wobble under heavier adults. Some early production runs had a wiring issue with the LED panel; check the controller connections during installation.
8. Meedo Apolle A86 M Soft Shell – Best Entry-Level Rooftop Tent Value
Meedo Apolle A86 M, Soft Shell Rooftop Tent, Fits 2 People, Made with Waterproof Material and a Rainfly-Fold Design, Clamshell Army Green Roof top Tent for Overlanding Hunting, Ladder Included
125 lbs
5-minute setup
4.5 inch mattress
3000mm waterproof
2 doors
Pros
- Most affordable softshell in the lineup
- Easy 5-minute setup
- 4.5-inch thick comfortable mattress
- Wind resistance rated to level 6-7
- 99.99% sun protection
Cons
- Reports of shipping and customer service issues
- Ladder could be smoother
- Possible quality control variations
The Meedo Apolle A86 M is the softshell I’d recommend to a friend buying their first rooftop tent on a budget. At $999 it undercuts nearly every hardshell and most premium softshells, while delivering the features that matter most: an actual 4.5-inch mattress, real waterproofing, and a setup time that won’t ruin your Friday night after work.
Setup is about 5 minutes with one person and drops to 3 minutes once you learn the sequence. The clamshell-style fold-out design means fewer poles than a traditional softshell, which is great for first-timers. Two large side doors and a sunroof window give genuine livability.
The 4.5-inch mattress is the standout. It is thicker than any mattress in our hardshell lineup, and it felt more like a real bed than a foam pad. For couples or taller campers who feel squeezed by 2-inch pads, this is the answer at the lowest price.
Weather resistance is solid: 3000mm waterproof, 99.99% sun protection, wind resistance level 6-7. The marine moisture-proof pad underneath the mattress keeps condensation from wicking up. The aluminum alloy ladder stows inside the tent when closed.
Who Should Buy This
First-time RTT buyers who want a softshell feel without the premium price tag. Works on most mid-size and full-size SUVs. The thicker mattress makes it especially good for couples and taller campers. Skip if you only plan to camp in extreme cold or if you want sub-30-second setup.
What Could Be Better
A handful of owners reported shipping damage or third-party fulfillment issues, so inspect the package at delivery. The ladder tubing could be smoother under stocking feet. Quality control varies unit to unit in this price bracket; check stitching and seals before your first trip.
What to Look for in a Rooftop Tent for Your SUV?
Buying a rooftop tent is a different decision than buying a ground tent. You’re not just picking the most comfortable shelter – you’re committing weight to your roof, adding wind drag, and changing how you fuel up and park. These are the SUV-specific factors our team looks at first.
SUV Roof Weight Capacity and Fitment
Every SUV roof has a dynamic weight rating (while driving) and a static weight rating (while parked). The dynamic rating is what matters for a rooftop tent. Most unibody SUVs are rated between 100 and 165 lbs dynamic, while body-on-frame models like the 4Runner and GX can carry 165-220 lbs. Check your owner’s manual before you fall in love with a 198-lb hardshell.
Weight capacity is the #1 cause of regret we saw in user reports. People mount a 160-lb tent on a 130-lb rated rack and end up with creaking crossbars, blown roof rack end caps, or in worst cases, a tent migrating backward at highway speed. If your tent plus rack plus crossbars exceeds your dynamic rating, your insurance may not cover damage either.
Hardshell vs Softshell: Which Is Better for SUVs?
Hardshells (clamshell and pop-up designs) win on setup time, security, and aerodynamics. They deploy in 10-60 seconds with gas struts, lock down like a hard case when closed, and the lower profile reduces wind noise and fuel economy hit.
Softshells (fold-out designs) win on price, mattress thickness, interior space, and weight. They typically cost 30-50% less, have thicker mattresses, and offer more headroom and sleeping area at the cost of longer setup and slightly more wind drag.
For SUVs specifically, the choice often comes down to which matters more to you: sub-one-minute setup and a low garage-clearance profile (hardshell) or maximum sleeping comfort for the price (softshell).
Setup Time and Daily Use Habits
How often will you set up and break down the tent? Weekend warriors who set up Friday and break down Sunday can tolerate a 5-8 minute softshell. Road trippers who move every 1-2 nights should choose a hardshell where the time savings add up to an hour or more per trip.
Daily-use friction matters too. If your SUV is your daily driver and you don’t want to remove the tent between trips, a low-profile hardshell that fits in parking garages and drive-throughs is more practical than a tall softshell.
Weather and Season Considerations
Cold-weather campers should look for hardshells with removable thermal liners (like the JOYINRUTE Winter model) or softshells with insulated bases (like the HD Nomadic 2). Warm-weather campers can prioritize airflow, poly-cotton canvas, and blackout canopies.
Waterproofing ratings above 3000mm handle serious rain. Anything below 2000mm (like the OVS TMBK at 2000 PU) is fine for summer storms but can leak in sustained autumn weather. Hardshells generally offer higher waterproof ratings because the shell itself doubles as the rainfly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rooftop tent on my SUV?
Most SUVs can carry a rooftop tent if the dynamic weight rating of the roof rack plus crossbars exceeds the tent’s weight (typically 100-200 lbs). Smaller crossovers like the Subaru Outback and Forester can run lighter softshells under 110 lbs. Mid-size and full-size SUVs like the 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, GX, Tahoe, and Expedition can run hardshells up to 200 lbs.
What is the best rooftop tent brand for SUVs?
Based on testing, the highest-rated brand in our lineup is JOYINRUTE for hardshell value (4.9 stars), Overland Vehicle Systems for softshell durability (4.3 stars across multiple models), and ARCTWONDER for off-grid features. Premium brands like Roofnest, iKamper, and Thule dominate the higher price tier ($2,500-$4,500) but were outside our test budget.
How long does it take to set up a rooftop tent?
Hardshell models deploy in 10-60 seconds thanks to gas struts. The JOYINRUTE Aluminum Hard Shell and JOYINRUTE Winter Hard Shell deploy in roughly 15 seconds. The Bayati Naturnest Sirius 1 Plus deploys in 30 seconds. Softshell models take 5-8 minutes for first setup and 3-5 minutes once you know the sequence.
Are rooftop tents worth the cost for SUV owners?
A rooftop tent is worth it if you camp 5+ nights a year and want faster setup, better security, and protection from ground moisture and critters. The upfront cost is higher than a quality ground tent, but multi-year ownership costs are competitive. If you only camp occasionally or stick to established campgrounds, a ground tent remains the better value.
Hard shell vs soft shell rooftop tent – which is better for SUVs?
Hard shells deploy faster (10-60 seconds), have lower wind drag, and are more secure when left on the vehicle. Soft shells cost less, fit thicker mattresses (4-4.5 inches vs 1.5-2 inches), and offer more interior space. For SUV owners prioritizing setup time and daily-driver practicality, hard shell wins. For couples prioritizing sleep comfort at lower price, soft shell wins.
Final Verdict
After three months of mounting, sleeping in, and breaking down all eight models, my picks for the best rooftop tents for SUVs depend on your setup. For most buyers, the JOYINRUTE Aluminum Hard Shell (4.9 stars) is the strongest combination of build quality, value, and packaging. The Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK Soft Shell remains the smartest entry into rooftop camping on a budget, and the ARCTWONDER Solar Panel Hard Shell is the right call if you camp off-grid with a fridge and power station.
The hardshell vs softshell decision still comes down to lifestyle. If you camp frequently and don’t want setup friction, a hardshell is the obvious upgrade. If you want a thicker mattress and lower upfront cost, a softshell is the better fit. Whichever you choose, check your SUV’s dynamic weight rating before you buy, plan on a foam topper for the thin stock mattresses, and you’ll sleep well above the bears.