Which 2026 Hyundai Models Are Best for Camping and Adventure in Alberta?
Which 2026 Hyundai Models Are Best for Camping and Adventure in Alberta?
Posted on August 16, 2026
A good camping vehicle has to do several jobs at once. It carries the tent, the cooler, and the firewood. It handles a gravel road to the campsite. If there is a boat or a small trailer involved, it tows. And more campers now want a way to run lights or a portable fridge once the engine is off.
The 2026 Hyundai lineup covers every one of those needs, but each model answers them differently. This guide compares the five Hyundai SUVs that make the most sense for camping, from a compact all-wheel-drive crossover to a three-row electric SUV that can power a campsite from its own battery.
At a Glance: 2026 Hyundai SUVs for Camping
| Model | Max Towing (with trailer brakes) | Ground Clearance | Max Cargo (seats folded) | Standout Feature |
| Palisade XRT Pro | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 212 mm | 2,455 L | All-terrain tires, tow hooks, terrain modes |
| IONIQ 9 AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 174 mm | 2,462 L | 110.3 kWh battery with Vehicle-to-Load |
| Santa Fe Hybrid | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) | 177 mm | 2,267 L | 6.9 L/100 km combined, HTRAC AWD |
| Tucson (2.5 L) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 210 mm | 2,119 L | Standard AWD, best compact tow rating |
| Kona AWD | Not rated for towing | 205 mm | 1,803 L | Compact footprint, 1.6 L turbo option |
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro: The Backroad Specialist
The Palisade XRT Pro is the model built for the rough stretch between pavement and campsite. Ground clearance rises to 212 mm from 187 mm on other Palisade trims, with an approach angle of 20.5 degrees and a departure angle of 22.4 degrees. It rides on P255/60R18 Continental all-terrain tires, adds front and rear tow hooks, and comes with an integrated tow hitch.
The 3.5 L V6 produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and it tows up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with trailer brakes. HTRAC all-wheel drive includes terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand, and Tow Mode is standard. The XRT Pro seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and cargo space runs from 540 L behind the third row to 2,455 L with the rear seats folded. Black roof rails rated for 220 lb (100 kg) handle a rooftop box.
Hyundai IONIQ 9: Power the Campsite From the Battery
The IONIQ 9 approaches camping from a different angle. Every trim carries a 110.3 kWh battery and includes exterior Vehicle-to-Load capability with the accessory adapter, so the SUV can run a portable fridge, a coffee maker, or string lights at a site with no hookups. The Luxury Package and Ultimate Calligraphy Package add an interior V2L outlet for the same job from inside the cabin.
All-wheel-drive models tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with trailer brakes, matching the Palisade, and the dual-motor versions deliver 303 hp or 422 hp. Range is up to 515 km on the 303 hp Preferred AWD and 500 km on the 422 hp Preferred AWD+. A standard heat pump with battery pre-conditioning helps on cold mornings, and the cabin seats seven with 620 L of cargo space behind the third row.
- 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) towing on AWD models
- Exterior V2L on every trim; interior V2L outlet with the Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy Packages
- Standard roof rails and a heat pump for cold-weather range
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Seven Seats, Low Fuel Consumption
For long drives to a provincial park, the Santa Fe Hybrid stretches every tank. The 1.6 L turbo hybrid produces a combined 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, and its combined rating of 6.9 L/100 km paired with a 67 L fuel tank keeps stops for fuel rare on a weekend trip.
HTRAC all-wheel drive is standard, with multi-terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand. Towing is rated at 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with trailer brakes, enough for a small utility trailer. Raised roof rails are standard on every trim, the cabin seats seven, and cargo capacity is 1,148 L behind the second row and 2,267 L with both rear rows folded.
Hyundai Tucson: The Compact That Tows
The Tucson is the compact SUV in this group with the highest tow rating. With the 2.5 L engine and its 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, it tows up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with trailer brakes. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are rated at 2,000 lbs (907 kg). Trailer sway assist and 4-pin trailer pre-wiring are standard.
Every 2026 Tucson sold in Canada comes with HTRAC all-wheel drive, 210 mm of ground clearance, and standard roof side rails. Cargo space is 1,095 L behind the rear seats and 2,119 L with them folded on the 2.5 L model, with under-floor storage and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area. N Line and Ultimate trims use the 1.6 L turbo hybrid with 231 hp and a 6.7 L/100 km combined rating.
Hyundai Kona AWD: Light Packing, Easy Parking
Not every trip needs a trailer. The Kona with HTRAC all-wheel drive raises ground clearance to 205 mm and carries 723 L of cargo behind the rear seats, or 1,803 L with them folded. A dual-level cargo floor and rear cargo net hooks keep gear in place on gravel. N Line trims add a 1.6 L turbo engine with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Kona has no published tow rating, so it is the pick for campers who pack light.
Which 2026 Hyundai Is Right for Your Trips?
If your camping involves a boat, a trailer, or an unmaintained access road, the Palisade XRT Pro is the answer. Its 212 mm clearance, all-terrain tires, and 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) tow rating separate it from the rest of the lineup. If you want the same towing capacity with zero fuel stops and a battery that runs the campsite, the IONIQ 9 is the pick.
For families who camp at established sites and drive long distances to get there, the Santa Fe Hybrid pairs seven seats with a 6.9 L/100 km rating. The Tucson suits couples or small families who need standard AWD and a real tow rating in a compact package. The Kona AWD is the choice for solo trips and light gear.
Plan Your Next Trip With Grande Prairie Hyundai
The right model depends on what you tow, how far you drive, and how much you pack. Stop by Grande Prairie Hyundai in Grande Prairie to compare the Palisade XRT Pro, IONIQ 9, Santa Fe Hybrid, Tucson, and Kona in person, and talk to the team about which one fits your next trip.