Roof top tents have been around for decades. You will usually find them mounted on SUVs and trucks! Over the years, innovation and the use of high-quality products have dramatically reduced the weight of these convenient tents.
This has allowed just about any vehicle that can fit a roof rack to have a roof top tent as well. That being said, the options for smaller vehicles such as a sedan or hatchbacks are still very limited.
I have hand-selected the best roof top tents (RTTs) perfect for small vehicles so you can still enjoy all of the fun and convenience they offer while being completely safe.
What features make a roof top tent a viable option for small cars?
Before we get into the list of tents I wanted to explain what the common denominator is between all of these models. There are two main factors that need to be considered when looking at roof top tents for small vehicles, both the footprint and weight.
You can’t have an extremely large tent because it can hang over your vehicle and also be a safety hazard as you drive down the highway.
Since sedans and vehicles alike are not designed to handle large amounts of weight, opting for the lightest possible tent is a very safe bet. You should absolutely check your owners manual to see how much weight your particular vehicle’s roof can handle.
Lastly, you need a proper roof rack system to mount the RTT too. If you need more information about roof racks and the best practices for them, read our article Choosing a Rack System For Your RTT.
With that out of the way, let’s give you what you came for and talk about these tents!
iKamper Mini
| Price | Weight | Dimensions |
| $3,499 | 125 pounds | 101″ L x 51″ W x 48″H |
If you have your heart set on a hardshell RTT this is by far the most compact one that you will find. iKamper utilizes a unique design that has a foldable component in the tent.
A huge perk to a hardshell is its weatherproof ability and will likely last longer than a softshell model. A really cool feature of the mini shell is its double-layered design which has an inch of air insulation separating the two layers.
That inch of air insulation does wonders for keeping the cold out and warm in. That said, the Mini sleeps two people and you can use this tent in any season throughout the year.
Click Here to see my recommended essentials for roof top tent camping and overlanding!
Some more features include a telescoping ladder, 2″ memory foam mattress, a 60-second set up process, quick install mounting brackets, insulated honeycomb flooring, and breathable fabric.
If you’re not familiar with iKamper as a brand, they make premium RTTs. Their tents are some of the best in the business and this tiny but mighty model packs an impressive punch.
While it is pricey, you absolutely get what you pay for and won’t be disappointed with it.
Smittybilt Hardshell Overlander
| Price | Weight | Dimensions |
| $2,199 | 94 lbs | 55″ W x 85″ L x 37″ H |
Now I would keep the footprint of this tent in mind but it is extremely lightweight at just 94 pounds (without the ladder). You can store the 10-pound ladder inside the tent or your vehicle.
This tent was just released in August of 2020 and I expect it to send shockwaves throughout the RTT industry. You can hardly find a decent hardshell for under $3,000 and Smittybilt has a great track record with their previous tents.
That being said, you’re not going to get all of the quality and fancy features that come with an iKamper. But you might not want any of that and care solely about having a durable hardshell that has gas-assisted struts!
It sleeps 2.5 people, has a telescoping ladder, comes with a LED lantern, has durable YKK zippers, and much more.
If you have your heart set on a hardshell this is by far the most cost-effective option that still has great quality to back it. I also like the fact that it can sleep more than two people.
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2
| Price | Weight | Dimensions |
| $1,199.95 | 108 lbs | 84″ L x 48″ W x 39″ H |
Back to a 2-person softshell option, the Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 might be my favorite option out of the bunch, and here’s why. While it costs and weighs just a bit more than its counterparts, you get some better features and quality backed by Tepui’s brand name.
Not to discredit any other brand because there are also viable options, but Tepui is one of the most popular companies in the space and for good reason.
This tent can be used in all four seasons with its 260-gram poly-cotton fabric which is both UV and mold-resistant. It also comes with a 2.5″ high-density foam mattress, an 8.5-foot telescoping ladder, and a solid 5/8-inch frame.
If you need a foldable RTT at a fair price with above-average features and the ability to handle all 4-seasons, I bet you can’t find another tent to compete with the Ayer 2.
Yakima Skyrise
| Price | Weight | Dimensions |
| $1,099 | 95 lbs | 84″ L x 48″ W x 42″ H |
Similar to FrontRunner, Yakima is well-known for its roof rack systems and other accessories. This model comes in two sizes, small and medium. To stay on topic, we will be referring to the smaller model in the specs and pricing.
Sleeping two adults, this tent includes a telescoping ladder, 2.5″ thick mattress, and the fabric is made of extra lightweight 210D nylon material. This is the same material used in backpacking tents!
Another feature that shouldn’t be overlooked is the mounting system which requires no tools and is secured by clamps instead.
I find this tent to be best for warm-weather environments and those who don’t plan on using their RTT in colder weather. I like the features of this tent and love Yakima as a brand too. This tent could be perfect for you depending on what your needs and use for it will be.
FrontRunner Feather-Lite
| Price | Weight | Dimensions |
| $1,099 | 95 lbs | 134″ L x 53″ W x 55″ H |
FrontRunner is a well-known brand in the roof rack industry so it only made sense for them to enter this market. The Feather-Lite speaks for itself positioning it as one of the lightest RTTs you can find.
This tent will comfortably sleep 2 adults as well as a dog or small child. For small vehicles, you are more likely to find a foldable softshell RTT that works since the footprint is so small when closed. This is achieved by the tent doubling its size when unfolded and open.
This is a solid entry-level tent that can give you the full RTT experience without compromising on quality. I love how much sleeping space this tent provides while maintaining an extremely low weight.
If you need to accommodate 2.5 people and are looking to save money, this just might be the tent for you.
Related Content
Here are a couple of articles I have hand-picked to further assist in your decision with finding the perfect RTT!
- Best Lightweight Roof Top Tents (Comparison Guide)
- Which Cars are Best for Roof Top Tents and Overlanding?
- Hardshell or Softshell Roof Top Tents: 30 Major Differences
I would also recommend looking through all of our Buyer’s Guide articles under the blog section since you may find more answers to your questions there too! We also have an awesome Youtube channel pumping out weekly videos with tips and advice.
Wrapping Up
It’s so cool to see RTT companies catering to a market of people that don’t have large SUVs and trucks. There are so much more inclusiveness and viable options for those who don’t have those types of vehicles.
I hope you found this article helpful in your search because I truly believe this handful of options are your best bet. I also find that each one offers a different set of features to a different type of individual which I believe is important.
Thank you so much for reading this article and if you can please subscribe to our Youtube channel or look at our recommended gear page you will be supporting my website which I greatly appreciate.