Best Car Awnings of 2025

David Davis Avatar
David Davis
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Car awnings are a great way to add extra shade and protection to a vehicle. They come in various sizes and styles to fit different types of cars and preferences. Some car awnings are attached to the roof of the car, while others can be easily set up on the ground. They are perfect for camping trips, picnics, and outdoor events where shade is limited. Car awnings can also protect the car from sunlight and rain, prolonging the life of the vehicle's paint and interior. With their versatility and functionality, car awnings are a must-have accessory for any car owner who loves the outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

VEVOR 6.6'x8.2' Vehicle Awning Cover #TOP 1
VEVOR 6.6'x8.2' Vehicle Awning
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 180 LTE Awning Cover #TOP 2
Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 180 LTE Awning
ftb score rating icon 9.7
G2 GO2GETHER Tailgate Tent Cover #TOP 3
G2 GO2GETHER Tailgate Tent
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Car Awnings

#TOP 1

VEVOR 6.6'x8.2' Vehicle Awning

ATSA2025
VEVOR 6.6'x8.2' Vehicle Awning Cover
VEVOR Vehicle Awning 6.6'x8.2' Roof Rack Pull-Out Sun Shade UV50+ PU3000mm, Retractable Weatherproof 4x4 Side Awning for SUV Outdoor Camping & Overland (Hardware Included), w/Waterproof Storage Bag

The VEVOR Vehicle Awning is the perfect addition for outdoor enthusiasts seeking shade and protection from the elements. With an impressive 54 square feet of coverage, it expands to a size of 6.6 feet by 8.2 feet, allowing you to stay comfortable while camping or enjoying outdoor activities. The adjustable height feature lets you customize the awning from 4 to 7 feet, making it versatile for various setups. Made from durable, waterproof fabric, it ensures you stay dry and shielded from harmful UV rays. Plus, with a quick set-up time of just one minute, you can spend less time working and more time enjoying your adventures.

What We Like
Large shaded area
Quick and easy setup
Durable waterproof material
Adjustable height options
#TOP 2

Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 180 LTE Awning

19609917
Gray
180 Awning
Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 180 LTE Awning Cover
Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 180 LTE Awning - Dark Grey Body with 1000G PVC Black Travel Cover - Universal Vehicle Fitment - Brackets and Hardware Included

The Overland Nomadic 180 Awning by Overland Vehicle Systems offers 59 square feet of coverage to shield you from the elements. It features 4 drop-down legs for stability and integrated heavy-duty rafters on an aluminum frame for durability. The 280G poly cotton rip stop material with heat-sealed seams ensures reliability. Additionally, the 1000g PVC travel cover provides protection during transportation, making it convenient for your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
59 sq ft coverage
Heavy-duty materials
Sturdy aluminum frame
#TOP 3

G2 GO2GETHER Tailgate Tent

LSS05-1
beige
G2 GO2GETHER Tailgate Tent Cover
Tailgate Tent,Tailgate Awning, Car Awning Sun Shelter Waterproof 3000MM UPF 50+, for Outdoor Camping, SUV, Truck Van Camper Trailer

The G2 Tailgate Tent is a versatile car awning sun shelter designed for outdoor camping, suitable for SUVs, trucks, vans, and camper trailers. Its well-made features include a waterproof layer, tear-proof fabric, and UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays. The tent comes with strong ropes, steel nails, and poles for stability in windy conditions. Setting up and taking down the tent is easy, allowing you more time to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends. The compact folded size makes it convenient to carry wherever you go.

What We Like
Waterproof & Tear-proof
UPF 50+ Protection
Easy Setup & Takedown
#TOP 4

DANCHEL OUTDOOR Pull-Out Car Awning

CAWNING002
4.9x6.5 ft
DANCHEL OUTDOOR Pull-Out Car Awning Cover
DANCHEL OUTDOOR Car Awning, Roof Rack Pull-Out Car Awning Overland, Waterproof Portable Car Side Sun Shelter Tarp for SUV/Truck/Van/Camper, 4.9x6.5ft Gray

The DANCHEL OUTDOOR Pull-Out Car Awning is a portable and weather-proof car awning designed for outdoor camping. It provides timely shade and shelter to your SUVs, vans, campers, and trailers, with a size of 4.9ft(attached to roof rack)*6.5ft(extension from car) and ruggedized metal top hinges/joints design. The extendable legs (3.9ft to 7.2ft) feature aluminium twist lock poles and retractable awning poles, which allow you to adjust the angle according to sun exposure. It is easy to mount and transport, and the attached design allows you to add exterior side wall panels for extra shade and privacy.

What We Like
Portable and easy to mount and transport
Weather-proof and ruggedized metal top hinges/joints design
Extendable legs with aluminium twist lock poles and retractable awning poles
#TOP 5

FEIWOOD GEAR Portable Car Awning

FEIWOOD GEAR
Car Awning for vehicle
Dark Green
FEIWOOD GEAR Portable Car Awning Cover
FEIWOOD GEAR Portable Car Awning for SUV, Vehicle Awning for Camping Van Truck, Needn't Roof Rack Hardwares Waterproof UV50+

The FEIWOOD GEAR Car Awning is designed for quick and easy setup, requiring no roof rack hardware and taking just five minutes to install. You can use two sturdy suction cups and hooks to secure it, making it user-friendly. Once set up, this awning provides ample shade, covering your family, pets, and gear from sun, rain, and wind. Made from durable waterproof and UV-protective fabric, it ensures you stay sheltered in various weather conditions. Additionally, the package includes everything you need for setup, making it a convenient choice for your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Quick and easy installation
Ample shade and protection
Durable waterproof material
Includes complete setup kit
#TOP 6

IDOOGEN SUV Tailgate Tent

IDOOGEN
Mobility A0
Black
IDOOGEN SUV Tailgate Tent Cover
IDOOGEN Tailgate Tent for SUV, SUV Tent with Awning Shade & Screen Net,Car Roof Canopy and Poles,Waterproof Camping Tent,UV Protection,Outdoor Travel Preferred, Universal Fit Most SUV - Black

The IDOOGEN SUV Tent is designed for quick and hassle-free setup, allowing you to create a shaded area in just five minutes. Made from high-quality 210D polyester with waterproof and UV protection features, it ensures you stay dry and safe from the sun during your outdoor adventures. Its adjustable design fits a variety of vehicle models, preventing gaps and enhancing air tightness. Additionally, the tent includes high-density mesh for ventilation while keeping pesky insects out, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, or picnics.

What We Like
Quick and easy setup
Waterproof and UV protected
Fits various vehicle models
High-density mesh for ventilation
#TOP 7

FEIWOOD GEAR Large SUV Awning

FEIWOOD GEAR
Car Awning Camping Tarp
Green
FEIWOOD GEAR Large SUV Awning Cover
FEIWOOD GEAR Large SUV Awning for Camping with Aluminum Pole, 19 x 13.3ft Waterproof Tailgate Truck Canopy Sun Shade Car Awning for SUV,Van,MPV,Jeep,Backpacking

The FEIWOOD GEAR SUV Awning is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its generous size accommodates up to eight people, making it perfect for family camping trips or tailgating events. With multiple setup options, you can easily adapt the awning to your needs, whether you want maximum shade or added privacy. The lightweight design and included storage bag make transport a breeze, allowing you to quickly pack it into your vehicle. Plus, the durable materials ensure protection from rain and harmful UV rays, so you can enjoy your adventures worry-free.

What We Like
Spacious for large gatherings
Multiple setup configurations
Lightweight and portable
Durable, waterproof material
#TOP 8

UNIHIMAL SUV Camping Tent

UNIHIMAL
suv tent-0
green
UNIHIMAL SUV Camping Tent Cover
UNIHIMAL SUV Tent for Camping, Car Tent, Car Awning Tailgate Tent Windproof Hatchback for Car Camping Tent Roof Canopy and Poles Universal Waterproof 3000MM UPF 50+ (Green)

The UNIHIMAL Car Tent is designed to fit a variety of vehicles, from full-size SUVs to smaller vans, making it perfect for tailgate camping. Setting it up is quick and easy—just attach it to your vehicle and secure the straps. You’ll appreciate the spacious shaded area it provides, accommodating 4-6 people comfortably. Made from durable, tear-resistant polyester, this tent protects you from UV rays and includes wind guy-lines for added stability, ensuring you can enjoy your outdoor experience, rain or shine.

What We Like
Universal vehicle compatibility
Quick and easy setup
Spacious shaded area
Durable, UV-protective material
Stable in windy conditions
#TOP 9

DANCHEL OUTDOOR Vehicle Awning

DANCHEL OUTDOOR
Khaki
4.9x6.5ft
DANCHEL OUTDOOR Vehicle Awning Cover
DANCHEL OUTDOOR Vehicle Awning Overland Camping, UPF50+ Roof Rack Car Awning Waterproof Truck Canopy Tarp Shelter, Khaki 4.9x6.5ft

The DANCHEL Vehicle Awning is a versatile outdoor shelter that enhances your camping experience. With a generous size of 4.9x6.5 feet, it offers 32.5 square feet of shade, perfect for tailgating or smaller vehicles. Its waterproof and UPF 50+ fabric ensures you stay dry and protected from the sun. The lightweight aluminum frame features durable metal hinges, making setup quick and easy. You can adjust the height with twist-lock poles, accommodating various vehicle sizes. When not in use, the awning rolls up neatly, requiring minimal storage space on your roof rack.

What We Like
Easy setup and storage
Waterproof and sun protection
Durable and lightweight materials
Adjustable height for different vehicles
#TOP 10

KingCamp SUV Tent

KT2005
One Size
KingCamp SUV Tent Cover
KingCamp SUV Tent Versatility Waterproof Car Awning Sun Shelter, Portable Auto Canopy Camper Trailer Sun Shade for Camping, Outdoor

The KingCamp SUV Tent is perfect for camping and outdoor activities. It is large enough to accommodate 2-3 people, and can be used with another KT2004 to extend the space. The tent is made of durable 150D Oxford cloth fabric and comes with 3 glass fiber poles, 4 iron pipe poles, 4 guy ropes, 2 tendon ropes, and 8 ground steel nails for stability. It is also waterproof up to PU2000mm, suitable for light to moderate rain. Setting up the tent is easy with its fiberglass support, tarpaulin connection, and drawstring. It is also versatile and can be used as a gazebo or ground shelter, suitable for different types of vehicles.

What We Like
Durable 150D Oxford cloth fabric
Waterproof up to PU2000mm
Easy to set up with fiberglass support and drawstring
Buying Guide Image

The Right Car Awnings for Your Car

Consider Your Needs

When choosing a car awning, it's important to first consider your individual needs. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Will the awning be used for shade or protection from the elements?
  • How often will you use the awning?
  • How many people will the awning need to accommodate?
  • What is your budget for an awning?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down the options and choose an awning that is best suited for your needs.

Determine the Right Size

Once you have a good understanding of your needs, you can begin to determine the right size of awning for your car. A small, compact awning may be sufficient if you're only looking for a bit of shade, but a larger awning will be necessary if you need protection from the rain or wind.

When measuring for an awning, it's important to consider not just the size of your car, but also the space you need around the car. This will ensure that the awning is large enough to provide the coverage you need, without being so large that it becomes unwieldy to use.

Consider the Material

Car awnings are typically made from one of three materials: polyester, acrylic, or cotton. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to consider which one is best suited for your needs.

Polyester awnings are lightweight and affordable, making them a popular choice for many people. They are also relatively easy to clean and maintain, and are resistant to mold and mildew. However, polyester awnings are not as durable as other materials, and may not provide as much protection from the elements.

Acrylic awnings are more durable than polyester, and are better at resisting water and UV damage. They are also more breathable than polyester, which can help to prevent condensation and mold growth. However, acrylic awnings are generally more expensive than polyester, and may be more difficult to clean and maintain.

Cotton awnings are the most breathable and natural of the three materials, and are generally the most comfortable to use. They are also relatively affordable, and are easy to clean and maintain. However, cotton awnings are not as durable as polyester or acrylic, and may not provide as much protection from the elements.

Choose the Right Brand

Once you have narrowed down your options based on size, material, and budget, you can begin to consider the different brands of car awnings available on the market. It's important to choose a reputable brand that has a proven track record of producing high-quality awnings.

Do some research online to read reviews and compare prices from different brands. Consider factors such as the warranty offered, the customer service provided, and the overall reputation of the brand. It's also a good idea to talk to friends and family who have used car awnings in the past to get their recommendations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car awning can be a daunting task, but by considering your needs, determining the right size, considering the material, and choosing the right brand, you can be confident that you are making the best decision for your individual situation. With the right awning, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the alternative to a car awning?

An alternative to a car awning is a folding gazebo. While the cheaper options may not be sturdy, those with scissor-action, parallelogram frames are strong and wind-resistant.

2. Are car awnings worth it?

Yes, car awnings are worth it if you frequently travel and take breaks to rest, cook, or relax outdoors. They provide comfort, shelter, and privacy. Most car awnings are designed to mount on a roof rack system, ensuring aerodynamic travel.

3. What is the easiest awning to set up?

Side awnings are one of the quickest and easiest to install. They are usually placed on the longest dimension of your vehicle, with a long rail mounted to the roof rack acting as a base for all other components.

4. Can I attach an awning to my car?

Yes, awnings can be easily attached to any vehicle equipped with roof racks. They can be mounted on a pair of roof bars using special L-brackets or a welded full-length roof rack. Awnings come in various widths to fit a wide range of vehicles.

5. Are awnings worth the money?

Yes, awnings are worth the money. They provide cost savings on energy bills and increase the time you can spend outdoors by offering protection from heat and sun. The return-on-investment for retractable awnings is great, as the initial cost is minimal compared to other permanent outdoor structures.

6. What is better than awnings?

Solar shades are an alternative to retractable awnings. While they both provide sun protection, solar shades tend to be longer-lasting due to their materials and features.

7. Can you install awning without roof rack?

Yes, if your vehicle doesn't have a roof rack, you can still install an awning. Many people mount their awning brackets to the spare tire carrier. However, this may cause issues for vehicles with pop-up or swing-away carriers that hang lower than standard bolt-on units.

8. What is the disadvantage of retractable awning?

One disadvantage of retractable awnings is that they can potentially damage other elements of your home, such as roofing, brickwork, siding, or windows if not positioned correctly.

Editor's Notes

During our car awning research, we found 24 car awning products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,432 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car awnings list. We found that most customers choose car awnings with an average price of $84.44.

The car awnings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car awnings, including VEVOR, Overland Vehicle Systems, G2 GO2GETHER, DANCHEL OUTDOOR, FEIWOOD GEAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
David Davis Avatar

David Davis has rich experience as a mechanic and a general repairman in the automotive industry. It has given him plenty of knowledge in automobile repair, auto parts, and all kinds of tools. In his spare time, he enjoys assembling and disassembling parts for cars.