The Kia Sorento Camper: Building a No-Build Sleeping Platform

There’s something about watching the sunset from your campsite, knowing you don’t have to pack up a tent in the morning or sleep on uneven ground — and realizing your Kia Sorento just became the most versatile piece of camping gear you own.

You’ve seen the van life videos. You’ve priced out those fancy overlanding trailers. Maybe you’ve even spent a restless night in a tent wishing for something more comfortable. Here’s the secret the Sorento owners already know: you don’t need to drop thousands on a dedicated camper or permanently modify your SUV. With 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space and some clever planning, your Sorento transforms into a perfectly comfortable camper for weekend adventures or cross-country road trips .

The best part? You can build it in an afternoon, remove it in ten minutes, and your Kia goes right back to hauling kids and groceries on Monday morning. No sawing permanent holes. No drilling into factory panels. No regrets when you want to sell the vehicle down the road.

TL;DR — A no-build Sorento camper uses the existing interior space with removable components. The key is a flat sleeping platform that fits over the folded seats, creating storage underneath while giving you a comfortable surface to sleep on. One traveler spent two and a half months sleeping in their Sorento this way, covering thousands of miles while saving on accommodations . With careful planning around the wheel wells and seat removal (or creative folding), you can build a system that works for your height, your gear, and your budget.

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Key Takeaways

• Maximum sleeping length — A 5’11” traveler slept comfortably in a Sorento with a properly designed platform; measure your own height plus extra space
• 75.5 cubic feet total — That’s your maximum cargo volume with all rear seats folded
• Platform height matters — Build it just above the wheel wells to access storage cubbies and maintain sitting-up room
• Seat removal is optional — Some builders remove the rear seats entirely for more storage depth; others work with the folded seats
• Window covers are the hardest part — Expect to experiment with curtains, binder clips, and creative solutions for privacy and light blockage
• Memory foam is your friend — A King-sized mattress topper folded into thirds creates a comfortable, storable bed surface

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Understanding the Kia Sorento Interior for Camping: Dimensions That Matter

Before you buy a single 2×4, you need to understand what you’re working with. The current-generation Sorento (2021–2025) offers some impressive numbers, but real-world camping requires translating those specs into actual sleeping space.

The maximum cargo volume hits 75.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded . That’s enough space for a surprising amount of gear and a comfortable sleeping setup. But here’s where it gets specific: with the third-row seats folded but the second row still up, you’re looking at 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet depending on your trim . With the third row up, you’ve only got 12.6 cubic feet behind that seat — enough for groceries but not for sleeping .

The floor is anything but flat when the seats are folded. That’s the challenge every Sorento camper builder faces. The seats don’t fold completely flush with the cargo floor, and there are gaps, humps, and varying heights to contend with . A platform solves this by creating one continuous flat surface.

Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Considerations

If you’re driving a 2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, your dimensions are slightly different. The cargo area specifications remain similar — still 75.5 cubic feet maximum — but the floor height may vary due to battery placement . Always measure your specific vehicle rather than relying on generic dimensions.

The European-market Sorento HEV offers 608 liters (about 21.5 cubic feet) behind the second row and up to 1,996 liters (about 70.5 cubic feet) maximum, confirming that international versions offer similar spaciousness . So whether you’re in North America, Europe, or elsewhere, the Sorento platform works for camping conversions.

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The Real-World Build: One Traveler’s Successful Sorento Camper

The best resource for understanding what works comes from someone who actually did it. One Kia Forum member documented their two-and-a-half-month road trip sleeping in a Sorento, covering thousands of miles from Saskatchewan to the East Coast . Their experience reveals what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

The verdict: “Very comfortable for my 5 foot 11 stature” . That’s the key measurement — if you’re around this height, a Sorento camper works. Taller sleepers may need to angle the bed or accept some compromise.

Step 1: Seat Removal (Optional but Recommended)

The builder chose to remove the second and third rows completely. This decision created over 7 inches of extra depth underneath the platform — enough for serious storage . The tradeoffs were worth considering:

• Pros: Flat load surface maximized, tons of under-platform storage, ability to build platform at ideal height
• Cons: Extra road noise until platform installed (platform dampened it), permanent-feeling modification (though reversible), loss of passenger seating

Removal process: Each seat bolt has a plastic cover that clips on. A bike tire tool (under $5 at any cycling shop) works perfectly to remove these covers without breaking the clips . Work systematically around the vehicle, unbolting all rear seats. Remove the plastic barrier behind the third row and the metal bracket holding the jack.

If you’re not ready for full seat removal, you can work with the folded seats — just expect less under-bed storage and a potentially higher platform to clear the folded seatbacks.

Step 2: Platform Construction — The Heart of Your Camper

The platform serves two purposes: creating a flat sleeping surface and providing storage space underneath. This builder’s approach is worth copying.

Height decision: They built the platform top just above the wheel wells in the back . This strategic choice:

• Allowed use of the existing storage cubbies
• Left room to sit up most of the way while on the memory foam bed
• Enabled access to under-platform storage from the hatch
• Kept the platform from extending wider than the wheel wells, making installation easier

Support structure: Three supports made from 2x4s running the width of the vehicle, with three 2×8 boards screwed into those supports . Because the floor of a three-row Sorento “is anything but flat,” each vertical 2×4 was cut to a different length to accommodate floor variations .

Platform top: 3/4-inch plywood cut into four sections :

• One solid piece for immediately behind the front seats
• Two similar-sized pieces on hinges with notched handles for accessing items underneath
• Another solid piece for the back

This hinged design means you can reach stored items without lifting the entire mattress and platform.

Finishing touch: Carpets cut to size and stapled to the platform provide a better surface that prevents items from sliding around .

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Timeline: From Stock Sorento to Weekend Camper

Building your no-build camper typically takes one weekend. Here’s what the process looks like:

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Window Coverings: The Surprisingly Difficult Part

According to the experienced traveler, “The most frustrating part of the whole project was finding a way to put in window coverings that blocked light, provided privacy, and were easily removable for driving” .

Their solution evolved through trial and error:

Initial attempt: A shower rod directly behind the front seats. Failed because the curved ceiling prevented the bar from staying in place.

Working solution: A rope tied between the second-row “oh shit” handles with curtains draped down . This required sleeping with head at the hatch and feet pushing the curtains out slightly. Binder clips attached to the rope, with the metal release tucked behind the dome light trim, prevented sagging.

Side windows: Started with dark pillowcases attached to door frames with Velcro. The Velcro sometimes came loose at night. Switched to binder clips — one attaching to the rope on the second-row handle, the other wedged between the plastic C-pillar cover and roof liner .

Rear window: Two removable 3M hanger hooks stuck to the glass, holding a windshield sun shade whenever parked .

Condensation management: Four windows cracked open while sleeping. Rain guards on the outside are “necessary to keep rain from dripping in” due to the Sorento’s rounded roof shape .

If you’re camping in buggy areas, you’ll need to figure out window screens too. Some owners use magnetic screen material or custom-fit mosquito nets.

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The Bed: Where Comfort Happens

After all the platform work, the bed surface matters most. The successful long-term traveler settled on a King-sized memory foam mattress topper folded into three parts and held together by fastening on a bed sheet .

Why this works:

• Memory foam conforms to the platform and your body
• Folding into thirds makes storage easy during the day
• Topper thickness provides cushioning without being bulky
• Much cheaper than purpose-built camping mattresses

Pro tip: Let the topper expand fully for 24 hours before first use. The smell dissipates, and the foam reaches its proper thickness.

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Kitchen Setup: Cooking From the Hatch

The rear hatch becomes your kitchen. The experienced traveler used the rear of the vehicle for food storage and cooking prep :

• On rainy days, the hatch provided excellent coverage
• The bed folds to create space for cooking
• A camp stove placed on a butcher block in the back worked well
• Platform height was “great for this” — comfortable standing or sitting position
• All food stored underneath the platform made access easy

Gear used:

• Plastic drawer for cooking utensils
• Large cooler behind the driver’s seat for perishables
• Basic two-burner propane camp stove

The cooler location behind the driver’s seat was accessible from the passenger side but “due to the ceiling it was difficult to open without pulling out” . Consider this when planning your layout.

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Storage: Surprisingly Generous

One of the biggest surprises? How much fits underneath the platform. The solo traveler stored :

• Emergency supplies
• Extra clothes
• Winter gear
• Padding equipment
• A tent
• Tarps

And still had “loads of extra room.”

On top of the platform: the folded bed, stove, kitchen utensils, large cooler, and a laundry hamper .

This setup supported months of travel with everything needed for life on the road.

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Chart: Cargo Capacity Comparison Across Sorento Generations

To visualize how much space you’re working with, here’s the cargo capacity across different configurations:

Cargo capacity in cubic feet — higher bars mean more space for camping gear

*Data compiled from iSeeCars and TopGear España *

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Comparison: Sorento Camper Approaches

Approach	Best For	Difficulty	Sleep Height Range	Storage Space	Return to Stock Time
Full Seat Removal + Platform	Long-term travel, maximum storage	Moderate (2-3 hours)	5’11” comfortable	Massive underneath	1-2 hours
Folded Seats + Platform	Weekend trips, keeping seats	Easy (1-2 hours)	Varies by trim	Limited underneath	30 minutes
Folded Seats + Air Mattress	Quick overnight, minimal gear	Very easy (15 min)	5’6″ max typically	None	5 minutes
Roof Top Tent	Keeping interior free for gear	Moderate (install rack)	Unlimited (on roof)	Interior fully usable	30 minutes

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kia Sorento Camping

Can I sleep in my Kia Sorento comfortably?

Yes — a 5’11” traveler slept comfortably for over two months in a Sorento with a custom platform. Taller sleepers may need to angle the bed or consider roof-top options .

How much space is in the Sorento with seats folded?

Maximum cargo volume is 75.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. With third row folded only, you get 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet depending on trim .

Do I need to remove the seats for camping?

No, but removing them creates over 7 inches of extra depth for storage and allows a lower platform. It’s reversible if you keep all hardware .

How do I handle privacy and window covers?

Many owners use a combination of rope between grab handles with curtains, binder clips to secure fabric, and sunshades for the rear window. Rain guards allow cracked windows for ventilation .

What’s the best mattress for a Sorento camper?

A King-sized memory foam mattress topper folded into thirds works well. It’s comfortable, stores easily, and costs much less than camping-specific mattresses .

Can hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorentos be used for camping?

Yes — they offer similar cargo space (75.5 cubic feet maximum). Just verify floor height and battery placement in your specific model before building .

How do I cook while camping in my Sorento?

The rear hatch provides excellent coverage. Use a camp stove on a stable surface (butcher block works well) with the bed folded out of the way. Store food and utensils underneath the platform .

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Choosing Your No-Build Approach

The beauty of the Sorento camper concept is flexibility. You can start simple and add complexity as your needs evolve.

For weekend warriors: Try sleeping on the folded seats with an air mattress first. It’s cheap, requires zero construction, and tells you whether car camping works for you. Just know that the seat fold isn’t perfectly flat, so expect some slope.

For frequent campers: Build the platform with the seats still in place. You’ll get a flat surface, some under-bed storage, and the ability to return to passenger mode in minutes.

For long-term travelers: Consider full seat removal like the forum member did. The extra 7+ inches of depth transforms your storage capacity and makes months on the road feel organized rather than cramped .

Safety first: Always secure heavy items in the cargo area during a drive to prevent them from sliding forward. A cooler becomes a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop. Use straps, nets, or bungees to keep everything in place.

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Real-World Tips From Someone Who Did It

The experienced Sorento camper shared wisdom worth repeating :

• Test your setup at home first. Sleep in your driveway before driving hours to a campsite.
• Rain guards are essential if you crack windows for ventilation. Water finds its way in otherwise.
• Platform height above wheel wells is the sweet spot — you can use storage cubbies and still sit up.
• Memory foam takes time to expand. Unpack it at home, not at your campsite.
• Binder clips solve more problems than you’d expect. Carry extras.
• The floor isn’t flat, so measure each support individually rather than assuming identical lengths.

“This setup got me from Saskatchewan Canada to the east coast and back while limiting expenses on accommodations. I could use it in campgrounds, rest stops, and Wal-Mart parking lots and it really did make the whole trip possible on a budget — Love the versatility of this Sorento.”

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Final Thoughts: Your Sorento Is Already a Camper

Here’s the thing about the Kia Sorento — it’s already most of the way to being a camper before you do anything. The space is there: 75.5 cubic feet waiting to be used . The versatility is there: fold seats, remove seats, or leave them installed depending on your needs. The reliability is there: one traveler drove thousands of miles without issues .

All you’re doing is adding a flat surface and some curtains. That’s it. No permanent modifications. No expensive conversions. No sacrificing your daily driver for weekend adventures.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, saving money on festival accommodations, or just want the option to sleep under the stars without sleeping on the ground, your Sorento is ready. Build the platform in an afternoon, test it in your driveway, and hit the road knowing you’ve got a comfortable, private space waiting at the end of each day.

What’s your ideal Sorento camping setup? Drop your thoughts — or your own build photos — in the comments below.

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References:

• iSeeCars – 2025 Kia Sorento Dimensions
• Kia Forums – Car Camper Conversion
• iSeeCars – 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Dimensions
• TopGear España – Prueba del KIA Sorento HEV
• Ron Bouchard Kia – 2025 Kia Sorento Interior