Desert Cruiser V2 130 vs Bush Cruiser V2 Pro

Quick summary

Choose the Desert Cruiser V2 130 if you want a modern, low and streamlined hardshell tent with lower weight, updated comfort, smart lighting and a more aerodynamic design.

Choose the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro if you want a clamshell tent with a rear entrance – for example if you use the tailgate as part of your camp, have a kitchen setup in the back of the car, or want to build camp behind the car.

So the biggest difference isn't just size, but how the tent is used on the car. The Desert Cruiser V2 opens more classically from the side, while the Bush Cruiser is built to be used from the rear.

What stands out about the Desert Cruiser V2 130

The Desert Cruiser V2 130 is the newer, more updated model. It builds on the Desert Cruiser series but adds several improvements in comfort, design and user experience. The biggest advantages are:

• Lower weight than the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro.
• A more modern, rounder and more aerodynamic shell.
• A low profile on the car.
• Improved mattress comfort.
• A wider opening angle and airier feel.
• Built-in power sockets.
• A dimmable LED light with an orange, mosquito-repelling mode.
• Extra storage pockets.
• A more modern overall feel.

What stands out about the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro is very similar to the Desert Cruiser in feel and use, but the big difference is the rear entrance. That makes the Bush Cruiser especially interesting if you want to use the back of the car as a natural part of your camp – for example if you have a kitchen setup in the boot, often cook behind the car, or want the tent entrance to face the tailgate. The biggest advantages are:

• A rear entrance.
• A very low profile when closed.
• Fast setup.
• Load bars included.
• A hardshell that can act as a windbreak.
• An integrated diesel heater opening.
• Storm poles included.
• Good interior height.
• Robust construction for a Nordic climate.

Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 120 or 140?

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro comes in two sizes: 120 and 140.

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 120 is the best fit if you want a rear entrance in a narrower and slightly lighter format. It's mainly for 1–2 people and more relevant if the car has limited width or you want to keep the size down.

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 140 is a better fit if you want more sleeping area and a more comfortable format for two adults, or two adults and a child. It's the roomier version, but it also weighs more.

If you're unsure between the 120 and 140, we'd normally recommend the 140 for two adults who want comfort, and the 120 if you travel solo or as two people who prioritise a compact format.

Weight and roof load

Weight is one of the most important differences. The Desert Cruiser V2 130 is lighter and gives a better margin than the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 140, especially on cars with a limited roof load.

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 140 is the heaviest model and won't work on cars with a lower roof load once you count the weight of the roof bars. It requires a car and roof bars with a higher approved load capacity.

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 120 is considerably lighter than the 140 version and can work on more cars, but you still need to count the roof bars' weight and check both the car's and the roof bars' maximum load. If you're unsure, we're happy to help you check what your car can handle.

Entrance and camp layout

This is where the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro is most unique. The Bush Cruiser has a rear entrance, which makes the tent especially good if you want to build camp around the car's tailgate. If you have kitchen drawers, a fridge, storage or other gear in the boot, it can be very practical for the tent entrance to be at the rear too.

The Desert Cruiser V2 130 is a better fit if you want a more classic setup where the tent is used from the side and the focus is on low weight, modern comfort and a sleek driving profile.

Choose the Bush Cruiser if camping often happens behind the car. Choose the Desert Cruiser V2 if you want a more all-round and modern solution.

Loading on top of the tent

The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro ships with Wild Land Crossbars V4, which lets you load gear on top of the tent right from the start. That's a clear advantage if you want to bring things like solar panels, lighter luggage, bikes, a kayak or other equipment.

The Desert Cruiser V2 130 has an aluminium honeycomb shell built to carry load on top with the right load bars, but load bars are not included. Always check current availability before counting on being able to add them right away.

If loading on top of the tent matters from the first day, the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro is the more practical choice.

Profile, comfort and bedding

Both models have a low profile, but the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro is slightly thinner when closed and feels extremely low on the car, giving less wind drag while driving. The Desert Cruiser V2 130 is a little taller, but has a rounder, more modern aerodynamic shape – in practice both are very streamlined hardshell tents.

The Desert Cruiser V2 130 has a more modern comfort experience with an improved mattress, built-in power sockets, updated lighting and a wider opening angle that makes the tent feel airier than its format suggests. The Bush Cruiser V2 Pro has good interior height and a robust, practical feel, plus a clear advantage for colder use: an integrated diesel heater opening.

Both are low-profile, which means they don't have as much room for bedding as taller hardshell tents. Duvets can usually stay in place, but pillows often need to be stored in the car. If you want to leave a lot of bedding in the tent, neither the Desert Cruiser V2 nor the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro is the best choice – a model with more space when closed suits that better.

Both are fast and easy to set up and pack down with gas struts. The Bush Cruiser is also practical because the windows don't require separate window poles, while the Desert Cruiser V2 puts more focus on modern comfort, low weight and updated design.

Our advice

Choose the Desert Cruiser V2 130 if you want the most modern, all-round low-profile tent. It's lighter than the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 140, has updated comfort, smart features and a more aerodynamic shape.

Choose the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro if you specifically want a rear entrance, use the car's tailgate as part of your camp, or want load bars included from the start.

For most people who just want a streamlined, low and modern hardshell tent, we recommend the Desert Cruiser V2 130. If you have a clear reason to want a rear entrance, the Bush Cruiser V2 Pro is a strong choice – but always check the weight, especially if you're looking at the 140 version.