The wide selection of ‘vans on offer in the UK means it can be hard to know how to go about finding the best campervan for you and your needs. Choose the right one and you’ll have an excellent base for making some amazing memories, but if you purchase a camper van that doesn’t meet your requirements, it could prove to be an expensive mistake. So how do you find the ‘van for you? That’s where this guide comes in.
Coming on one of the best vans for converting to a camper, such as the Mercedes Sprinter, the VW Transporter or the Fiat Ducato, a camper van has been converted specifically for travelling. Owning a campervan gives you the freedom to explore, allowing you to pitch up at your chosen site, but before you can relax and enjoy the benefits of on tour life, you’ll need to find the best camper van for your needs.
The best small campervans will provide more nimble driving experiences, but this can come at the expense of the facilities provided in the likes of the washroom and kitchen – for instance, you could find yourself using a Porta Potti or relying on the campsite facilities. Alternatively, the longer wheelbase camper vans, which have a better spec and more headroom, but are not necessarily as suited as everyday vehicles as their smaller counterparts.
These are our choices for the best campervans, featuring names such as Swift, WildAx, Panama and more.
What is the best camper van?
Auto-Trail Expedition 68XL
Swift Carrera 144
Panama P/10E
WildAx Equinox
Malibu Genius 641 LE
Sun Living V65 SL
Swift Trekker X
Mobilvetta Admiral K6.3
Auto-Sleeper M-Star
Bailey Endeavour B63
Auto-Trail Expedition 68XL
- Price: £57,563
- Sleeps: 2 (optional 4)
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Length: 6.36m
- Width: 2.05m
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2950kg
- Payload: 550kg
Reason to buy:
- A good choice for day-to-day use and touring
Reason to avoid:
- Washroom is a bit on the basic side
It may have an XL in its name, but the Expedition 68XL is still fairly small, coming with a length of only 6.36m. We thought it was an impressively nifty campervan when we put it to the test, with plenty of storage. In fact, we think it makes a great choice for campervanners who want a good day-to-day vehicle that also provides plenty of the comforts you would want on tour.
The front dinette has an optional pop-top roof and a table that can be folded away beneath, which not only gives you space for the ladder, but also ensures anyone in the two travel seats has plenty of legroom. Ok, the table is a bit on the small side, but we were pleased to see the inclusion of USB ports in the spotlight above the dinette (if you’ve previously followed Auto-Trail releases, you will know this has not always been the case).
The kitchen impressed us too, providing a two-burner hob, a decent sink, and a combined oven and grill. One thing we will highlight: the mains socket sits above the hob.
The washroom may be on the basic side, with a shower coming out of the small basin tap, but we were pleased to see decent headroom.
Then there is an impressive 6ft 3in lengthways bed on the rear nearside, and one which is marginally shorter on the offside, giving you a comfortable sleeping space, always important in the best camper vans. Then, if you opt for the pop-top roof, the ladder can be folded up in the hatch if you’re not going to need to access it during the day. We thought it was a nice sleeping space, offering angle-poise lamps, complete with USB ports.
New features in the camper van include a 70Ah AGM battery as standard and a 200W flexi solar panel, which will be handy for off-grid campervanning.
Full review: Auto-Trail Expedition 68XL
Swift Carrera 144
- Price: From £77,590
- Sleeps: 3
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.26m
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 3025kg
- Payload: 475kg
Reason to buy:
- A layout that works well for couples, smart tweaks to freshen it up
Reason to avoid:
- Washroom isn’t the biggest
The 2023 Carrera 144 has been a longtime favourite of ours, but we think the new upgrades the 2026 model comes with have given a nice freshen up to what we already viewed as one of the best campervans.
The Carrera 144 has a layout that works particularly well for touring couples. This is due to its comfortable rear lounge, where facing sofas can be made up into a double bed; couples would then have the option of leaving the bed set up, and then using the front dinette to relax in during the day instead.
The exterior is now in a smart Artense Grey for 2026, while inside, we like how the new Acadia soft-furnishing scheme is not only stylish but also stain-resistant.
Swivel the cab seats around to face the dinette, and you can enjoy a decent-sized table. That’s not all, as we also liked the comfort provided by the dinette’s bench seat, thanks to adjustable headrests and a side wall armrest. It’s nicely lit too, as you would expect in one of the best camper vans.
The kitchen may not have much work surface, but an extension can always be used; other features include a Dometic two-burner stainless steel hob and sink, a built-in oven with a grill, and a Dometic 90-litre compressor fridge.
The washroom isn’t the biggest, but the washbasin folds away, and we also like the new smart black fittings.
Then there’s that comfortable rear lounge, where upgraded Whale blown-air heating helps to keep things warm. A third berth can be made up at the base of the driver’s seat, but we reckon it’s more of an occasional bed. Storage is also reasonable throughout.
Full review: Swift Carrera 144
Panama P/10E
- Price: From £79,995
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 5
- Base vehicle: Ford Tourneo Custom Active
- Length: 5.04
- Width: 2.28m
- MTPLM: 3245kg
- Payload: 465kg
Reason to buy:
- Comfortable, well-equipped, and enjoyable to drive
Reason to avoid:
- Kitchen space is limited, no washroom
We’re very impressed with the P/10E from Panama, a model that we not only named the best campervan for everyday use at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2026, but also selected as a highly commended contender in two further categories. What stood out to us is how it’s well-equipped, and despite its size, it manages to feel spacious.
As it comes on a Tourneo Custom, it gives you three seats in the back bench. Suitable for use in low-emission zones, the P/10E is a hybrid camper van which has a 2.5-litre 230bhp petrol engine combined with a 13kW plug-in hybrid battery with 11.8kW of usable power, offering an electric-only range of 32 miles.
At only 5.04m too, it will be very nimble to drive, and we were impressed by the host of driving aids, including lane centering with stop & go, driver alerts, Electronic Stability Control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and hill-start assist, and speed sign recognition.
We also appreciate how a freestanding table is included, which can be used outside or set up in the kitchen using anchor points.
Unsurprisingly for a camper van of this size, the kitchen has compromises in available space, but you still get a fridge with a freezer compartment, and an induction hob which has both 1000W and 1200W options. There’s no dedicated washroom either (again, not a shock when you look at the camper van’s length), but there is a Porta Potti which can be stored in a storage cupboard in the kitchen.
The travel seats can be turned into a rock’n’roll bed, which we found perfectly comfortable, but the pop-top roof bed is the star of the sleeping arrangement, offering both comfort and space.
WildAx Equinox
- Base vehicle: Ford Transit
- Price: £78,495
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 3108kg
- Payload: 392kg
- Length: 5.98m
- Width: 2.06m
Reason to buy:
- High spec, good choice as a day-to-day campervan
Reason to avoid:
- Rear double bed is tricky to fasten back up
A highly commended contender in our best campervan for everyday use category at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2026, the Equinox is a high-spec Ford Transit-based campervan which has plenty of comfort throughout and is available as both a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive model.
The Lippert rising roof may mean a bed can’t be made up in the front dinette, but it does mean you get two car-like seats here, and we thought it was a nice touch that they have matching upholstery with that used on the seats in the Ford cab. It’s a well-lit area too, thanks to plenty of LEDs and a sunroof, while there are a number of USB ports dotted around, as well as a mains socket. We should highlight that the TV could only be seen by those in the cab seats, though.
We thought it was a nicely equipped kitchen, with a microwave and a fridge. There’s also a two-burner hob and oven, which are the only features to use gas in the entire ‘van, so you could possibly get away with only taking a single 6kg gas bottle with you.
Headroom may not be the best in the washroom, and there’s also a step up, but the lighting impresses and production models will come with an extractor fan. It also features a Nomadic Ark ceramic loo, a salad bowl-style washbasin, and a separate shower.
The rear double bed may only be what our reviewer deemed ‘Ok-sized’, and there are windows at each end, so no headboard. We also found it a little tricky to fasten the bed back up using the provided belt, having to open the barn doors to do it from the outside. However, the main roof bed usefully has a ladder that can be folded and stored in a dedicated spot, so it’s not in the way.
A small touch that we appreciated; how beautifully finished the cupboards and drawers are at the back, coming in an Air Force blue and white, unlike the basic pine you see in so many campervans.
Full review: WildAx Equinox
Malibu Genius 641 LE
- Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2946kg
- Payload: 192kg
- Length: 6.40m
- Width: 2.02m
Reason to buy:
- Provides great storage and comfort
Reason to avoid:
- No cooker as standard, shower only has a single drainage hole
Our winner of the most luxurious campervan at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025 is an innovative option which offers plenty of comfort and storage.
Malibu has added an extra 47cm to the original 5.93m length of the Mercedes Sprinter, as the manufacturer was unable to fit everything it wanted to include for its Comfort spec level. Despite this rear extension, it still matches the original base vehicle’s beading.
We found this extra space was especially felt in the side kitchen, where good work surface (including a pull-out extension), a two-burner hob and a large sink can be found, although there is no oven as standard.
By folding out the washroom doors twice, you can create a partition to seal off the rear section of the interior, essentially creating two rooms. Seal off the cubicle with a plastic screen and you then get a third. Slide the toilet away and fold up the basin to create a clear shower space too, although we noted it only has a single drainage hole.
The rear bedroom utilises this extra length too, with the two single beds 2m long. We also like how it makes a huge difference to the storage – lift the beds up to reveal a generous storage space, including a hanging wardrobe and two sets of drawers.
Full review: Malibu Genius 641 LE
Sun Living V65 SL
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Berths: 2 (plus 2 optional)
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2940kg
- Payload: 560kg
- Length: 6.36m
- Width: 2.05m
Reason to buy:
- A very flexible ‘van with a comfortable lounge
Reason to avoid:
- Doesn’t have an oven or microwave, even as an option
The Sun Living V65 SL proved an impressive campervan when we reviewed it earlier this year. It has a flexible floorplan and a well-thought-out design which we reckon should work particularly well for couples or growing families.
The Fiat Ducato-based campervan is a new layout, released as Adria relaunched Sun Living in the UK this season. There’s a comfortable front lounge, with light streaming in through the windows and a Heki, while movable LED spotlights and ambient lighting can be used in the evening. We liked how the clip-on table also comes with a swing-out extension, so everyone can reach it.
We think the rear space has been cleverly designed too. It has fixed single beds (which can be made into a double), but due to how they are designed, it can double up as a second lounge, giving you a great area for children to spend a wet afternoon.
While a two-berth as standard, there is the option of adding a hammock to fit widthways across the rear lounge, as well as an inflatable bed over the front lounge, which would be more suited to occasional use.
The kitchen includes a half-height 84-litre fridge, a two-burner hob and some permanent workspace, but our gripe with this area is the absence of an oven and microwave, even as an option.
However, we like that the camper van could be a possible candidate for all-year touring, thanks to the Truma’s Combi D 6E diesel heater the V65 SL comes with.
We found the storage options impressive too. Thanks to the false floor in the rear lounge, there’s a good area for storing larger flat things, while six overhead lockers in the rear lounge and two more in the front lounge offer further good storage solutions.
Full review: Sun Living V65 SL
Swift Trekker X
- Base Vehicle: Ford Transit
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2890kg
- Payload: 610kg
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- Length: 5.98m
- Width: 2.11m
Reason to buy:
- Offers a great spec, ideal for adventurous touring
Reason to avoid:
- Could be wasteful if you’re not into outdoor sport
Based on the Ford Transit, the Swift Trekker X is a rugged ‘van that makes a great choice for the more adventurous campervanner.
This is thanks to the ‘van’s rear area, which not only has a fold-away bed, but if you’re touring on your own or as a couple, offers a space that we reckon could be ideal for storing a variety of outdoor gear – and thanks to the storage in this area, including lockers and drawers, we think it would be great for carrying out maintenance on a bike, for instance, with room for the necessary tools.
Then there are the smart 16″ alloy wheels, the 110W solar panel, and a kitchen which includes a built-in oven with a grill, a two-burner stainless steel hob, and plenty of work surface.
We also liked the roof bed, which comes strip lighting and USB points. Something we will highlight is the central aisle could be a bit on the narrow side, but we thought the washroom was impressive, coming with a Thetford cassette toilet, and a foldaway washbasin, along with a shower mixed with an Ecocamel Jetstorm shower head.
Full review: Swift Trekker X
Mobilvetta Admiral K6.3
- Price: £79,995
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 4
- Length: 6.36m
- Width: 2.05m
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 3124kg
- Payload: 376kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers plenty of innovation and style
Reason to avoid:
- Kitchen mains socket could be in a better position
This innovative model from Italian brand Mobilvetta is its first campervan and we found the results impressive. The Fiat Ducato-based camper comes with a smart black exterior, and a cab that includes plenty of features so you can sit back and enjoy the drive. These include cruise control, air conditioning, traction plus and electronic stability control.
After swivelling the cab seats around, we found ourselves noticing similarities with the brand’s stylish A-classes – this is a very fashionable interior, with a high-gloss finish for the lockers and a smart striped floor throughout.
The space is well-lit too, while a Truma Combi 4 diesel system should keep the interior nice and warm. We like the innovation seen in the Admiral as well, with the clip-on table a case in point. It features drink holders and, usefully, a thin extension which can be swung out, meaning you can reach it even if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat
Innovative touches continue in the kitchen, where a sink is hidden beneath the work surface unit until needed – then, simply unclasp it and slide it out. The kitchen also includes an 84-litre compressor fridge and, unusually for a Continental camper van, a combined oven and grill.
However, two things we should highlight here – firstly, the mains socket is a little awkwardly positioned, sitting on the other side of the two-burner hob, and secondly, the gangway gets a little narrow near the oven, at one point reaching only 45cm.
However, the washroom impresses, providing good ventilation and lighting, with a decently sized handbasin and a toilet. Then, swing the partition out to reveal the shower cubicle – headroom wasn’t the best, but we liked how the hose is hidden away when not being used.
The rear double bed proved comfortable as well, but we’d advise possibly opting for single beds instead, as you get improved storage and longer beds.
Full review: Mobilvetta Admiral K6.3
Auto-Sleeper M-Star
- Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter
- Berths: 2
- MTPLM: 3880 (est) kg
- Payload: 480 (est) kg
- Shipping Length: 7.10 m
- Width: 2.02 m
Reason to buy:
- Excellent storage provided, kit level is superb
Reason to avoid:
- There’s no getting away from the price tag
The ‘van that we picked out as an award winner at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2024 is one that simply exudes class.
Comfortable heated, swivelling leather seats can be found in the cab, along with an easy-to-operate large touchscreen. The camper van comes with plenty of high-tech features, such as Lane-keeping Assist and Cruise Control, as you’d expect with a Mercedes base vehicle.
The M-Star has the popular rear-lounge layout, with two comfortable sofas coming in buttoned leather, or fabric furnishings if preferred. The backrests are thin but supportive, and four scatter cushions create a homely vibe. The campervan’s 2.02m width means it’s a narrow space though.
Kit levels throughout are fantastic, ranging from the Truma roof-mounted air conditioning and Alde wet heating system to six radiators and an Avtex Smart HD TV with a soundbar. In the kitchen, you’ll find a full oven and a separate grill, as well as a Thetford dual-fuel hob – impressive for a campervan. There’s also an excellent workspace, thanks to a pair of flaps, while loose-lay carpets are fitted throughout.
An estimated MTPLM of 3880kg means you’ll need a C1 licence to drive it but plenty of storage is provided to make the most of the estimated payload of 480kg, including six lockers in the rear lounge, a three-quarter height wardrobe, and numerous kitchen lockers.
If the best campervan for you is one that comes with everything you could desire as standard, we’d say you’d be hard-pressed to beat this.
Full review: Auto-Sleeper M-Star
Bailey Endeavour B63
- Base vehicle: Ford Transit
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 2
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2919kg
- Payload: 581kg
- Length: 5.98m
- Width: 2.50m
Reason to buy:
- Has a good washroom for a ‘van of this size, works well for two
Reason to avoid:
- Larger tambour doors have a reputation for jamming, rear kitchen means it is not as handy for day-to-day carting of heavy goods around as other models might be
We were impressed by this sub-6m addition to the Endeavour range, joining the likes of the Endeavour B62. The B63 is a two-berth which could be the best campervan for those who prioritise having a shower and toilet.
The rear corner washroom manages to be a good size considering the dimensions of the ‘van, and thanks to the cleverness of the model’s design, the tambour door can be used to shut much of it away, giving you the space to enjoy the rest of camper van.
This, for instance, means the rear kitchen can be used more easily, and we like how the ‘van caters to those who enjoy al fresco dining, thanks to the inclusion of the fridge at the end, providing easy access when you’re eating outdoors.
For those who have pitched up at a picturesque campsite, the large settee will provide a good base for taking in the surroundings. Usefully, it can then be moved forward to create a double bed too.
We think the Ford Transit-based ‘van makes a comfortable base for a couple on tour, and helpfully, thanks to its length, should be relatively easy to park and drive.
How to choose the best campervan
Choosing the best campervan may seem like a daunting prospect with the vast number of options on the market, but considering a few points can help you narrow down your search.
Firstly – how many of you will be travelling it? This will help you work out the amount of berths and travel seats you need, so you can choose a size and layout that works for you.
It’s also worth thinking about what you want your camper van to come with. What are the essentials you need it to have, as opposed to the features that you may like to have but are not dealbreakers? For instance, are you after a campervan that can be used as an everyday vehicle too? If so, the driving experience will be crucial, so you could be better placed with a more compact campervan on a smaller wheel base. For those who like to get active on tour, one with enough space for storing bicycles or similar equipment will be important.
Think about the washroom facilities you’d like to have onboard, too. This could be particularly important if you’re touring off-grid, but less critical if you think you will mainly be pitching up at a campsite and using the amenities on-site.
The same will apply with the kitchen too. Not every ‘van will have an oven or microwave as standard (in some cases, not even as an option) – is this something you’d like in your campervan or will you eat out?
Put this together and you can start narrowing down your shortlist.
What is the best van for a campervan?
Our Owner Satisfaction Awards put us in a strong position to pick out the base vehicles that are being used for the best campervans, as our readers and members of the Camping and Caravanning Club vote to reveal how they have got on with their ‘vans.
The results of our Owner Satisfaction Awards 2025 were announced in February 2025, with 3,553 completed surveys received. This time, Volkswagen took top spot in the Best New Base Vehicle category, achieving a very impressive score of 92.7%, closely followed by Mercedes, which had a highly respectable total of 90.5%. Ford and Fiat rounded up the brands receiving Gold Awards, with scores of 86.1% and 83.8% respectively.
When it came to the Best Pre-owned Base Vehicle, Mercedes and Volkswagen swapped positions, as the former took top spot with a score of 87.90%, narrowly beating the latter’s total of 87.40%. Rounding up the top three was Toyota, with 84.60%.
What is the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?
Before committing to the best campervan, it would be understandable if you’ve found yourself wondering what exactly separates a campervan from a motorhome.
As a very simplistic way of thinking about it, a campervan will have been converted, either by a manufacturer or a converter.
They are generally available in two forms too. First is the pop-top, which comes on smaller base vehicles such as a VW Transporter and provides nimble everyday use. Campervans are also available as a high-top, which will come on base vehicles such as a Fiat Ducato or a Mercedes Sprinter. Thanks to their longer wheelbase, they can offer a better spec and more headroom.
In contrast, a motorhome generally comes as a low-profile, an overcab or an A-class. As they have been built solely for travelling, they offer more home-from-home comforts, such as a separate shower cubicle and improved kitchen facilities.
Knowing your requirements will be a crucial step in choosing between a campervan or a motorhome.
What licence do I need to drive a camper van?
Before you buy the best camper van, it’s understandable that you will want to ensure you can drive it safely and legally. The principles that apply here will be exactly the same if you were wondering “what driving licence do I need to drive a motorhome?”.
It all comes down to that important maximum authorised mass figure of 3500kg. A campervan which has a weight limit of 3500kg or less can be driven on a standard B category car licence, but if it strays over 3500kg, you will need a C1 category licence to drive it.
This can mean extra complications if you’re over-70, as you will not only have to renew your licence every three years to keep the B category, but will also require extra steps to keep the C1 part.
For those who are thinking of towing with their camper, there will be further points to consider, based on when you passed your test – take a look at our guide to towing a car with a campervan for advice on this.
The rules on the required licence could change in the UK, as the European Union recently voted to allow member states to increase motorhome weight limits. However, it is not confirmed whether the UK will be following suit or not.
Do campervans have toilets?
Having access to a toilet when you’re pitched up can be an important part of an enjoyable touring experience, particularly if you’re planning to stay off-grid. Many campervans nowadays will feature perfectly adequate on-board facilities, possibly coming with swivel toilets to make the most of the smaller wheel bases campervans can come on.
In such a case, you would use and empty the cassette toilet just as you would a motorhome.
However, not every campervan will have one – take, for instance, the Volkswagen California. In such scenarios, a workaround will be to invest in the best portable toilet for a campervan – converters will generally provide a suitable cupboard for storing this.
Of course, those who are intending to stay at a campsite will most likely find this less of an issue, as there will be perfectly adequate toilets to use on-site. However, even then, a toilet in your ‘van can be useful, should you wake up in the middle of the night needing to use the facilities!
Do campervans have showers?
The question of whether a campervan has a shower or not will, in many ways, prove to have a similar answer to whether or not they have toilets – it depends, based on the model.
Nowadays, many campervans will have fully functioning washrooms onboard – take the Malibu Genius 641 LE, which provides the flexibility of sliding the toilet away and folding up the basin to create a shower space. Even smaller campervans, such as the Panama P57, which comes to only 5.40m, have a washroom which can be turned into a shower, with the sink’s tap being utilised as the shower head.
However, not every campervan will. Some models may just have a cold shower tap towards the rear of the ‘van instead, which, unless you’re particularly hardy, may be best left to being used for muddy boots.
How we choose the best campervans
We’ve been able to compile this guide in a couple of ways. Firstly, we run the Owner Satisfaction Awards, where our readers vote, telling us how they’ve got on when buying their ‘vans, in the process, allowing us to identify the leading campervan converters and the manufacturers. Our most recent set of Awards saw us receive 3,553 votes, giving us an in-depth insight into the industry.
We also run the Practical Motorhome Awards, where our expert panel pick out the standout motorhomes across a range of categories, judging the latest releases for the upcoming season.
Since Practical Motorhome launched in 2001, we’ve been putting the latest releases to the test, reviewing them in real-world conditions. We make sure every test is fair, pointing out the pros and the cons of each model. You can find out more about our testing process on our About Us page.
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