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 right model.
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 best campervan converters and the best motorhome manufacturers. Our most recent set of Awards saw us receive 3,553 votes, giving us an in-depth insight into the industry.
Then there are the Practical Motorhome Awards, where our expert judging panel picks out the best campervans for the upcoming season across a number of categories. Combine this with the many reviews we’ve conducted, and we’re in a strong place to choose the great camper vans that will meet your needs.
Here, you’ll find models from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Malibu, Swift, WildAx and more, as we share our pick of the best camper vans.
What’s the best camper van to buy?
Malibu Genius 641 LE
Panama P57
Benimar Benivan 161
Sun Living V65 SL
Swift Trekker X
WildAx Meteor
Auto-Sleeper M-Star
Swift Carrera 144
Bailey Endeavour B63
The best campervans:
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
Panama P57
- Base vehicle: Ford Tourneo Custom
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3225kg
- MIRO: 2875kg
- Payload: 350kg
- Length: 5.40m
- Width: 2.15m
Reason to buy:
- Excellent spec, great kitchen and full washroom
Reason to avoid:
- The washroom doesn’t provide the most privacy
We found the Panama P57 to be an impressive option when we reviewed it and also thought it was a tad unusual. This is because it manages to include a Thetford fitted swivel toilet, a handbasin and a shower, despite only being 5.4m, features that we reckon would make this ideal for those who want a comfortable ‘van for off-grid touring.
The washroom area is a good size and can be turned into a shower cubicle to utilise the shower head which pulls out from the tap. One thing we will highlight – the door and walls are only half-height, meaning this area isn’t going to provide huge amounts of privacy, so make sure you’re comfortable sharing the space with your touring companions.
However, what these half-height walls do mean is that it’s easy to stand up in the shower, and get in and out easily enough, once the roof is raised. When you have the roof down, it will also offer a bit more privacy when using the toilet, albeit at the expense of headroom.
Elsewhere, the Ford Tourneo Custom-based ‘van has an easy-to-set-up lounge, with the cab seats swivelling around and a rear bench that can be moved backwards and forwards as required. It may be a slight squeeze to get the table in-between the seats but this is only because it’s a good size. A Webasto diesel heater will keep things warm if you’re a fan of winter touring too.
We were very impressed with the L-shaped kitchen, with our reviewer remarking “it was one of the best kitchens they had seen in a campervan of these compact dimensions”. Here, you’ll find a square sink, a two-burner hob, a 42-litre Mestic fridge, and a good amount of work surface, even if the latter is a little low.
The lounge bed is a little narrow for two adults, but the roof bed is a great size. There’s also plenty of storage throughout too.
If you were stuck between a campervan or motorhome and thought you had to go for the latter to get a good washroom, the Panama P57 could be the answer.
Full review: Panama P57
Benimar Benivan 161
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2853kg
- Payload: 674kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.05m
Reason to buy:
- Provides an impressive washroom and two lengthways single beds in a 5.99m ‘van
Reason to avoid:
- Kitchen could be a bit too basic for cooks
We thought there was a lot to like about the stylish Fiat Ducato-based Benivan 161 when we put it to the test.
We were particularly impressed by how Spanish manufacturer Benimar has managed to fit two lengthways single beds at the rear, despite the ‘van having a length of only 5.99m, something which will always be an important feature when choosing the best camper vans. We found them to be comfortable and wide, plus there’s the option of creating a double by using wooden panels, although our tester did think this was a bit awkward to get into position.
We thought the washroom was a good space for a ‘van of this size, coming with a sizeable shower tray with two drainage holes, a large fold-up handbasin and a swivel toilet.
We didn’t notice the lack of a sunroof in the lounge either, as a Heki and large windows create a well-lit interior. One thing we should highlight is the kitchen is a bit basic for cooks, only coming with a one-burner hob – however, there is a lot of workspace, and the space-saving decision to put the fridge at the peninsula end means it can be easily reached if you’re sitting outside.
Full review: Benimar Benivan 161
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
WildAx Meteor
- Base vehicle: Ford Transit
- Berth: 2
- Belts: 2
- Length: 2.05m
- Width: 5.98m
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2950kg
- Payload: 550kg
Reason to buy:
- A well-planned ‘van with a thoughtful design
Reason to avoid:
- Shower is a bit of a compromise
The Meteor is WildAx’s first foray into converting a Ford Transit and our reviewer, Peter Baber, thought the results were impressive.
It’s a well-planned ‘van, something which can be an important trait in the best campervans. For instance, despite the washroom being behind the driving seat, there is still plenty of legroom when driving. Both cab seats swivel too, which is not always the case with this layout.
We thought the refreshed upholstery looked stylish as well, with the russet red and blue combining with the off-white to create an eye-catching interior.
The comfortable rear lounge includes four scatter cushions and, usefully, a USB port, a TV socket and a slot for magazines.
An option for the ‘van is the Volt pack, which makes it gas-free – this is primarily seen in the kitchen, which has a two-zone induction hob and a microwave. Our reviewer was impressed by the number of extensions provided here – three in total, giving you plenty of cooking space.
One niggle we had with the ‘van is its washroom. Despite a deep shower tray, there was only one drainhole, and as the basin’s tap doubles up as the showerhead, it requires stretching over the toilet to hook it up. However, we found the headroom good and it’s nicely lit too.
The settees proved easy to turn into single beds, and can be made into a double bed using slats found beneath the offside cushion’s base cushion. We liked how this bypasses the issues which can be presented by pull-out slots (jamming) and platforms (making it harder to reach the underseat area).
Storage is good as well, with three overhead lockers on each side and an additional one at the rear. Even if you’ve not opted for the Volt pack, you still get the rear two-thirds of the underseat areas beneath the base cushions to use as well – this is because the gas bottle is kept in the kitchen.
Full review: WildAx Meteor
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
Swift Carrera 144
- Berths: 3
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 571kg
- Shipping length: 6m
- Width: 2.26m
Reason to buy:
- Kitchen impresses for a campervan, washroom is good
Reason to avoid:
- Rear lounge could feel cramped, beds perhaps not suited to taller people
The Carrera 144 offers a good spec level by campervan standards, including a Thule awning and fitted cab blinds.
Four can sit comfortably in the front dinette after swivelling the seats of the standard Ducato cab, with a Heki and sunroof allowing daylight to flood in.
The rear lounge may feel a bit cramped, a feeling enhanced by the narrow gangway. Despite this, four can sit fairly comfortably here too, and should all be able to watch TV (check out our best motorhome TV guide if you need one). Al fresco dining fans will appreciate the tabletop that slots into position outside too.
Kitchen workspace is excellent, thanks to a work surface extension – the spec also includes a fold-out bin, a two-burner hob and a 90-litre Dometic fridge. We’re impressed by the storage throughout too, which includes a half-height wardrobe, a large overhead locker in the kitchen and a big drawer underneath the nearside settee.
The washroom particularly stands out – there may be no separate shower cubicle but a foldaway basin maximises the space, while the wall’s marbling effect and the basin’s mint-green splashback look smart and inviting.
There’s no avoiding that the ‘van is not suited to very tall people, with the rear lounge settees only 1.70m long when the double bed is made up. However, we appreciate that you don’t need platforms to set the double up but instead rely on a clever set of slats that fold out from the nearside to clip onto the offside settee. It’s also handy to only need a single infill cushion to make up the third berth in the front dinette.
Full review: Swift Carrera 144
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 do I decide what the best campervan for me is?
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 small campervan. For those who want 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.
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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