Along with the Imala range of low-profiles, Auto-Trail’s Expedition range, its most budget-conscious range of campervans, has seen the most significant updating for 2026. New models have been brought out at both ends of the length spectrum, with a new 5.41m-long ’van, and two new 6.36m-long models: the Auto-Trail Expedition 68 XL, and the Expedition 68 XL Flex.

Both have been designed to allow everyone except the very tall to sleep lengthways in the back, something which could be a tempting consideration when looking for the best campervans. The Flex model includes a drop-down bed that does exactly this, but we thought we would first look at the more conventional looking and marginally cheaper 68 XL.

There have been a number of all-round improvements on all 2026 Auto-Trail ’vans, not just Expeditions but V-Line and Adventure models, too. These include a 70Ah AGM battery fitted as standard, with a Renogy 100Ah lithium battery as a £400 option.

You also now get a 200W flexi campervan solar panel on the roof, which could appeal if you’re a fan of off-grid campervanning.

Cab and front dinette in the Auto-Trail Expedition 68 XL

The cab remains standard Ducato (eight-speed auto is a £3840 extra with the standard 140bhp engine), which remains one of the best vans for converting to a camper. But step down into the front dinette, and you will find another all-model new addition that includes the optional pop-top roof with a table that can be folded away beneath.

The cab area
Familar Fiat Ducato cab with manual ’box – 8-speed auto is £3840 extra

This is primarily designed to provide a space for the ladder up to the bed. But it also means those in the two travel seats have plenty of legroom, if all they need is the two cupholders which remain in place when the table is folded.

The front dinette
Legroom is good behind the cab, and the table folds away to allow access to the pop-top

That said, I did find that the table, when fully extended, is on the small side. I reckon anyone expecting to dine while sitting in the cab passenger seat might be better off making use of the kitchen extension.

I thought it was good to see USB ports included in the spotlight above the dinette. In the past Auto-Trail has seemed a little hesitant to include these features.

Kitchen in the Auto-Trail Expedition 68 XL

The kitchen is a good size for a campervan, with a two-burner hob, a decent sink and a combined oven and grill. A strip-light illuminates the hob, and most of the sink too.

The kitchen
It’s a well-equipped kitchen with two-burner hob and combined oven and grill

Perhaps my only niggle here is that the mains socket is above the hob. But there’s another one further along – ideal if you need some extra illumination or music.

Washroom in the Auto-Trail Expedition 68 XL

If you were wondering, “do campervans have showers?”, you will be pleased to hear that while the washroom is quite basic, a shower pulls out from the tap in the tiny basin. The washroom also provides a decent lit mirror and good headroom.

Inside the washroom
There’s no separate shower here, and a bench toilet, but the washroom is practical enough

There’s an opaque window and you get a towel ring and heating vent.

Sleeping in the Expedition 68 XL

The extra long (6ft 3in) lengthways bed on the rear nearside has been made possible by removing the wardrobe you’ll find in this position in the conventional 68. With the bed on the other side only marginally shorter, this is a comfy and roomy sleeping area for a campervan.

There is only one side window, on the offside, so you get three spotlights, all of with USB ports, and strip-lights down the side. There is a short ladder to help you get up to the bed, too.

The main ladder, which accesses the roof bed if you opt for it, can be folded up to stay in position in the hatch if you don’t need to go up there during the day, and are on the move.

The pop-top roof bed
Up the ladder and into the ‘upstairs’ bed reveals a comfortable space

Once you are up there, you’ll find a good sleeping area with angle-poise lamps, again with USB ports in them.

Storage in the Expedition 68 XL

The campervan storage options will always be an important factor.

Here, even if the wardrobe downstairs had been removed, there is still a small hanging area under the beds at the back. Next to this is a cupboard that gives access to the area under the beds, and for £425 each you can have two solid trays fitted that can each hold up to 50kg and slide out at the back – handy for loading bikes.

Overhead lockers above the bed
Three overhead lockers on each side of the bed are ideal for clothes

You also get three overhead lockers each side, to add to the two you find over the front lounge. The additional three drawers and a locker under the fridge could be used either for more clothes or additional kitchen storage.

Alternatives to consider

The Sun Living V65 SL offers campervanners a thoughtful design and a comfortable lounge, as well as plenty of flexibility thanks to the various options it comes with.

Alternatively, you could consider the Panama P57 if you’re interested in a campervan which comes with a high level of general spec as standard, as well as full washroom facilities, which could make it a tempting option for off-gridding.

Technical spec of the Auto-Trail Expedition 68XL

  • Price: £57,563
  • Sleeps: 2 (optional 4)
  • Belts: 4
  • Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
  • Engine: 140bhp
  • Length/width/height: 6.36/2.05m/2.68 (20’10”/6’8”/8’9”)
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • MiRO: 2950kg
  • Payload: 550kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 65/65 litres
  • Leisure battery: 70Ah
  • Gas: 2 x 7kg
  • Contact: auto-trail.co.uk

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