Benimar Benivan 122 2026

The front- and rear-lounge layout on the longer, 6.36m Fiat Ducato is something of a Trigano warhorse – a version of it seems to appear in pretty much every one of the multinational’s brands, including on the Benimar Benivan 122.

We previously reviewed the 2021 Benimar Benivan 122, but there have been some changes since then, so it seemed appropriate to revisit the model at the Northampton branch of Marquis Leisure, Benimar’s exclusive dealer. We’re reviewing it as a two-berth, but, like the Auto-Sleeper Active FG635 which we also reviewed recently, the Benivan 122 is also available with an optional pop-up roof.

So, is it a contender for those after the best 2 berth campervan with a shower and toilet? Let’s find out.

The cab and lounges in the Benimar Benivan 122

The changes start with the cab: all new 2026 models now come with a Smart Drive pack, worth £999. This includes a 9-inch DAB and DAB+ Pioneer radio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth compatibility and with an integrated reversing camera and a couple of apps, including the traffic report app Waze.

The Benimar Benivan 122 comes in at just £62,090, reflecting the brand’s traditionally competitive pricing, so it could appeal to those looking for the best budget campervan.

The table is now a clip-on version. This means it’s not quite as close to the swivelled passenger seat as it was, but we like how it also means you can take the whole unit out and clip it onto the dedicated rail on the outside of the kitchen peninsula for outdoor dining. Or you can move it to the rear lounge, where a second leg provides extra stability.

We found the lounges well-lit both day and night, and the locker tops reflect this as they are now full glossy ivory, not just with an ivory border as before. Upholstery colours remain mostly oatmeal with brown edging.

The kitchen in the Benimar Benivan 122

In the side kitchen, the pull-out extension is smaller than before, so marginally less of an obstruction to the door. However, we found workspace is still at a bit of a premium here, with a unit that has a two-burner hob in line with the sink and above a combined oven and grill.

We at least like that there is space beyond the sink where you could put a kettle right next to the socket. The fridge beyond this sits above the hanging wardrobe.

The washroom in the Benimar Benivan 122

The aisle here is a little different than previously, because the washroom door is now a tambour unit, so it’s less likely to get in the way of the kitchen. Inside the washroom an almost floor-to-ceiling mirror now takes up most of the rear wall – if you’re not careful, the tambour door and this mirror can collide.

The basin in this washroom is now permanent, rather than foldaway, as before. That means it’s smaller. You now get an (opaque) window here, although we thought the lighting was already good. The shower head is now much bigger, and there are two drainage holes in the shower tray, which is good to see.

Sleeping in the Benivan 122

As before, the settees can work as single beds on their own for most people, but if you want the full double, you make this up with the help of struts that fit between the settees
and support the slatted platforms when you pull them out from under the settees.

The only difference now is that when you take the backrests off to fill the space between, they come off entirely. Previously a little strip of cushion stayed behind on the wall, which we found made a comfy headboard of sorts.

For those of you who want to improve your current ‘van’s sleeping setup, our tips on how to make a campervan bed more comfortable could come in useful.

Storage in the Benivan 122

Having some good campervan storage options is always important in a ‘van. Here, the system of making the bed does mean there is room to store things under the bed at night. There is also space under the settees that is relatively easy to reach, although the nearside area is partly taken up with a water tank.

Up above there are two overhead lockers on either side, plus the wardrobe, while the front lounge has two overhead lockers and a bit of space under the travel seat next to the heater. There are two cubbyholes up above on each side of the cab.

In place of previously slightly confusing cupboard layout in the kitchen, there are now four drawers down below, all of which are a good size. There’s also one overhead locker, ideal for storing lighter items.

Alternatives to consider

You could consider the Auto-Trail Expedition 68XL, an innovative campervan with good storage options and a pop-up roof.

Or, perhaps you’d be interested in seeing what a luxury ‘van designed for off-roading comes with? If that’s the case, the Crozier Camper Beyond4 could be well worth a look, coming with a huge garage, a spacious washroom, and a wide transverse bed.

Technical specification

• Price: £62,090
• Sleeps: 2 (option for 4 in pop-up roof)
• Belts: 4
• Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
• Engine: 140hp 2.2-litre turbodiesel
• Length/width/height: 6.36/2.05/2.65m (20’ 10”/6’ 5”/8’ 6”)
• MTPLM: 3500kg
• MiRO: 2905kg
• Payload: 595kg
• Water (fresh/waste): 70/70 litres
• Leisure battery: 85Ah
• Gas: 25 litres, underslung
• Contact: Marquis Motorhomes

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