Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo

Volkswagen Grand California

Volkswagen Caddy California

Volkswagen California

the-best-campervans-in-2023

best-campervans-2023

<p dir="ltr">With prices of flights and hotels shooting up, many people are turning to the campervan as a more cost-effective way of taking a summer holiday, and as a result, demand for campers is as great as it’s ever been. In fact, if you buy one from new, you'll likely be looking at a long waiting list to receive it.</p>

<p dir="ltr">No wonder, then, that several manufacturers now offer their own campervan conversions, while more are offering vans converted by aftermarket suppliers, but with the same warranty and dealer support that a factory conversion would entail. We’ve tested the best available on the UK market – and we’ve put them in order so that you can work out which one is best for you.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best campervans 2023

<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

Transit Nugget

<p dir="ltr">As you’ll no doubt have been able to discern from its position in this list, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Transit Custom Nugget</a>&nbsp;isn’t exactly our favourite camper – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a look. For one thing, it’s one of only a few fully featured campers that can boast five seats and four berths – and for another, the conversion is carried out by renowned German camper specialist Westfalia, plus you get a full Ford manufacturer warranty.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You also get a gutsy diesel engine, and while the Nugget isn’t cheap to buy, it’s possible to find with some very tempting discounts, which means it probably won’t set you back quite as much as you might at first think.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There’s lots to like here, in other words. But you do have to remember that you only get a toilet and sink – not a full bathroom – and then only on the long-wheelbase version. What’s more, the cheap-feeling plastics inside, the sluggish automatic gearbox and a fidgety ride make it a van you won’t want to spend a long time driving.</p>


7: Ford Transit Custom Nugget

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Keen discounts from Ford</li>
	<li>Punchy EcoBlue 185 engine</li>
	<li>One of the few fully equipped five-seat campers</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Slow-witted automatic gearbox</li>
	<li>Mercedes Marco Polo has a classier interior</li>
	<li>Ride and handling</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.</p>

<p dir="ltr">From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.</p>


RENAULT

Trafic

<p dir="ltr">The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/trafic/van/review/n25733">Renault Trafic Paradise</a>&nbsp;is arguably not quite as well known as some of its rival campers, but it’s worth looking out, because it’s a great all-rounder. Inside, the living accommodation, with its well equipped rear kitchen and comfortable seating area, has clearly been intelligently thought out, and it’s put together well, so the Trafic Paradise feels pretty high-quality.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">It’s roomy, too – in fact, converter Sussex Campervans has done an admirable job of finding plenty of space in a frame that’s relatively small by the standards of most motorhomes. That’s thanks in part to the pop-top, which gives it a huge advantage over most of its rivals, and with the loft bed in place, it allows the Trafic Paradise to become a four-berth van – a rarity among campers of this size.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Just bear in mind that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Transit Nugget</a>&nbsp;handles with more finesse, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a>&nbsp;offers a more serene driving experience.</p>


6: Renault Trafic Paradise

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>High-quality, well thought out interior</li>
	<li>Lots of space in a small package</li>
	<li>Scope for personalisation</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Trafic is only average to drive</li>
	<li>Rear-heavy nature makes wheelspins too easy</li>
	<li>Expensive</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.</p>


TOYOTA

Proace

<p dir="ltr">Looking for a medium-sized campervan that won’t cost the earth? Well the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace/van/review/n24682">Toyota Proace Matino</a>&nbsp;fits the bill rather well. It’s based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace/van/review/n20243">Proace van</a>, and then converted by aftermarket specialist Wellhouse, and while it’s true that some of the fixtures and fittings are a little bit more flimsy than some manufacturer-converted offerings, the flipside is the price: this is a far cheaper option than, say, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">Volkswagen California</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That isn’t its only appeal, though. Given it’s an officially recognised conversion, it comes with a full Toyota warranty – which means up to 10 years and 100,000 miles, if you keep servicing it at a Toyota dealer every year. It’s a well equipped van, too, and that means it’s not only affordable, but also brilliant value.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Of course, there’s a catch – and with the Proace Matino, it comes when you’re out on the road, where it can feel a little wallow in corners. But if you can live with that, this is a smart buy.</p>


5: Toyota Proace Matino

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Competitively priced</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Toyota’s stellar reliability record</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Beds are a little narrow</li>
	<li>Wallowy handling</li>
	<li>California and Marco Polo have classier interiors</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.</p>


VOLKSWAGEN

CADDY CALIFORNIA

<p dir="ltr">Not only has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">Volkswagen’s California</a>&nbsp;spawned a bigger version in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/grand-california/mpv/review/n20215">Grand California</a>&nbsp;– there’s now a smaller version too. This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy-california/mpv/review/n23182">Caddy California</a>&nbsp;packs the California’s trademark mix of quality and functionality into an even more compact frame – in this case, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">Volkswagen Caddy Cargo</a>&nbsp;van. This makes the Caddy California&nbsp;a micro-camper – an ideal companion for the occasional night away from home.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">You get two berths that take up the entirety of the interior, but fold away to leave the rear seats intact – and in the boot, there’s a pull-out kitchen. And if you need more space, you can even add an additional tent that extends out from the boot area, giving you a handy living space if you need it. It’s very clever, brilliantly compact, and out on the road, it’s also great to drive, too.</p>


4: Volkswagen Caddy California

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong diesel engines</li>
	<li>Well thought out interior</li>
	<li>Competitive starting price</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as much space on offer as larger campers</li>
	<li>You’ll want to add quite a few options</li>
	<li>Dashboard feels a little utilitarian</li>
</ul>


GRAND CALIFORNIA

<p dir="ltr">Of course, if you want a bigger, better camper than the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">Volkswagen California</a>, you’ll have to turn to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/grand-california/mpv/review/n20215">Grand California</a>&nbsp;instead. This is the only camper here to feature a full, self-contained bathroom, and as such it holds huge appeal as pretty much the only campervan on the market to do so and still to retain a comprehensive manufacturer warranty.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">That isn’t the Grand California’s only appeal, though. Inside, the space has been designed well, cramming lots of features into a relatively short body, and because the whole van has been constructed to the standards of a car maker, the fixtures and fittings feel robust and built to last.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Granted, the Grand California is pretty expensive to buy – but quality doesn’t come cheap, and given what it offers, its price is largely justified.</p>


3: Volkswagen Grand California

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Torquey diesel engine</li>
	<li>Practical</li>
	<li>Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Can’t disguise its bulk in corners</li>
	<li>Pricey</li>
	<li>Unappealing plastics up front</li>
</ul>


CALIFORNIA

<p dir="ltr">Ahh, the classic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">Volkswagen California</a>. Building on the reputation of the iconic Type 2 Camper, the original California took&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/transporter/van/review/n18205">Volkswagen’s Transporter</a>&nbsp;van and turned it into an internationally desired light camper that was the ideal companion for a day at the beach or a short break away from home.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">This latest California is as good as all of its predecessors – better, in fact – and while it isn’t quite as plush as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo inside</a>, its solidly built interior&nbsp;and robust materials put plenty of other campers to shame. A strong range of punchy diesel engines make the California a pleasure to drive, too.&nbsp;</p>


2: Volkswagen California

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong diesel engines</li>
	<li>Well thought out interior</li>
	<li>Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Expensive</li>
	<li>Not particularly refined</li>
	<li>Gearbox jerky when manoeuvring</li>
</ul>


Estate

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

V CLASS

<p dir="ltr">Our current favourite camper tops this list thanks to a winning blend of upmarket fixtures and fittings, clever use of space, and a generous amount of equipment as standard. As a place to spend the night, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a>&nbsp;is one of the finest campers out there, with standard ambient lighting and even the option of yacht-style wood flooring.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Out on the road it’s pretty good, too. Not only does the Marco Polo gloss over rough road surfaces pretty well, but its smooth-shifting gearbox and comfortable ride mean the journey to the campsite flies by easily. It's also quieter than both the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Transit Nugget</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">Volkswagen California</a>. Granted, it doesn’t come cheap – but if you want the best camper out there, this is it.</p>


1: Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
	<li>Well-equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pricey to buy on PCP</li>
	<li>V220d is a little sluggish</li>
	<li>Front storage could be better</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html"><strong>here</strong></a></p>


The best campervans in 2023

<p>A staple of British holidaymakers, camper vans come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, but are usually based on existing commercial vehicles. Camper vans will have been modified to make them more comfortable for extended use, and often come with extra amenities including cooking facilities, a sleeping area and, in some cases, a toilet or shower.</p>

Camper van

A campervan is a perennially popular way of enjoying a short break for a reasonable cost, but with more choice than ever in the market, which campers should be at the top of your shortlist?

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The best campervans in 2023

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