Best campervans 2026: the ideal options for outdoor activities

Insight summary

• •Modern campervans combine living amenities like bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping areas within a drivable vehicle suitable for outdoor activities.
• •Europe saw around 215,000 new leisure vehicle registrations in 2025, with the UK making up about 12% of these registrations.
• •The Volkswagen Grand California is recommended for its balance of size, equipment, and affordability, priced from £85,408.
• •The VW Grand California includes features such as a wet room, double bed options, kitchen, and numerous storage and power sockets.
• •The Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, priced from £88,420, offers superior engine power and driving experience but lacks a permanent toilet and has limited boot space.
• •The Marco Polo’s interior is highly praised, though it comes with a higher price and some practical limitations such as the rooftop bed accessibility.
• •Both campervans represent top choices in 2026 for factory-built models, each with distinct strengths appealing to different buyer preferences.