What's the best campervan to buy in Australia guide?

To help you decide which camper vehicle is right for you, our road-travel experts have compiled this list of the best campervans to buy in Australia. Each campervan is assessed on its cost, specifications, features and reviews.

Making this years list of the best campervans in Australia are the:

1. Toyota Hiace - Best Campervan Overall

2. Renault Master - Best Large Campervan

3. Mercedes Sprinter - Best Used Campervan

4. Volkswagen Transporter T5 - Best Used Campervan on a Budget

5. Hyundai iLoad - Best Small Campervan on a Budget

Remember, however, that it is important to form your own opinion by trying the campervan before you buy. Towards the end of the article, we provide details about where you can hire all of the above-mentioned campervans. Plus, we discuss how you can start earning up to $10,000 a year by hiring out your own campervan through Camplify!

The Best Campervan to Buy in Australia

Toyota Hiace - Best Campervan Overall

Cost

• New from $39,740

• Used from $5,000 (2000 model and later)

Description

The Toyota HiAce has been the most popular campervan in Australia for the last two decades. Renowned for its reliability, the Hiace has the strongest resale value for a van in its segment and is one of the best vans for a camper conversion. Plus, in recent years Toyota has stuffed the vehicle with new safety, technology and comfort features, making it the best value campervan on the market. Whilst it’s not particularly fancy, this campervan is cleverly designed to maximize load space for 2 people. Not to mention it is extremely fuel-efficient.

Specifications The Toyota Hiace comes in 4 different models: 2x commercial models (LWB Crew Van and SLWB Van) and 2x people mover models (SLWB Commuter and Commuter GL).

The base commercial model comes standard with a 2.8L turbo diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 6.2㎥ load volume. A 3.5L V6 petrol engine option is also available.

Comparatively, the base commuter model comes with the same engine and transmission, but a much larger 9.8㎥ load volume.

Features

The base commercial model Toyota Hiace LWB Crew Van comes standard with:

• 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology

• 1,900kg braked towing capacity

• Lane departure alert system

• Pre-collision safety system

• Road sign assist

• Front and rear parking sensors

• Reversing camera

• Easy access doorsteps

• Front air conditioning

• A massive range of customisation options

Best For

The average couple wanting an affordable campervan with all the essentials and more.

2. Renault Master - Best Large Campervan

Cost

• New from $44,990

• Used from $10,000 (2006 model and later)

Description

The Renault Master campervan is as practical as it is stylish. It’s a great option for those wanting a large camper with some fancy features. It comes in four different wheelbase lengths which offer a load space of between 8㎥ to 17㎥. That’s massive! Plus, you can also choose between FWD or RWD with powertrain options, so that you’ll never run short on horsepower. Again, not the fanciest option, but it certainly delivers on cabin space. Any bigger and you might as well start looking at some of the best small motorhomes for retired couples!

Specifications

The Renault Master comes in 4 different models: Short, Medium, Long and Extra-long Wheelbase.

All models come standard with a 2.3L turbocharged diesel engine. You can choose between either 6-speed manual transmission (120kw) or a 6-speed automatic gearbox (110kw).

The base model (Short Wheelbase) comes standard with 8㎥ load space (2.5m of cargo load length). Comparatively, the largest model (Extra-Long Wheelbase) comes with a whopping 17㎥ (over 4.3m of load length).

Features

The base model Short Wheelbase Renault Master comes standard with:

• 7-inch touchscreen media system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto

• 2.5-tonne towing capacity

• USB input and Bluetooth

• Satellite Navigation

• Reversing Camera

• Rear parking sensors

• Electric mirrors and windows

• Cruise control

• Air conditioning

Best For

Couples or young families wanting to maximize the living space in their campervan.

3. Mercedes Sprinter - Best Used Campervan

Cost

• New from $56,000

• Used from $8,500 (2003 model and later)

Description

For years, the Mercedes Sprinter has been the go-to vehicle for ambulance and postal services around Australia. Because of this, there are a lot of very well maintained Sprinters available for purchase on the second-hand market. They make for a fantastic used campervan due to the high-end design, European engineering and luxury finishes. Most Sprinters come with advanced connectivity and tech features as well as a heap of storage compartments, making it the ultimate in campervan comfort, safety and functionality.

Specifications

The Mercedes Sprinter comes in 4 vehicle lengths: Short, Medium, Long and Extra-long.

All new models come standard with a 2.1L diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission. You have the option to upgrade to 7G-TRONIC PLUS or 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and can choose between either front, rear or all-wheel drive.

The Short base model has a 7.8㎥ load volume, whilst the top of the line Extra-Large model has a huge 15.5㎥ load volume.

Features

The new base model Mercedes Sprinter comes standard with:

• 10.25-inch MBUX multimedia touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto

• 2.0-tonne towing capacity

• USB input and Bluetooth

• Multifunction steering wheel

• ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-activated technology

• Satellite Navigation

• Reversing Camera

• Rear parking sensors

• Electric mirrors and windows

• Cruise control

• Air conditioning

Best For

Couples wanting the best in comfort, tech and safety at a competitive price.

4. Volkswagen Transporter T5 - Best Used Campervan on a Budget

Cost

• Used from $8,000 (2007 model and later)

Description

The Volkswagen Transporter T5 is an older model of van now but it still holds its own against newer makes of campervan. It is renowned for being comfortable, smooth to drive, reliable, fuel-efficient and affordable to service. With a little research, you will find that many T5 owners have had their van do 200,000km with very little trouble. However, if you’re in the market for a used campervan, aim to buy one with less than 60,000km, as replacing major parts can be an expensive exercise. Overall, the T5 is a great choice for those wanting to buy a used campervan with a heap of space and engine power at a low price.

Specifications

The Volkswagen Transporter T5 was in production between 2003-2015. It comes in 7 different van body types, including panel van, high-roof panel van, half-panel van, kombi, shuttle, Caravelle and Multivan. The wheelbase also comes in 2 different lengths: 3m or 3.4m.

On the second-hand market, you will find the T5 has 5 different engine options. There are 2 petrol models available: the 2.0L four-cylinder or the 3.2L VR6. Additionally, there are 3 diesel models on the market: 1.9L turbocharged direct injection (TDI), 2.0L TDI or 2.5L five-cylinder TDI.

Across the various models of T5, load volumes range from 5.8㎥ to 9.3㎥.

Features

Many of the older Volkswagen Transporter T5 models come standard with:

• 2.0-tonne towing capacity

• Bluetooth

• Power steering

• ABS Brakes

• Electric mirrors and windows

• Hill Holder

• Climate Control Air conditioning

Best For

Those wanting a reliable and comfortable used campervan at a low price.

5. Hyundai iLoad - Best Small Campervan on a Budget

Cost

• New from $39,600

• Used from $6,500 (2008 model and later)

Description

The Hyundai iLoad is another of Australia’s most popular campervans due to its compact size and affordable pricing. It’s cleverly designed to make the most of the load space whilst still keeping the vehicle relatively short and easy to maneuver. Owners rave that the vehicle is fuel-efficient and very reliable up to 400,000km’s, plus the cabin is spacious and comfortable. A great choice for those wanting a small campervan that is easy to drive through crowded streets and park in tight spots.

Specifications

The Hyundai iLoad comes in two models: van or crew van. The standard van option is best for those wishing to convert to a campervan.

All models come standard with a 2.5L diesel CRDi engine, but you have the choice of either 5-speed automatic 2WD or 6-speed manual 2WD.

The van model has 4.4㎥ of load volume, whilst the crew van model only has 2.5㎥ due to the rear seats.

Features

The 2021 model of Hyundai iLoad come standard with:

• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology

• 1,500kg braked towing capacity (automatic) and 2000kg (manual)

• Reversing camera

• Easy access doorsteps

• Front air conditioning

• Front and side airbags

• Vinyl cargo area floor mat

• Steering wheel audio controls

Best For

Those wanting a small and highly maneuverable campervan at a low cost.

Try Before You Buy

There’s one easy way to avoid making a poor investment - “try before you buy”. All it takes is a few nights in a hire campervan to figure out exactly what you do and don’t like about a particular model.

Camplify offers private campervan rentals all around Australia. Search through the campervans available for hire and find a model that you are interested in buying. Then hire it out for a night or two and test whether it meets all of your needs and expectations.

To make life easy for you, here are some of Australia’s best campervans that are currently available for hire through Camplify:

Toyota Hiace

• Harlow (Sleeps 2 - Sydney, NSW)

• Dirk’s Toyota Hiace Highroof Manual (Sleeps 3 - Erowal Bay, NSW)

• Andy (Sleeps 4 - Highett, VIC)

• Harold (Sleeps 2 - Brisbane, QLD)

Renault Master

• Skandi Traveller (Sleeps 2 - Sydney, NSW)

• Nazy’s Rosa (Sleeps 3 - Sydney, NSW)

• Beast (Sleeps 2 - Melbourne, VIC)

• Lady Jane (Sleeps 2 - Coolangatta, QLD)

Mercedes Sprinter

• Kate’s Luxury Mercedes Sprinter (Sleeps 2 - Winmalee, NSW)

• Festival Camper (Sleeps 2 - Melbourne, VIC)

• Dandy (Sleeps 2 - Mentone, VIC)

• The Sprinter (Sleeps 2 - Rangeville, QLD)

• Lunar (Sleeps 3 - Moggill, QLD)

Volkswagen Transporter T5

• Levante (Sleeps 2 - Manly, NSW)

• Black Betty (Sleeps 4 - Beacon Hill, NSW)

• Tommy the T5 (Sleeps 2 - Northcote, VIC)

• Minty (Sleeps 2 - Brisbane, QLD)

Hyundai iLoad

• Summertime Dream (Sleeps 2 - Sydney, NSW)

• Free Camper (Sleeps 2 - Wollongong, NSW)

• Roamy (Sleeps 2 - Coburg, VIC)

• SunnyCamper (Sleeps 3 - Brisbane, QLD)

Earn a Return on Your Investment

Want to make your money back without having to even leave your driveway? Each year, thousands of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. By doing so, they generate a long-term passive income stream and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify covers many of the expenses and paperwork involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 RAC nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in making money from the comfort of your own home, why not try our earnings calculator to see how much income you could generate each year.