Essential Highlander 2025 Review

Established in 2015, Essential Caravans hasn't wasted time in developing a good reputation for delivering well equipped, affordable caravans to the masses, and the proof is in the pudding with 140 workers currently producing around 850 caravans a year at its busy Somerton, Victoria factory. Essential models have proven so popular they even sell like hot cakes on the used caravan market!

However, times are changing and an increasing number of buyers are prepared to pay for higher levels of off-road caravanning comfort and off-grid power capabilities, so Essential has responded with the introduction of its first all composite, full-off-road model, called the Highlander.

Available in a number of layouts, we recently took a closer look at the first 2025 Essential Highlander van built; a 23ft 10in Highlander V10 that recently made its debut at the 2024 Melbourne Leisurefest. With its unique apartment-style layout and a few extra goodies, it's a showpiece for what's possible if you're seeking something over and above the Highlander's already impressive 100-plus standard features list...

It's clear that Essential is targeting buyers of off-grid caravan 'heavy-hitters' like Lotus and Titanium Caravans with the MY25 Highlander. But rather than completely follow the herd, Essential has added a few headline features to make its new range-topper stand out from the pack.

These include the adoption of frame-less composite construction for the Highlander's body, including one-piece, 30mm thick fibreglass sandwich panels with closed single-cell XPS foam for the floor, walls and roof -- all designed to deliver superior sound and thermal insulation, not to mention a cleaner, more modern look and potential weight savings.

Another highlight of the 2025 Highlander is a new, solid fold-out entry-step system with built-in hand rail that's currently exclusive to Essential vans. It's a neat solution for a high-riding, flat-floor van like the Highlander, and is also designed to quickly lock down in place behind the entry door when travelling.

As a full off-road model, the Highlander features a Raptor-coated, six-inch ARV Truss chassis with 2in riser and (optional) Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension, along with a striking external appearance that includes liberal use of checker plate along the sides and underbody, some eye-catching decals and stylish gold alloy wheels with BFGoodrich all terrain tyres.

Externally, the show-stopping van also gets an (optional) built-in 50in TV and soundbar to go with twin picnic tables and an electric awning, while outside storage is taken care of by a forward tunnel boot and a large front toolbox that includes space for twin gas bottles, a diesel fuel tank, wood box and twin slide-outs for a fridge or generator.

While along the rear wall there's a bar-mounted spare tyre, rear camera, LED spotlight and a strut-assisted cover for the rear window.

There's no need to worry about running out of drinkable H2O when touring remote areas, with four 95L freshwater tanks plus a 95L grey tank, while three, chassis-mounted 300Ah lithium batteries are fed by five 220W rooftop solar panels, with other components like the Projecta 3000W 180A inverter charger and colour touchscreen display located inside the van.

The 23ft 10in Highlander weighs in with a hefty 3260kg (Tare) and 4200kg ATM, which wouldn't have bothered too much the big Chevrolet pick-up that towed it to the photo location...

Step inside and the 'surprise and delight' features continue, with a bespoke layout that includes an inviting L-shaped leatherette lounge directly to the right as you enter, with another large, wall-mounted TV nearby for indoor movie nights.

There's also a recliner-style footrest but no table fitted, although that's an option if you're not keen on resting a meal on your lap while watching the latest episode of The Block.

The galley is compact but nicely equipped with an NCE twin hob induction cooktop and Panasonic combo steam microwave oven for cooking, plus there's another 240V-powered home appliance directly opposite in the form of a large Fisher & Paykel fridge and freezer.

To create more bench-space Essential has added a fold-out prep bench that cleverly emerges from a cavity underneath the benchtop, while apartment-like interior storage options abound, including an impressive 2.0m high, pull-out pantry that's part of the 'wall' of cupboards and drawers positioned between the fridge and shower.

Another neat, home-style design trick is the twin-mode, side-hinged solid doors in the central bathroom area, that can either be used to conceal the vanity and toilet area, or swung out to block the central passageway and create up to three separate zones within the van. Depending on their finishing position the doors are either held in place by magnets or conventional door locks.

It's no surprise that the onside shower cubicle is also extra big and roomy, and gets a gold-coloured showerhead to go with the gold handles and towel rails, and shiny golden sinks and taps in both the ensuite and kitchen.

To top it off, the cosy master bedroom gets a plush mattress, padded bedhead, and twin 12V fans, plus plenty more storage include bedside cubby holes with electrical sockets, and some slide-out drawers and vents for the diesel space heater in the bed base.

We also counted three roof hatches and two bathroom mirrors, plus there's a rooftop air conditioner and Gusto DRS 'dust-buster' in one of the cupboards.

It's all very smartly finished inside too, from the satin-finish interior walls and strip mood lighting, to the wallpaper-style splashback and fridge that's hidden behind a furniture-matching birch-coloured door.

While officially a 'one-off', Essential says it can build a similar custom-built van for around $170,000. Otherwise, the cheapest single-axle Highlander off-grid model starts at around $95,000, with bigger versions priced accordingly.

Variant: 23ft 10in Highlander V10 'directors special'
Body construction: 30mm fibreglass sandwich panels with closed single-cell XPS foam
Chassis: Raptor-coated, six-inch ARV Truss chassis with 2in riser
Suspension: Cruisemaster ATX airbag
Water: Four 95L freshwater tanks, one 95L grey tank
Batteries: 3 x 300Ah lithium
Solar: Five 220W rooftop panels
Cooking: Twin hob induction cooktop, combo steam microwave oven
Air-conditioner: Rooftop
TV: Two (internal and external)
Weight: 3260kg (Tare), 4200kg ATM
Price (as reviewed): $170,000 approx.
More info: