Overview
Essential returns to Tough Tested with its inaugural full off-road Highlander caravan delivering a solid run with surprising nous. Among its chief competitors, the JB Caravans Gator X, the Sunland Explorer and the Wonderland RV Hornet.
The Highlander targets adventurers demanding a robust, single-axle van capable of conquering challenging terrain with surprising finesse.
Terrain Tested
| 🏜️ Sand Dunes | ⛰️ Rocky Climbs | 〰️ Corrugations | 💦 Water Crossings |
📍 Test Location: Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park, South Australia.
Is the Essential Highlander right for me?
The Essential Highlander is built for seasoned caravanners or adventurous couples ready to tackle serious off-road challenges. Especially for those seeking the weight-saving benefits of a single-axle design.
Indeed, weighing in at 2238kg Tare with a DO35 up front, the Essential Highlander, delivered plenty at Tough Tested for 2024.
The 3T single-axle variant seen here provides excellent payload, while three protected water tanks and durable brass fittings on the A-frame complete its tough, action-ready specifications.
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
The Essential Highlander offers a spacious and lofty interior thanks to a new insulated fibreglass interior that maximises light and enhances climate control.
Interior layout
The layout features a forward queen island bed as its sleeping configuration, a central kitchen setup, and a full-width rear ensuite, offering a classic and proven floorplan. The bathroom layout provides an array of cabinetry, offering plenty of storage space.
In the kitchen, a subtle, mottled benchtop continues up the wall, a welcome simplicity that opens the space and helps to keep the kitchen easy to clean. Diamond stitching framed by horizontal panels on the cafe dinette adds panache that’s repeated at the bedhead in bedroom for a great, consistent design.
Comfort & practicality
Essential’s new internal construction method not only looks sleek with just a single internal ceiling seam for shaping but offers excellent climate control with a one-piece honeycomb floor.
Oodles of soft, filtered spotlights and large windows throughout enhance the lofty, spacious effect that’s particularly notable in the living and dining area at the cafe dinette lounge.
The gorgeous wall-to-wall bathroom provides a large, bright mirror with an array of cabinetry up top and a smart looking black square sink. A concealed upright washing machine supports life on the road.
Build, Features & Off-Grid Performance – Can it handle my adventures?
Essential’s new robust build combines a proven ARV chassis and Titan X suspension with modern fibreglass construction for genuine off-road confidence.
Underneath, the Highlander also sports checker-plating on three tanks and quick filler outlets and brass fittings on the a-frame tap. Moreover, the tank controls held firm against the tough stuff.
🏕️ 💨 Sand & Corrugations Test
Objective: The Sand Moguls rigorously assesses suspension travel, body flex and stability at speed.
Observations: Driver Steve Richards, piloting the Chevy tow vehicle, confidently manoeuvred the Essential Highlander through the challenging sand moguls. He masterfully negotiated the deep, undulating sandy tracks, maintaining precise momentum with a “relaxed” and “perfectly poised” approach suiting the demanding conditions.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: The caravan’s steps sustained a bit of a whack, but the rig otherwise emerged from the test with flying colours.
- Caravan Reaction: The caravan moved around at times on a single axle faithfully falling into line with Richo at the helm.
- Component Response: The tow vehicle maintained the right speed and momentum, enabling the caravan to perform admirably through the demanding moguls.
🌊 💦 Water Crossing Test
Objective: The Water Crossing evaluates water resistance, clearance and the operational integrity of electric brakes.
Observations: With no shortage of confidence, driver Steve Richards entered the water with controlled momentum, “pulling that Highlander … straight through [with] no troubles”.
The rig exited the crossing smoothly, demonstrating a successful and straightforward pass of the test.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: The video shows no evidence of any damage sustained during the water crossing test.
- Caravan Reaction: The Highlander remained stable and composed, following the tow vehicle’s line without any issues.
- Component Response: The caravan’s clearance and waterproofing appeared effective, allowing it to pass through the water obstacle cleanly.
🪨 Moguls & Ruts Test
Objective: The Vantec Caravan Graveyard evaluates departure angles, suspension behaviour, articulation, momentum and track adherence.
Observations: Driver Steve Richards skilfully guided the Chevy Silverado and Essential Highlander through a series of moguls and ruts. After fighting for traction momentarily, the vehicle found its grip and proceeded confidently up the hill and through the uneven sections of the course. All up, he was pleasantly surprised with how it performed.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: No damage was reported or observed during the moguls and ruts section of the test.
- Caravan Reaction: The caravan “tracked track behind the Chevy Silverado,” showing excellent stability and poise through the challenging terrain.
- Component Response: The Highlander’s chassis and suspension handled the articulation demands well, providing less grip than expected but remaining controlled.
💨 🌀 Traction through Bull Dust Test
Objective: The NCE Abyss rigorously assesses traction, stability and handling in soft sand.
Observations: Powdery sand and deep holes paved quite a way for the Big Chev, with the Essential Highlander in tow. Thankfully, Bathurst legend ‘Richo’ met the brief, cautiously approaching the obstacles with good momentum at a steady pace.
Richards maintained control, though the caravan was observed going all crossed up through some angles.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: Our compares noted a little bit of damage to the caravan’s step.
- Caravan Reaction: The Highlander demonstrated strong traction and stability, handling the soft sand without getting stuck or losing significant momentum.
- Component Response: The suspension was thoroughly tested, proving its capability to manage the tight turns and dips and the challenging deep holes.
Chassis, suspension & build
The Highlander’s off-road capability is built upon a stone-chip coated ARV chassis with matching Titan X suspension. This modular system, developed over two years, integrates Pedders shocks and Holroyd hubs. Essential’s new fibreglass construction looked great, with the one-piece honeycomb floor providing a sleek interior with enhanced climate control.
The Essential Highlander runs Mud Terrains on 17in rims and 12in electric brakes.
Power & Water
- 440W solar, as shown. Scalable to 800W
- 600Ah, 2025 specifications
- 95L x3 freshwater tanks
- Quick filler outlets & brass fittings on the a-frame tap and tank controls
Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & inclusions
The Highlander includes well matched ARV chassis with Titan X suspension, a DO35 coupling and Essential’s new fibreglass body with a one-piece honeycomb floor.
Warranty & ownership
Verdict – Which option is best for me?
The Essential Highlander seen here in a single-axle configuration signifies the brand’s entry into the rugged market. It combines a robust ARV chassis and Titan X suspension with modern fibreglass construction and a honeycomb floor, offering durability and enhanced climate control for challenging adventures.
Rivals at a glance
The Essential Highlander carves a strong identity as a balanced performer. While its rivals focus on specific extremes be it technological prowess, ultimate durability, or all-inclusive luxury, the Highlander delivers a compelling, well-rounded package of genuine off-road capability and modern comfort.
- JB Caravans Gator X 17’10” – Its class-leading, fully integrated EcoFlow power system.
- Sunland Explorer EX 186 – Its market-defining 20-year chassis warranty.
- Wonderland RV Hornet 18’6″ – Offering a high level of standard luxury inclusions.
