2026 Elddis Avanté Apex 550 caravan review

There’s lots happening across the whole Elddis/Buccaneer/Xplore portfolio as we go into the 2026 season. And that includes its top-selling Elddis Avante caravan range, which goes into the new model year as a six-strong line-up that now also carries the Apex moniker – a sign that it’s all moved upmarket in terms of specification (indeed, you can argue it’s taking the place of the now defunct Affinity range).

The Elddis Avante Apex 550 caravan here is a typical rear island bed formula that’s already proved popular with couples and families.

In this video we take a walkthrough of the 2026 Elddis Avante Apex 550 caravan:

The latest exterior is more than a suggestion of what’s to come inside. Latest Elddis Avanté Apex caravans’s boast silver sides and upmarket graphics, complemented by a step-on hitch cover, black alloy wheels, chrome finished grab handles and fixing points for a bike rack on the rear panel.

There’s also a 130Watt solar panel with a 20Aamp MPPT regulator from Truma.

The interior of the Elddis Avante Apex 550 caravan has certainly benefited from a general smartening up of both the soft furnishings and the furniture finish.

There’s a twin settee front lounge that converts into a transverse double bed (2.05m x 1.12m).

As you’d expect, it’s a fully equipped kitchen, starting with a full Thetford cooker (hob with three gas rings and electric hotplate; separate oven and grill). There’s also a Russell Hobbs microwave oven, although its location directly over the hob won’t be liked by all.

Immediately to the left of the hob is a circular sink with matching black enamel finish and a loose drainer.

Further left is some permanent worktop, plus a flip-up extension, with two mains sockets nearby.

A cutlery drawer and 98-litre Dometic fridge sit under this section, leaving space for more drawers and a small locker between the latter and the cooker. And there’s a grey plastic waste bin opposite on the main door.

At the back of the Elddis Avante Apex 550 caravan, maximum dimensions for the island double are 1.90m x 1.35m and, of course, the bonus of an island bed is that you have access from both sides.

Also here are wardrobes on each side of the bed, along with handy ledges and drawers.

The large opening rooflight is another big bonus here, however, the side windows get both blinds and curtains. The only downside to such an arrangement is there’s no external access to the underbed storage area.

En-suite to the end bedroom are a separate toilet room and shower cubicle. The former’s location on the nearside means you’ll be emptying the toilet via the awning, if you add one.

Elddis has this in mind, too, perhaps in choosing not to have a window for this room, although there is a rooflight. And you do get an Omnivent in the ceiling between the shower cubicle and the toilet room.

There’s a solid door for the latter, complete with a couple of handy coat hooks, which can also be used for complete privacy from the kitchen and lounge areas.

Also in the toilet room are lockers (one almost full height, one under the basin), a large mirror and toilet roll holder.

Over on the offside of the Elddis Avante Apex 550 caravan, the shower cubicle has bi-folding doors, is fully lined and has an Ecocamel Orbit shower on a riser bar.

Heating is from Whale’s 4.7kW CompleteHeat system, hot water from the same supplier’s Expanse, with its eight-litre tank slung under the ‘van, both operating from gas and/or mains electricity.

For your own security, it’s good to see the Tracker Retrieve caravan tracking system and Autowatch 650 caravan alarm – complete with wired leg sensor and PIR – are now standard. They’ll give you savings on your caravan insurance, too.

The only downside of this upmarket move is the Avante Apex 550 has leapfrogged its nearest rivals in terms of starting price. However, it can point to a much higher starting specification compared to previous Avantés, with the likes of Al-Ko’s ATC, Pioneer stereo system, heavy duty corner steadies, on-board WiFi, TV bracket and plenty more all part of the standard inventory.

To find out more about insuring an Elddis Avanté Apex 550 or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance page.

Verdict: A move upmarket, but will it prove successful?

Plus: Enhanced specification, proven floorplan with island bed comforts

Minus: Toilet emptying is via the awning

In-a-nutshell: Elddis ups the Avanté

Alternatives: Adria Altea 622 DP Dart, Bailey Phoenix Black 640, Coachman Acadia 545, Swift Challenger 560, Swift Sprite Major 4 EB