Not a 4WD campervan, but trail-capable

Interstate, one of Australia’s newest motorhome manufacturers, has expanded production for its signature model Interstate ‘One’, along with a twin single bed alternative to the double bed model.

We don’t normally list two-wheel-drive vans or motorhomes, but we do make some exceptions, including Jacana’s Hiker, HiAce-based van and Trakka’s Trakkaway motorhome. Although these vehicles are 2WD, they have enhanced tractive ability that allows them to travel over moderately uneven roads and trails.

The Interstate ‘One’ is based on the Fiat Ducato front-wheel-drive cab/chassis that comes with highly effective traction and stability control systems, for added tractive ability.

The Interstate Newcastle-based company launched in 2020, but demand outpaced initial production capacity: hence, a new 4200 square-metre, state-of-the-art facility with 40+ staff in mid-2025.

The driver of Interstate’s rapid growth was a design inspired by the ‘vanlife’ movement, built to meet commercial motorhome industry standards.

“We talked with designers, engineers and travellers to combine the modern, minimalist ‘vanlife’ aesthetic with commercial-grade quality and durability,” said Aaron O’Brien, Interstate’s managing director and co-founder. 

“We knew the materials people were using in their DIY-builds were often impractical and, in many cases, non-compliant. 

“We created a motorhome that offered the same vibe as a ‘vanlife’ build, but could be manufactured at scale and stand the test of time.” 

Interstate prioritised strong, durable and lightweight materials and used them to achieve the look of a high-end interior design. The obvious cab/chassis choice was Fiat’s Ducato, the world’s leading motorhome vehicle platform.

The model ‘One’ allows travellers to enjoy a home-like experience on the road. Key features include: quality surface finishes and cabinets made from lightweight board with acrylic laminate; brand-name appliances; in-built water filtration; bathroom with custom-designed shower cubicle; bedroom with TV and pocket-spring mattress(es); ample storage; abundant natural light via windows and skylight; and comprehensive warranty and complimentary roadside assistance.

Interstate is able to offer competitive pricing, starting at $145,000, made possible by optimising production processes for a single vehicle, the company said: 

“We’re often asked how we manage to keep our pricing so affordable, without sacrificing quality, and the simple answer is doing one thing and doing it well.”

Of course, buyers wanting off-grid capability need a power pack ($3200). For bush work, we’d also opt for a front bar ($1790-$3690); diesel heating $3490) and suspension upgrade ($4290).

Unlike larger motorhomes, the Interstate ‘One’ drives like a big car, with ample grunt of 132kW and a nine-speed fully-automatic transmission. It requires the driver to have only a standard car licence.