There have been plenty of comings and goings at Swift over the years, but also some great things that have stayed the same. A good example of the latter must surely be the Challenger range, which in 2026 celebrates its 41st birthday, and includes the Swift Challenger 390, which I’m reviewing here.

The range has been in continuous production since 1985, when it burst onto forecourts offering a new aerodynamic profile and even a rear spoiler. Swift had created a range that, aimed at the mid-market and with a good spec, became well-known in caravanning circles and is still on most caravanners’ radar today.

For 2026 the range has been revamped with some influence, we have to say, from last season’s now-discontinued Sprite Exclusive range, which featured tourers such as the Sprite Exclusive Alpine 4 and Sprite Exclusive Quattro MB.

For example, the Swift Challenger 390, which I look at here, is loosely based on the Sprite Compact, a tourer for two that offered a gap left by the once popular Lunar Ariva. Does it fit the bill as a tourer with tighter dimensions and is it worth considering if you’re looking for the best small caravans?

Pitch and set-up

At just 5.37m long and 2.03m wide, the 390 could fit on a smaller drive. Its GRP sides are well finished and tough, while the roof also has a hail-resistant GRP finish. Chrome grab handles are fitted, and with a MiRO of 1004kg it’s relatively easy to move by hand, which is always a benefit when choosing the best 2 berth caravan.

Bold and stylish side graphics and black alloy wheels add to the van’s good looks.

ATC is fitted as standard, even on a small tourer like this, as is an AKS hitch stabiliser. There is an exterior nearside fitted locker as well as a BBQ point and mains socket. There is also a 120W solar panel on the roof and fixings for a Thule bike rack on the rear panel. But one item that is missing is a sunroof.

Lounge in the Swift Challenger 390

The Swift Challenger 390 may be a narrow tourer, but the front lounge doesn’t feel as tight on space as you might think this type of caravan would be. It offers two people plenty of space, and good room even for four.

The parallel lounge
Sprung seating in cream is very comfortable

The sprung seating is comfortable and made more so with four scatter cushions. Curtains are fitted to the front three windows, with padded panels on the side windows. A wireless charging pad is also part of the spec.

In one of the overhead lockers you will find a JVC radio unit. The central chest has a slide-out coffee table, too.

Kitchen in the Swift Challenger 390

An end-kitchen layout such as this used to be the benchmark for a caravan for couples. You may be limited for space in the 390, but Swift’s designers have made the most of every inch available. A large stainless-steel sink is fitted, as is a Thetford dual-fuel hob and gas oven.

The end kitchen
The end kitchen uses limited space very effectively

A microwave that is also part of the spec is placed in the rear overhead locker. I wonder if it wouldn’t have been better placed in the locker above the fridge in the centre, to make it easier to access.

The Dometic fridge
This Dometic fridge is the perfect size for a two-berth caravan

LED lighting is fitted under the locker, as is a mains socket, while a roof vent is placed directly over the kitchen area. It all works well considering the dimensions.

Beds in the Swift Challenger 390

The front lounge can be converted into a double bed via pull-out slats between the settees. The cushions then drop into place. Or, if you take the backrest cushions off, you can use the settees as single beds if you are less than 6ft tall.

Washroom in the Challenger 390

A corner washroom may not sound ideal, especially if you’re on a site with few facilities. But you shouldn’t get the idea that the 390’s washroom isn’t practical.

A moulded ABS sink unit comes with storage beneath and a large mirror above. The side window plus a roof vent allows in lots of natural light and excellent ventilation.

The compact corner washroom
Compact corner washroom has everything you need for an off-grid stopover

The shower has a curtain, while the toilet is a Thetford electric flush. The washroom is very usable should you need it, so it should not restrict you from only using full-facility sites.

Storage in the Challenger 390

For such a small tourer the Challenger 390 comes with storage space aplenty, with good overhead side lockers and internal access flaps for both underseat areas. With no sunroof, there is an open shelf across the front, too.

The JVC radio in an upper locker
There’s a JVC radio fitted in one of the upper lockers, but it does eat up some space

The wardrobe offers excellent hanging space, even with the freestanding table stored here. Only the presence of the TV aerial makes it a bit fiddly if you want to store a lot of clothes in here.

With the fridge centrally placed, the kitchen has good cupboard storage, with a slide-out metal basket.

Alternatives to consider

The Barefoot Bothy is a three-berth tourer which we picked out as the standout compact tourer on the market at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026, a van which is stylish, well-designed and very lightweight.

Or you could take a look at the Sprite Alpine 4 DB from Swift’s pared-down Sprite range. It’s competitively priced, with a low MTPLM and a bright, airy lounge.

You can also see what I had to say about buying a used 2019 Lunar Quasar 462, a lightweight and affordable van which feels nicely spacious inside.

Specification of the Challenger 390

Tech specs

  • Price: £25,195
  • Berths: 2
  • MiRO: 1004kg
  • Payload: 114kg
  • MTPLM: 1118kg
  • Interior length: 3.66m
  • Shipping length: 5.37m
  • Overall width: 2.03m
  • Contact: swiftgroup.co.uk

Spec list

  • Truma CombiNeo heating
  • Thetford oven
  • Dometic fridge
  • Alarm
  • Alloys
  • Status TV aerial
  • Shower
  • Al-Ko wheel-lock receiver
  • External BBQ point and mains socket
  • 120W solar panel
  • ATC
  • Spare wheel
  • Radio
  • Exterior locker
  • Awning lights

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