2025 Carado T459

With its fixed queen bed, drop down guest bed and smart, space-saving design, the Carado T459 offers couples a perfect mix of comfort, practicality and affordability. Motorhome writer and editor Claire Smith explores why this European motorhome is such a popular choice.

Wilderness Motorhomes have long been the go-to for Kiwis after a taste of European motorhome quality, and the Carado T459 has been a firm favourite for good reason. 

Now refreshed for 2025, this model continues to deliver on what it’s always been known for — smart design, comfort and fantastic value. Perfect for couples and families, it features a fixed queen bed plus a drop down bed, providing sleeping space for four. 

With its clever use of space and a layout that feels both practical and luxurious, the T459 is a trusty companion for exploring New Zealand in style. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s such a popular pick.

Light and lovely

From the moment you step inside the Carado T459, it’s clear that everything has been designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The electric step makes getting in and out straightforward, and the wide front door is packed with clever details — a storage pocket for odds and ends, an ergonomic grab handle (with a second one just inside for extra support), and a window so you can check who’s visiting. There’s also a separate insect screen, which is great for keeping the bugs at bay while letting the fresh air in.

Inside, you’re welcomed by a light, airy space that feels both relaxing and practical. Lovely big windows flood the interior with natural light, while the overhead skylight at the front not only brightens the space but gives a wonderful sense of openness. The soft neutral tones and light timber finishes create a calming, inviting vibe — just what you want after a day’s adventures.

The layout is thoughtfully designed, with a face-to-face dining area and a compact, well-equipped kitchen at the front, leading to a centrally located split bathroom. At the rear, you’ll find a fixed north-south queen bed — a feature that’s a hit with many Kiwi couples — and for added versatility, there’s a drop down bed over the dining area.

This setup makes it ideal for couples who might occasionally have kids or grandkids tagging along, providing extra sleeping space without compromising on the main bedroom’s comfort.

The clever design doesn’t stop there – you can close off the bedroom and bathroom for privacy, creating a sanctuary-like feel when you want it. At 7.4 metres long, the T459 is a breeze to drive, yet it still offers all the functionality and comfort you’d expect from a larger motorhome. It’s a layout that just works, whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or a longer journey.

Make a meal of it

The dining area in the Carado T459 is a great spot for everything from casual meals to morning coffee breaks and even a little laptop time. At the front, you’ll find a removable, adjustable table flanked by two comfy two-seater couches. 

When it’s just the two of you, the table folds down to half its size, giving you even more space to stretch out and relax. 

For extra seating, the driver and passenger cab seats swivel fully, so you can fit up to six people around the table — perfect for hosting friends or just being able to spread out a bit. 

With windows all around and an almost full-width overhead window that opens, it’s a wonderfully bright and airy place to unwind or socialise.

The kitchen comes equipped with two gas hobs, an oven, and a grill — more than enough for whipping up anything from a bacon and eggs brekkie to a Sunday night roast. The fridge is generously sized at 156L, with an additional 29L freezer. Storage is sorted, too — with a mix of cupboards and soft-close drawers under the bench and overhead cabinets for all your ingredients and cooking gear.

The ambience in the kitchen and dining area is boosted by clever LED lighting strips beneath the benchtop and around the window — they’re practical but also add a nice cosy touch when the sun sets. And with an overhead skylight in the kitchen bringing in even more natural light, it’s an inviting, comfy space that feels nicely connected to the outdoors.

Bathroom brilliance

Just past the kitchen, you’ll find the split bathroom — a clever setup that makes great use of the space. On the left is the full-sized shower, with plenty of space to enjoy a relaxing hot shower. The adjustable showerhead and a handy rack for towels or togs make it super functional, and the overhead vent lets in natural light and draws out moisture.

Opposite the shower is the Thetford swivel cassette toilet and vanity. It’s a bright, tidy space, thanks to a skylight, and there’s a good amount of storage — with room under the sink for your essentials and a cupboard for all your lotions and potions.

What makes this layout work so well is how it uses the available space so wisely. You can use the shower and toilet areas separately when you need to, or close them both off from the bedroom and living areas to create one private, spacious zone. It’s the kind of design that just makes sense for life on the road — compact where it needs to be, but still offering room to move when you want it.

Sleep just like home

There’s nothing quite like having the convenience and luxury of a proper bed waiting for you at the end of the day, and the queen bed in the Carado T459 ticks all the right boxes. At just under 2m long by 1.5m wide when fully extended, it’s roomy enough for a proper stretch-out sleep. 

During the day, you can shorten it to give yourself a bit more space to move around the base — a handy little feature that keeps the bedroom feeling open. The bed is positioned north-south, so there's no awkward climbing over each other in the middle of the night, and it comes complete with his and hers wardrobes, USB ports, plugs and reading lights. Overhead lockers give you even more storage, while the base of the bed lifts up to store bulkier items – great for stashing bags or extra bedding.

There’s also a padded bedhead and enough space to sit up comfortably, whether you’re diving into a good book or indulging in breakfast in bed (which of course, you should!). Big windows on either side and an overhead skylight not only let in plenty of natural light but also offer great ventilation, so you’ll wake up feeling refreshed.

For guests, kids (or lucky grandkids!), the drop down double bed in the lounge area is a brilliant addition. It lowers neatly over the dining space, leaving plenty of room both above and below — so no one feels cramped. There are safety nets to keep the grandkids secure and even a ladder for easy access, making it a practical and super-easy sleeping option.

Smooth driving

For those who love the driving just as much as the destination, the Carado T459’s cab definitely delivers. Built on the reliable Fiat Ducato 2.2L chassis, it offers a smooth and stable ride — thanks in part to its extra-wide design.

The 9-speed automatic transmission makes long stretches of road feel effortless, while features like adaptive cruise control, ABS brakes, ESP and hill hold take the stress out of navigating New Zealand’s diverse driving conditions. 

Inside the cab, it’s all about comfort and practicality. Both the driver and passenger seats are roomy and plush, complete with armrests and generous cushioning. Of course, there’s air conditioning to keep things cool, Bluetooth connectivity for your music or calls and Carplay integration.

The layout of the cab makes it easy to transition from the driver’s seat to the living space, too — with plenty of room between the seats to move freely. 

Noteworthy extras

The Carado T459 is packed with thoughtful features that make life on the road as comfortable and convenient as possible. One highlight is the tunnel garage that runs from side to side — perfect for stashing bulky essentials like outdoor furniture, a barbecue or fishing gear. It’s easy to access and includes tie-down points to keep everything secure, no matter where the road takes you.

The build quality is another area where the T459 really shines. With a GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) roof and rear wall, 34mm foam sandwich wall construction and an aluminium skin, it’s well-insulated and built to handle New Zealand’s variable weather. The double-glazed hinged windows come with cassette blinds for blackout and heat retention, plus insect screens for when you want fresh air without the unwelcome guests.

To top it off, the T459 comes with a solid set of warranties for peace of mind: a 2-year Fiat warranty, a 2-year Carado comprehensive warranty, and a 7-year impermeability guarantee. This is the longest water tightness warranty in the entry-level segment of the market, which speaks volumes about how confident the manufacturer is in its product. It’s all about ensuring you can hit the road with confidence — knowing your motorhome is as reliable as it is comfortable.

Quality, comfort and value

The Carado T459 is a fantastic option for couples looking to upgrade to a motorhome that balances quality, comfort, and value. Its clever layout, with a fixed queen bed and versatile drop down, makes it perfect for those who occasionally travel with guests or grandkids — while the smart use of space and thoughtful features ensure every trip feels easy and enjoyable.

It may not offer the bells and whistles of higher-end models, but it delivers everything you need in a stylish, practical package without breaking the bank. For anyone after a dependable, well-designed motorhome with a touch of European flair, the T459 is a standout choice.

This review was written by Claire Smith and originally published in the Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations (MCD) magazine on 30 December 2024. We're republishing the review with the magazine's permission.