2026 Grand Design Imagine XLS 25RLE: A light, practical, and thoughtful build

The 2026 Grand Design Imagine XLS 25RLE is aimed at solo travelers or couples who prioritize low tow weight and simple living space.

This travel trailer is compact enough for weekend runs and long road trips without sacrificing the basics. It features a single slide that opens the interior for a very comfortable feel.

Watch a video walkthrough below.

Behind the walls

Grand Design builds the Imagine XLS line with laminated sidewalls and rigid foam insulation. The XE/Imagine XLS platform emphasizes weight savings while keeping structural features like an aluminum structure, gel-coated fiberglass exterior, a walk-on roof deck, and a heated, enclosed underbelly. These construction choices are designed to balance durability, insulation, and tow-friendly weight.

Key specs

  • Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW): 6,186 lbs.
  • Dry hitch weight: 636 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 7,995 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 29’9″
  • Exterior height: 10’10”
  • Fresh water capacity: 37 gal.
  • Gray water capacity: 45 gal.
  • Black water capacity: 37 gal.
  • Slide outs: 1
  • Typical MSRP: around $51,833 (local dealer pricing and incentives vary)

Exterior highlights

For its size, the Grand Design Imagine XLS 25RLE offers a generous pass-through basement storage area. The control panel is located there and includes wiring to add a TPMS for your convenience.

The power tongue jack makes setup/take down easy, and there are two entry doors (kitchen and bedroom) for coming and going. (You can access the bathroom and the bedroom while the slide is retracted, which is nice.)

I really like that Grand Design ran the awning almost the entire length of the RV. That will provide generous shade throughout the camper.

Interior and living space

Walking in, the Imagine XLS 25RLE feels intentionally compact but uncluttered. Designers thoughtfully positioned drop zones on either side of this entry door, which is something you don’t always see. The motion sensor light is another welcomed feature.

The single slide opens up the main area, so you don’t feel boxed in. The layout prioritizes a natural flow, and you’ll immediately notice that the sightline stretches from one end of the RV to the other, which I really appreciate. Light tone finishes on the floor, upholstery, and cabinets help keep the interior bright, and there are plenty of windows to let natural light (and breezes) into the camper.

Imagine1 Imagine2

Kitchen

The mid-kitchen layout gives a practical work triangle. It includes a 3-burner cooktop with oven, microwave, and a deep stainless sink with a pull-down sprayer.

Countertop space is perfect for meal prep and serving. A 12V 10 cu. ft. refrigerator is standard on the XLS line, which makes running off solar easier than a conventional AC-only fridge.

The kitchen offers plenty of storage options with drawers as well as cabinets for your cooking and eating essentials. I was pleasantly surprised to find soft-close doors—another thoughtful touch.

The dinette features facing booths. I prefer the table to be wall-mounted, but this one isn’t. (Plan to knock knees with your dinner date with this table configuration.) The dinette is surrounded by windows, which allows both of you to take in the view—a definite plus!

Dinette

Living area

The living area has theater seating, and I like the fact that the center console flips up and out of the way, too. The TV is located directly across from the theater seating and features a JBL sound system. LED interior lighting and minimal window treatments keep the space bright during the day and cozy at night.

Bath

The 25RLE’s bath is generous for the trailer’s footprint. (I wonder if a woman designed it?) There is plenty of storage for towels, and the sink cabinet has great countertop space, as well.

The walk-in shower has a skylight, there’s a power bath vent, and the mirrored medicine cabinet is also a great feature.

The walk-in shower size and storage arrangement make day-to-day use easy, and I really like the on-demand tankless water heater.

Bath

Bedroom

The sleeping area keeps things simple and quite serviceable. There is overbed storage, USB/110V outlets, two mirrored wardrobes, and easy access to both sides of the queen bed. Opposite the bed, you’ll find additional clothes storage—a plus!

The layout is aimed at couples who want a dedicated bed space without wasting square footage.

Bed

Overall take

The 2026 Imagine XLS 25RLE is a good choice for couples (or a single RVer) who want a lightweight, well-insulated trailer with thoughtful interior features within a small footprint. This one is worth a close look.

Watch the walkthrough, then share your thoughts about this RV using the comments below.

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Gail Marsh
Gail Marsh
Gail Marsh is an avid RVer and occasional work camper. Retired from 30+ years in the field of education as an author and educator, she now enjoys sharing tips and tricks that make RVing easier and more enjoyable.

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