Ford Transit vs Mercedes-Benz Vito
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$69,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$63,000RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz Vito opens at $63,000. That makes the Mercedes-Benz Vito the more affordable entry point by $6,990.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,989 and $69,300 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz Vito by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Ford Transit
- REC-006648 · published 1 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, Advanced Driver Assistance System may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006498 · published 10 Dec 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the main body wiring harness may chafe against the transmission housing and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006358 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera may not display the rear-view image whilst reversing as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 6 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
- REC-005874 · published 17 Jan 2024Due to a hardware component connectivity issue, the Hermes Control Unit (ECE) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-005614 · published 15 Feb 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel filter drainpipe may come in contact with the underfloor panel and chafe whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-005540 · published 12 Oct 2022Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera may not display the rear-view image as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- 14 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Ford Transit stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz Vito. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit uses a Diesel producing 121kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito lines up making 120kW and 380Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Ford Transit has the clear power advantage at 121kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit measures 5,981mm long on a 3,750mm wheelbase, 841mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz Vito at 5,140mm (3,200mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 9000L in the Ford Transit and 6000L in the Mercedes-Benz Vito, giving the Ford Transit a 3000L advantage. The Ford Transit seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Ford Transit leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Ford Transit and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz Vito. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz Vito.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Mercedes-Benz Vito). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Vito if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (62 vs 67). The Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Vito trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz Vito will save you roughly $484 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Transit has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Vito?
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is the cheapest at $63,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit by $6,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz Vito uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Vito carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Transit has the largest boot at 9000L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit makes the most power at 121kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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