Hyundai Staria-Load vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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.
Hyundai Staria-Load
From $47,740
Van
Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi
130kW
7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
4935L
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
From $79,900
Van
Diesel
110kW
8.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
10500L
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Staria-Load starts from $47,740 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter opens at $79,900. That makes the Hyundai Staria-Load the more affordable entry point by $32,160.
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 $52,514 and $87,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Staria-Load by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Staria-Load and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Staria-Load packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Staria-Load and 6 in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Staria-Load features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Staria-Load stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Staria-Load gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers vinyl.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria-Load uses a Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi producing 130kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ sequential manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter responds with a Diesel making 110kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Hyundai Staria-Load has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria-Load measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 679mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 5,932mm (3,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 4935L in the Hyundai Staria-Load and 10500L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, giving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter a 5565L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria-Load leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Hyundai Staria-Load and $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Staria-Load.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Hyundai Staria-Load) vs $2,508 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). The Hyundai Staria-Load saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai Staria-Load) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria-Load if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria-Load takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Staria-Load will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Staria-Load and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The Hyundai Staria-Load is the cheapest at $47,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $32,160.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Staria-Load uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria-Load and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the largest boot at 10500L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria-Load has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria-Load makes the most power at 130kW.
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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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