Mercedes-Benz R-Class vs Volkswagen Crafter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 15 Oct 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.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 6 others.
Volkswagen Crafter: we're still completing price, width, height, kerb weight and 0-100km/h, plus 4 others.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
No price
- 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.
Track the Mercedes-Benz R-Class & Volkswagen Crafter
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
- REC-005438 · published 17 May 2022The sealing of the brake booster may reduce due to corrosion.Year range on the notice: 2005 - 2013
Volkswagen Crafter
- REC-001398 · published 18 Oct 2020Windows for a limited number of Crafter vehicles may have been incorrectly stored during production and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
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 Mercedes-Benz R-Class stands out with power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Crafter. The Volkswagen Crafter counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class uses a Diesel producing 195kW and 620Nm of torque, sent through a 7g-tronic 7-speed automatic to a AWD layout.
The Volkswagen Crafter responds with a Diesel making 130kW and 410Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has the clear power advantage at 195kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz R-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (50 vs 54). The Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volkswagen Crafter trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volkswagen Crafter carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class makes the most power at 195kW.
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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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