Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Hyundai Staria-Load
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.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
From $79,900
Van
Diesel
110kW
8.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
10500L
Hyundai Staria-Load
From $47,740
Van
Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi
130kW
7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
4935L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Staria-Load opens at $47,740. 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 $87,890 and $52,514 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Staria-Load by roughly $2,565 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.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Staria-Load gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai Staria-Load. The Hyundai Staria-Load counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Hyundai Staria-Load responds with a Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi making 130kW and 430Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ sequential manual driving the front 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter measures 5,932mm long on a 3,665mm wheelbase, 679mm longer than the Hyundai Staria-Load at 5,253mm (3,273mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 10500L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 4935L in the Hyundai Staria-Load, 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 $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and $1,995/year for the Hyundai Staria-Load. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Staria-Load.
Estimated annual total: $2,508 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs $1,995 (Hyundai Staria-Load). 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 / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai Staria-Load). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Hyundai Staria-Load?
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 — 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.
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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