Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
From $79,900
Van
Diesel
Diesel
110kW
8.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
14000L
Volkswagen Crafter
From $69,100
Cab Chassis
Diesel
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
—
ANCAP: no data
—
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Crafter opens at $69,100. That makes the Volkswagen Crafter the more affordable entry point by $10,800.
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 $76,010 respectively.
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 Volkswagen Crafter gets a 6.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets vinyl upholstery while the Volkswagen Crafter offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Volkswagen Crafter responds with a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI making 130kW and 410Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter driving the front wheels.
The Volkswagen Crafter 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 6,967mm long on a 4,325mm wheelbase, 121mm longer than the Volkswagen Crafter at 6,846mm (4,490mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Crafter 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.
14.4m to 16.2m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 16.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 250,000km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Crafter takes 3 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Volkswagen Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $69,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $10,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses the least fuel at 8.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter carry a published ANCAP rating yet — 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 Volkswagen Crafter 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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