Mercedes-Benz Vito vs Volkswagen Transporter
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 Vito
From $63,000
Van
Diesel
—
120kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
6000L
Volkswagen Transporter
From $58,590
Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
125kW
7.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Track the Mercedes-Benz Vito & Volkswagen Transporter
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Vito starts from $63,000 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Transporter opens at $58,590. That makes the Volkswagen Transporter the more affordable entry point by $4,410.
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 $69,300 and $64,449 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz Vito by roughly $1,280 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Volkswagen Transporter counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display and wireless charging that the Mercedes-Benz Vito does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Vito lines up producing 120kW and 380Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
The Volkswagen Transporter responds with a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Volkswagen Transporter has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz Vito measures 5,140mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 90mm longer than the Volkswagen Transporter at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Vito generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Transporter leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz Vito and $2,109/year for the Volkswagen Transporter. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz Vito.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz Vito) vs $2,109 (Volkswagen Transporter). The Mercedes-Benz Vito saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Mercedes-Benz Vito) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Transporter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Vito if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Transporter takes 2 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz Vito will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter is the cheapest at $58,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Vito by $4,410.
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 Mercedes-Benz Vito and Volkswagen Transporter carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz Vito has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Transporter makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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