Volkswagen Crafter 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.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 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.
Volkswagen Crafter: we're still completing price, width, height, kerb weight and 0-100km/h, plus 4 others.
A blank cell below means 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
$79,900RRP
- 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.
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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
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
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- REC-005701 · published 15 Jun 2023The electrical wiring of the interior fan blower may not meet specifications and could cause excess heat when the highest level of air condition/heater is in operation.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-005595 · published 10 Jan 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the park pawl system that locks the transmission when the shift lever is in park may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- REC-005594 · published 10 Jan 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the park pawl system that locks the transmission when the shift lever is in park may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 13 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Crafter features a 10.4-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Crafter uses a Diesel producing 103kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter responds with a Diesel making 110kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Crafter measures 6,836mm long on a 4,490mm wheelbase, 131mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 6,967mm (4,325mm 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 diameter
Large
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Crafter) vs 5 years / 250,000km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Top CarSorted Score, 62 vs 54
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (62 vs 54), taking 1 of 2 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ahead by 26), practicality (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ahead by 20), safety (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ahead by 4). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs.
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 Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Sprinter makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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