Volkswagen Transporter vs Mercedes-Benz Vito
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.
Volkswagen Transporter
From $58,590
Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
125kW
7.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Mercedes-Benz Vito
From $63,000
Van
Diesel
—
120kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
6000L
Volkswagen Transporter: we're still completing height, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and CO2 emissions, plus 1 other.
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Transporter starts from $58,590 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz Vito opens at $63,000. 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 $64,449 and $69,300 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz Vito by roughly $1,995 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 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display and wireless charging that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz Vito. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Transporter uses a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito lines up making 120kW and 380Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the rear 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 Volkswagen Transporter measures 5,050mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 90mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz Vito at 5,140mm (3,200mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Vito generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Transporter leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Volkswagen Transporter and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz Vito. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz Vito.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Volkswagen Transporter) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz Vito). The Mercedes-Benz Vito saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen Transporter) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Mercedes-Benz Vito). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Vito if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Transporter takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz Vito will save you roughly $399 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, Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes-Benz Vito?
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 Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes-Benz Vito carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
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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