VS
At a Glance
Power
148 kW
100 kW
Torque
440 Nm
330 Nm
Fuel
6.7 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Towing
1588 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.7 s
—
Engine
2151 cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the Kia Carnival and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Carnival delivers 148 kW while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 100 kW. On fuel, the Carnival returns 6.7 l/100km while the Vito uses 6.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 049 995 for the Carnival and R915 837 for the Vito. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
148 kW
100 kW
Torque
440 Nm
330 Nm
0-100 kph
10.7 s
—
Top Speed
190 Km/h
183 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2151 cc
1950 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.7 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
164 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5155 mm
5140 mm
Width
1995 mm
1928-2244 mm
Height
1775 mm
1910 mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
3200 mm
Ground Clearance
172 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2157 Kg
1800 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
8
2
Load Volume
1139-4110 l
6000 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1588 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
Optional
Service Plan Years
—
opt 2 to 5
Service Plan Distance
—
opt 100000 to 150000
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carnival
Fuel Economy
Vito
Value
Vito
Practicality
Carnival
Pros & Cons
Kia Carnival
More powerful engine (148 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R915 837)
Less power than rival (100 kW vs 148 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Vito?
The Carnival uses 6.7 l/100km and the Vito uses 6.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Vito is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Carnival or Vito?
The Carnival produces 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Vito delivers 100 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The Carnival is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Vito?
The Carnival starts from R1 049 995 and the Vito from R915 837. The Vito is cheaper by R134 158 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carnival or Vito?
The Carnival has a braked towing capacity of 1588 Kg and the Vito can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carnival or the Vito?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.