VS
At a Glance
Power
110kW@5600
120 kW
Torque
224Nm@4000
380 Nm
Fuel
-
6.9 l/100km
Towing
1888kg
—
0-100 km/h
13s
—
Engine
2497cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carnival delivers 110kW@5600 while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 120 kW. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0L/100km while the Vito uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R289 995 for the Carnival and R1 033 735 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.
Specification
KIA Carnival2.5 V6 2002 - From R289 995
Mercedes-Benz Vito116 2.0 CDI Mixto PRO Crewcab A/T F/C P/V 2024 - From R1 033 735
Performance
Power Output
110kW@5600
120 kW
Torque
224Nm@4000
380 Nm
0-100 kph
13s
—
Top Speed
175km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2497cc
1950 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
9
Drive Wheels
FRONT
rear
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
70 l
CO2 Emissions
-
178 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4925mm
5140 mm
Width
1900mm
1928-2244 mm
Height
1805mm
1910 mm
Wheelbase
2905mm
3200 mm
Ground Clearance
171mm
—
Kerb Weight
1888kg
1850 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
3600 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1888kg
—
Load Capacity
2556kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
2 (opt 3 / opt 5)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
Optional
Curtain Airbags
—
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
?
—
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
?
—
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
2
Warranty Distance
100000km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
Optional
Service Plan Years
—
opt 2 to 5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
opt 100000 to 150000km
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carnival
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carnival
Practicality
Carnival
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Lower starting price (R289 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Vito?
The Carnival uses 0L/100km and the Vito uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Carnival or Vito?
The Carnival produces 110kW@5600 and 224Nm@4000 of torque while the Vito delivers 120 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The Vito is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Vito?
The Carnival starts from R289 995 and the Vito from R1 033 735. The Carnival is cheaper by R743 740 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 1888kg 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.