VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
120 kW
Torque
95 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Engine
998 cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the KIA Picanto and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 120 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Vito uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R278 995 for the Picanto 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.
Performance
Power Output
49 kW
120 kW
Torque
95 Nm
380 Nm
Top Speed
149 Km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1950 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
9
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
178 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
5140 mm
Width
1595 mm
1928-2244 mm
Height
1495 mm
1910 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
3200 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
—
Kerb Weight
979 Kg
1850 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
3600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
2yr
opt 2 to 5yr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
opt 100000 to 150000km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Picanto
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R278 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 120 kW)
Mercedes-Benz Vito
More powerful engine (120 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Vito?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Vito uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Picanto is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Picanto or Vito?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm 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 Picanto and Vito?
The Picanto starts from R278 995 and the Vito from R1 033 735. The Picanto is cheaper by R754 740 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Picanto 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.
Also Consider