VS
At a Glance
Power
88 kW
140 kW
Torque
172 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
2000 Kg
Engine
998 cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the KIA Sonet and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sonet delivers 88 kW while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Sonet returns 5.8 l/100km while the Vito uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R436 995 for the Sonet and R1 403 839 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
88 kW
140 kW
Torque
172 Nm
440 Nm
Top Speed
180 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
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
5140 mm
Width
1790 mm
1928-2244 mm
Height
1610 mm
1910 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
3200 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1201 Kg
2442 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
8
Load Volume
385 l
990-1220-4630 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
2000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
3yr
—
Service Plan Distance
45000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
Sonet
Practicality
Vito
Pros & Cons
KIA Sonet
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R436 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (88 kW vs 140 kW)
Mercedes-Benz Vito
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or Vito?
The Sonet uses 5.8 l/100km and the Vito uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 Sonet or Vito?
The Sonet produces 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque while the Vito delivers 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The Vito is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and Vito?
The Sonet starts from R436 995 and the Vito from R1 403 839. The Sonet is cheaper by R966 844 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or Vito?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Vito can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sonet 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.