VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
180 kW
Torque
330 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 co
Towing
—
1570 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
8.2 s
Engine
1950 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz Vito delivers 100 kW while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 180 kW. On fuel, the Vito returns 5.8 l/100km while the Caravelle uses 1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 combined + 15.9 kWh/100 km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 167 984 for the Vito and R1 794 000 for the Caravelle. 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
100 kW
180 kW
Torque
330 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.2 s
Top Speed
183 Km/h
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 co
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
45 litre + 19.7 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
152 g/km
77 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
4973 mm
Width
1928-2244 mm
1941 mm
Height
1910 mm
1907 mm
Wheelbase
3200 mm
3124 mm
Ground Clearance
—
161 mm
Kerb Weight
1900 Kg
2230 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
8
7
Load Volume
990-1220-4630 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1570 Kg
Load Capacity
—
650 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2 (opt 3 / opt 5)
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
Optional
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
Optional
—
Service Plan Years
opt 2 to 5
—
Service Plan Distance
opt 100000 to 150000
—
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Caravelle
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Caravelle
Fuel Economy
Caravelle
Value
Vito
Practicality
Caravelle
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Lower starting price (R1 167 984)
Higher fuel consumption (5.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (100 kW vs 180 kW)
Volkswagen Caravelle
More powerful engine (180 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 combined + 15.9 kWh/100 km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vito or Caravelle?
The Vito uses 5.8 l/100km and the Caravelle uses 1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 combined + 15.9 kWh/100 km l/100km on the combined cycle. The Caravelle 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 Vito or Caravelle?
The Vito produces 100 kW and 330 Nm of torque while the Caravelle delivers 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The Caravelle is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Vito and Caravelle?
The Vito starts from R1 167 984 and the Caravelle from R1 794 000. The Vito is cheaper by R626 016 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Vito or Caravelle?
The Vito has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Caravelle can tow 1570 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Vito or the Caravelle?
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.