VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
440 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Engine
1950 cc
1997 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Renault Trafic is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz Vito delivers 140 kW while the Renault Trafic produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Vito returns 7.2 l/100km while the Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 290 748 for the Vito and R979 999 for the Trafic. 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
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
440 Nm
380 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
1997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
186 g/km
188 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
5480 mm
Width
1928-2244 mm
1956 / 2312 mm
Height
1910 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
3200 mm
3498 mm
Ground Clearance
—
160 mm
Kerb Weight
2287 Kg
2135 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
Seats
5
9
Load Volume
3600 l
1000 / 6000 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
935 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ 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
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Trafic
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Vito
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Renault Trafic
Lower starting price (R979 999)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vito or Trafic?
The Vito uses 7.2 l/100km and the Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Trafic 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 Trafic?
The Vito produces 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Trafic delivers 125 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The Vito is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Vito and Trafic?
The Vito starts from R1 290 748 and the Trafic from R979 999. The Trafic is cheaper by R310 749 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Vito or Trafic?
The Vito has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Trafic can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Vito or the Trafic?
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.