VS
At a Glance
Power
110kW@5600
140 kW
Torque
224Nm@4000
440 Nm
Fuel
—
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1888
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
13
—
Engine
2497
1950 cc
Choosing between the KIA CARNIVAL and the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA CARNIVAL delivers 110kW@5600 while the Mercedes-Benz Vito produces 140 kW. On fuel, the CARNIVAL returns 0 while the Vito uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R289 995 for the CARNIVAL and R1 375 279 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
110kW@5600
140 kW
Torque
224Nm@4000
440 Nm
0-100 kph
13
—
Top Speed
175
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2497
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
—
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
70 l
CO2 Emissions
—
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4925
5140 mm
Width
1900
1928-2244 mm
Height
1805
1910 mm
Wheelbase
2905
3200 mm
Ground Clearance
171
—
Kerb Weight
1888
2442 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
8
Load Volume
—
990-1220-4630 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1888
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
2556
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ 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
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
?
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
?
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator / 25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz Vito
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Vito
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARNIVAL
Practicality
Vito
Pros & Cons
KIA CARNIVAL
Lower starting price (R289 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CARNIVAL or Vito?
The CARNIVAL uses 0 and the Vito uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world 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 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CARNIVAL and Vito?
The CARNIVAL starts from R289 995 and the Vito from R1 375 279. The CARNIVAL is cheaper by R1 085 284 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 1888 and the Vito can tow 2000 Kg. 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.