Mercedes Vito review

You have to feel for the Mercedes Vito. Here it is, working away to earn itself buyers in the face of strong competition in the medium van sector, while at the same time it's slightly overshadowed by a larger Mercedes stablemate.

Indeed, the Vito arguably has a tougher job than the bigger Mercedes Sprinter – which tends to get all the glory – because it goes up against big-selling rivals. They include heavyweights including the Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter.

The Vito has a reputation for being expensive to buy and run, and its model line-up isn’t quite as wide-ranging as its rivals.

You do get the choice between panel and crew van body styles, as well as three body lengths, but there’s only one body height, and only two equipment levels – entry-level Progressive and more upmarket Premium.

So, is the Mercedes Vito a worthy rival to the best medium vans? Read on to find out...

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The Mercedes Vito is not available with front-wheel drive – you’ll have to go for rear-wheel drive. That might not suit buyers who prize the added efficiency and increased payload you usually get with front-driven vans.

You do at least get a choice of three, four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engines, ranging in power output from 132bhp right up to 184bhp.

Only the more affordable 132bhp (badges as 114) version come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is available as an option, and comes as standard on the 158bhp (116) and 184bhp (119) models.

Whichever engine you go for, the suspension is on the firm side for a medium van that's related to the Mercedes V-Class people mover. It stops short of being uncomfortable though, and the firmness makes it feel sportier than some rivals.

The Ford Transit Custom remains more rounded, but the Vito's handling is sharp and the extra weight over the front axle adds more directness to the steering.

On higher trim levels, the grille incorporates Mercedes' Multibeam LED headlights with adaptive main beams, and the latest Vito also has redesigned rear LED lights.

“I like the way the Vito drives but newer rival vans have surpassed it in that area now.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer

Inside, the Vito borrows heavily from the Mercedes V-Class MPV in appearance and feel, so it’s very well put together, but there’s plenty of differentiation.

The V-Class has headed into the stratosphere for its new levels of refinement, while the Vito is more practical and usable. It’s still a bit pared back, but there’s more to like in the Vito than there is in a VW Transporter.

The Vito doesn't have the ergonomic charm of a Ford Transit Custom but it leads the medium van class for overall quality.

There are three open storage areas beneath the windscreen, and two cupholders, while a small tray beneath the gear lever is ideal for phones, keys, papers or notebooks. It’s a pity the door pockets are narrow and there’s no overhead storage because it means keeping things out of sight can be tricky.

The seats are firm and supportive, and the steering wheel (which is adjustable for reach and rake) helps you find a comfortable position. It’s worth considering the optional and highly adjustable Comfort seats if you'll be doing big journeys regularly.

There’s also a been a huge update with the infotainment system. The Vito gets the same 10.25-inch touchscreen and MBUX system found in the Mercedes eSprinter. There’s also a full-colour 5.5in trip display for the instrument cluster.

The new centre console gets the option of wireless charging for smartphones and keyless start as well as a heated steering wheel. Other changes include new air vents and a new generation of capacitive hands-off recognition steering wheels that will help lead the way for a degree of autonomous driving.

“I can’t fault the quality of the Mercedes Vito’s cab but it’s not as practical or as comfortable as I think you might expect at this price.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer

Buying a van at the right operating weight to suit your needs is very important, and the Mercedes Vito limits options by having an operating weight of just 3.0 tonnes. The maximum payload capacity is up to 978kg, including the driver.

Mercedes has dropped the shortest body length, leaving Long (L2) and Extra Long (L3), which means the Vito can measure 5,140mm or 5,370mm, and carry maximum load lengths of 2,831mm and 3,061mm, respectively.

Despite now being 140mm longer than the previous-generation model, the Vito’s load space remains unchanged, with load volumes of between 6m³ and 6.6m³.

Sadly, the lack of a high-roof option limits practicality compared with rivals. For example, the largest VW Transporter can move 9.3m³ but still carry 1,061kg, so anyone considering a Vito should carefully consider the type and weight of loads they are going to carry.

Twin sliding side doors are standard, and there are 180-degree twin doors at the rear.

“It’s disappointing that Mercedes has dropped the optional rear hatch. It may not have been popular but those that liked it really, really liked it.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer

Potential buyers of the Mercedes Vito will find that it's at the very top end of the medium van segment for price.

Parts can be expensive too, but running costs are some of the most reasonable around. The 114 and 116 CDI model is the most economical option, with official fuel consumption of 39.2mpg, while the more powerful 119 models return a still highly commendable 38.2mpg.

Generous standard equipment also helps compensate for the high prices, with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Crosswind Assist, Hill Start Assist, a speed limiter and 10.25in colour display for the infotainment system and 5.5in digital instrument cluster all included.

There’s new additional safety systems with a driving assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras and active speed-limit assist. A parking package includes park assist, trailer assist and pedestrian alert.

Other big safety improvements also include auto lights and wipers, intelligent speed assist, brake assist with cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, active lane assist, speed-limit detection and a reversing camera.

The Vito doesn’t have quite such a shining record for reliability as its bigger stablemate, the Mercedes Sprinter. However, its reputation is still pretty decent, and it frequently finishes in the top 10 of industry reliability surveys.

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