Ford Tourneo Custom vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Ford Tourneo Custom wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 62%, worth about R 677 705 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tourneo Custom | V-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 063 000 | R 2 254 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 580/m | R 39 396/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 62% |
| Value after 3 years | R 717 394 | R 1 395 099 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 345 606 | R 858 901 |
| Value after 5 years | R 573 345 | R 1 047 680 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Premium (established) |
Ford Tourneo Custom →
Ford's eight-seat people mover has competed with the Vito, Caravelle and Staria since 2013, and the current generation arrived in 2024 with 2.0 diesel power across the range. Shuttle operators like the space and running costs. Constant fleet and tourism demand keeps resale steady.
Known for: shuttle and big-family bus duty
Mercedes-Benz V-Class →
The V-Class is the executive transport standard in SA, having evolved from the original V230 of the late 1990s through the Viano years to today's V300d. Hotels, tour operators and wealthy families buy it for space with a badge. Steady demand from the shuttle trade supports values better than most big Mercedes.
Known for: shuttle and executive people mover standard
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Tourneo Custom or the Mercedes-Benz V-Class?
The Ford Tourneo Custom. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 62% for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Tourneo Custom loses about R 345 606 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class loses about R 858 901. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Ford Tourneo Custom runs about R 18 580 per month and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class about R 39 396, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.