Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Volkswagen Crafter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Crafter wins on money kept: 66% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 138 691 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sprinter | Crafter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 727 159 | R 895 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 710/m | R 15 657/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 66% |
| Value after 3 years | R 454 804 | R 593 494 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 272 355 | R 302 306 |
| Value after 5 years | R 343 655 | R 469 445 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Mainstream |
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter →
The Sprinter dominates SA's large van and long-distance shuttle market, including the 22-seat Inkanyezi taxi specification. Operators rate it for durability and it is a fixture on intercity routes. Strong transport-industry demand keeps used values firm for a commercial vehicle.
Known for: long-distance shuttle and van mainstay
Volkswagen Crafter →
VW's large panel van competes with the Mercedes Sprinter in SA's courier, shuttle and camper conversion markets. The range spans the Crafter 35 and the heavy-duty Crafter 50, which was refreshed in 2025 with prices from around R991,000.
Known for: heavy-duty cargo hauling
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the Volkswagen Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter. It keeps about 66% of its price after three years against 63% for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter loses about R 272 355 over three years and the Volkswagen Crafter loses about R 302 306. 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter runs about R 12 710 per month and the Volkswagen Crafter about R 15 657, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.