It may be based on a van, but the Mercedes Vito Tourer is a great choice of car for larger families, with excellent build quality and car-like driving characteristics. Launched in 2014 and heavily refreshed in 2021, the Vito Tourer has become a popular choice not only for larger families, but also for businesses such as taxis and airport transfer services, which need maximum space, comfort, and flexibility. Rivals include the Ford Transit Tourneo Custom, Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle, Citroen Spacetourer and Vauxhall Vivaro Life, although few of these can match the space on offer with the Vito.
The Mercedes Vito Tourer is a practical, high-quality choice for those who need to move people or cargo in comfort. It offers exceptional space, a strong diesel engine range, and the prestige of the Mercedes badge. While it can’t match the plushness of the V-Class or the low running costs of smaller MPVs, the Vito Tourer is a dependable, versatile, and well-equipped workhorse, ideal for both commercial and family life.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioBrand-new Mercedes Vito Tourer models start from £45,615 for the entry-level Pro 114 CDI, with top-spec Select L3 variants rising to £64,710 for the top-of-the-range L3 Select.
On the used market, Vito Tourers can be found from around £25,000 for early facelifted models, or £16,000 upwards for the earlier pre-facelift examples.
The Vito Tourer keeps its engine line-up straightforward, with a focus on efficiency and pulling power. The main choice is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, available in several power outputs: 114 CDI (136bhp), 116 CDI (163bhp), and 119 CDI (190bhp), all of which are shared with the Vito panel van.
All of the engines deliver ample torque and are paired with either a six-speed manual or, more commonly, a smooth 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but front-wheel drive is available on some models for improved efficiency.
The Vito Tourer isn’t designed for speed, but even the entry-level 114 CDI offers enough grunt for motorway cruising and urban driving, with a 0-62 mph time of 12.2 seconds. The 116 CDI variant improves on this with a 0-62 mph time of approximately 11.2 seconds, while the more powerful 119 CDI achieves the sprint in around 9.5 seconds. Higher-powered variants feel punchier, especially when carrying a full load of passengers or luggage.
The Mercedes Vito Tourer delivers a confident, composed driving experience. Its elevated driving position and large windows give superb visibility, making it easy to place on the road and manoeuvre in tight spots despite its size. The steering is light and accurate, while the automatic gearbox ensures relaxed progress, particularly in stop-start traffic.
Whether you’re ferrying clients or heading off on a family holiday, the Vito Tourer’s diesel engines provide a smooth, relaxed drive, and there’s ample power for overtaking or motorway work. While it’s a large vehicle, standard parking sensors and optional reversing cameras help take the stress out of parking.
With its robust underpinnings and well-damped suspension, the Vito Tourer rides well despite its van origins, and will also handle corners with confidence, providing you don’t push too hard. The ride can feel a touch firm over potholes and rough surfaces, especially on models with larger wheels, but the suspension does a good job of controlling body roll and maintaining passenger comfort.
While it’s not sporty, the Vito Tourer feels stable and predictable, making it well-suited to long journeys, city traffic, and everything in between. Optional adaptive suspension and air suspension on higher trims add an extra layer of comfort, absorbing bumps and smoothing out uneven roads.
Despite its utilitarian roots, the Vito Tourer boasts a spacious, airy cabin that’s built for comfort and practicality. Most models seat eight as standard, with nine-seat layouts available, and all feature large windows and plenty of headroom for every occupant.
Access is easy, as wide sliding doors and a low step height make it simple to get in and out of. As a result, it’s also a very popular vehicle for wheelchair-accessible conversions and is widely available on the Motability scheme.
The dashboard is functional and robust, with clear controls and a logical layout. Higher-spec models offer the excellent MBUX touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration.
Materials are durable and easy to clean, though some plastics feel workmanlike rather than plush. The seats are supportive, and there’s ample adjustment for both driver and passengers. Three Isofix child seat mounts are standard.
The Vito Tourer’s party trick is its sheer flexibility. With all seats in place, there’s up to 1,390 litres of boot space – enough for a family’s luggage or several large suitcases, which is why it’s so popular with airport transfer operators.
Remove the rear seats and the cavernous interior opens up to over 4,500 litres, making it one of the most practical vehicles in its class.
The tailgate is large and opens wide for easy loading, while a low loading lip makes lifting heavy items straightforward. In-cabin storage is impressive, with big door bins, a deep glovebox, cupholders, and overhead shelves for smaller items.
All Vito Tourer models come well-equipped. Entry-level Pro trim offers air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and a full suite of safety features.
Select trim adds alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment with a touchscreen, reversing camera, and additional comfort touches. Sport models (where available) bring climate control, heated seats, navigation, and distinctive styling details.
Options are plentiful, including twin electric sliding doors, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, and a comprehensive Driver Assistance Pack. Mercedes keeps the options list extensive as many buyers like to tailor the Vito Tourer to suit their needs.
The Vito Tourer is offered in three primary trim levels: Pro, Select, and Sport, and in two body lengths – L2 and L3.
The entry-level Pro trim focuses on practicality, with hard-wearing cloth seating, air conditioning, and essential safety kit.
Select brings a more upmarket feel, with alloy wheels, enhanced MBUX infotainment, and additional convenience features.
Sport adds luxury touches like climate control, navigation, and distinctive styling cues, plus optional leather and electric sliding doors. The nature of the Tourer is also that you can specify it to your own preference, as every single new one is a factory order. That means that the equipment fitted to different models will vary massively.
Colour choices include Arctic White, Obsidian Black, Brilliant Silver, Cavansite Blue, and Selenite Grey, allowing buyers to personalise their Vito Tourer to their personal tastes or the requirements of their business.
The Mercedes Vito Tourer holds a solid reputation for safety and reliability, though it hasn’t been tested under the latest Euro NCAP protocols.
Key safety features include Crosswind Assist, Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist and six airbags. Higher trims and options add lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.
While some advanced driver aids are optional, the Vito Tourer’s basic safety package is strong, and owners report excellent reliability, with the van-based underpinnings contributing to low running costs and robust mechanicals.
The 114 CDI diesel returns up to 38 mpg (WLTP), while more powerful variants average between 34 and 36 mpg depending on configuration. CO₂ emissions range from 207 g/km (114 CDI) to 226 g/km (119 CDI auto), placing the Vito Tourer in higher tax bands. Road tax (VED) is £345 per year, as the Vito Tourer is classed as a minibus and not a passenger car.
Insurance groups start at 30, rising to 35 for the most powerful versions. Mercedes recommends servicing every 12 months or 24,000 miles, and all new Vito Tourers come with a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty, with extended cover available at additional cost.
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