Volkswagen California vs Mercedes-Benz V250d vs Hyundai Staria: Here's our winner

While it can be argued that the Volkswagen Califonia is in a segment of its own thanks to its versatility and lifestyle appeal, there are two other luxurious options in the upper echelons of the large MPV segment, namely the  Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the Hyundai Staria. We will be comparing the California with these key rivals to determine which is best.

Related: Volkswagen California Beach colours and price guide

Volkswagen California 2.9 BiTDI 146kW Coast 4Motion

Powertrain and performance

Powering the California is a 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine that produces 146kW and 450Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 11.3 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 8.2 L/100km.

Standard equipment

The California gets 17-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, multiple USB ports, cruise control, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, a sunroof with a pop-up tent, four individual seats with a bed, cloth-covered seats, LED headlights and a rearview camera with front and rear PDC.

Safety

The California forms part of the Caravelle range, which is yet to be crash tested; however, the commercial version of the vehicle, badged the Transporter, received a gold medal from the Euro NCAP assessment programme in 2022. 

Practicality

When looking at the California from a practical perspective, it is quite literally a house on wheels, complete with a roof-top tent, a bed, a kitchen, a sink, a 42-litre fridge and a shower.

Price and value proposition

The Volkswagen is the most expensive car in this comparison, but it also offers the most in terms of specification, performance and capability. 

Mercedes-Benz V250d

The V250d has 140kW and 440Nm from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox, allowing for a 9.6 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed consumption figure of 7.4 L/100km.

The V-Class is reasonably well-specified, with 6 airbags (5-Star Euro NCAP rating), 6 leather-covered seats, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, multiple USB ports, cruise control and front and rear PDC.

With all 6 seats in place, the V-Class features 542-litres of boot space and various storage areas for occupants to use. From a value perspective, the Mercedes-Benz badge comes with a premium price tag, with the V250d coming in at a similar price to the California despite offering less specification.

Hyundai Staria 2.2D Luxury

The Hyundai is the cheapest vehicle in this comparison by around R200 000, making it good comparative value. It features a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine paired with an 8-speed gearbox, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 12.4 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 8.7 L/100km.

In the specification department, the Staria, in luxury guise, gets a host of semi-autonomous driver aids, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, multiple USB ports, a reverse camera, front and rear PDC and added features such as a dual sunroof and heated/ventilated passenger seating. The Staria was crash-tested by ANCAP  in 2021, where it achieved a 5-Star rating, including 85% for adult occupants, 86% for child occupant safety, 65% for pedestrian safety and 74% for its safety assistance systems.

Facts and figures:

	Volkswagen California 2.0 BiTDI 146kW Coast 4Motion	Mercedes-Benz V250d	Hyundai Staria 2.2D Luxury
Engine size (cyl/size)	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbodiesel	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbodiesel	4-cyl, 2.2-litre turbodiesel
Power/Torque	146 kW/450 Nm	140 kW/440 Nm	130 kW/430 Nm
CO2 emissions	205 g/km	199 g/km	182 g/km
Maintenance plan	5 yr / 60 000km	OPT	7 yr/105 000km (service)
Airbag count	6	6	6
0-100 km/h*	11.3 sec	9.6 sec	12.4 sec
Fuel tank capacity	80 litres	70 litres	75 litres
Ave Consumption *	8.2 L/100 km	7.4 L/100 km	8.7 L/100 km
Driven wheels	All	Rear	Front
Boot volume	4 300-litres	542-litres	117-882-litres
Price	R1 503 900	R1 494 722	R1 232 900

* Manufacturer's claimed figures.

Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.

Verdict

Having looked at the figures, the victory in today's comparison goes to the Volkswagen California, which, despite its high price tag, offers a compelling package for those looking for the ultimate adventure MPV.