There are only a few full-size vans on the market and two of the popular ones are the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter. Which one is best for you? Let’s compare some of the features of these two vans.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Transit is the most customizable van.
- The Transit comes with gasoline powered engines, while the Sprinter is exclusively diesel powered.
- The Transit has more trim options available and has a lower price range.
Which van is more customizable? The Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is the most customizable van. It is available as a cargo van, a passenger van, and a crew van. It can be customized with three roof heights as well as three body lengths. The Transit can seat up to fifteen passengers in five rows of seats. It can handle payloads up to 3000 pounds or tow up to 4500 pounds.
In 2025, the Transit has four trade specific packages available: the Electrician Trade Package, the HVAC Trade package, the General Contractor package, and a foldable shelving package.
Not only can the Transit be used for work or passengers, there is also a version for play, the Transit Trail, a camper-prepped van.
The Mercedes Sprinter comes with two different wheelbase options. It can seat either twelve or fifteen passengers. It can be customized with two roof heights. The base level engine model can tow up to 5000 pounds and the high-output model can tow up to 7500 pounds.
The Sprinter comes with many amenities, but can be upgraded if you want more luxury with the Comfort Package or the Premium Plus package.
What are the engine options? The Transit has gasoline-fueled engines, while the Sprinter only uses diesel.
The Ford Transit can come with one of two available powertrains. One is the naturally aspirated 3.5 L V-6 with 275 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The other option is the EcoBoost turbocharged 3.5 L V-6 with 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Both are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear or all-wheel drive. When tested by Car and Driver, the transit made 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Ford also makes the E-Transit, which is the all-electric version.
The Mercedes Sprinter has two available diesel only powertrain options. The base level comes with a 2.0 L turbo-diesel with 168 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There is an optional high-output engine rated for 208 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Both are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. These are rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available with the high-output version. The base version accelerates from 0 to 60 in 13.5 seconds, while the high-output version makes it in 12. Like Ford, Mercedes makes the eSprinter EV, their electric version of the Sprinter.
Which van costs more? The Sprinter
Depending on the trim and options you choose, the Transit’s starting price ranges from $49,495 to $60,295 for the six available trims. The Sprinter has four available trim options and ranges in starting price from $53,125 to $67,075. Several additional packages and features are available to add for both vans.
Summary
If you’re looking for greater customization options at a lower price, the Ford Transit delivers, which makes it a popular choice as a work van or personal van alike. The Sprinter is a diesel only fueled van that offers more of a luxury experience. To learn more about which van is best for your needs, contact Jarrett Ford of Dade City.