Sprinter vs Transit: Van Lifers Weigh In

Whether you’re new to van life and looking for the ultimate adventure machine or a seasoned full-timer thinking about an upgrade, you’ve most likely encountered the great Sprinter vs. Transit debate during your research.

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The Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter argument has divided van dwellers for years and shows no sign of being resolved soon. With the new Ford Transit Trail added into the mix in 2023, there are even more factors and options to consider when deciding.

Before I weigh in on this touchy subject and reveal which van I chose for van life, let’s get two things straight: Transits and Sprinters are particularly well-suited to van living, and you can convert either van in pretty much any way you can imagine.

Still, there are significant differences between Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and Ford Transits, and choosing which is best for your van life needs comes down to personal choice.

In this article, we’ll examine each van in depth, weighing its pros and cons and considering cost, fuel economy, and suitability for van life.

Let’s start our Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debate by diving into each van

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Overview

Until recently, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters were the van of choice for DIY conversions. Sprinters have been around for a long time, with the original Freightliner introduced to the North American market in 2001.

The Sprinter van was around long before Dodge ProMaster vans and Ford Transit vans, so Sprinters got a real head start on gaining a dedicated following.

Sprinter vans are available with three different wheelbases (144”, 170”, and 170” extended) and are available as cargo vans or passenger vans.

Most Sprinters have diesel engines, and models from 2022 and earlier are typically available with either 2-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz switched to 2-wheel-drive or AWD on their Sprinter vans (no more 4-wheel-drive).

You can find older, used Sprinter vans for around $20,000, but you’ll pay upwards of $60,000 for a slightly used 2022 4×4 version. A brand new 2024 AWD Sprinter typically starts around $53,000.

With a sleek silhouette and clever branding, there’s no doubt that Sprinters have an irresistible appeal that has made them the darlings of Instagram.

Social media is full of images of sexy Sprinter conversions that have helped propel van life into the popular consciousness. 

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Mercedes Sprinter High Roof Specs

	Exterior length	Exterior height	Interior height	Interior cargo length	Interior cargo width	Cargo volume
144″ Wheelbase Cargo Van	233.5″	107.5″	79.1″	132.9″	70.4″	372.8 cu ft
170″ Wheelbase Cargo Van	274.3″	107.3″	79.1″	173.6″	70.4″	488.1 cu ft
170″ Wheelbase Extended Cargo Van	290″	107″	79.1″	189.4″	70.4″	532.6 cu ft

Mercedes Sprinter Pros

Mercedes Sprinter Cons

Ford Transit Overview

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Ford Transit Overview

Although Ford is a trusted name that has been around since 1903, the North American market didn’t offer the Ford Transit van until 2015. Transits quickly became a dominant force in the commercial market.

In the last five years, the Ford Transit has started to make waves in the van life community, and more people are choosing the Transit for part-time or full-time van dwellings.

In 2020, the Transit experienced an overhaul, and Ford introduced the long-awaited AWD drivetrain and a raft of high-tech upgrades, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision assist.

Most Fort Transits have gasoline engines, although 2020 also saw the release of a 2.0L EcoBlue diesel option.

In 2023, Ford released the new Transit Trail, a beefy upgrade from the traditional Transit, featuring a 3.5″ lift over the standard model.

The Ford Transit Trail certainly looks the part. Plus, AWD capabilities come as standard. 

The Transit Trail includes numerous exterior features, including a skid plate, side rails, mudguards on all wheels, a unique front black grill with marker lamps, and Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires.

You’ll often pay less for a standard Transit or a Transit Trail than a Sprinter.

Prices generally range from around $15,000 for an older used Transit van to upwards of $40,000 for a new model. The new Ford Transit Trail is more comparable in price to an AWD Sprinter, starting around $51,000.

Ford Transits don’t have the Sprinter’s perceived “drool factor,” but people appreciate how the cheaper price tag allows them more wiggle room in the budget to splurge on upgrades. 
Numerous popular van conversion companies offer Transit conversions and have recently started tackling Transit Trail van conversions, adding to this vehicle’s popularity.

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Ford Transit Cargo Van Specs

	Exterior length	Exterior height	Interior height	Interior cargo length	Interior cargo width	Cargo volume
130″ Wheelbase Medium Roof	235.5″	109.6″	79.1″	132.9″	77.0″	372.8 cu ft
148″ Wheelbase High Roof	235.5″	109.6″	81.5″	143.7″	77.0″	404.3 cu ft
148″ Wheelbase Extended High Roof	263.9″	110.4″	81.5″	172.2″	77.0″	487.3 cu ft

Ford Transit Trail Cargo Van Specs

	Exterior length	Exterior height	Interior height	Interior cargo length	Interior cargo width	Cargo volume
148” Wheelbase Medium Roof	235.5”	105.0”	72.0”	143.7”	87.5”	357.1 cu ft
148” Wheelbase High Roof	235.5”	113.3”	81.5”	143.7”	87.5”	404.3 cu ft
148” Wheelbase Extended High Roof	263.9”	114.0”	81.5”	172.2”	87.5”	487.3 cu ft

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Ford Transit Pros

Ford Transit Cons:

Sprinter vs Transit: Things To Consider

Looking for the right vehicle for van life can seem like a daunting task. Whether you plan on converting a van to live in or having a van professionally converted, there are so many things to take into consideration that it can feel pretty overwhelming.

• Budget. You’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a van and, if you plan on a DIY conversion, how much that’s likely to cost. It’s also a good idea to think about budgeting for maintenance and repairs.
• Lifespan. If you’re planning on selling your vehicle at some point, it’s a good idea to think about resale value. Diesel vans, in particular, are going to hold their value for longer.
• New/used. Perhaps the ideal situation here is to find a lightly used van with low miles that’s still under warranty. That may sound like a unicorn, but those vans are out there!
• Height. Shorter folks don’t really have to worry too much about interior height when it comes to the Sprinter vs Transit argument, but this is a major consideration for taller people. Don’t forget that you’ll lose at least two inches for flooring and insulation!
• Usage. How you plan on using your van can have a big impact on which vehicle you’ll need. If you’re going to be traveling a lot during the winter, for example, a 4×4 van should definitely be on your radar.

Sprinter vs. Transit: The Nitty Gritty

Let’s see how these two vans compare in four critical areas.

1. Maintenance Costs

Let’s face it: every vehicle needs repairs, and taking care of issues is crucial when your vehicle is also your home!

Aside from budgeting for regular oil and tire changes, you’re well-advised to have extra savings when something unexpected happens.

A Ford Transit is not only more affordable upfront, but it’s also cheaper to maintain.

Replacement parts are affordable and widely available, which is a huge bonus.

You’ll also have extra peace of mind in a worst-case scenario since Ford dealers and mechanics are in almost every town.

Maintenance is one of the main reasons solo US female van lifer Ricki (@rickiontheroad) chose a Ford Transit to call home: “I went with a Transit because it’s less expensive and more places will service it. While Sprinters may need maintenance less often, the thought of needing maintenance in a remote town and no one willing to work on my vehicle was enough to get a Transit.”

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) agree with Ricki: “The ease of maintenance and servability of an American-made camper van was crucial for us. Living on the road full time, we have heard horror stories of Sprinter owners having to pay for 200+ mile tows when they break down, or parts being really difficult to source. Fords are everywhere here, and we have never had an issue with towing or parts.”

Things are a little different when it comes to owning a Sprinter. Internet forums are full of horror stories about DEF sensor failure, black death, and the dreaded limp mode.

When a serious problem arises, a dealership is often the only place able to help, so you’ll have to find your way to the nearest big city.

Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) are full-time van lifers who live in a Sprinter van, and they agree that the initial cost of the cargo van plus the more expensive maintenance costs are the only cons to choosing a Sprinter vs. a Transit.

“In our opinion, the only con is the price because a Sprinter costs slightly more (not always). You might spend more on parts to fix it, but we bought a new van and haven’t had any fixes because we keep up with all the maintenance. We’ve always had a good experience with Mercedes, trust in them as a brand, and love to see how much they’ve embraced the van life space,” said Keith and Hannah.

Add in the fact that repair costs can be substantial and you may have to wait weeks for parts to arrive, and it’s no wonder this is a sticking point for many people in the Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debate.

2. AWD/4×4 Options

For those traveling back roads, especially during winter, a 4×4 Sprinter is the most attractive option. The downside is you’ll have to purchase a 2022 model (or earlier) since Mercedes-Benz no longer makes 4×4 Sprinters as of 2023.

A 4×4 Sprinter has a much higher clearance than a standard 2WD model, and it can go just about anywhere, making it ideal for off-grid adventuring.

As of 2023, Mercedes-Benz makes AWD Sprinter vans with diesel engines. Although you’ll need to spend more upfront for a Sprinter van with AWD or a 2022 (or earlier) model with 4×4, it will hold its value if you ever want to sell it.

The AWD Transit and Transit Trail are becoming increasingly popular, though they’re only available with a gasoline engine.

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) wrote an article on their blog about why they chose a Transit over a Sprinter (and ProMaster). They said they like how a Transit has “the shorter wheelbase of the Transit driving more like a car and the AWD drive train.”

Although it’s a big step up from the 2WD Transit, you’ll need to pay for a lifted suspension if you want more clearance on a standard Transit. As mentioned earlier, the Transit Trail at least has a significant lift of 3.5” compared to the standard Transit.

If you still want a 4×4 campervan and are leaning towards a Ford Transit, you can pay for an after-market 4×4 conversion.

Although you’ll pay around $13,000 for a Quigley’s conversion from Sportsmobile, the overall cost could be less than what you’d pay for a 4×4 Sprinter, leveling the playing field in the Sprinter vs. Transit game!

3. Suitability For Conversions

As we’ve already seen, there’s much more interior standing space in a High Roof Transit and High Roof Transit Trail, which could be the clincher for taller friends.

Although there’s less space in a Transit, the square shape makes it easy to do a quick and affordable conversion.

Another big plus is the Transit’s interior width, which makes it possible to install a bed width-ways, freeing up more living and storage space inside the van.

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) have chosen Transit vans twice (about to be three times)! They said that one reason they prefer them for a conversion is the added height: “The Transit is the tallest of the three more common chassis. The interior standing height of the Transit is 4” taller than the Sprinter. Eric is tall so this was a must for us!”

When converting a Sprinter, the biggest advantage is the ample space inside, especially in the 170″ wheelbase extended model.

If you plan on living in your van full-time or with kids, the huge space inside a Sprinter could make it a clear frontrunner. 

Although you’ll probably have to sleep lengthways in your van unless you are shorter and install flares, there are loads of ways to integrate storage space into your design.

4. Diesel vs. Gasoline

When considering the Sprinter vs. Transit question, one of the most important differences is the fuel each van uses.

Most Sprinters have diesel engines, which means better fuel economy and a longer lifespan.

The fuel economy of a Sprinter is one of the reasons why van lifers Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannah) chose a Sprinter for their DIY conversion: “Sprinter vans are super reliable, have a great fuel economy even after the vans are built out, and hold their value. We’re not tall, so livability is perfect, and in our opinion, it looks the best.” 

That said, diesel is more expensive at the pump, and locating the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that Sprinters require could be a real problem if you travel to Central or South America.

If you plan on extended foreign journeys in your camper van, you’re probably better off going with a Ford Transit van, despite its inferior fuel economy.

Why I Chose a Sprinter Van

When my husband and I shopped for a campervan to call our home and live in full-time, we researched popular modern chassis, including Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters. 

I considered the Ford Transit Trail over the Sprinter. I liked the cheaper price tag, and my husband and I grew up driving Ford vehicles.

Plus, since my husband is tall at 6’5”, I wondered if he could stand more comfortably in a Transit Trail.

However, I knew I wanted a professional conversion and needed my van finished when my apartment lease ended. I had to rule out the Transit Trail as those vans were not readily available then.

I ultimately went with a 2022 Sprinter van to have 4×4, a reliable van for full-time living, and a van with excellent resale value.

I also like the look of a Sprinter, and my husband found he could stand up inside it without needing to squat or bend.

I appreciate having the peace of mind of a 4-wheel drive van on steep, rocky roads and during winter conditions in Colorado (where we spend much of our time).

Ford does not make 4×4 vans, so I already felt hesitant about going with one of those vans in case I ever found myself in a difficult position on the road.

Since I planned to live in my van full-time with my husband and dog, I wanted a reliable and high-quality chassis.

Although services on Sprinters are expensive, I appreciate how Sprinter vans don’t need to be serviced as often and rarely have parts that need replacement since they are made with quality from the get-go (in my experience).

I also chose a Sprinter over a Transit due to the resale value. I knew my family would do van life for 1-3 years and eventually want to sell the van.

I have not yet reached the point where I’m looking to sell my Sprinter van, but I feel confident that I will get a pretty good return on investment when the time comes.

Appearance was not a huge factor in our decision, but since my husband is a photographer and enjoys taking drone shots of our van in epic places, it is a definite plus!

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Should I Get a Sprinter or Transit?

If you’re hoping for a verdict on which vehicle is better for van life, you’re out of luck!

Sprinter and Transit vans are excellent choices for van dwellers, and each has unique pros and cons.

Although Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) chose a Sprinter van, they said, “A Transit van would be a close second!”

I agree and could easily see us switching from a Sprinter van to a Ford Transit (specifically the Transit Trail) someday, especially if we purchase a home and want a van for part-time traveling.

I have nothing negative to say about the Sprinter other than the initial high price tag and expensive service costs.

The Sprinter vs. Transit debate rages on, so you must weigh the pros and cons and decide which best fits your needs and budget.

I hope you’ve found this article interesting and helpful in your quest to find your dream van. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below!

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