Wanting a van for work or leisure? There’s two main options, these are the Ford Transit, and the Mercedes Sprinter. We’ll be taking a look at which one comes out on top so you get the best option.
Key takeaways
- The Transit comes with better features, making it easier to upfit to have exactly what you want, ranging from the trades, to lifestyle.
- The Transit has a higher rating than the Sprinter from Car and Driver.
- The Transit comes at a better price, and is more widely available, making it a great option.
Which has a better price: Transit
When it comes to getting a new vehicle of any sort, the very first thing most people look at is the price. Between these two vans, the Transit has a lower starting price, having an MSRP of $47,400. When you compare this to the MSRP of the Sprinter at $50,830, the Transit looks more attractive almost immediately.
When looking at some of the features that come on both vans, the Sprinter does have a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen, and can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch screen through packages. The Transit comes with a 4-inch screen, but can be upgraded to a 12-inch display.
One of the reasons the Transit is able to have a low price is due to Ford cutting back on some “luxury features” as they know that those who are interested in the Transit will likely be due to its capability, and versatility, but still gives you the chance to upgrade if you please.
Which van is easier to upfit: Transit or Sprinter?
We think that the Transit is easier to upfit. This is because it comes with a ton of factory options for you to pick from. If you’re a handyman or tradesman needing specific features, you can look for the Electrician Trade Package, HVAC Trade Package, or the General Contractor Package.
If you're not in the trades, and need something that can do other jobs, then you can look for a Parcel Delivery Package. While the next package is a rather niche one for most drivers, it even comes with an Ambulance Prep Package.
If you’re not needing something that hauls equipment around, but need something for people, then you can opt for the passenger van. This comes with enough seating for 15 people.
When looking at the Sprinter, it does come with some options that allow you to make it how you want it straight from the factory, there aren't as many options. The one that they do offer is a cargo partition, helping keep everything where it needs to be.
Which is easier to get: Transit
Price, and features are a big thing when it comes to a new vehicle, but so is availability. While Mercedes dealerships are normally reserved for larger cities, you can find Ford dealerships just about anywhere, like us here in Winter Haven.
When you’re needing a new cargo van, we make it easy to come and see. Plus, when you buy local, it’s easier to get service if, or when, you need it.
Should I get a Transit?
Yes, the Transit is the best option on the market for a ton of reasons, like the ones that we’ve gone over. It even is great for those who want to live a nomadic life, traveling from state to state, using their van as their home, making it perfect for the #VanLife.
When looking at all of these features, it’s no wonder that Car and Driver gave the Transit a 9 out of 10 rating, stating that the “Transit packs versatility and comfort into a package that's easy to live with—or in.”
Compared to the Sprinter’s 8.5 rating, with Car and Driver stating that the “Sprinter is nonetheless showing its age in the face of lower-priced competition.”
If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel for a test drive, or have more questions, come on down to Jarrett-Gordon Ford here in Winter Haven today!