Sprinter vs. ProMaster vs. Transit: The Battle of the Adventure Vans
As written for The Safe Driver.
If you’re even thinking about hitting the road in a van for a bit of fun and adventure you want to make sure that you have the right compassion for your travels. That means picking a van that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and specific needs.
When starting your search, you are probably going to be taking a look at what a Mercedes Benz Sprinter dealer has to offer. It also makes sense to take a look at the Ram ProMaster, and the Ford Transit.
Without a doubt, these are the three biggest names in the adventure van world. As you would expect, each model has its own loyal fanbase, and each also brings its own pros and quirks to the table.
So how do they stack up against each other when it comes to delivering quality of life on four wheels?
Let’s break some of the key features and differences down to help you choose the right one.
The Sprinter checks a lot of boxes
A good place to start would be with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Unquestionably, it’s the high-end option of the trio, but it definitely feels like it.
The Sprinter is sleek, solid, and pretty much built like a tank. If you want that extra touch of European engineering and you’re cool with paying a bit more, this van delivers by the bucketload.
It’s renowned for its strong diesel engine options, and the 4×4 model is a huge win for off-grid adventurers. This is all good news, so what’s the catch? This level of quality and comfort comes at a price.
The Sprinter is expensive. Not just upfront, but with ongoing maintenance costs, which can be a bit challenging at times. However, you get what you pay for, and the Sprinter is going to keep on delivering on your adventures for years to come, as long as you look after it.
The ProMaster does what it says on the tin
How does the Ram ProMaster square up in the debate? Without question, this is the more budget-friendly option. It might be viewed as the poor relation of the trio, but it probably doesn’t mind being called a no-nonsense workhorse.
It’s front-wheel drive, which gives it great traction in bad weather. This setup also means it tends to drive more like a car than a truck. The ProMaster probably won’t win any beauty pageant awards and has the most square-shaped interior. But that actually makes it a bit of a favourite among DIY van builders because it’s easier to design and build around.
The square shape means it’s wide enough to sleep sideways, which is definitely a positive. However, overall, you couldn’t say that the ProMaster is the prettiest or the quietest ride out there. The cabin feels a bit utilitarian, and you might miss the level of refinement you get with the Sprinter or Transit.
The Transit is a true middle-of-the-road solution
Last but not least, it’s fair to say that the Ford Transit sits right in the middle of the other two vans. It’s more affordable than the Sprinter and a little more polished than the ProMaster.
You will find that Transit vans come with a variety of roof heights and lengths, so you’ve got plenty of options. Ford’s all-wheel drive option is a big selling point too, giving you better off-road capability than the ProMaster, but without jumping all the way into 4×4 Sprinter territory.
Another plus is that the interior is roomy, and the ride is smooth. Bottom line, it’s a Ford, and that means you pretty much know what you are getting.
At the end of the day, determining the best van comes down to what matters most to you. They all successfully meet the criteria of adventure van, you just have to pick the one that works best for your budget, lifestyle, and requirements.