2026 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs the Competition

Transit vans have been a familiar sight in Europe, but the fourth-generation Transit, introduced in 2015, was the first to go on sale in the U.S., replacing the E-Series van. The Transit is available in low, medium and high roof heights, along with regular, long, and extended lengths, although not all combinations are available. Cargo space ranges from 280.9 to 536.4 cubic feet.

The base Transit engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. An optional engine uses a twin-turbocharged version of the same V-6 to produce 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and send the power to the rear wheels.

• The Transit’s smaller-displacement but turbocharged base engine certainly has more horsepower than the Sprinter (168 vs. 275), but for hauling, torque really counts, and here the Sprinter prevails (295 lb-ft vs. 260).
• The EPA does not test cargo vans for fuel economy, but estimates indicate the Sprinter has better fuel economy, with a combined rating between 18-20 MPG depending on specification, compared with 13 to 19 for the Transit.
• Smoother handling of the driver and cargo comes in part from the Sprinter’s longer base wheelbase (144.0 inches vs. 129.9) and a longer extended wheelbase (170.0 inches vs. 147.6).
• The Sprinter offers 6-way seat adjustment for the driver, compared with the Transit’s 2-way adjustment.
• While both the Sprinter and Transit offer rear cross-traffic warning, only the Sprinter goes a step further with rear automatic emergency braking.
• The Sprinter cargo van includes a standard full-size spare. This is an extra cost on the Transit.
• The Sprinter is equipped with front and rear stabilizer bars to prevent tilting in curves.
• The Transit is equipped only with a rear stabilizer bar.
• Optional memory seats on the Sprinter make it convenient for up to three different drivers. The Transit is not available with driver position memory.
• A driver can lower the Sprinter’s windows remotely to cool the cabin before entering. The Transit does not have this capability.
• The Sprinter’s standard LED headlights produce brighter, whiter light than the Transit’s halogen lights.

Consider the ProMaster something of a global citizen – depending on the market, you may see this same Fiat-designed van sold as a Fiat, Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall, Iveco, and even Toyota. The current design dates back to 2006, but has received a few facelifts in subsequent years. In North America, the ProMaster is powered by the familiar Chrysler 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which produces 276 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

The ProMaster is available in three heights and four different lengths on three different wheelbases. Cargo space ranges from 280 to 600 cubic feet.

• The Transit’s smaller displacement but turbocharged base engine certainly has more horsepower than the Sprinter (168 hp vs. 276), but for hauling, torque really counts, and here is where the Sprinter prevails (295 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm vs. 250 @ 4400 lb-ft). Worth noting is how much lower the Sprinter engine reaches its peak torque.
• The Sprinter’s optional engine increases its torque advantage (332 lb-ft @1400 vs. 250 @ 4400).
• The Sprinter is available with traction optimization of all-wheel drive, while the ProMaster is not.
• According to MotorTrend, the Sprinter has significantly better braking than the ProMaster in their 60-0 braking test (130 vs. 148 feet).
• Even though it is tasked with starting a lower-displacement engine, the Sprinter’s 850-amp battery is more robust than the ProMaster’s 800-amp battery.
• The Sprinter is equipped with both front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce body roll in curves.  The ProMaster is only equipped with a rear stabilizer bar.
  Car and Driver described the Sprinter as quieter, more capable, and roomier than the ProMaster.
• For a more stable highway ride, the Sprinter has significantly longer wheelbases than the short wheelbase models (140 vs. 118 inches) and the long wheelbase models (170 inches vs. 136).
• The Sprinter has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, compared with 6,910 pounds for the ProMaster.
• The Sprinter cargo van has a standard tilting steering column to accommodate drivers of different sizes. The ProMaster cargo van does not offer a tilting column, even as an option.
• A driver can lower the Sprinter’s windows remotely to cool the cabin before entering. The ProMaster does not have this capability.
• The Sprinter passenger van is available with automatic climate control to keep everyone comfortable. The ProMaster is not available with automatic climate control.
  Wireless phone charging is another feature offered on the Sprinter Passenger van that is not available on the ProMaster.
• The Sprinter’s standard LED headlights produce brighter, whiter light than the ProMaster’s halogen lights.
• Optional memory seats on the Sprinter make it convenient for up to three drivers.  The ProMaster is not available with driver-position memory.
• Heated and power-adjustable mirrors are standard on the Sprinter but cost extra on the ProMaster.