Mercedes Sprinter Van Vs. Ford Transit: Van Conversion Comparison
The Mercedes Sprinter Van vs. Ford Transit rivalry rages on, primarily because marketing has positioned them as formidable opponents in the upfit industry. Here's a look at how our Ultimate Toys Sprinter upfits fare against Transit upfits:
- Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversions are versatile machines built on fine craftsmanship and upfitted with luxe amenities – in short, they're ideal for weekends away, celebratory events, and business travel, and they're ready to go as soon as they arrive in your driveway.
- Ford Transit vans are work vehicles at heart that are often upfitted to accommodate a campervan lifestyle or increase worksite capabilities. Transit upfits are usually designed to prioritize practicality, while our Sprinter vans focus on luxury and utility equally.
So, is the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit best for conversion? Let's put the Sprinter vs. Transit debate to rest as we dive into each model's upfit capabilities and advantages – or disadvantages – below.
Key Mercedes Sprinter Van vs. Ford Transit Upfit Differences: Your Conversion Van Snapshot
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Our Mercedes Sprinter upfits are retrieved or delivered to your home fully finished. Interiors are pristinely designed with high-quality flooring and upholstery that mimics a modern home or hotel. We also equip our Mercedes Sprinter conversions with premium technology like Apple TV®, a touchscreen control system, and a Wi-Fi router.
Comfort and connectivity come standard in all our Mercedes Sprinter models, making Ultimate Toys upfits ideal solutions for almost every driver. With seven core Sprinter conversions on tap, each with a unique interior layout, your possibilities for adventure are nearly endless. From individuals and families who want to travel the country in comfort to growing businesses that need a relaxed, upscale method of transporting clients or patrons, our Ultimate Toys variants offer luxurious answers to any transportation challenge.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is a convertible work van primarily used to organize and transport equipment or enjoy personal outdoor travel. Construction workers and electricians routinely upfit Ford Transit vans with shelves, cabinets, and flat surfaces to help daily operations run more smoothly. Individuals who enjoy do-it-yourself upfit projects can also convert Ford Transit models themselves.
It's possible to DIY aftermarket beds and sinks to transform a Transit van into an RV-like machine that can make a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains or Redwood National Park more enjoyable. Select companies can also be hired to modify a Ford Transit into a campervan-style vehicle, but interior design options tend to be more limited than our Ultimate Toys packages, and they also don't offer the same level of individual-to-corporate versatility.
Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit Features: Technology & Comfort
The most striking difference between Mercedes Sprinter Van vs. Ford Transit conversions is the features you can access. Ultimate Toys upfits Sprinter models with premium interior fabrics, state-of-the-art audio and video technology, and seamless connectivity. For example, our Ultimate Freedom design not only comes with an MBUX infotainment system but also these amenities and more:
- 32-inch 4K HD Smart TV with HDMI input
- Composite wood grain flooring
- Wireless headphone system
- Custom interior lighting package
- Optional Apple TV® and wireless internet router
- Recessed sofa kick panels
- Tinted windows and privacy window shades
Keep in mind that this list is not extensive and only covers one of our seven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter designs. Other Ultimate Toys variants can come with an additional TV, a removable pedestal table, a slide-drawer refrigerator, or a shower with dual-entry doors. Best of all, we carry the largest in-stock inventory. Finding a model ready to buy with the features you want is far easier, and your purchase will be delivered to your door in pristine, finished form, no DIY required.
Unfortunately, replicating our Ultimate Toys amenities, technologies, and comforts in a converted Ford Transit van, even if you hire out the upfit job to a professional, can be challenging. Many Transit converters offer fewer interior design options than our selection or lack the resources to achieve the level of luxury and utility we have perfected. Alternatively, you could choose to spend months or even years converting your Transit van yourself – but that's a massive investment of time and money and can be an incredibly stressful project.
Sprinter vs. Transit Size Comparison: Interior & Ground Clearance
Let's move on to a Sprinter vs. Transit size comparison. At first glance, these vans may appear similar – both can seat up to 15 passengers in select configurations and can be built in varying heights and lengths. However, Ultimate Toys Mercedes Sprinter upfits have two aces up their sleeves.
First, let's explore the Sprinter vs. Transit interiors. All Ultimate Toys conversions begin with high-roof Mercedes-Benz frames to give you premium interior space. Furthermore, many of our Ultimate Toys variants offer living-room-style seating, convertible sleeping arrangements, and other home-away-from-home comforts. Choose our Ultimate Coach Executive model, for example, to enjoy a spacious bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a folding sofa seating package. We design our Sprinters to utilize space efficiently; every inch serves a purpose.
While Ford Transit vans can also be purchased in a high-roof style, you may have trouble finding one that comes already equipped with the same or similar amenities or layouts mentioned above from a reputable company. If you're interested in handling the customization process, you will need to buy a Transit with the right upfitting packages, then hire a professional company to gut and rebuild the interior or do it yourself.
Finally, it's worthwhile to compare the Mercedes Sprinter Van vs. Ford Transit ground clearance. Our Sprinters come with ride heights of eight inches (exact or approximate, depending on the model), giving you plenty of ground clearance to effortlessly take on roads and terrain. Ford Transit vans tend to sit closer to the ground, offering a clearance as low as six inches. Higher ground clearance is typically more desirable in upfitted vans because it allows for better maneuverability, reduced undercarriage damage, and improved visibility.
Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit Reliability: Choosing a Van That Lasts
Before you make your final Mercedes Sprinter Van vs. Ford Transit decision, take a moment to consider each model's reliability. For starters, our Sprinters come equipped with a robust diesel engine that prioritizes performance and longevity. Newer Transit vans feature V-6 powertrains that may lack the same durability and efficiency that a well-built diesel provides.
Furthermore, our Ultimate Toys upfits boast more comprehensive warranty coverage, including an exclusive nationwide warranty that ensures you're never without service when you need it most. See below for the details:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty,1 three-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty,1 Ultimate Toys Nationwide Warranty 1
- Ford Transit: Five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty,1 three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty 1
Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit Upfits Pros & Cons: Which Van Wins?
Need a quick pros and cons comparison to help you make your choice? Here's a snapshot of each model's benefits and challenges.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Upfit Pros
- Perfect for individuals, families, or corporations
- Offers kitchenettes, bathrooms, and showers
- More comprehensive warranty coverage
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Upfit Cons
- Higher annual maintenance costs2, 3
Ford Transit Upfit Pros
- Ideal for blue-collar business fleets or van lifers
- Provides an SUV-like drive feel
Ford Transit Upfit Cons
- Lower ground clearance
- Can be more difficult to find fully equipped upfitted vans
Is the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit Best for Conversion?
So far, we've explored multiple facets of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs. Ford Transit debate. We've discovered that our Ultimate Toys Sprinters are typically more luxurious, better equipped, and easier to access than upfitted Transits. Sprinter models also tend to offer more reliable performance, better ground clearance, and enhanced warranty coverage.
If an everyday work van or a vessel to take you from campsite to campsite is all you require, a Ford Transit can be a great choice. However, if you're serious about investing in luxury travel, be it for personal or professional use, an Ultimate Toys Sprinter wins no contest.
Request Your Luxurious and Well-Appointed Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Today
Ultimate Toys is the industry's leading van upfitter. The dependable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the heart and soul of every Ultimate Toys build, giving you premium craftsmanship and performance right from the start. Then, we layer our signature amenities into each of our custom Mercedes Sprinter van upfits to give you the most luxurious vehicle imaginable.
Trust an Ultimate Toys model like the Ultimate Limo, Ultimate Traveler, or Ultimate RV to deliver top-of-the-line technology, comfort, versatility, and elegance. Whether you're an individual searching for adventure or a flourishing business ready to make its mark, your high-end van upfit journey starts at Ultimate Toys.
1 Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
2 Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit Repairpal.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter-2500, Repairpal.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter-3500.
3 Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit Repairpal.com/ford/transit-250, Repairpal.com/ford/transit-350.
