Whether you’re looking for the perfect blank slate for a camper conversion, or you need a dependable and versatile vehicle for your business, sometimes a cargo van is simply the best rig for the job. The ProMaster® and Sprinter are two of the most popular models in the segment, and they both have their own unique advantages to be aware of before you lease or buy.
If you’re shopping around for the best cargo van for sale near Muscatine, join us for a quick comparison to see which one should be at the top of your list.
ProMaster® vs. Sprinter: Price
One of the biggest differences between the two is the amount you can expect to spend on a brand-new model. The MSRP of both vans depends on some key factors, including the payload rating, cargo dimensions, and option packages.
First, let’s look at their base MSRP—the ProMaster® has a starting price of just $44,405, while the Sprinter starts at $50,830.
Of course, those prices are for the smallest cargo box sizes, the least powerful engines, and no additional option packages or aftermarket add-ons—many shoppers will find that they need to upgrade their van significantly to ensure it does what they need it to do.
At the upper end of the range, the gap in price point gets a lot wider. The most expensive ProMaster® model with the larger cargo area and additional features tops out around $62,585, while the highest-priced Sprinter comes out to $75,830, a difference of over thirteen grand. So, the question then becomes, does the Sprinter have enough extra advantages to justify its massively inflated window sticker?
ProMaster® vs. Sprinter: Capability
All ProMaster® models come with the Pentastar® V6 gas engine, which cranks out 276 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with class-exclusive front-wheel drive, giving it excellent stability even when its generous payload is maxed out.
The Sprinter has two available diesel engines—the 4-cylinder Diesel Standard Output has 170 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the 4-cylinder Diesel High Output has 211 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The SO engine comes with rear-wheel drive, while the HO engine can be optioned with either RWD or AWD.
In terms of towing and payload, the Sprinter has the highest numbers, with 6,812 pounds of max payload and up to 7,500 pounds max towing. However, most Sprinter models are rated for a significantly lower payload, and can only tow 5,000 pounds compared to the ProMaster®, which has a max towing capacity of 6,910 pounds.
ProMaster® vs. Sprinter: Dimensions
The ProMaster® has three available wheelbases: 118-inch, 136-inch, and 159-inch. It also has three available roof heights, and the 159-inch wheelbase model can be optioned with an extended body for even more cargo space.
The Sprinter has two wheelbases (144-inch and 170-inch) and two roof heights, as well as an extended cargo box model too. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their maximum cargo dimensions:
| Ram ProMaster® | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | |
| Max cargo length | 160.2 in | 189.0 in |
| Max cargo height | 76.0 in* | 79.0 in |
| Max cargo width | 75.6 in | 70.0 in |
| Max cargo volume | 463.0 cu ft | 533.0 cu ft |
The ProMaster® is wider, and despite measurements for the Super High Roof being unavailable on the official Ram website, third-party sources list it at around 86 inches tall, which is far more than the Sprinter. However, the ProMaster® has less maximum length, and the Sprinter has more measurable space in the cargo area overall, so folks looking for the most interior room possible may want to consider the Sprinter.
Always remember though, sometimes, less is more—many shoppers find the longer Sprinter to be harder to maneuver and prefer the superior turning radius in the ProMaster®. Most jobs don’t require the absolute maximum van length. Be sure to do thorough research and speak with your local cargo van dealership to find the ideal model for your unique needs.
ProMaster® vs. Sprinter: Technology and Safety
The ProMaster® comes standard with a 7.0-inch touch screen display in the Tradesman® and SLT trims, while the SLT+ comes with a 10.1-inch center touch screen display, and both some standard with the Uconnect® 5 system and Bluetooth® phone connection. All trims also come with an array of driver assistance features, including Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Pedestrian/Cyclist Emergency Braking, ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera, and Drowsy Driver Detection. Other available features include 360° Surround View Camera, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, and more.
Despite its luxury reputation, the Sprinter comes with very few features as standard. The only standard driver assistance features are Active Brake Assist and Emergency Call, and all others require buying additional option packages. Likewise, the 10.25-inch MBUX Multimedia System is also an additional upcharge, requiring shoppers to spend even more money to enjoy many perks that come standard in the ProMaster®.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ram ProMaster® Have AWD?
All ProMaster® models come standard with class-exclusive front-wheel drive, which ensures optimal performance in a variety of road conditions. All-wheel drive is not currently available.
Does the Ram ProMaster® Come in a Diesel?
The Pentastar® V6 engine runs on regular gas; no diesel option is available for the ProMaster®.
Does the Ram ProMaster® Have a Backup Camera?
Yes, the ProMaster® comes standard with a rear backup camera. It also has an available 360-degree camera.
Shop Ram ProMaster® Models for Sale Near Davenport, IA
There’s no denying that the Sprinter is excellent for a number of jobs, but it just can’t compete with the ProMaster’s affordability, value, and wealth of standard features. Luckily for shoppers near the Quad Cities, at Ed Morse, we have an excellent selection of new ProMaster models for sale, as well as manufacturer incentives to help you get the best deal on a cargo van of your choice.
Ready to test drive a Ram ProMaster model? Call our commercial van experts today at 563-281-5478, or contact us online with any questions.
