Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Ford Transit
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$79,900RRP
- with the Ford Transit's standard kit: $79,900 (nothing to add)
$69,990RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's standard kit: $69,990 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit opens at $69,990. That makes the Ford Transit the more affordable entry point by $9,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $76,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- REC-005701 · published 15 Jun 2023The electrical wiring of the interior fan blower may not meet specifications and could cause excess heat when the highest level of air condition/heater is in operation.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-005595 · published 10 Jan 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the park pawl system that locks the transmission when the shift lever is in park may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- REC-005594 · published 10 Jan 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the park pawl system that locks the transmission when the shift lever is in park may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 13 more on the model page.
Ford Transit
- REC-006648 · published 1 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, Advanced Driver Assistance System may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006498 · published 10 Dec 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the main body wiring harness may chafe against the transmission housing and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006358 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera may not display the rear-view image whilst reversing as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit gets a 12-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets vinyl upholstery while the Ford Transit offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Ford Transit responds with a Diesel making 121kW and 390Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12 seconds.
The Ford Transit has the clear power advantage at 121kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter measures 6,967mm long on a 4,325mm wheelbase, 986mm longer than the Ford Transit at 5,981mm (3,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 14000L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 9000L in the Ford Transit, giving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter a 5000L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Transit leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.4m diameter
Large
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and $2,337/year for the Ford Transit. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit.
Warranty: 5 years / 250,000km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Ford Transit: Level on the CarSorted Score at 62, ahead on the category wins
The Ford Transit comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (62 vs 62), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ahead by 13), safety (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ahead by 8), fuel economy (Ford Transit ahead by 6). The Ford Transit will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit?
The Ford Transit is the cheapest at $69,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $9,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the largest boot at 14000L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit makes the most power at 121kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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