If you are researching the best van for van life, you have probably already noticed that everyone online has a different answer. Some swear by the Sprinter. Others say the Transit is the smarter buy. ProMaster fans will tell you the width changes everything. The truth is that there is no single best van. The right choice depends on how you plan to use it, where you want to go, and what you are willing to spend.
We build custom van conversions on all three major platforms at our shop in San Diego, CA. Sprinters, Transits, ProMasters. We have hands-on experience with each one, and we have seen the tradeoffs play out across dozens of builds. This guide covers the real specs, honest pros and cons, and practical recommendations based on how you actually plan to live.
The Big Three: Sprinter vs Transit vs ProMaster
These are the three vans that dominate the van life world, and for good reason. They are all full-size cargo vans with high-roof options that let you stand up inside, enough cargo length for a complete living space, and enough aftermarket support that parts, accessories, and conversion knowledge are widely available.
Here is how they actually compare.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2019+)
The Sprinter is the van that started the conversion craze, and it still carries a reputation as the premium choice. That reputation is mostly earned, but it comes with a price tag to match.
Engine and Drivetrain: The 2023+ models use a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel. Earlier 2019-2022 models had a 3.0L V6 diesel. Mercedes offered a gas option briefly, but it was discontinued after 2023. The diesel gets roughly 15-18 MPG in real-world driving after a conversion, which is the best fuel economy of the big three. Factory AWD is available for about $6,700-$8,000 extra. This is AWD, not true 4WD, but it makes a meaningful difference on dirt roads, sand, and mild off-road terrain.
Interior Dimensions (High Roof):
- Interior height: 79 inches (6 feet 7 inches)
- Interior width: approximately 70 inches max, 51-53 inches between wheel wells
- Cargo length: 133 inches (144 WB), 173 inches (170 WB), 189 inches (170 Extended) (see our full Sprinter dimensions guide)
MSRP: $51K-$60K new
Pros:
- Best fuel economy of the big three (diesel)
- Factory AWD option
- Strong resale value
- The 170 Extended offers the longest cargo area available at 189 inches
Cons:
- Most expensive base vehicle by a wide margin
- Mercedes dealer service rates are high
- Diesel maintenance is more complex and costly than gas
- Narrower between the wheel wells than the ProMaster
The Sprinter is a fantastic platform if the budget allows. We build Sprinter van conversions regularly, and the diesel efficiency and AWD option make it a top pick for people planning serious road time.
Ford Transit
The Transit is the practical choice, and we mean that as a genuine compliment. Ford sells more Transits than any other full-size van in the US, which means parts are cheap, mechanics are everywhere, and the aftermarket support is excellent.
Engine and Drivetrain: The Transit runs a 3.5L V6 gas engine. Unlike the Sprinter and ProMaster, Ford actually publishes EPA fuel economy numbers: 15 city, 19 highway, 17 combined. For a deeper look at how fuel costs compare across platforms, see our fuel-efficient vans guide. Those numbers will drop a bit after a full conversion adds weight, but it gives you a solid baseline. There is no factory 4x4 option. If you need four-wheel drive, Quigley offers an aftermarket conversion for approximately $12K-$14K.
Interior Dimensions (High Roof):
- Interior height: 81.5 inches (the tallest of the big three)
- Interior width: approximately 70 inches max, about 55 inches between wheel wells
- Cargo length: 126 inches (130 WB), 144 inches (148 WB), 172 inches (148 Extended)
The Transit is available in three roof heights. The low roof sits at 57 inches inside (not viable for a live-in conversion). The medium roof is 72 inches, which works for weekender builds. The high roof at 81.5 inches is the tallest interior ceiling you can get in any of the big three. One thing to know: even the medium roof has an exterior height of 101.3 inches, which does NOT fit in a standard garage.
MSRP: Approximately $42K-$52K new
Pros:
- Tallest interior ceiling (high roof) at 81.5 inches
- Gas engine is simpler and cheaper to maintain
- Ford dealers and parts are everywhere
- Three roof heights give you options the other two do not
- Lowest overall maintenance costs
Cons:
- No factory AWD or 4x4 (Quigley conversion is $12K-$14K)
- Gas engine uses more fuel than the Sprinter diesel
- Wheel wells intrude into the cargo area, reducing usable floor width
We have a full breakdown in our Transit vs Sprinter comparison, and we build Transit van conversions for customers who value the combination of practicality and lower total cost.
RAM ProMaster
The ProMaster is the widest of the big three, and that interior width changes layouts in ways that are hard to appreciate until you stand inside one. It is also the most affordable entry point.
Engine and Drivetrain: The ProMaster uses a 3.6L Pentastar V6 gas engine. There is no published EPA rating. Real-world fuel economy runs 14-18 MPG depending on driving conditions and conversion weight. The ProMaster is front-wheel drive only, and there is no practical 4x4 conversion option available.
Interior Dimensions (High Roof):
- Interior height: 76 inches (6 feet 4 inches)
- Interior width: 75.6 inches max (flat floor with no wheel well intrusion in the upper walls), approximately 56 inches at floor level
- Cargo length: approximately 146 inches (159 WB standard)
That 75.6-inch width is the headline number. The ProMaster is over 5 inches wider than the Sprinter or Transit at the widest point. Combined with the flat floor design where the wheel wells do not protrude into the upper wall area, it creates a noticeably more open feeling inside. Some layouts that are tight in a Sprinter or Transit fit comfortably in a ProMaster.
MSRP: Approximately $38K-$48K new
Pros:
- Widest interior of the big three at 75.6 inches
- Flat floor design simplifies layout planning
- Lowest starting price
- FWD handles well in rain and light snow
- Turning radius is surprisingly tight for its size
Cons:
- FWD only, no 4x4 option
- Lowest interior ceiling height of the three (76 inches)
- Fewer wheelbase and configuration options than Transit or Sprinter
- Lower resale value compared to Sprinter
For a more detailed look at how the ProMaster stacks up against the Sprinter, check out our Sprinter vs ProMaster comparison. We build ProMaster van conversions and love working with the platform, especially for customers who prioritize interior living space.
Quick Spec Comparison Table
| Spec | Sprinter (2023+) | Ford Transit | RAM ProMaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Height (High Roof) | 79” (6’7”) | 81.5” (6’9.5”) | 76” (6’4”) |
| Interior Width (Max) | ~70” | ~70” | 75.6” |
| Width Between Wheel Wells | 51-53” | ~55” | ~56” |
| Max Cargo Length | 189” (170 Ext) | 172” (148 Ext) | ~146” (159 WB) |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo Diesel | 3.5L V6 Gas | 3.6L V6 Gas |
| Fuel Economy (Post-Conversion) | 15-18 MPG | 15-19 MPG (EPA) | 14-18 MPG |
| AWD/4WD Option | Factory AWD ($6.7K-$8K) | Quigley 4x4 (~$12K-$14K) | None |
| MSRP Range (New) | $51K-$60K | $42K-$52K | $38K-$48K |
| Drive Type | RWD / AWD | RWD | FWD |
Compact Van Options Worth Considering
Not everyone needs or wants a full-size van. If you are building a weekender, a solo adventure rig, or just need something that fits in a normal parking spot, these smaller platforms are worth a look.
Ford Transit Connect: A compact cargo van that works well for minimalist weekender builds. You will not have standing height, but for a sleeping platform, basic electrical, and weekend camping, it gets the job done in a much smaller and more fuel-efficient package. Great for stealth parking in cities.
Toyota Sienna Hybrid: This is a curveball, but the Sienna Hybrid gets roughly 36 MPG and has enough cargo space behind the front seats for a simple sleeping and cooking setup. It will not replace a full van conversion, but for someone who wants a daily driver that doubles as a camping rig, it is surprisingly capable.
These compact options work best for part-time use. If you are planning a full-time build with a kitchen, bathroom, electrical system, and fixed bed, you will want one of the big three.
Which Van Is Best for Your Situation?
This is where it gets personal. Here are our honest recommendations based on common use cases.
Full-Time Living
Best pick: Ford Transit 148 Extended, High Roof or Sprinter 170 Extended
Full-time living demands maximum space and reliability. The Transit gives you the tallest ceiling and strong Ford dealer coverage nationwide. The Sprinter Extended gives you the most cargo length at 189 inches and the best fuel economy for racking up miles. Both are proven full-time platforms. Your budget and drivetrain needs will be the tiebreaker.
Weekend and Vacation Use
Best pick: Ford Transit 148 WB, Medium or High Roof
For a weekender, you do not need the longest van on the lot. The standard 148 wheelbase Transit is easier to park and drive than the extended versions, and the medium roof option keeps the exterior height manageable. It is also the least expensive of the three to buy and maintain.
Family Van Life
Best pick: RAM ProMaster High Roof
Width wins for families. The ProMaster’s 75.6-inch interior lets you fit bunk-style sleeping arrangements and wider galley kitchens that are cramped in narrower vans. The flat floor design also makes it easier to create flexible living spaces where kids can move around.
Budget-Conscious Builds
Best pick: RAM ProMaster
The ProMaster has the lowest new MSRP starting around $38K-$48K, and used examples are typically priced below comparable Sprinters and Transits. The gas engine is straightforward to maintain, and the FWD system has fewer drivetrain components than the RWD Sprinter. If you want to put more of your budget toward the actual conversion and less toward the vehicle, the ProMaster makes that possible. Check out our van build budget guide for help planning your total project cost.
Stealth Camping
Best pick: Ford Transit Medium Roof or Transit Connect
Stealth is about blending in. The Transit medium roof looks like every delivery van on the road, which is exactly the point. The Transit Connect takes stealth even further because it barely looks bigger than a minivan. Both avoid the “obviously a camper van” profile that high-roof vans can have. Just keep in mind that the Transit medium roof exterior height of 101.3 inches still will not fit in a standard 7-foot garage.
Off-Road and Adventure Access
Best pick: Mercedes Sprinter with Factory AWD
If getting to remote trailheads, dispersed campsites, and forest service roads is part of the plan, the Sprinter’s factory AWD is the most straightforward option. Adding AWD costs $6,700-$8,000, which is significantly less than the $12K-$14K Quigley 4x4 conversion for the Transit. The ProMaster has no practical 4x4 option at all. For a full breakdown of drivetrain options, see our 4x4 and AWD vans guide. Pair the Sprinter AWD with good all-terrain tires and you can handle most of what van lifers encounter without needing a dedicated off-road vehicle.
What About Used Vans?
Buying used is a smart way to bring the total project cost down. A 2019-2022 Sprinter with the 3.0L V6 diesel is a solid used buy. Transits from 2015 onward are mechanically very similar to current models, so older examples offer good value. ProMasters from 2014+ use the same Pentastar V6 that is still in production today.
The key with any used cargo van is to inspect it carefully for rust, check service history, and get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows commercial vans. A well-maintained used van with 60K-80K miles has a lot of life left and can save you $15K-$25K compared to buying new.
Ready to Pick Your Platform?
There is no single best van for van life. The Sprinter wins on fuel economy and AWD. The Transit wins on ceiling height, availability, and serviceability. The ProMaster wins on interior width and value. Every choice involves tradeoffs, and the right answer depends on your priorities, your travel style, and your budget.
We build on all three platforms at Emery Custom Builds in San Diego, CA. If you are trying to decide which van is right for your build, we are happy to talk through it. We have worked with each platform enough to give you honest, practical advice based on what you actually want to do with the van.
Give us a call at (714) 257-5446, email us at hello@emerycustombuilds.com, or fill out our contact form to start the conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just real answers from people who do this every day.