Daily Driving Dilemma: Giant Pickup vs. Sprinter Van
The debate between giant pickup trucks and large vans has been a topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts. To settle this, we compared the Ram 2500 pickup truck with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van in terms of daily driving experience.
The Comparison Begins
We borrowed a Ram 2500 to compare with our long-term test vehicle, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 AWD. The Ram 2500 was chosen for its impressive capabilities and recent upgrades, having won MotorTrend’s 2025 Truck of the Year award. The specific model used for the comparison was a midrange Laramie crew-cab 4×4 with a high-output Cummins diesel engine, boasting 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
Climbing In, Comfort, and Design
One of the significant challenges with both vehicles is getting in and out. The Ram 2500 proved even more difficult than the Sprinter due to the lack of an intermediate step. However, once inside, the Ram’s interior felt more luxurious and car-like compared to the Sprinter’s more utilitarian design. The Ram’s seats were more ornate, but both vehicles offered comfortable seating. The Sprinter’s four 44-ounce cupholders were missed in the Ram.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Sprinter felt easier to maneuver in tight spaces due to its snub-nosed design, despite both vehicles being 79.5 inches wide without side mirrors. The Ram required more steering correction on the open road and was more susceptible to crosswinds, whereas the Sprinter tracked better but was more affected by crosswinds. The Ram felt more stable at high speeds.
Power, Economy, and Additional Features
The Ram’s 6.7-liter, 430-hp engine made passing much easier compared to the Sprinter’s 2.0-liter, 208-hp engine. Surprisingly, the Ram averaged 18.7 mpg on our road trip, not far off the Sprinter’s average. The Ram’s exhaust brake was a notable feature, especially when compared to the Sprinter’s lack thereof, which was particularly missed when towing.
Daily Driving Verdict
In conclusion, while both vehicles have their unwieldy aspects, the Ram 2500 edges out the Sprinter as a daily driver due to its nicer interior and ease of driving at higher speeds. However, the Sprinter’s advantages in hauling and its more car-like tires at lower speeds make it a viable option for different needs. The choice between the two ultimately depends on specific requirements and preferences.
