Minivans, SUVs and the glut of other vehicles marketed for families all have one thing in common: They’re big on the outside and narrow on the inside. Not only that, but they are not practical for longer trips that involve packing luggage for you and all of your children. They may be suitable for the average nuclear family, but if you have the makings of a small football team living under the same roof, you may need an update.

Say hello to the Mercedes Sprinter, Chrysler’s answer to the sea of ​​bizarre and unappealing trucks that have flooded the sales floors. The passenger version of the Sprinter is sleek and elegant, with tinted rear windows and a graceful sloping front end. Packed with unique standard features, multiple customization options, and tons of available add-ons, the Mercedes Sprinter is taking the family station wagon to the next level.

The highlight of the Mercedes Sprinter is easily its spacious interior. It has ten full-size, pull-out seats with your choice of body lengths (233 or 273 inches) and roof heights (standard or tall). If that space isn’t enough for your family, you probably need to pack less or buy a bus.

The other advantages of the Mercedes Sprinter is that you can easily adapt it to the needs of your family. Its towing capacity (between 5,000 and 7,500 pounds) and cargo area make it an ideal truck for long road trips. With a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with 154 horsepower (optional 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine is also available), the Mercedes Sprinter gets better fuel efficiency and fuel economy than many smaller trucks, so that those long trips will be easier on the wallet.

The Mercedes Sprinter can also be converted into a comfortable motorhome. Its durable floor and seating flexibility make it easy to transform from a van to a house on wheels. Many Sprinter owners have had great success adding beds, mini-fridges, and other amenities to their truck.

Other features that make the Sprinter such an attractive station wagon are the choice of two wheelbases, 144 or 170 inches, five-speed automatic transmission, stability control, standard climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, anti-lock brakes and a emergency window. . If you want to further customize your truck, Chrysler has many extras available, such as rear parking assist, sunroof, and heated seats.

There is no doubt that the Sprinter is a great vehicle. Its width may seem imposing, but it is a surprisingly nimble and elegant unit. A popular van in Europe for many years, the Sprinter was designed to navigate narrow streets and hairpin bends common in other countries.

Although you may have seen Sprinters used as cargo, delivery or transport vans, the passenger version is a great option for those looking for a comfortable and attractive family vehicle. Chrysler has adapted it to suit a suburban lifestyle while keeping it reasonably priced. If you and your family are looking for a comfortable ride with room to spare, the Mercedes Sprinter is the truck for you.