2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

The four-cylinder engine is no longer availableRevised feature availabilitySuper high-roof option has been discontinuedPart of the second Sprinter generation introduced for 2007

　　If you're reading this, you're either curious about well-designed and -executed cargo and passenger vans, or you had no idea that Mercedes-Benz, purveyor of luxury cars, also made a big box on wheels. But whatever the case, you're likely to find that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is an interesting vehicle.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo

　　Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo

　　2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $38,420 MSRP2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $45,990 MSRP3500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $41,360 MSRP3500 XD 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $42,670 MSRP3500 XD 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $50,240 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $43,290 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $44,910 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $50,860 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $52,480 MSRP2500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $44,505 MSRP2500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $52,075 MSRP3500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $45,520 MSRP3500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $47,140 MSRP2500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) (Most Popular) - $47,185 MSRP2500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $54,755 MSRP2500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $47,440 MSRP2500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $55,010 MSRP3500 XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $47,540 MSRP3500 XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $49,160 MSRP3500 XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $55,110 MSRP3500 XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van 4WD DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $56,730 MSRP2500 170" WB Passenger 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A) - $50,680 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Large Van

　　Commercial vehicles need to be tough and durable. But they also need to be comfortable and easy to use because the people who operate them sit and work in them for hours on end. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter covers both aspects admirably.

　　The Sprinter has been proven to be well-built and intuitive to use, and it provides great visibility and maneuverability. The back half of the van, where all the work gets done, is available in multiple configurations. There are two wheelbase choices with different matching body lengths. The long-wheelbase model is also available with an extended body for even more cargo volume. Two roof heights are available. You can even equip it with all-wheel drive.

　　In addition to the Sprinter's basic configurations, you can also select upfitter options to help with hauling cargo or keeping passengers comfortable. What's not available for 2018 is the four-cylinder engine; only the turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 is available this year. Most will find its performance perfectly adequate for hauling the Sprinter and up to 5,000 pounds of trailer.

　　Should the Sprinter be too big for your needs, Mercedes-Benz also makes a much smaller van called the Metris. It shares the same do-it-all attitude and quality construction, but in a more compact package.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.3 / 10

　　The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most popular vans in the world. With multiple drivetrain configurations, three body lengths, two roof heights, and both passenger and cargo configurations, there's likely a Sprinter to match your exact needs.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144 WB Cargo (turbo 3.0L V6 diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current Sprinter has received some revisions, including slightly revised trim content. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Sprinter, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.3 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.5
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

7.0

　　This big, heavy van is slow and the brakes are less effective than we'd like, but its handling and steering lead the class. Getting around town will be easy (especially nice if you're using the Sprinter for business purposes) and off-road capability is above average.

　　

Acceleration

6.0

　　Acceleration is adequate when the Sprinter's empty. Off the line, it's smooth and easy to modulate, and gears drop down well when you need to make a passing maneuver. At zzdcar' test track, the Sprinter covered 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds.

　　

Braking

5.0

　　The brakes don't inspire confidence on first use as the pedal travel is long and the brake feel is rather soft. But repeated use of the brakes doesn't seem to introduce any fade. In a simulated-panic stop, our test Sprinter took quite a long distance to come to a halt: 147 feet.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　Steering feel is vague, so you have no real idea what the front wheels are doing. This experience isn't unique for the class and size of vehicle, however. The steering is well-weighted and quick enough that the Sprinter is easy to maneuver in parking lots. And the steering wheel feels good in your hands and readily returns to center.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　Something this large has no business handling this well. Taking corners is a cinch in the Sprinter. And it's easy to drive up a mountain road for a delivery or a backcountry exploration. Changing direction quickly isn't a virtue the van possesses, but otherwise it's excellent for the class.

　　

Drivability

7.0

　　The Sprinter is easy to drive confidently because the throttle response is smooth, and low-speed off-the-line power helps it get up and go from a stop. The transmission cooperates nicely by dropping gears readily when you need to execute a passing maneuver. The high standard roof, however, will be too tall for most parking garages.

　　

Off-road

8.0

　　An optional package adds low- and high-range gearing for 4WD-equipped Sprinters. The approach and departure angles are respectable, but the breakover angle is less functional due to the sheer length of the van. Fire roads and trails will be fine so long as they aren't narrow and there aren't any low-hanging trees.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　While the Sprinter doesn't have typical Mercedes-Benz sedan or SUV levels of comfort, it does lead the segment when it comes to front seats. The climate control deals well with an empty cab in hot temperatures.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　Long road trips or eight-hour days spent in the driver's seat are no issue in the Sprinter. If you are a shorter driver, the front of the seat bottoms may dig into the back of your legs a bit, but there's lots of lateral support and comfortable seat padding.

　　

Ride comfort

6.5

　　When the Sprinter is unladen, its cargo-minded suspension causes a lot of bouncing and shaking, and even the smallest bumps can upset it. But such vans are not designed with empty comfort in mind. The ride smooths out once it is filled with the equipment or cargo it is intended to carry.

　　

Noise & vibration

5.5

　　When empty, the back of the Sprinter is like an echo chamber and every bump creates a noise. A load of cargo will surely absorb much of this noise. It quiets down nicely when cruising on the highway, but its barn-like shape and huge rearview mirrors do add up to a fair amount of wind noise.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　The climate control is simple, with three large knobs and a few buttons. The icons on those buttons are a bit small, but their logical arrangement makes them easy to get used to. Cooling such a large cabin is tough on a hot day, but even in 100-degree heat the Sprinter stays relatively cool. Heated seats are optional.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　The Sprinter gets high marks for an abundance of front passenger space, a user-friendly control layout and better-than-expected visibility. It's held back by difficult entry and exit and a compromised driving position.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　The Sprinter's interior layout makes everything feel utilitarian — from the location of the controls to the shelves above the sun visors. The infotainment screen is bare-bones and aesthetically unappealing, but it's easy to use as is pretty much everything else in the cabin.

　　

Getting in/getting out

6.0

　　Getting in and out of the cab is tough even for a spry adult. The assist handles are mounted to the door, so the doors move when you grab them and try to get in. There are some nice large steps on the front doors. On the side door, there's a power-extending step.

　　

Driving position

6.0

　　Driving position is extremely high. It gives you a commanding view of the road, but shorter drivers will have trouble with the height of the seat relative to the floor and the distance of the pedals.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　The Sprinter boasts wild amounts of headroom, shoulder room and hiproom. Since there are only two seats, it feels very roomy up front. This may be the "standard height" Sprinter cargo, but it's nearly 10 inches taller than the competition, which means someone 5-foot-6 or shorter can stand up and walk around inside.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　Visibility is good from the high seating position. While you don't get a great view of the bumpers, you can see just about everything on the road out of one of the many massive windows. The large outside mirrors are useful but are only manually adjustable. A rearview camera is standard on 2018 models.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　Proper build quality is probably one of the main reasons you'd want to consider the Mercedes. There aren't plush surfaces or soft-touch points. But the materials are top-notch for the class, and this van feels very well put-together with no significant panel gaps or rattles.

　　

Utility

8.5

　　Few vehicles on Earth are as utilitarian as the Sprinter Cargo. There's an overwhelmingly large number of tie-downs in the cargo area. Towing capacity is average.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　There are a few useful compartments in the cockpit, including a holder for papers on the dashboard, a top-mounted glove compartment and some strangely assorted cupholders. None of the spots are easy to reach, especially from the high-mounted seats.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　A low load floor, a power-extending side step and a boxy frame mean easy loading access. The 319-cubic-foot cargo space is huge.

　　

Towing

7.5

　　Maximum towing for the Sprinter 2500 is 7,500 pounds, which is impressive but not top-tier. Some other leading competitors can tow closer to 9,000 or 10,000 pounds.

　　

Hauling

9.0

　　Depending on equipment, the Sprinter Cargo has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 11,030 pounds. Only a few competitors match those numbers.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　Since this is the outgoing generation of the Sprinter van, there's a lot missing from the options sheet. You can't get items such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and there's only one USB port to connect your phone. Voice controls are nonexistent as well.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.0

　　Navigation is clear and easy to understand. But the low-resolution screen is far away and relatively small. The standard five-speaker stereo provides decent audio quality and enough volume for music to fill the cabin.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.0

　　One USB port and an auxiliary jack are both located above and behind the steering wheel where they're probably the hardest to reach. Bluetooth phone and audio are standard. Audio can be played via USB as well, but only track selection can be controlled.

　　

Which Sprinter does zzdcar recommend?

　　You likely have very specific requirements for a work van. Whether transporting VIP passengers, hauling pallets of cargo, or outfitting your tall-roof, long-wheelbase model with the four-wheel-drive system for some overlanding, there's a Sprinter that's right for the job. Just match the configuration to your needs.

　　

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models

　　The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in cargo, passenger and crew configurations. The cargo van features two seats and a large cargo bay, while the crew van adds a three-place bench for five-passenger seating. The passenger van can carry up to 12 passengers. All vans come in two wheelbase lengths. A high roof is standard on Passenger and Crew, while the Cargo can be had with either a standard roof or a high roof. Sprinters are divided into regular 2500 and heavy-duty 3500 models. All are powered by a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (188 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque) and a five-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional on many configurations.

　　Standard equipment on the cargo van (offered in standard and extended-length body styles and 2500 and 3500 configurations) includes 16-inch steel wheels, hill start assist, a passenger-side sliding rear door, a wood cargo floor, 270-degree-opening rear doors, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, a 5.8-inch center display, and a sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.

　　The crew van (available only in 2500 configuration) gets the same standard equipment but adds a second-row bench seat and adjacent side windows. The passenger van (also only available in 2500 configuration) is similar, but it features three rows of rear seats, rear interior trim and tinted rear windows.

　　The options list is lengthy, but highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, a driver-side sliding rear door, a heavy-duty suspension, front and rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, foglights, rear door windows with wipers and washers, an Active Safety Plus package of high-tech safety aids, automatic headlights and wipers, a heated windshield, heated power mirrors, cruise control, a rear cabin heater, upgraded front seats, heated front seats and a navigation system.

　　Cargo and crew vans can be equipped with driver-compartment partitions, a roof fan, a fixed rear sunroof, roof rails and various interior storage options. The passenger van can be equipped with rear air conditioning. Many of these optional items are available within packages as well.

　　

2018 Sprinter Highlights

Trim: 2500 144" WB Cargo3500 144" WB Cargo3500 XD 144" WB Cargo2500 170" WB Cargo2500 144" WB Crew3500 170" WB Cargo2500 144" WB Passenger2500 170" WB Crew3500 XD 170" WB Cargo2500 170" WB Passenger2500 144" WB Cargo

　　

Base MSRP	$38,420
Engine Type	Diesel
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	319.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles