2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Full-size vans, with massive interior volume to securely transport cargo or passengers, are as much part of the country's industrial and commercial backbone as pickup trucks. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most versatile of these boxes on wheels, with a dizzying array of body styles, engine choices and customization options. There's even a four-wheel-drive version that provides enhanced traction on icy roads and can serve as an off-road-capable overlanding van.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) 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 1500 144" WB Cargo

　　Sprinter 1500 144" WB Cargo

　　1500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $36,355 MSRP2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $37,585 MSRP2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $40,735 MSRP2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) (Most Popular) - $42,635 MSRP2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $50,810 MSRP2500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $41,375 MSRP2500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $44,525 MSRP2500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $46,425 MSRP2500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $54,600 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,060 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $46,210 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $48,110 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $48,110 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $50,010 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $56,285 MSRP2500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $58,185 MSRP1500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,120 MSRP3500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $43,145 MSRP3500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $45,045 MSRP2500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $44,350 MSRP2500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $47,500 MSRP2500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $49,400 MSRP2500 144" WB Passenger 3dr Van 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $57,575 MSRP3500XD 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $45,555 MSRP3500XD 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $47,455 MSRP3500XD 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $55,630 MSRP3500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $46,935 MSRP3500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $48,835 MSRP2500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $47,380 MSRP2500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $50,530 MSRP2500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $52,430 MSRP2500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van 4WD w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $60,605 MSRP4500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $47,655 MSRP4500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $49,555 MSRP3500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $48,620 MSRP3500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $50,520 MSRP3500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $50,520 MSRP3500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $52,420 MSRP3500XD 144" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $49,345 MSRP3500XD 144" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $51,245 MSRP3500XD 144" WB Crew 3dr Van 4WD DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $59,420 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $51,030 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $52,930 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $52,930 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $54,830 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van 4WD DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $61,105 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van 4WD DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $63,005 MSRP4500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $51,445 MSRP4500 144" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $53,345 MSRP2500 170" WB Passenger 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $52,025 MSRP2500 170" WB Passenger 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $55,175 MSRP2500 170" WB Passenger 3dr Van w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $57,075 MSRP3500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $52,940 MSRP3500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $54,840 MSRP4500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $53,130 MSRP4500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $55,030 MSRP4500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $55,030 MSRP4500 170" WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $56,930 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $55,350 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $57,250 MSRP3500XD 170" WB Crew 3dr Van 4WD DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $65,425 MSRP4500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $57,450 MSRP4500 170" WB Crew 3dr Van DRW w/High Roof (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) - $59,350 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Large Van

　　Not much changes for the Sprinter in 2021, though there is a new diesel-powered four-cylinder engine option. It's likely the most efficient engine of the Sprinter lineup, which still includes the base gas-powered four-cylinder engine and optional diesel V6. Competition in the full-size van market includes the Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit, Nissan NV and Ram ProMaster. The Sprinter costs more than its rivals but rewards buyers with more refinement and better driving dynamics. Odds are, there's a Sprinter to fit your particular needs. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of the Sprinter's performance, roominess and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Sprinter drive? We tested a 2500-series passenger van with the base gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine. Getting around town is easy thanks to its well-tuned automatic transmission and easy off-the-line power delivery. But 188 hp just isn't enough to get this van moving with any authority, and that's especially the case if you've got a heavy load or you're going up a grade. We recommend upgrading to the turbodiesel V6.

　　Our van's brakes were also underwhelming and didn't provide as much stopping confidence as we'd like. Steering and handling, however, lead the class. If you're taking the Scout troop on a mountain retreat, you likely won't have any reservations driving the Sprinter up curvy mountain roads.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sprinter? The Sprinter doesn't have typical Mercedes-Benz levels of comfort, but it does lead the passenger van segment when it comes to seat comfort. The ride quality is quite stiff, but a full load of passengers and their stuff will likely settle things down a bit.

　　This big barn-shaped vehicle makes a bit of noise on the road, especially as the wind passes over the tall windshield and large side mirrors. But there isn't much noise from the road or from the four-cylinder engine, even at full throttle. The climate control system deals with high temps relatively well, which is important for a large group on a road trip.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Sprinter gets high marks for an abundance of passenger space, a user-friendly control layout and better-than-expected visibility. This generation of Sprinter now comes standard with a rearview camera, which is a big plus, and access to the back rows is relatively easy once you're inside. It's difficult to get in and out of such a tall vehicle, and the driving position isn't perfect, but those aren't deal-breakers.

　　Shorter drivers will find the driving position to be suboptimal. The driver's seat has height adjustability but it is limited in its range, and the steering wheel is tilt-only — this means you'll have to move pretty far forward if you're of shorter stature.

　　

Technology

6.0/10

　　How’s the tech? There isn't much tech on a base Sprinter, which is what we tested. The standard infotainment system doesn't have any voice controls, there is no smartphone integration (other than connecting for Bluetooth audio), and the standard stereo has poor sound quality. Thankfully, there are a few USB-C ports throughout the cabin for charging your devices.

　　Our recommendation — for tech-savvy buyers anyway — is to upgrade to one of the Sprinter's larger touchscreen displays. The Mercedes MBUX touchscreen system is mostly bundled together in larger packages, using a 7-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen, and it's paired with features such as wireless smartphone charging, integrated navigation and parking sensors.

　　Blind-spot monitoring was the only driver aid on our test vehicle. It worked well and didn't issue any false or annoying alerts. Lane keeping assist, parking sensors and other driver aids are also optional, but these weren't equipped on our test van.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Few vehicles on Earth are as utilitarian as the Sprinter. Massive cargo space behind the fourth row of seats, a number of D-ring cargo tie-down points, and a low load floor mean you can get large items in and secure them with ease. The underseat storage area is massive too. You truly can carry 12 passengers and all their things if you want.

　　Car seats will be a bit tougher to load because of the high step-in height, but there's plenty of room between each row and several anchor points to secure them.

　　Small-item storage is prioritized for the front seats. For some reason Mercedes gives you 10(!) cupholders up front. There are small pullout cupholders for the back rows and netted seatback storage for other items.

　　While capacity varies based on the configuration, a 2500 Sprinter Passenger van has the potential to provide a class-leading 9,480-pound GVWR and a payload capacity of 3,441 pounds. Only a few competitors match those numbers, and most lag far behind. Maximum towing is 5,000 pounds, an impressive number for the class.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The 2500 Sprinter Passenger resides in a heavy-duty category that is exempt from EPA fuel economy testing and labeling. The 2.0-liter engine, though, is relatively efficient when you consider how much weight it's pulling around. Our test van returned 17.1 mpg on our 115-mile city-and-highway evaluation route. We expect the diesel powertrain will outperform the base four-cylinder in this category, but it does have a higher cost of entry.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Sprinter a good value? The Sprinter costs a bit more than most rivals but makes up for it with excellent build quality, a great warranty and multiple attractive prepaid service plans. And while our test vehicle van came with limited optional equipment, it's worth noting that Sprinters can get all sorts of impressive upgrades if you're looking to class things up a bit. The 10.25-inch touchscreen with Mercedes' MBUX is a favorite of ours, and, given the choice, we'd opt for one of the upgraded stereos as well.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　While it isn't extraordinarily classy or fantastically unique, the Sprinter is a bit nicer than your average passenger van. It also has more attractive exterior styling and better on-road dynamics than most, making it more enjoyable to drive in most any scenario.

　　

Which Sprinter does zzdcar recommend?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is as diverse as its buyers. That means there's no single Sprinter model to cover a wide swath of users, but there are seemingly endless configurations to fit your particular needs. We do recommend opting for the diesel-powered V6 as the four-cylinder engines lack sufficient grunt to fully get this big van moving.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in cargo, passenger and crew configurations. All vans come in 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase lengths, and the longer-wheelbase versions are also available in extra-long cargo and crew configurations. A choice of high roof or standard roof is available on all three configurations.

　　Mercedes also offers regular 1500 and 2500 models and heavy-duty 3500 and 4500 models. The standard engine on 1500 and 2500 models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (188 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. New for 2021 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine (161 hp, 266 lb-ft) with a seven-speed automatic; it's available on 2500 and 3500 models. Optional on 2500 models and standard on 3500 and 4500 models is a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 (188 hp, 325 lb-ft) paired to the seven-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional on 2500 and 3500 models.

　　Standard equipment on the cargo van includes:

　　Metal cargo floor 270-degree-opening rear doors Heated mirrors Front seats Cruise control Air conditioning Tilt-only steering wheel Rearview camera Sound system and two USB ports Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Crosswind assist (helps the driver stay on course in windy conditions)The crew van (2500 and up) adds:

　　Second-row three-seat bench for five-passenger seating Side-door windowsThe passenger van (available in 1500 and 2500 configurations) features:

　　Three rows of rear seats Rear interior trim and tinted rear windowsThe options list is lengthy and can change depending on configuration, but highlights include:

　　Driver's side sliding rear door Heavy-duty suspension Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera Upgraded front seats with heating Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with either a 7- or a 10.25-inch touchscreen Navigation systemCargo and crew vans can be equipped with driver-compartment partitions, a roof fan (or heater), a fixed rear sunroof, roof rails and various interior storage options. The passenger van can be equipped with rear air conditioning.

　　Optional driver aids for all three models include:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Sprinter and the car in front) Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

　　

2021 Sprinter Highlights

Type: VanDieselVan

　　Trim: 1500 144" WB Cargo2500 144" WB Cargo2500 144" WB Crew2500 170" WB Cargo1500 144" WB Passenger3500 144" WB Cargo2500 144" WB Passenger3500XD 144" WB Cargo3500 144" WB Crew2500 170" WB Crew4500 144" WB Cargo3500 170" WB Cargo3500XD 144" WB Crew3500XD 170" WB Cargo4500 144" WB Crew2500 170" WB Passenger3500 170" WB Crew4500 170" WB Cargo3500XD 170" WB Crew1500 144" WB Cargo

　　

Base MSRP	$36,355
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	319.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles