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Updated on: July 23, 2020
Automotive Journalist
With applications ranging from hauling cargo to ferrying people, from towing tons of weight to cruising miles on the highway, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter is the universal encyclopedia with a solution for everything. It might be a son of German engineering but it's a true worker van at heart. The engine has enough power to back your daily endeavors and cabin's got enough space to harbor a group of 12 with comfort set on max.
Some people might question the competitive spirit in the passenger van market, on a contrary, this side of the market is as competitive as any mid-size hatch of the sedan. Soon the recedes introduced the design of the prime brands in the worker vans class followed the drill. Vans like Ford Transit Wagon and Nissan NV passenger deliver the same and even more at a better price.
New infotainment is a solid improvement
Comfortable cabin
Decent driving dynamics
Wonky voice controls
Plasticky interior
No manual transmission
Mercedes new MBUX infotainment
9-speed automatic transmission
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
5.7
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
Mercedes Benz Sprinter Passenger van is the high-priced boxy van in the class today. The steep nose hood hides a turbocharged inline-four engine paired to a 5-speed-automatic transmission. The engine cranks out a 188 hp of power and 325 pound-feet of torque. Well, this is the last time you will see the Sprinter as it is, since the 2019 marks for a new configuration.
5.0/10
Features
8.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.0/10
Fuel Economy
6.0/10
Interior
4.0/10
Exterior
4.0/10
Safety
The Sprinter Passenger van is offered in two trims. Unlike last year you get just one engine option, however, you also get an optional 4-wheel drive on this van.
You can further customize your Sprinter with an option for extended wheelbase. The cargo version does get an option for a low roof height but the Sprinter Passenger version didn' t get any such amenities. The 2500 Sprinter has a room of 12 passengers max.
Trim |
1500 |
2500 |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$41,095 |
$42,320 |
Adjustable Steering Wheel |
Similar features as 1500 |
|
Key Features |
Lockable Storage Compartment, Above Windshield |
|
Headlight Assistant |
||
Airbag, Driver/Passenger Front |
||
Unspecified Tire Brand |
||
Load-Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) |
||
Communication Module (LTE) for Dig. Services |
||
Outside Temperature Gauge |
||
Seat Belt Reminder |
||
Breakdown Management |
||
Hill Start Assist |
||
Thorax-Pelvis Side Airbags, Driver/Passenger |
||
Crosswind Assist |
||
HOLD Function |
||
Armrest for Front Passenger Seat |
||
Red Diesel Filler Cap (Diesel only)Cupholder |
You already have a high roof, get the extended wheelbase as well to further push the utility. Adding a little more dough for the Driver comfort package and long roads will seem like a pep drive.
Mercedes gave everything the Sprinter wanted to carry passenger, be it a huge compartment, satisfactory mileage number, a mushrooming of forms, and a powerful engine. This year's Sprinter gets a new 1.9L Turbo-4 engine mated to another new 9-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain bits out 190 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque.
The power is transferred to the rear wheels of the Sprinter. Though the fun doesn't end here, remember the two other powertrains we discussed? Yes, they are active and accessible.
Models |
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 |
Ford Transit 250 low roof Passenger van |
Nissan NV2500 S Passenger van |
GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$42,320 |
$34,530 |
$29,340 |
$34,900 |
Engine |
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded |
3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded |
4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded |
4.3L V6 Gas |
Transmission |
9-G Tronic |
6 Speed automatic |
Continuously variable automatic |
8 Speed automatic |
Horsepower |
188 hp@ 5000rpm |
261 hp@ 5600rpm |
276 hp@ 5200rpm |
|
Torque |
258 ft-lbs@ 2500rpm |
260 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm |
281 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm |
298 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm |
A 3.0L turbodiesel V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic which transfers the power to the rear wheels of the van. The other powertrain highlight an alike motor with the drivetrain adapted to 4 wheel drive. This exceptional engine can collect 188 horsepower and 323-pound feet of torque.
The Sprinter might be a boxy van but its not lethargic. The new engine alternative is more punchy and gives a tad more strength which is definitely perceived.
One thing which interrupts the performance is its slow start, you will consider the need to jab the pedal various times to torque up the wheels but the excitement comes and goes in a moment as the Sprinter starts to shine promptly enough. The turbodiesel alternative comes with paddle shifters.
Models |
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 standard roof van |
Ford Transit 250 low roof Passenger van |
Nissan NV2500 S Passenger van |
GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Quarter mile |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Engine |
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded |
3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded |
4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded |
4.3L V6 Gas |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Sprinter turns out a fine van for both city and highway. The ride prevails to be smooth and constituted without any chassis knocks or squeaks and boy roll was induced down to the lowest.
The 2020 Sprinter omitted the hydraulic steering for an electrically aided system. To say it's an enhancement would be a shot in the dark, as the wheel is inert and deprived of any road communication.
Model |
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 standard roof van |
Ford Transit 250 low roof Passenger van |
Nissan NV2500 S Passenger van |
GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
N/A |
12.1 |
14.2 |
12.8 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
N/A |
12.1 |
14.4 |
13 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4696 |
2788 |
5819 |
5158 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
The Crosswind assist was ripped from last year's iteration and installed in the new Sprinter which is a good thing. The pavements obstruct the cabin only on high speed, hard turns and jabbed braking, otherwise, the Sprinter is fun to drive for minivan standards. Speaking of the brakes, there is not much information available.
But there are no notable changes in the braking department from last year. So, one can expect a faithful and well-composed brake on the 2020 Sprinter.
There are two payload options at 3854 pounds and 4354 pounds, while the 5000 pounds of towing capability remains stagnant for the two. However, the Sprinter is not the most capable at trailering passenger, the likes of GMC Savana far surpasses the Sprinter. Its practically two folds of what the Benz offers.
Model |
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 |
Ford Transit wagon 250 |
Nissan NV 2500 S Passenger van |
GMC Savana 2500 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Towing Capacity (lbs.) |
5000 |
7400 |
6900 |
10000 |
The Sprinter might be an impressive hauler of goods but its trailering valor is hounded by a question mark. With its maximum towing of 5000 pounds, Mercedes is at the bottom of the boxy van ladder, as far as towing is a concern.
The fact that vans do not report to EPA feds remains its mileage in the mist. Nevertheless, you can presume a 20mpg which is presented in the computer test.
The tank capacity is a tad lower than what other vans give, but that won't affect you in any way.
Model | Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 passenger | Ford Transit wagon 150 XL | Nissan NV Passenger 3500 S | GMC Savanna 2500 Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 |
MPG (highway) | 19 | 18 | 17 | 15 |
MPG (combined) | 18 | 16 | 13 | 14 |
The majority of shoppers are expected to be small business owners and working-class people looking for utility. So, don' t expect a beefed cabin or any plush features to make it look elite. It' s a full-fledged van and it behaves like one. The interior quality is a little upmarket though, the material used is not as subpar as the hard plastic used by some competitors. As for space, it' s the one thing you get more than required.
All 12 passengers aboard the Sprinter get ample space and support for long-distance travel. The cabin remains isolated from the world with zero noise or road chatter.
Courtesy of the extended rooftop, both north, and south of the cabin receive a generous 56.7 inches of front and 58.8 inches of rear headroom. As for the legroom and shoulder room, the Sprinter mimics its cargo counterpart. You get 38.9 inches of front and 39 inches of rear legroom space.
Model | Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 passenger | Ford Transit wagon 150 XL | Nissan NV Passenger 3500 S | GMC Savanna 2500Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity | 12 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) | 56.7/67.7/38.9 | 40.8/67.8/41.3 | 42.8/65.7/42 | 56.7/67.7/38.9 |
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
58.8/70.1/39.1 | 41.1/71.3/69.5 | 39.6/69.2/33.9 | 58.8/70.1/39.1 |
Third
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
N/A | 40.6/67.0/35.6 | 39.8/66.6/38.5 | 40.6/67.0/35.6 |
With the high rood standard they Sprinter Passenger really made a difference with headroom comfort. Other than that, it also has the biggest cabin among the three. Where the Ford can harbor 8 people both the Transit and the Sprinter have standard seating for 12.
As a barebone van, you don' t get a lot of entertainment features on the Sprinter. A standard 5.8 infotainment screen with navigation is all that you get in this van. There are no active smartphone integration mediums like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other than that, you get Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, auxiliary input, and an iPod interface as standard infotainment.
Space is what the Sprinter sells in the market. Even with all the seats occupied, there is much white to fill. You get enough room to stuff in larger objects like a ladder beneath the seats for construction workers or any other business. If 12 seats are too much you can detach the undesired ones and settle for more usable cargo space. The standard sprinter Passenger van comes with 80 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Model | Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 passenger | Ford Transit wagon 150 XL | Nissan NV Passenger 3500 S | GMC Savanna 2500 Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft.3) | 80.8 | 94.2 | 18.9 | 94.2 |
Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft.3) | N/A | 124 | N/A | N/A |
Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (ft.3) | 319.1 | 224.5 | 218.9 | 240.8 |
Form the 3rd seat the Sprinter delivers an impressive 80 cubic feet of space while. The Ford delivers a tad more room for the same with its 94 cubic feet of standard cargo space, while the Nissan NV struggled to even manage 20 cubic feet as the standard cargo area. As the maximum cargo capacity, the Sprinter's s 319 cubic feet are the largest.
The Sprinter inherited the ability to trailer 5000 pounds of weight from the last year' s model.
It might sound low as per the market norms but it' s more than what the average user needs. Unlike its cargo counterpart, the Sprinter Passenger gets no option in towing and payload capacity. Other vans on the market can trailer more weight.
Model | Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 passenger | Ford Transit wagon 150 XL | Nissan NV Passenger 3500 S | GMC Savanna 2500 Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 5000 | 5100 | 6200 | 5500 |
The Sprinter can pull a huge chunk of load, its competition can load a few pounds extra. The Ford Transit can drag about 5100 pounds and the Nissan NV exceeds the 2 with its 6200 pounds of towing capacity.
Originally penned down in Europe the Sprinter's s design was treated as a dull box on wheels. But the criticisms were short-lived and the rest of the other brands mimicked its body style. Talking about the design, its just the good old boxy blueprint with no extravagant design points, just the good old Mercedes logo on a plain body.
With its 233.3 inch of length, 95.3 inches of width from ear to ear, and the 110.5 inches of the high roofline, the Sprinter is the biggest Mercedes in the lot today.
Model | Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 passenger | Ford Transit wagon 150 XL | Nissan NV Passenger 3500 S | GMC Savanna 2500 Passenger van |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) | 5878 | 5488 | 6694 |
5158 |
Length(in) | 233.3 | 219.8 | 240.6 |
224.1 |
Width(in) | 95.5 | 81.3 | 79.9 |
79.2 |
Height(in) | 110.5 | 82.2 | 84 |
84.6 |
Ground clearance (in) | 7.8 | N/A | 8.1 |
7.1 |
Wheelbase (in) | 144.3 | 129.9 | 146.1 |
135.0 |
Considering the size all 3 vans are huge, but the Nissan NV is inches longer than the two. Well if you consider the size the Sprinter is much larger in size. Followed by the Nissan NV and then the Ford Transit. The NV also comes with a bigger wheelbase and ground clearance.
The 2020 Sprinter is yet to be crash-tested on the US soil. Still, the Mercedes infused top-notch safety features to secure the Sprinter Cargo van from any possible hazard. You active safety features like crosswind assist, Attention assist, Lane-keeping assist and more.
Priced way lower than the Sprinter, Ford isn' t just selling another utility vehicle but with it, the brand' s years of its reliability too. Now, coming down on the facts the Transit comes with a lot of power and a tad more towing prowess. However, what the Sprinter sells is a lot of walk-through space and an upmarket interior quality with the Merc badge.
Also, the standard Transit can lodge just 8 people, you need to pay more for the extra 10, 12, or 15 seats. Clearly, a person buying a boxy van will put utility over the name, but the drastic price gap might send the buyer to Ford' s showroom.
The Nissan NV cargo is amongst the most economical vans in the lot today. Compared to the Sprinter you get more power, acceleration, and the ability to home as many people as the Sprinter. On the other hand, the Sprinter delivers more cargo space and is loaded with active drive assist features too.
Also, the interior on the Nissan NV is subpar and of a low quality than the Sprinter. So, the Mercedes bring in a lot of new features and cargo space and raise the bar for the class. But its hefty price cannot be ignored. The budget buyers will surely go for the Nissan NV on this one.
Mercedes might have planned the Sprinter as a true utility vehicle and not be the noble rich kid for the other boxy vans. In some ways, it achieves it while in others it still carries the Mercedes fame. Sprinter is the biggest boxy van on the market which delivers a lot of cabin comfort for longer rides. Still, the lack of power and low towing prowess can be the biggest set off for utility buyers.
The ride quality is good and somewhat better than the competitors. The Sprinter might shout out its benefits and ample utility factor but the Benz price voodoo will always lose potential customers.