Dodge Sprinter Review

2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 144 WB Van

While most cars, SUVs and minivans last roughly five to six years between generations, full-size utilitarian vans are like those 150-year-old tortoises that live on while the rest of the animal kingdom dies away. When a new van shows up, such as the Dodge Sprinter, it's a rare occasion. Although the last-generation Sprinter arrived on this side of the pond in 2003, it had previously been sold around the world as a Mercedes-Benz since 1995. That vehicle was already a revolutionary step beyond its aged General Motors and Ford competition, and the still-German-built new model increases that disparity even more.

As is the case with other vehicles of its type, the Dodge Sprinter is all about utility, interior room and transporting large numbers of passengers or lots of cargo. Like other full-size vans, it's meant for big families or commercial use, and you won't find any power liftgates, "magic" seats or 18 cupholders. However, the Sprinter has some clear advantages over its competitors in the realms of passenger comfort, cargo capacity, body configurations and driving dynamics. Just a quick visual inspection of the Sprinter reveals how different it is. Its radically sloped front end, long wheelbase and tall body make it look like a good Adam Vinatieri kick could knock it over, yet it's just as wide as the Ford and GM models, and handles more like a midsize SUV than a plumber's van. If you can handle the higher price tag, modest horsepower and merely adequate towing capacity, the Sprinter is the best choice in this limited segment.

Current Dodge Sprinter

The Dodge Sprinter was redesigned for the 2007 model year. It is available as a passenger van or a cargo van. For the passenger version, only the 2500 style is offered, with numerous body choices, including two wheelbases (144 and 170 inches), two body lengths (233 and 273 inches) and two roof heights (standard and high). The cargo van is available in 2500 and 3500 models with the same dimension choices as the passenger model, but with a 289-inch body length and 84-inch (7 feet) Mega Roof height added.

Dodge equips the Sprinter with basic standard features, but items like a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and automatic climate control set it apart from the full-size crowd. Antilock brakes and stability control are also standard. The seemingly infinite array of available options makes ordering a bit tricky but allows buyers to fully customize their van. Uncharacteristic optional niceties include rear parking assist, multiple driving seat choices, heated front seats, a sunroof and integrated phone connectivity. The passenger van is also the only model in its class to offer a driver-side sliding door.

The Mercedes-built Dodge Sprinter is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 making 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It gets fuel economy in the mid-20s, dramatically better than its competition. However, a dearth of horsepower leaves it with extremely sluggish passing response at higher speeds -- ironic, considering the van's name. A more balanced compromise between power and economy can be reached with the optional 3.5-liter gasoline V6 that makes 254 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a five-speed automatic with an automanual mode.

Towing capacity for the 2500 model is 5,000 pounds, while the 3500 model tops out at 7,500. These numbers are below its competitors, though how many people tow a Bayliner behind their plumber's van?

The Sprinter holds an advantage in regards to interior design. The upright and narrow styling endows the Sprinter with near-flat interior sidewalls, huge cargo capacity, easy urban maneuverability and plenty of flexibility. Fit and finish is up to typical Mercedes-Benz standards, and its new dashboard and steering wheel angle have been greatly improved over its predecessor.

Past Dodge Sprinters

The previous-generation Dodge Sprinter was produced from 2003-'06. (Before being badged as a Dodge, the Sprinter was briefly sold to commercial users in 2002 under the Freightliner brand.) It had a profile similar to the current model, but a keen eye will notice its less aerodynamic styling. This Sprinter was also available in passenger 2500 and cargo 2500 and 3500 models, though it offered only two wheelbases, lengths and heights. For power, this van featured a 2.7-liter turbodiesel five-cylinder engine rated at 154 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard.

Multiple seat adjustments ensured decent comfort, and overall ergonomics gave the impression of driving a regular passenger car instead of a hulking van. However, its near-horizontal steering wheel evoked the feeling of piloting a school bus. Storage cubbies abound, but don't expect to put a super-mega-size drink in any of the cupholders. The tall height and low floor meant that drivers and passengers could walk around upright in tall-roof models. This made the Sprinter cargo van popular among courier companies in particular, while the passenger van served well as a hotel or airport shuttle since it required little to no outfitter conversion.

Considering that one of the main criticisms levied at the Sprinter when it was new was its high starting price, used Sprinters should be a good buy for those looking for a work van or a high-capacity people mover. Although the new model has definite advantages, the first-generation Dodge Sprinter is still notably more advanced than full-size vans from GM and Ford.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.