2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Review
2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Wide range of body styles and optional configurations, walk-through cabin, superior fuel economy, relatively maneuverable, Mercedes build quality.
Cons
- Elevated base price, turbodiesel V6 lacks power and towing capacity.
What’s new
The big news for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo van is that the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is now the only available engine -- last year's optional 3.5-liter gasoline V6 is no longer offered. Otherwise, the Sprinter Cargo sees only minor changes for 2009.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo is a compelling alternative to traditional full-size American cargo vans. It's down on power and up on price, but it offers class-leading interior space, unmatched handling prowess and an impressive variety of configurations.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo 2500 144 WB 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 Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Sprinter Cargo 2500 144 WB
Sprinter Cargo 2500 144 WB
vs
$314/mo
Avg. Large Van
Vehicle overview
When businesses need a commercial vehicle with lots of passenger and cargo capacity, a full-size van is the obvious choice. Within this segment, there are only three players: the Chevy Express/GMC Savana twins, the Dodge Sprinter and the Ford Econoline Cargo. Of these, the Sprinter represents the most distinctive and interesting choice for a cargo van.
Fully redesigned just two years ago, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo is actually a rebranded Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which is designed for European needs. Accordingly, the Sprinter is far more maneuverable and fuel-efficient than its American rivals -- but its turbodiesel V6 lacks the grunt of a good old-fashioned V8 or V10, and its narrow-looking body may seem odd to American drivers.
That narrow appearance is deceiving, however, as the Sprinter Cargo is actually just as wide as its Ford and GM competitors. It only looks narrow because it's longer and taller than other full-size vans. Indeed, the Sprinter's standard 144-inch wheelbase is even longer than the Econoline's optional extended wheelbase, while the available 170-inch wheelbase dwarfs what Ford and GM have to offer. In addition, the Sprinter Cargo can be ordered in any of three body lengths, ranging from more than 19 feet to a school-buslike 24 feet.
The Sprinter Cargo is also the only full-size cargo van to offer a choice of factory roof heights -- the high-roof option allows a 6-foot-3-inch person to stand upright, while the 7-foot Mega Roof option will allow LeBron James to join your work crew. The Econoline and Express/Savana roofs are fixed at less than 4.5 feet, so in order for those vans to match the Sprinter Cargo in this regard, you will need to make aftermarket changes.
The Sprinter Cargo's optional gasoline V6 has been dropped for 2009, leaving the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 as the only available engine. This power plant offers superior fuel economy along with adequate torque for most uses, though it's frankly dwarfed by the output of several Ford and GM engines. If you need to tow and/or haul heavy objects with your cargo van, the Sprinter's not the best choice -- its towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds, while its rivals can lug upwards of 10,000.
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo's vices are clear: It's pricey to start, and it doesn't offer class-leading power. But we think its many virtues are compelling for most shoppers in this segment. The Sprinter boasts class-leading handling/maneuverability and fuel economy in a modern design, and its body-style configurability straight from the factory is second to none. If you need a full-size cargo van and know you won't have to tow more than around 5,000 pounds -- and you don't mind the price -- then this is the way to go.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that generates 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine is capable of fuel economy in the mid-20s, which is dramatically better than that of its competition. The only available transmission is a five-speed automatic with an automanual mode. Properly equipped, the Sprinter Cargo can tow 5,000 pounds, and its maximum payload ratings range from 3,155 pounds (2500 extended length high roof) to 5,649 pounds (3500 regular length standard roof).
Safety
All 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo vans come standard with antilock disc brakes and stability control. Optional safety equipment includes front-seat side and head curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera.
Driving
With its huge windshield and truncated front end, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo does a pretty fair impression of a delivery truck from behind the wheel. And at up to 23 feet long and 10 feet high, it could be one, too. But a reasonably carlike driving position and respectable handling help make the Sprinter feel manageable around town. Quite simply, this is the easiest and least cumbersome full-size cargo van to drive. Around town, the turbodiesel engine offers satisfactory thrust -- it's only on the highway that its power deficit becomes glaringly apparent.
Interior
Other than the Dodge logo on the steering wheel, the Sprinter's interior is pretty much identical to that of the Mercedes-Benz version sold around the world. Build quality is notably better than in other full-size vans, not to mention most other Dodge products. A tilt/telescoping steering column and four different front-seat styles with multiple adjustments ensure ample comfort, while the Sprinter's modern control layout makes it feel more like a midsize SUV than a utilitarian van.
With so many body styles and a maximum 600 cubic feet of available cargo space, the Sprinter Cargo is the most versatile work van on the market. Its High Roof and Mega Roof options -- 76 and 84 inches, respectively -- enable the Sprinter Cargo to be used as a work space where passengers can walk upright. Moreover, the Sprinter Cargo boasts rear doors that open to 270 degrees for ease of access, and its low step-in height and optional dual sliding doors make your job even easier. There are numerous available full-width partitions that separate the cabin from the cargo area, including a full metal partition, fixed and sliding windows, sliding doors and a C-pillar partition that allows an extra row of seats.
2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo models
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo is a full-size van available in either 2500 or 3500 trim. There are two wheelbase options (144 and 170 inches), three body lengths (233, 273 and 289 inches) and three roof heights (65, 76 and 84 inches).
Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, automatic climate control, a sliding passenger-side door, keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cloth upholstery and a CD stereo with MP3 capability. Although there are numerous options packages available, just about everything is available à la carte as well. Optional items include alloy wheels, rear seating, rear compartment windows, a sliding driver-side cargo door, power mirrors, an auxiliary battery, cruise control, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps, numerous cargo-area partitions and upgraded front seats. Also available is a fixed cargo-area skylight or dual sunroofs (the latter on standard-height roofs only), a front auxiliary heater, rear area heater ducts, heated driver and/or passenger seats, front and rear park assist, a rearview camera, motion-sensing cargo compartment lighting, a six-CD changer and a 74-mph speed limiter.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo.
5 star(55%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(5%)
20 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Van
CRL, 02/26/2010
2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo 2500 144 WB 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
I was very hesitant about buying this van. It is my 1st import or diesel vehicle. Bought this vehicle w/650 miles, 144" & std roof. Dealer titled previously. Drove it home on a hwy (150miles) @ ~15F and got 19.7mpg (speed 65mph). Drove it on another hwy trip (300miles) @ ~30F and got 23mpg (speed 55-65mph). No crankcase oil used so far @ 1400miles. Starts unbelievably fast and w/o … assist @ 0F (no cords for block heaters, etc. - only 1 battery). No exhaust fumes (completely clear - even in the winter from a cold start), quiet, economical and fast. This diesel van is not like the domestics out there. Some great minds must have come together to build this vehicle. Nice vehicle.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Sprinter 2500-144 CRD-2008
PonchoV, 12/31/2009
2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo 2500 144 WB 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
This German Diesel van is one of the finest truck that I have ever driven. Fuel milage is 22 mpg regularly. The hyway handling is more like a car that a truck. In city the 144 is never hard to get through stop & go traffic. The seats don't look like much but w/ many adjustment at the finger tip it is easy to get relocated. Removed the metal divider behind the driver & passenger seats. … Now moving to the back doesn't require stopping & going outside to open the side door. Hang a plastic clear curtain behind the seats & the A/C will not work so hard to keep the front cold. Do a lot of cross country driving & the tank range is plenty but could be larger. Stock tires don't get over 30k
5 out of 5 stars
Got to love it!
Jeff, 09/14/2009
2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo 2500 170 WB 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
How can you not like a ten foot tall van that carries 3000lbs and still gets 18 MPG when I run it at the top speed of 81 MPH. I can even get 20 MPG if I don't exceed 65 MPH!
4 out of 5 stars
if you know whats good for you, stay away
mc, 03/18/2009
2007 Dodge Sprinter Cargo 2500 144 WB 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
What can i say the van looks good, drives good and the fuel economy is good for a vehicle of its size. I suggest leasing and giving them back. You have to be a millionaire literally when they start to break down. If there are electrical problems like i had only the dealer can fix it and it took them almost 3 weeks. The part also took 1 week to arrive.I can't even imagine they plan on … people buying these things to make a living with and it takes them 1 week to get one stupid part. These things are electrical nightmares. Makes no sense to me why they would put all this crazy electronics in a work van. Useless.Van loses power all the time.Check engine light causes this.Never buy one again
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sprinter Cargo since its last redesign.
2009 Sprinter Cargo Highlights
2500 144 WB
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $38,425 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Diesel |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 318 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sprinter Cargo include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover1 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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