2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker Review

It's a sensible and cost-effective full-size van for fleets and small businesses.
3 star edmunds overall rating
author
by Dan Frio
Edmunds Editor

A Mercedes badge on a work van may seem extravagant, but make no mistake: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker is all business. Like the more polished Sprinters above it, the Sprinter Worker is available as a cargo or passenger van in two lengths and with a choice of regular and high roof heights. The Worker keeps costs down, however, by offering cargo vans in just one color — white — and a minimal set of both standard and optional features. (Passenger vans are available in black and silver.) The only thing pretentious about this workhorse van might be the three-pointed star on its grille.

From behind the wheel, the Sprinter's unfettered view of the road and SUV-like driving position help it maneuver far better than its jumbo proportions suggest, even in tight quarters. Under the hood is a standard turbodiesel four-cylinder or, optional on the cargo van, a turbodiesel V6 engine. In addition to basic amenities such as air-conditioning, adjustable armrests, Bluetooth and a four-speaker audio system, the Worker offers a handful of options packages that include more convenience features and driver aids.

It's worth noting that if you don't require the Sprinter's expansive capabilities, Mercedes offers the smaller Metris midsize van for more modest passenger and cargo needs. But if big groups or big jobs are on your agenda, the Sprinter Worker is a spacious and refined van that earns the star on its grille.

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what's new

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker line expands with a few new available configurations, including a Passenger van version.
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we recommend

If you're in the market for a Sprinter Worker, you either need to carry a lot of people, a lot of cargo or both. Whatever your needs, the Sprinter Worker can probably cover it. You'll obviously want to get a configuration that suits your business's or organization's needs. Getting the V6 diesel engine is likely a good idea. It accelerates slowly, but it pulls strongly once up to speed. The turbo four-cylinder should return better fuel economy, but we suspect its motivation from a standstill is even more glacial.
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trim levels & features

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker is a full-size van available in Cargo and Passenger (late availability) configurations. The cargo van is basically two seats and an empty cargo bay, while the passenger van can carry up to 12 people. Cargo vans offer two wheelbase lengths, two roof heights and two engine choices. The passenger van comes in just one length, height and engine choice.

The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (161 horsepower, 265 pound-feet of torque) paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. This is the only powertrain offered in passenger vans. Cargo vans can opt for a turbocharged V6 diesel engine (188 hp, 325 lb-ft) and a five-speed automatic.

Standard equipment on the cargo van (offered in 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbases) includes 16-inch steel wheels, 180-degree opening rear doors, a passenger-side sliding door, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, front cupholder, front-seat armrests, Bluetooth, a front five-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and USB port, and safety features such as crosswind assist, hill start assist and load-adaptive stability control.

Highlights of the options list include cargo rails, hardboard side paneling and three packages for the cargo van. The Convenience package includes heated side mirrors, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, multifunction steering wheel and trailer pre-wiring. The Utility package includes Convenience package items and adds a wood cargo floor and LED cargo lights, among other features. Finally, the Overtime package bundles Convenience and Utility features with an upgraded sound system, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera.

There's a similar Convenience package for the passenger van, which also includes blind-spot monitoring, passenger and cargo compartment lighting, and a 12-volt outlet near the driver. The Overtime package takes the same cargo van options and adds black faux leather seat upholstery, a heated rear window with washers and wipers, and a 12-volt outlet in the rear compartment.

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trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144 WB Passenger w/High Roof (turbo 3.0L V6 diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD).

NOTE: Although the Sprinter Worker has been introduced after this test was conducted, it is based on our mechanically similar test subject. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Sprinter Worker.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.0 / 5.0

Driving

3.0 / 5.0

Acceleration2.0 / 5.0
Braking2.5 / 5.0
Steering3.0 / 5.0
Handling2.5 / 5.0
Drivability4.0 / 5.0

Comfort

3.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort3.0 / 5.0
Ride comfort3.0 / 5.0
Noise & vibration2.5 / 5.0

Interior

3.5 / 5.0

Ease of use3.0 / 5.0
Getting in/getting out2.5 / 5.0
Roominess5.0 / 5.0
Visibility3.0 / 5.0
Quality4.0 / 5.0

driving

edmunds rating
The turbocharged six-cylinder engine is a bit slow to get up to speed, but once there, it's easy to keep up with traffic. Low-speed maneuvers create some challenges for this big rig.

acceleration

edmunds rating
This 6,000-pound van accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 11.5 seconds. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 doesn't feel powerful off the line, but once up to speed it's pretty easy to maintain the truck's forward momentum.

braking

edmunds rating
The Sprinter slowed from 60 mph in 138 feet during our emergency panic-stop test. The brakes remained consistent in feel and performance during testing as well as out on the road in normal driving.

steering

edmunds rating
The steering is precise for a full-size van. The effort is heavy enough to feel steady on the highway yet light enough for parking lot duty.

handling

edmunds rating
The Sprinter is relatively narrow considering how tall it is. Taking sharp turns at speed is not this van's forte. An assertive stability control system lends a hand if it senses the Sprinter going beyond its limits.

drivability

edmunds rating
Despite its dimensions, this conference room on wheels is easy to drive. Crowded parking lots can create some stress because of its size, and the modest backup camera is only somewhat helpful.

comfort

edmunds rating
Passenger comfort is a priority for the Sprinter. Occupants will find ample space to spread out. The seats are somewhat upright, but most will find decent comfort over long distances. Ride quality improves as passenger head count increases.

seat comfort

edmunds rating
The driving position is a bit upright, but the seats proved comfy enough even during longer drives. Throughout the Sprinter, the full-size seats provide ample leg-, hip- and headroom.

ride comfort

edmunds rating
Without question, rearmost passengers will find the Sprinter's ride more bouncy than those up front. Still, it's perfectly acceptable whether empty or fully occupied.

noise & vibration

edmunds rating
The rear heating package's insulation is meant for warmth, but it doubles as sound insulation. Still, some wind and tire noise reaches the cabin, especially when running empty.

interior

edmunds rating
There's lots of room for people and cargo. Driver aids exist to help maneuver the van in tight quarters, but parking still remains a challenge with such a big vehicle. Efforts are made to ease entry/exit and to keep passengers cozy once settled.

ease of use

edmunds rating
All controls are within reach of the driver and functionally intuitive. This is an older version of the Mercedes COMAND system, so the layout is simple.

getting in/getting out

edmunds rating
The Sprinter has a step leading into it, which is necessary considering it sits so high off the ground. The doors are large, so some folks may find them a bit heavy to manage.

driving position

Feels less like a commercial truck and more like a large SUV thanks to a commanding seat position and expansive windshield.

roominess

edmunds rating
The front seats fit most body types fine. Farther back, the large bench seats offer lots of leg- and headroom and will keep passengers comfortable unless all seats are filled. Only then does hiproom get tight.

visibility

edmunds rating
Massive windows, an optional parking aid system and a rearview camera offer needed driver aids. That said, there are still several blind spots with this large van.

quality

edmunds rating
Build quality on our test van was commendable. We heard nary a squeak or rattle. It was solid and true to the level of build quality we expect from Mercedes-Benz.

utility

What can't you carry or ferry in this van? Especially in cargo or crew configurations, and with a host of upfitting options, this is one of the most utilitarian vans available, whether running a contracting business or a professional mountain biking team.

technology

About as basic as it gets. The Sprinter Worker does offer some helpful driver aids, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

related vehicle information

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker by City

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