2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review

Name: 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz
Price: 23836 USD

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144 WB Cargo Cargo Van Exterior Shown

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 170 WB Cargo Cargo Van Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Interior space is unmatched with true walk-through cabin
Offers hundreds of configurations and features
Pretty maneuverable for its size
Diesel engines are fuel-efficient

Cons

Price tag is higher than average
Engines can also seem underpowered at highway speeds

What’s new

The Sprinter carries over into 2017 largely unchanged. All Passenger vans now include rear air-conditioning, rear cupholders, rear armrests and rear convenience lights. Crew vans also offer a warm/cool air duct to the rear compartment. A handful of other features and options are shuffled.

Vehicle overview

A Mercedes badge on a passenger or work van may seem extravagant, but make no mistake: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is all business. Although it costs more than its Ford, Nissan and Ram rivals, the Sprinter is not a luxury vehicle and is far removed from its S-Class and GLS-Class stablemates. The only thing pretentious about this workhorse van might be the three-pointed star on its grille.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (2.1L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A) 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

$314/mo

Avg. Large Van

Calculate my fuel costs

The Sprinter offers impressive body-style variations and unmatched interior space. Both passenger and cargo vans are available in two lengths and with a choice of regular and high roof heights. The cargo van even offers an extra-high roof option. There's also optional four-wheel drive if you think you need extra traction for wet weather or light-duty off-road trails.

From behind the wheel, the Sprinter's unfettered view of the road and SUV-like driving position help you maneuver it more easily than its jumbo proportions suggest, even in tight quarters. In fact, if there's any weak link, it's the relatively modest performance under the hood. Although both the standard four-cylinder diesel engine and the optional diesel V6 provide ample punch around town, they tend to run out of steam on the highway. Each of the Sprinter's rivals has more power on tap.

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 is a spacious and refined van that justifies the premium.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.0 / 5

A Mercedes badge on a passenger or work van may seem extravagant, but make no mistake: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is all business. It might cost more than its rivals, but the only thing pretentious about this workhorse van might be the three-pointed star on its grille.

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).

Scorecard

Overall	3.0 / 5
Driving	3.0
Comfort	3.0
Interior	3.5

Driving

3.0

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

Acceleration

2.0

The 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

2.5

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

2.5

The steering is precise considering the van's purpose as a pure people-mover. The effort is heavy enough to feel steady on the highway yet light enough for parking lot duty.

Handling

2.5

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 van going beyond its limits.

Drivability

4.0

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

Off-road

Four-wheel drive is available on many configurations, but given this van's high center of gravity and low ground clearance, it's really only suited for relatively graded or well-worn dirt trails.

Comfort

3.0

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

3.0

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

Ride comfort

3.0

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

2.5

Our test van's additional insulation is meant for warmth, but it doubles as sound insulation. Still, some wind and tire noise reaches the cabin, especially when running empty.

Climate control

Roof-mounted rear air-conditioning is available in the Rear Passenger Comfort package.

Interior

3.5

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

3.0

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

2.5

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 trunk and more like a large SUV thanks to the commanding seat position and expansive windshield.

Roominess

5.0

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 the seats are filled. Only then does hiproom get tight.

Visibility

3.0

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

Quality

4.0

Build quality on our test Sprinter was commendable. The ability to purchase individual options is rare and welcome. We didn't hear any squeaks or rattles. 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. There's an optional turn-of-the-millennium navigation system on a small 5.8-inch display, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB and iPod interface.

Audio & navigation

Old-school Becker Map Pilot system is optional. Most passenger transportation and delivery companies will probably use third-party or proprietary systems anyway. A five-speaker sound system is standard; the passenger van bumps that up to 13 speakers.

Smartphone integration

Includes Bluetooth hands-free phone, but don't expect any connected app, Twitter-reading, Facebook-updating features. The Sprinter keeps it strictly business.

Driver aids

The Sprinter offers an impressive assortment of safety aids, from routine (rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring) to the useful and obscure (parking sensors, standard crosswind assist, stability control that adjusts to load).

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in Cargo, Passenger and Crew configurations. The cargo van is basically two seats and an empty cargo bay, while the crew van adds a three-place bench for five-passenger seating. The passenger van can carry up to 12 passengers. All vans offer two wheelbase lengths and two roof heights. The cargo van offers a third, even taller roof. Sprinters are divided into regular-duty 2500 and heavy-duty 3500 categories, with either a four- or six-cylinder diesel paired with a five- or a seven-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional on many configurations.

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. An optional V6 diesel engine makes 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment on the cargo van (offered in standard and extended-length body styles and 2500 and 3500 configuration) includes 16-inch steel wheels, hill start assist, a passenger-side sliding rear door, a wood cargo floor, 270-degree-opening rear doors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a front five-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.

The crew van (available only in 2500 configuration) gets the same standard equipment but adds a second-row bench seat and adjacent side windows. The passenger van (also only available in 2500 configuration) is similar, but it features three rows of rear seats, rear interior trim, tinted rear windows and eight additional speakers in the rear for a grand total of 13.

The options list is lengthy, but highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, a driver-side sliding rear door, a heavy-duty suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, xenon headlights, foglights, rear door windows with wipers and washers, an Active Safety Plus package of high-tech safety aids, automatic headlights and wipers, a heated windshield, heated power mirrors, cruise control, a rear cabin heater, upgraded front seats, heated front driver and passenger seats (available separately), and a navigation system.

Cargo and crew vans can be equipped with driver-compartment partitions, a roof fan, a fixed rear sunroof, roof rails and various interior storage options. The passenger van can be equipped with rear air-conditioning. Many of these optional items are available within packages as well.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2/5Average

#2 out of 3 among Luxury Minivans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from 2008-2022.}

$1,297/yr

vs. $1,114/yr
for Average Luxury Minivan

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

2.64x/yr

vs. 3.01x/yr
for Average Luxury Minivan

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

17%

vs. 14.4%
for Average Luxury Minivan

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

5 (39%)

4 (3%)

3 (5%)

2 (11%)

1 (42%)

2.9

36 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Very disappointing

John Wood, 06/28/2017

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 170 WB Cargo 3dr Ext Van w/High Roof (2.1L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

We bought the Sprinter 3500 brand new in 2016 with LTV RV Serentity motorhome. On our first extended vacation we have had 2 breakdowns. We travelled from Florida to Colorado for the first half of the trip and the engine blew an oil seal in Montrose, Colorado going up a long grade. Oil covered the engine and body of the vehicle. This was repaired, although oil continued to leak for …

18 months and 37000 miles - Bought New Cash.

I got a LEMON, 03/25/2017

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 144 WB Cargo 3dr Van w/High Roof (2.1L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Vehicle has been in to Schumacher Mercedes in Scottsdale more than 6 times since it hit 20k miles. ESP Failure. Excessive play on the Steering. Gears Slamming into wrong gear. This van is literally killing my business with how unreliable it has become. I bought the van Brand New and since it hit 20k miles it has been in 6+ times for the same repairs. Can anyone say LEMON? I am currently …

sprinter passenger 4x4

chris, 01/10/2017

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144 WB Passenger 3dr Van (2.1L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

I have the 4x4, 3 liter engine, 144 base, low roof passenger van. We use it for vacations only. At 26,000 miles the average mpg is 19.3. The van is a little noisier than an SUV but nothing unexpected for a commercial 12 seat vehicle. It runs perfectly with only routine maintenance, the air filter and oil change at 20,000 miles. It is not cheap, dealer charges 350$, but without voiding … the factory warranty, you can buy the oil change kit from the dealer for 117$ and do it yourself in 15 minutes as everything is easily accessible. The van is much more stable than it looks but you can feel the lateral wind stronger than in an SUV. The engine is powerful, a lot of torque even at 80 miles per hour. On cruise control it runs uphill on highway keeping maximum speed without changing gears or increasing the engine rpm. In this aspect it is better than all our other vehicles (Toyota Highlander, Honda CRV and BMW 525 xi). I would trade some of that extra power for a little better mpg at high speed as we drive it day or night, summer or winter, camping in isolated areas where autonomy is of concern. The mpg variates greatly with speed, at 60 miles/hour mpg is 22 or better, at 80 miles/hour mpg 17.4. It is fun and easy to drive having the huge windshield and the very high driving position. I sometimes use it even in the city as my commuting vehicle. The 4x4 mode is very capable but a little tricky, in order to connect it you have to be on horizontal ground, stationary or moving at less than 3-4 miles per hour. it only takes 2 seconds to switch but you have to do it before you start climbing. if you did not anticipate correctly the difficulty of the road ahead and you are already driving uphill, you can not switch to 4x4 unless you find a flat portion. Note: 4x4 can be engaged in rear gear as well, so problem solved. The sales person advised me to use only diesel #2 fuel in order to avoid future NOX sensor problems and sometimes drive it at higher speed to allow sensor auto-cleaning. the genuine Mercedes DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) is 12$ for a half gallon bottle that lasts approx. 2000 miles. In my recent vacation in Europe I saw several Sprinters used as shuttle buses in suburban areas, running well at over 600,000 miles (1 million kilometers). With correct maintenance I hope ours will last the same :-) Update: at 48,000 miles the average mpg is 18.8, still running great with only routine maintenance. parts are not expensive but labor is. if you want to avoid paying for repairs, pay attention to the fuel you use: ultra low sulfur, biodiesel max 5%, (I saw chevron and shell gas stations selling 20% biodiesel, which is not recommended by the manufacturer). Update: at 72,000 miles it runs fine, no repairs, only engine oil and filter(117USD and 2.5 gal of DEF 45USD at the dealer, fuel filter(85USD and 70USD labor at a local shop. easy to do it yourself after watching video on Youtube). Average mpg at 72,000 miles= 18.8 (a little disappointing, worse than similar size Ford, Dodge and Chevy diesel engines). The 2.1 liter engine is much more efficient but it does not come paired with 4x4. Update Feb 2021 at 87,000 miles. Runs as new, purchased a Scan Gauge II which shows several parameters, including particulate filter load. Filter at 16% full after regeneration process so no cleaning needed soon. MPG increased to an average of 19 with Michelin all season tires. Very happy with the vehicle. USEFUL NOTE: 4x4 mode can be engaged in reverse as well if you started going uphill on rear wheel drive and found that you do not have enough traction.Update: at 107,000 miles no problems, runs as new. It shows an average of 18.8mpg. Update August 4, 2023 running well at 141,000miles, no problems at all, regular maintenance only (engine oil, transmission fluid, filters, serpentine belt, brake pads)

1 Year Old Cargo Van 30K miles 10 X Repairs !!!

Unhappy Sprinter 2500, 07/29/2017

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo 3dr Van (2.1L 4cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Mercedes Benz is hiding in plain sight behind their Tri-Star Badge. In the past this was a respected Brand BUT today you are better off moving to a different Brand as these vehicles are absolute JUNK. I purchased a New 2017 Sprinter 2500 and after only 30K miles and 1 YEAR of ownership my CARGO High Roof Van has visited the Dealer 10 times for Check Engine Light, Steering Column …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sprinter since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

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2017 Sprinter Highlights

Trim:

2500 144" WB Cargo

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,495
Engine Type	Diesel
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	319.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Sprinter models:

Load-Adaptive Stability Control: Factoring vehicle load and center of gravity, can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to stabilize van if wheelspin is detected.
Crosswind Assist: At speeds more than 50 mph, can apply brakes to stabilize van and keep on course during strong, gusting crosswinds.
Lane Keeping Assist: Using a camera in the windshield, monitors lane markings and sends visual and audible warnings if driver drifts from the lane.

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