2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review

Name: 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price: $38,398

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo Cargo Van Exterior

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 170" WB Cargo Cargo Van Exterior

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144" WB Crew Passenger Van Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Calvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Excellent interior space with true walk-through cabin
Offers hundreds of passenger and cargo configurations and features
Pretty maneuverable for its size
Available 4WD drivetrain

Cons

Price tag is higher than average
Tow ratings aren't as high as those on some rival vans
Diesel engines lack punch compared to brawnier rivals

What's new

The four-cylinder engine is no longer available
Revised feature availability
Super high-roof option has been discontinued
Part of the second Sprinter generation introduced for 2007

If you're reading this, you're either curious about well-designed and -executed cargo and passenger vans, or you had no idea that Mercedes-Benz, purveyor of luxury cars, also made a big box on wheels. But whatever the case, you're likely to find that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is an interesting vehicle.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
2500 144" WB Passenger Passenger Van w/High Roof
$42,800
- 55,308 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- Autoworks of Knoxville (308 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Knoxville, TN
Visit Autoworks of Knoxville online at www.autoworksofknoxville.net to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 865-806-4780 today to schedule...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 8BRPE7CD8JE156782
Stock: 156782
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
2500 144" WB Crew Passenger Van w/High Roof
$74,925
- 48,006 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (323 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Delmont, PA
Clean CARFAX.
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: WD4FE7CD4JP628550
Stock: 25885
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-19-2025

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Commercial vehicles need to be tough and durable. But they also need to be comfortable and easy to use because the people who operate them sit and work in them for hours on end. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter covers both aspects admirably.

The Sprinter has been proven to be well-built and intuitive to use, and it provides great visibility and maneuverability. The back half of the van, where all the work gets done, is available in multiple configurations. There are two wheelbase choices with different matching body lengths. The long-wheelbase model is also available with an extended body for even more cargo volume. Two roof heights are available. You can even equip it with all-wheel drive.

In addition to the Sprinter's basic configurations, you can also select upfitter options to help with hauling cargo or keeping passengers comfortable. What's not available for 2018 is the four-cylinder engine; only the turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 is available this year. Most will find its performance perfectly adequate for hauling the Sprinter and up to 5,000 pounds of trailer.

Should the Sprinter be too big for your needs, Mercedes-Benz also makes a much smaller van called the Metris. It shares the same do-it-all attitude and quality construction, but in a more compact package.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.3 / 10

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most popular vans in the world. With multiple drivetrain configurations, three body lengths, two roof heights, and both passenger and cargo configurations, there's likely a Sprinter to match your exact needs.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144 WB Cargo (turbo 3.0L V6 diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current Sprinter has received some revisions, including slightly revised trim content. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Sprinter, however.

Scorecard

Overall	7.3 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.5
Technology	6.5

Driving

7.0

This big, heavy van is slow and the brakes are less effective than we'd like, but its handling and steering lead the class. Getting around town will be easy (especially nice if you're using the Sprinter for business purposes) and off-road capability is above average.

Acceleration

6.0

Acceleration is adequate when the Sprinter's empty. Off the line, it's smooth and easy to modulate, and gears drop down well when you need to make a passing maneuver. At Edmunds' test track, the Sprinter covered 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds.

Braking

5.0

The brakes don't inspire confidence on first use as the pedal travel is long and the brake feel is rather soft. But repeated use of the brakes doesn't seem to introduce any fade. In a simulated-panic stop, our test Sprinter took quite a long distance to come to a halt: 147 feet.

Steering

8.0

Steering feel is vague, so you have no real idea what the front wheels are doing. This experience isn't unique for the class and size of vehicle, however. The steering is well-weighted and quick enough that the Sprinter is easy to maneuver in parking lots. And the steering wheel feels good in your hands and readily returns to center.

Handling

8.0

Something this large has no business handling this well. Taking corners is a cinch in the Sprinter. And it's easy to drive up a mountain road for a delivery or a backcountry exploration. Changing direction quickly isn't a virtue the van possesses, but otherwise it's excellent for the class.

Drivability

7.0

The Sprinter is easy to drive confidently because the throttle response is smooth, and low-speed off-the-line power helps it get up and go from a stop. The transmission cooperates nicely by dropping gears readily when you need to execute a passing maneuver. The high standard roof, however, will be too tall for most parking garages.

Off-road

8.0

An optional package adds low- and high-range gearing for 4WD-equipped Sprinters. The approach and departure angles are respectable, but the breakover angle is less functional due to the sheer length of the van. Fire roads and trails will be fine so long as they aren't narrow and there aren't any low-hanging trees.

Comfort

7.0

While the Sprinter doesn't have typical Mercedes-Benz sedan or SUV levels of comfort, it does lead the segment when it comes to front seats. The climate control deals well with an empty cab in hot temperatures.

Seat comfort

8.0

Long road trips or eight-hour days spent in the driver's seat are no issue in the Sprinter. If you are a shorter driver, the front of the seat bottoms may dig into the back of your legs a bit, but there's lots of lateral support and comfortable seat padding.

Ride comfort

6.5

When the Sprinter is unladen, its cargo-minded suspension causes a lot of bouncing and shaking, and even the smallest bumps can upset it. But such vans are not designed with empty comfort in mind. The ride smooths out once it is filled with the equipment or cargo it is intended to carry.

Noise & vibration

5.5

When empty, the back of the Sprinter is like an echo chamber and every bump creates a noise. A load of cargo will surely absorb much of this noise. It quiets down nicely when cruising on the highway, but its barn-like shape and huge rearview mirrors do add up to a fair amount of wind noise.

Climate control

7.5

The climate control is simple, with three large knobs and a few buttons. The icons on those buttons are a bit small, but their logical arrangement makes them easy to get used to. Cooling such a large cabin is tough on a hot day, but even in 100-degree heat the Sprinter stays relatively cool. Heated seats are optional.

Interior

7.0

The Sprinter gets high marks for an abundance of front passenger space, a user-friendly control layout and better-than-expected visibility. It's held back by difficult entry and exit and a compromised driving position.

Ease of use

8.0

The Sprinter's interior layout makes everything feel utilitarian — from the location of the controls to the shelves above the sun visors. The infotainment screen is bare-bones and aesthetically unappealing, but it's easy to use as is pretty much everything else in the cabin.

Getting in/getting out

6.0

Getting in and out of the cab is tough even for a spry adult. The assist handles are mounted to the door, so the doors move when you grab them and try to get in. There are some nice large steps on the front doors. On the side door, there's a power-extending step.

Driving position

6.0

Driving position is extremely high. It gives you a commanding view of the road, but shorter drivers will have trouble with the height of the seat relative to the floor and the distance of the pedals.

Roominess

8.5

The Sprinter boasts wild amounts of headroom, shoulder room and hiproom. Since there are only two seats, it feels very roomy up front. This may be the "standard height" Sprinter cargo, but it's nearly 10 inches taller than the competition, which means someone 5-foot-6 or shorter can stand up and walk around inside.

Visibility

7.5

Visibility is good from the high seating position. While you don't get a great view of the bumpers, you can see just about everything on the road out of one of the many massive windows. The large outside mirrors are useful but are only manually adjustable. A rearview camera is standard on 2018 models.

Quality

8.0

Proper build quality is probably one of the main reasons you'd want to consider the Mercedes. There aren't plush surfaces or soft-touch points. But the materials are top-notch for the class, and this van feels very well put-together with no significant panel gaps or rattles.

Utility

8.5

Few vehicles on Earth are as utilitarian as the Sprinter Cargo. There's an overwhelmingly large number of tie-downs in the cargo area. Towing capacity is average.

Small-item storage

7.0

There are a few useful compartments in the cockpit, including a holder for papers on the dashboard, a top-mounted glove compartment and some strangely assorted cupholders. None of the spots are easy to reach, especially from the high-mounted seats.

Cargo space

9.0

A low load floor, a power-extending side step and a boxy frame mean easy loading access. The 319-cubic-foot cargo space is huge.

Towing

7.5

Maximum towing for the Sprinter 2500 is 7,500 pounds, which is impressive but not top-tier. Some other leading competitors can tow closer to 9,000 or 10,000 pounds.

Hauling

9.0

Depending on equipment, the Sprinter Cargo has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 11,030 pounds. Only a few competitors match those numbers.

Technology

6.5

Since this is the outgoing generation of the Sprinter van, there's a lot missing from the options sheet. You can't get items such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and there's only one USB port to connect your phone. Voice controls are nonexistent as well.

Audio & navigation

7.0

Navigation is clear and easy to understand. But the low-resolution screen is far away and relatively small. The standard five-speaker stereo provides decent audio quality and enough volume for music to fill the cabin.

Smartphone integration

6.0

One USB port and an auxiliary jack are both located above and behind the steering wheel where they're probably the hardest to reach. Bluetooth phone and audio are standard. Audio can be played via USB as well, but only track selection can be controlled.

Compare 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in cargo, passenger and crew configurations. The cargo van features two seats and a large 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 come in two wheelbase lengths. A high roof is standard on Passenger and Crew, while the Cargo can be had with either a standard roof or a high roof. Sprinters are divided into regular 2500 and heavy-duty 3500 models. All are powered by a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (188 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque) and a five-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional on many configurations.

Standard equipment on the cargo van (offered in standard and extended-length body styles and 2500 and 3500 configurations) 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, a rearview camera, a 5.8-inch center display, and a 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 and tinted rear windows.

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, 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 seats 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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 144" WB Cargo 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 North Carolina.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Carolina

Not EPA tested

$262/mo

Avg. Large Van

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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.}

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Reviews

Owner Reviews

2.8

40 reviews

5(37%)

4(2%)

3(5%)

2(12%)

1(44%)

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Most Helpful Owner 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sprinter since its last redesign.

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2018 Sprinter Highlights

Trim:

2500 144" WB Cargo

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,420
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

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Safety

Our experts like the Sprinter models:

Load-Adaptive Stability Control: Factors in vehicle load and center of gravity and can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to stabilize the van if wheelspin is detected.
Crosswind Assist: Can apply brakes to stabilize the van and keep on course during strong, gusting crosswinds.
Lane Keeping Assist: Monitors lane markings and sends visual and audible warnings if the driver drifts from the lane.

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