2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the bigger of the German automaker's two van offerings, with the Metris serving as its smaller counterpart. It carries over into 2022 with no changes, but a refreshed model is on the way for 2023. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter competes with other full-size passenger and cargo vans including the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Chevrolet Express.
What We Think
When it comes to hauling, nothing does the job like a van. The Sprinter is no exception, and Mercedes-Benz offers a dizzying array of wheelbase, roof height, and interior configurations. We reviewed a 2019 Sprinter 4x4 and determined that its "unique combination of utility, payload capacity, and off-road capability—not to mention its relative efficiency and maneuverability—make it an enticing choice for those who can think outside the box." We also praised its great driving dynamics, with a low-effort slow-steering rack that allows the van to be driven with precision. As of the 2021 model year, the Sprinter became available with an impressive selection of available active driver assist safety features.
The Sprinter is also available with a four-wheel-drive system that offers low-range gearing and a significant suspension lift, giving it potential for off-road excursions. The biggest downside to the Sprinter is that it gets expensive quickly, although compared to the price of a modern full-size pickup truck, there are few better choices for hauling.
Engines, Payload, and Towing
Mercedes-Benz offers the Sprinter with a variety of powertrain options. The base unit is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 188 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Max payload is 4,420 pounds and max towing is 5,000 pounds.
A 2.0-liter turbodiesel is also available. It produces 161 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It uses a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive and is only available with the Sprinter cargo van, not the passenger or crew variants. It can tow 5,000 to 7,500 pounds.
The final engine choice is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 that churns out 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Like the four-cylinder diesel engine, it is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Unlike either of the other two engines offered with the Sprinter, the six-cylinder model can be equipped with four-wheel drive, although rear-wheel drive is still standard. Max payload depends on configuration and ranges between 3,142 to 7,429 pounds. Maximum towing for this engine is 7,500 pounds.
What Configurations Are Available?
Mercedes-Benz offers the Sprinter in Cargo, Crew, Passenger, and Cab chassis variants. Either a 144- or 170-inch wheelbase is available. It can also be configured with a standard roof or a high roof option for additional cargo space or headroom. Four powertrain choices are available across the range. Buyers can mix and match these options in a nearly endless assortment of ways to build the van that best suits their needs.
Safety
For 2021, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter received new safety technology that carries over into the 2022 model year. Every van version receives crosswind assist and hill start assist. Available technologies include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beams, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's cargo space and interior room vary by configuration, but the short-wheelbase Passenger variants start with 78.6 cubic feet of interior space. The Crew van version offers less seating but opens up 261.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with the short wheelbase and 370.8 when it rides on the long wheelbase. For ultimate interior capacity, the high-roof Cargo model boasts 532.6 cubic feet of volume.
Technology
The Sprinter's standard technology is on the basic side. Mercedes-Benz equips the Sprinter with an old-school LCD display with a radio, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port. Adding the Premium package modernizes the infotainment suite with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. The Premium Plus package increases the display to a 10.3-inch unit with built-in navigation and also adds a wireless phone charger. The Sprinter is not available with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Amazon Alexa.
