2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van

In the world of vans, simplicity is generally the recipe for success. However, Mercedes-Benz is a company that likes adding a little spice to the mix, and their Sprinter Crew Van is arguably one of the most advanced offerings on the market. Available in a choice of two body lengths and roof heights, and three engines, the Sprinter Crew Van is versatile, sure, but for it's also exceptionally safe, and the style it carries as effortlessly as it hauls cargo is sure to be tempting to those who need a classy work van and a little more prestige than the popular Ford Transit.

The three engines available in the Sprinter are turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gas and diesel motors and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel. The gas engine produces 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter diesel generates 161 hp / 266 lb-ft and the V6 diesel 188 hp / 325 lb-ft. The latter power plant is available with a 4x4 system, but all variants send power to the rear wheels by default. Gas models feature a nine-speed auto and diesel versions get a seven-speed automatic. While the Sprinter is a little pricey compared to most other vans on the market, its cabin and general aesthetics are unrivaled, thus helping to justify the extra outlay.

Cargo and passenger vans are generally unattractive slabs of metal, but the trend is changing to more interesting designs. The Sprinter is one of these prettier vans, and is unmistakable as anything but a Merc, with an imposing grille, sharp horizontal headlights with available DRLs, and elongated but attractive taillights. 16-inch wheels are fitted to each model across the range, and nicer 16-inch alloys are available. The 2500 gets single rear wheels, the 3500 can be had with Super Single rear or dual rear wheels, and the 4500 gets duals only.

The Mercedes Sprinter Crew Van is available with two roof heights, with each low-roof model having a different overall height of between 96 and 100 inches, and the high-roof variants between 107.5 and 111 inches. Width including side mirrors is 95.5 inches for the 3500XD and 4500 models, while 2500 and 3500 models are 92.3 inches. Length and wheelbase varies, however, with regular-length models measuring 233.5 inches with a wheelbase of 144 inches. Extended-length variants are 274.3 inches with a wheelbase of 170 inches. Curb weights are just as varied, measuring between 4,982 and 6,526 pounds.

The Sprinter Crew Van is available in a diverse choice of colors, 22 in all, some of which add real pizzazz to the workaday van. Iridium Silver, Selenite Grey Metallic, Tenorite Grey Metallic, Cavansite Blue Metallic, and Obsidian Black Metallic are premium metallic colors available for $1,105. Less expensive premium options comprise ten shades, including Calcite Yellow and Graphite Grey for $697. The truly budget-conscious will likely prefer the no-cost options, of which there are seven: Steel Blue, Blue Grey, Pebble Grey, the very vanilla Arctic White, Aqua Green, Velvet Red, and Jupiter Red.

The 2022 Sprinter Crew Van comes in multiple configurations and three powertrain combinations are available. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gas engine with 188 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque is coupled to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with power sent to the rear wheels. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with a seven-speed auto is offered too. A 161-hp/266-lb-ft 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been added. The V6 is available as a rear-wheel drive or a 4x4 model; however, the 4x4 setup is only available on 2500 and 3500XD models. Depending on your configuration, maximum payload can be as high as 6,415 pounds, while sufficiently equipped Sprinters can tow between 5,000 and 7,500 pounds. While all powertrains are healthy and suitable for getting you from point A to point B, we'd recommend the V6 diesel option, as the increase in torque makes a big difference in getting the Crew Van going from a dig.

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas four-pot producing 188 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This motor is available exclusively with a 9G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission, and although heavier loads will weigh it down enough that acceleration is steady rather than strong, as a runaround vehicle or for light-duty work, it performs admirably. Vans are typically noisy due to a lack of sound deadening and insulation, but the four-pot in the Sprinter is surprisingly refined under normal loads. Hills and higher revs generally reduce that quiet nature, but it's never loud enough so as to be irritating.

The Sprinter Crew Van can also be had with a choice of two turbocharged diesel engines - a four-cylinder with 161 hp and one with six cylinders and 188 hp - both only available with a 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. Interestingly, this transmission also comes with paddles to allow the driver to shift at will. The V6 produces 325 lb-ft and although the increased torque is welcome and helps the Sprinter get going with even less fuss, the paddles are unlikely to ever make one feel like a racecar driver. Nevertheless, this engine is also very well-tuned, offering low noise levels and a strong pull that takes heavier loads in its stride. Anyone who demands a large gas-powered V6 in their van should test drive a Sprinter to see just how wrong they are.

Although it's nearly impossible to overcome the inherent body roll that comes with a long, tall hunk of metal trying to glue itself to the tar on tiny 16-inch tires, the Sprinter Crew Van does a remarkable job of feeling almost car-like, with handling that can only be described as genuinely impressive for a vehicle in this segment. Naturally, you won't be climbing rocks with the 4x4 or performing powerslides in a rear-wheel-drive model, but the Sprinter is more than capable of holding its own on slippery gravel or ice and the direct steering coupled with a light wheel makes the Sprinter easy to maneuver and far less depressing to drive over long distances than many rivals. While that aforementioned body roll doesn't help dynamics much, it does mean that you get a comfortable and compliant ride - something that those who spend a long time behind the wheel will appreciate. In addition, the crosswind-assist system is good at keeping the long and tall van from swaying on the freeway.

To be attractive to business owners, the Sprinter needs to return good mileage and be as fuel-efficient as possible. Fortunately, the Sprinter Crew Van ticks that box, with real-world reports suggesting that the 2500 models return an average of around 18 mpg. V6 turbodiesel models return around 22 mpg on the open road or in light traffic, and thanks to a 24.5-gallon gas tank, this means a mixed range of around 539 miles. The less efficient gas engine will return an average range of 400 miles with its 22-gallon gas tank. Naturally, weight in the back affects these figures. Although no official gas mileage is quoted for the newer four-cylinder diesel, it should comfortably beat both its stablemates in terms of fuel economy.

The Sprinter has an interior that's far better than anything else in the segment, with plenty of hard plastic, sure, but in a textured finish. The design is also distinctly Mercedes, and the fabric seats (leatherette is available) are well-sculpted and comfortable over extended periods. Behind the front seats, a removable three-seat bench allows as many as five to be seated. Most notably, Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system is vastly better than their old units, and combined with the spacious and comfy cabin, the Sprinter definitely is the best place for a van driver to be.

The Sprinter Crew Van seats two individuals in the front with plenty of headroom and legroom for both, but behind those chairs, a removable three-seat bench allows more people to sit. They will also find their perches comfortable and spacious, and thanks to windows on either side, they get a good view out. This also helps the driver get a better look at what's going on around the van, while the view out the front and the lofty, commanding seating position that allows for multiple adjustments combine to make the driving experience comfortable. Getting in and out is facilitated by large doors and grab handles in front. At the back, grab handles are also included, with access made easier by another set of handles and a lowered step in the van floor. Inside, even the tallest six-footers can stand at full height.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van has an interior that sees mostly gray plastics with some gloss black bits and metal-look finishes sprinkled about, but in keeping with the workaday theme that buyers would want, upholstery options are limited to variations of black. Maturin Black fabric upholstery is standard, with a slightly peppered Caluma Black upholstery available for $212. If you'd prefer black leatherette instead, that goes for the same price. A leather-wrapped steering wheel helps lift the ambiance somewhat, and although the materials are abundantly on the cheaper side, they have a premium feel to them.

The Sprinter Crew Van comes in three available body styles - a short wheelbase with either a low or high roof and a long wheelbase with a high roof only. The shorter 144-inch-wheelbase version offers 223 cubic feet of storage volume with the low roof and up to 262 cubes with the high roof. With an interior standing height of 77 inches with the high roof, loading and organizing cargo is relatively easy too. If you opt for the model with the 170-inch wheelbase, cargo volume expands to an impressive 371 cubic feet.

In the cabin, a pair of cupholders and numerous bins, dash storage trays, and pockets make it easy to store everything from phones and wallets to clipboards and site plans.

Thanks to more available safety equipment, the Sprinter Crew Van is now safer than ever. Even in base form, you get features like crosswind assist, hill start assist, an auto-hold function, and of course, a rearview camera. A number of power outlets are included too, with both 12-volt and 115-volt sockets fitted. Air-conditioning is included too, and you can opt for heated front seats as well. Speed limiters are available too, while a tire pressure monitor is standard on the base model. Heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, fog lights with a cornering function, active brake assist, and automatic climate control can also be specced. Park assist and a 360-degree camera are available too.

As standard, infotainment in the Sprinter features an AM/FM radio and a USB port. Optionally available on the Sprinter Crew Van, and first debuted in America in the Sprinter range, is Mercedes' outstanding MBUX infotainment system. It features a seven-inch touch display, but you can further upgrade the system with a 10.25-inch screen with voice control as part of an available package. SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and navigation are also available. If you have the extra cash, the system is well worth it for making long days behind the wheel easier to bear.

Unfortunately, the Sprinter Crew Van has been far from trouble-free. Although the 2022 model has no recalls to its name, the 2021 model was recalled 10 times. The issues included a disabled emregency call system, an inoperable rearview camera, a torsion bar that was incorrectly assembled, and an incorrect GVWR on the tire and loading label. Those were only the recalls published in 2022. Last year, the 2021 model's published recalls included a fender liner that may damage the brake hose, bolt fasteners on the rear step that were improperly tightened, a starter-generator wiring harness that could short, an automatic locking retractor malfunction, faulty MBUX software, and a front seat wiring harness that was incorrectly routed. As if that isn't enough of a mouthful, 2020 Sprinters were recalled 16 times.

A three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty is standard with the Sprinter, along with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but complimentary scheduled maintenance is not included.

Since commercial vehicles are generally not crash-tested, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash results to submit. With numerous available features, however, we expect it would do better than most competitors.

As standard, the Sprinter Crew Van comes with a rearview camera, with images displayed on the rearview mirror. You also get blind-spot mirrors as well as frontal, side, and window airbags. Along with the usual stability programs and traction control systems, you get crosswind assist too, as well as hill-start assist, an auto-hold function, trailer-sway assist, and the option of various more advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a parking assistant, and downhill speed regulation.

The Mercedes Sprinter Crew Van is by no means cheap when compared to the most competitively priced rivals in the segment, but it's not ludicrously expensive either. The special thing about this range of vans is that you can clearly see where the extra money went too - it's not just the badge that you're paying for. The interior is very well finished, the seats are comfortable, and the ride is compliant. With a pair of body lengths and two roof heights, the Sprinter is pleasantly versatile too, but while most would rather have a cheaper vehicle, we can't help but think that the numerous features, decent fuel economy, and impressive towing and hauling ability combine in such a way that the Sprinter is one of the best vans on the market. If you can afford one, definitely go for it.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van starts at $43,400 for the 2500 model, before a destination charge of $1,695, while the 3500 model is $49,230. The 3500XD costs $51,700 and the top 4500 model is $53,900. Those prices are for each trim in their most affordable guise.

Opting for the four-cylinder diesel on the base model adds $3,300 and the V6 diesel adds $5,320, while all-wheel drive on the 3500XD adds $8,500 to the price. The high-roof configuration is an additional $3,000. Fully loaded, you can spend over $80,000 on the Crew Van.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van is available in three body styles and four trims, with a trio of engines and two gearbox options. These trims are 2500, 3500, 3500XD, and 4500.

The entry-level model is the 2500 with the lowest load-carrying and towing capacities. It can be ordered with either a regular or long wheelbase or with a low or high roof. The standard three-seat second-row bench is removable. A 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine is standard and a 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter V6 diesel optional; the large diesel engine option can be had in a 4x4 model too. The 2500 has standard hill-start assist, automatic headlights, and crosswind assist. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 3500 has a reinforced chassis that allows it to carry and tow more than the 2500. It can only be specified with the diesel engines and the rear wheels are either Super Single or dual wheels. Maximum towing capacity is 7,500 pounds.

The 3500XD adds to the regular 3500 the availability of both optional leatherette seat trim and a larger navigation-enabled infotainment screen. Electrically adjustable front seats and adaptive cruise control also become available at this level.

The 4500 is the most capable model in the range and able to haul up to 6,415 pounds in the cargo area. Only the diesel engines are available and rear-wheel drive is the only driveline option. Various driver-assistance features can be optioned, as well as heated front seats.

Numerous packages are available across the Sprinter Crew Van lineup. The Premium Plus Package at $1,852 gets navigation, wireless charging, traffic sign assist, a larger 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system, and the Acoustic Package. The Comfort Plus Package costs $1,986 and gifts both front occupants with electrically-adjustable seats with a heated function, while the Crew Van Comfort Package enhances the rear-seat experience with an electric soft-close sliding passenger door for $227. Standalone options include navigation, a backup alarm, and a multifunction steering wheel.

In the world of commercial vehicles, the choice of which option to pick depends on what kind of capabilities and features you're looking for in a vehicle. Different roof heights and wheelbase options will determine how much space you have and trims determining load capacity. Regardless of what you require from your work van, we'd recommend opting for the slightly more expensive V6 diesel engine. This is a good choice for its excellent economy, superior grunt, and impressive hauling and towing abilities.

The Sprinter Crew Van's non-identical twin, the Passenger Van, is very similar in most respects to the Crew Van. This model is also available with a longer wheelbase, but instead of offering seating for only five individuals, you can seat up to three times as many people in this model. With more seats, more individuals would like a view, so you get larger rear windows and more speakers in the back, as well as a slightly higher base price. Again, the choice between these two vans will be determined by your needs. The Crew Van is capable of carrying a lot more stuff thanks to its larger cargo area, while the Passenger Van can carry more people. If a small bus is what you need, the Passenger Van is better, but if you only intend to ferry people around occasionally, or won't need to fit a whole soccer team in at once, the Cargo Van offers more versatility.

The Ford Transit, particularly in cargo van format, is one of the most popular vans on sale, perennially outselling almost every competitor year after year. With a base price of $46,645, the Transit Passenger Van is very well priced and, like the rest of the segment, is available in numerous trims. This model arguably offers even more customization or choice for buyers, with two gas-only engine choices, three roof heights, and three wheelbase lengths. However, the Sprinter comes with a high roof across the lineup, making the base model more capacious than the Transit's entry-level option. It's also less upmarket, has a less impressive infotainment system, and features less advanced safety equipment. Nevertheless, it's good at what it does and offers a myriad of configuration options. If you want classy or want a diesel engine, get the Merc. If you want an affordable choice, the Ford is better.