2008 Dodge Sprinter Passenger Trims and Specs

The rear-wheel-drive 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 144WB works as either a full-size cargo or commercial passenger van. The 144 refers to its wheelbase length. With an overall length of 231 inches, that means the 144WB has a little less cargo room than the 170WB -- up to 141 cubic feet. The van comes standard with four rows of seats for 12 passengers, but can be outfitted to seat 7, 9, or 10 people. A 24-valve, 3.0-liter turbodiesel DOHC V6 gets 154 hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque at 1,200 RPM. An optional 3.5-liter DOHC V6 ups the numbers to 254 hp and 250 ft-lbs of torque. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed shiftable automatic.

A MacPherson strut front and live axle rear suspension help with maneuverability for this long van. Safety features include 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, a tire monitor for the 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires, dual front airbags, and mirrors with turn signals. Side curtain airbags, foglights, xenon headlamps with washers, a rearview camera, and parking sensors are optional. Power windows, locks, and mirrors come standard, as do a CD player, automatic climate control, intermittent wipers, tilt and telescopic steering, remote entry, a tachometer, and a compass and temperature display. There are front and rear power outlets, but cupholders only in the front row. Access is through a side door, with 20 inches of step-in height. A power sliding door is available. The rear barn door opens out to 270 degrees for easy access.

Front swivel bucket seats are a new option for the 2008 Sprinter 2500 144WB. There are a host of others to beef up interior comfort, such as heated seats, rear climate control, cruise control, and a sunroof. Also available are roof rails, a breakdown kit, a first aid kit, and a higher 76.4-inch roof that allows passengers to enter and exit without stooping.

Whether equipped for cargo or passenger use, this rear-wheel-drive van can hold a lot. Configured for passengers, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 170WB holds 187 cubic feet of cargo and four rows of seats for 12 people. It can also be set up to carry 7, 9, or 10 people. The roof height starts at 65 inches, but a higher 76.4-inch roof is available. Aside from its extra cargo room, the 2008 Sprinter 2500 170WB is just like the 144WB. A 154-hp, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 sits under the hood, matched to a 5-speed shiftable automatic. A 3.5-liter, 254-hp V6 is available.

The van starts out basic, with standard air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic steering, intermittent wipers, and a CD player. A tachometer, temperature readout, and compass sit on the dash. There are front and rear power outlets. Options add on cruise control, a sunroof, heated front seats, rear climate control, a 6-CD player, and a rear window wiper. A manual sliding side door can be replaced with a new power sliding door.

Safety-wise, the 2008 Sprinter 2500 170WB comes well-equipped for a van used as a commercial passenger carrier. The MacPherson strut front and live axle rear suspension ease handling, and a tweaked stability control compensates for the Sprinter's height. Traction control, 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires, dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a tire monitor, foglights, halogen lamps, and mirrors with turn signals are all standard. Extra security comes with available parking assist, a rearview camera, side curtain airbags, bi-xenon headlamps, headlight washers, and a breakdown kit.