2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo may seem a bit extravagant due to the badge on the front. But make no mistake, the Sprinter Cargo is...

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo may seem a bit extravagant due to the badge on the front. But make no mistake, the Sprinter Cargo is considered by many commercial buyers to be the gold standard for full-size cargo vans. The Sprinter Cargo leads the packs in terms of body configurations and interior space. It also is available with features that competitors don’t offer, such as four-wheel drive.

The Sprinter was the first Euro-style cargo van to arrive on U.S. shores back in the mid-2000s. This means the van features a tall ride height, a short front end, and large expanses of glass. There are a number of configurations available for the Sprinter. Mercedes offers a regular-duty 2500 and heavy-duty 3500. From there, the Sprinter Cargo is offered in two different wheelbase lengths – 144 inches and 170 inches – and three different lengths – 233.3 inches, 274.1 inches, and 289.8 inches – and two different roof heights. Two trims of the Sprinter are on offer. The base Sprinter Worker comes with blacked-out bumpers and door handles, and a set of steel wheels. The Sprinter Cargo swaps the steel wheels for a set of 17-inch alloys and offers a wider color palate.

The Sprinter may not be as luxurious as other Mercedes-Benz models with a fair amount of hard plastics inside, but reviewers say the Sprinter is at the top of the class in terms of build quality. The seats only come with adjustments for moving forward and back, and seat angle. Most of the controls are large buttons and knobs, allowing for easy operation when wearing gloves. A 5-inch touchscreen comes standard on all models, with navigation available as an option.

Depending on the configuration, the Sprinter can have a maximum cargo volume ranging from 319 to 530 cubic feet. Payload maxes out at an impressive 5,496 pounds. Mercedes-Benz’s Master Solutions upfitter program allows a buyer to configure their van for individuals in different vocations, such as plumbers and electricians. Such uplift solutions include shelving, racks for ladders, additional tie-down points, and cabinets.

Only one engine is available for the 2018 Sprinter Cargo, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder offering 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed automatic routes power to the rear wheels. The Sprinter Cargo is available with an optional four-wheel drive system for added capability. Refinement of the V6 diesel is excellent with little engine noise making its way inside. Max tow ratings for the Sprinter range from 5,000 to 7,500 pounds depending on the configuration.

Like most full-size cargo vans, the Sprinter Cargo’s ride is a bit stiff when there is no cargo in the back. The ride does become somewhat smoother when a load is placed into the cargo area. Despite its large size, the Sprinter is surprisingly easy to drive thanks to the light steering, tight turning radius, and an optional reversing camera.

Standard safety equipment for the Sprinter Cargo includes airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, Crosswind Assist that helps stabilize the van in high winds, and rescue assist that provides first responders the location of the airbags, batteries, and structural elements by scanning a QR code. Optional safety kit includes blind-spot monitoring, bi-xenon headlights, collision-prevention assist, and lane-keep assist. The Sprinter Cargo hasn’t been tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.