2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

When it comes to hauling gear or people, there are few names that are as well-known as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Though it’s sold under...

When it comes to hauling gear or people, there are few names that are as well-known as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Though it’s sold under different badges, including Freightliner, the Sprinter name is synonymous with working vans.

The Sprinter jumps into 2020 with a load of new standard and available features. The vans can now be equipped with rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitors, trailer sway assist, active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, active braking assist, and more.

Three powertrains are on offer for the 2020 model year. The base mill is a 188-horsepower 20.-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharger. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Two diesel engines are on offer as well, including a 166-horsepower 2.0-liter unit and a 266-horsepower 3.0-liter unit. Most models are rear-wheel drive, but the larger six-cylinder diesel is available with four-wheel drive. That all adds up to a payload capacity of up to 6,735 for the strongest 4500 model and a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The Sprinter is a popular choice among van people because it carries a level of comfort that most competitors can’t match. Cargo models carry two well-supported front seats in front of the back cargo area, which can hold as much as 524 cubic feet of gear and equipment. The Passenger van can haul up to 12 or 15 passengers, depending on the wheelbase configuration.

Mercedes-Benz offers several upfits for the Sprinter’s cargo hold to make it more useful for various occupations. The company offers refrigeration, special racks and cargo management for HVAC and plumbing contractors, equipment carriers for electricians and telecom workers, and more. The upgrades are installed before the vehicle’s sale, so there are no ill-fitting parts in the mix.

The Sprinter is offered with two optional infotainment screens. The first is a 7.0-inch unit, while the larger screen offers 10.25 inches of diagonal space and navigation. Still, there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both of which can be had in the Ford Transit.

Commercial vehicles don’t always get the best safety gear, but the Sprinter can be upgraded in several ways. The list includes available blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, active braking assist, and more.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is on sale now. Pricing starts at $35,690 for the 1500 Cargo model and climbs to over $50,000 in top configurations with options.