Vans often evoke images of practicality and space, and for large families, they can be an appealing option. I must confess, I’ve always been drawn to vans. From my trusty 1965 Volkswagen bus during college to my long-serving Dodge Ram Wagon family hauler since 2000, there’s a certain charm in their boxy design. Recently, I had the chance to experience the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, specifically a spacious 12-seat 2500 Passenger Van with a long wheelbase and high roof, during a trip to my niece’s wedding. While it was more van than my immediate needs required, it allowed us to bring along extra family and luggage. Our 870-mile journey provided ample opportunity to evaluate the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as a potential Good Family Van. Here are the pros and cons we discovered.
Pro: Unmatched Space and Versatility
The sheer size of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is undeniable. It dwarfs vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban, exceeding it in length by a significant 50 inches. With dimensions that include a 274.1-inch overall length, a 170.3-inch wheelbase, a towering 110.0-inch height, and a 95.5-inch width, the Sprinter Passenger Van is essentially a 23-foot bus with a 14-foot wheelbase.
This immense size translates directly into benefits, especially for larger families. The Sprinter comfortably accommodates 12 passengers across four rows (2,3,3,4). During our trip, my sons John and Andrew luxuriated in the spacious rear benches, having ample room to stretch out and even sleep. The high-roof design further enhances the interior, offering generous headroom and a completely flat rear load floor measuring 6 feet long and nearly 6 feet wide, with 52 inches of space between the wheel housings. This cavernous space proved invaluable when we transported all the floral arrangements for a wedding reception of 220 guests. The Sprinter effortlessly accommodated all the flowers, keeping them secure and protected from the elements.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 passenger van parked on a sunny street showcasing its spacious exterior profile, ideal for large families
Con: The Challenges of Being Extra-Large
While the Sprinter Passenger Van’s vastness is a major advantage, its size also presents some drawbacks in everyday family life. Parking becomes a strategic exercise, drive-throughs are off-limits, and most standard parking structures are inaccessible. Automatic car washes are also generally not an option. Although it boasts a surprisingly tight turning radius for its size (54.8 feet), executing U-turns on residential streets is still impractical. Turning right into driveways requires extra caution; you need to overshoot your typical turn and initiate the maneuver later to prevent the rear wheel from hitting the curb due to the long wheelbase. Furthermore, the long-wheelbase, high-roof Sprinter is unlikely to fit in standard garages or modern short driveways. Opting for the short-wheelbase version, which still seats 12 and is only slightly longer than a Suburban, can alleviate some of these parking concerns, making it a more manageable family van in urban environments.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter passenger van demonstrating parking difficulty in a standard parking spot, highlighting the size challenges for everyday family use
Pro: Surprisingly Good Fuel Economy
For a vehicle of its considerable size and weight (6230 lb), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van delivers impressive fuel efficiency. Over our 870-mile trip, which included a mix of city and highway driving, the Sprinter consumed 39.2 gallons of ultra-low-sulfur diesel, resulting in 22.2 MPG. This fuel economy is remarkable for such a large, boxy vehicle.
This efficiency is largely attributed to the 2.1-liter turbodiesel engine. This proven 4-cylinder iron-block engine produces 161 horsepower at 3800 RPM and 265 lb.-ft. of torque between 1400 and 2400 RPM. Internal balance shafts ensure smooth operation, and effective insulation minimizes engine noise within the spacious cabin. The engine is paired with a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission. At 65 MPH in top gear, the engine operates at a relaxed 2100 RPM. While this RPM is higher than what you might expect from a large-displacement V8, the 2.1-liter engine performs admirably without feeling strained, even when tackling steep inclines. This fuel efficiency makes the Sprinter a more economical choice than many might expect for a large family van.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter fuel gauge displaying a high MPG reading, emphasizing the van's surprising fuel efficiency for family road trips
Con: Ride Quality on Uneven Surfaces
Due to its substantial size and weight, the Sprinter Passenger Van is equipped with Load Range E tires. These heavy-duty tires are necessary to safely handle the van’s weight capacity but require higher tire pressure (47 PSI front, 70 PSI rear) than typical passenger cars or crossovers. Consequently, the Sprinter can exhibit a somewhat jarring ride on rough or poorly maintained roads. Adding to this, our test Sprinter’s large sliding side door, while operating smoothly, occasionally rattled and creaked on bumpy freeway sections. However, on smooth roads, the Sprinter Passenger Van provides a comfortable ride with well-damped suspension. Families prioritizing a plush ride might find the Sprinter less comfortable on less-than-perfect road surfaces, especially compared to smaller minivans or SUVs.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter wheel and tire detail showcasing heavy-duty tires, illustrating the reason for firmer ride quality on rough roads, a consideration for family comfort
Pro: German Engineering and Assembly
Interestingly, cargo versions of the Sprinter face a 25 percent import duty in the U.S. due to their classification as light trucks. To circumvent this, Mercedes-Benz ships disassembled Sprinter cargo vans from Germany to the U.S. for reassembly in South Carolina. However, the Sprinter Passenger Van, not classified as a light truck, is exempt from this duty. As a result, Passenger Vans are built entirely in Germany and shipped fully assembled to the U.S. While the reassembly plant in South Carolina is staffed with skilled workers, some may prefer a vehicle assembled only once at the original factory in Germany, perceiving it as a mark of enhanced quality control and craftsmanship. This “Made in Germany” aspect can be a selling point for those seeking a well-engineered and robust family van.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter assembly line in Germany, highlighting the van's German manufacturing origin and quality for families seeking reliable vehicles
Con: “Sprinter” May Be a Misnomer
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the U.S. offers two turbodiesel engine choices: a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder with 161 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 with 188 horsepower. Both engines are characterized by strong torque—266 lb.-ft. for the 4-cylinder and 325 lb.-ft. for the V6—available from 1400 to 2400 RPM. While these engines provide ample power for everyday driving and hauling, they don’t exactly live up to the “Sprinter” name in terms of outright speed. These vans are capable and perform well, but they are not particularly fast. With an electronically governed top speed of 82 mph, the “Sprinter” moniker might be a bit misleading for those expecting rapid acceleration and high-speed cruising. For families prioritizing speed and sporty performance, the Sprinter might not be the ideal choice, though its torque and responsiveness are well-suited for typical family van duties.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter front grille and emblem, questioning the "Sprinter" name in relation to its performance and speed capabilities for family driving
Pro: Comprehensive Safety Technology
Despite its commercial vehicle origins, the Sprinter Passenger Van is equipped with a wealth of safety technology designed to protect occupants. Standard safety features include ABS and load-adaptive electronic stability control, along with Crosswind Assist, Hill Start Assist, and Brake Assist. It also features window and thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger. While the rear windows are fixed, the side glass behind the driver serves as an emergency exit. Our test Sprinter was further equipped with optional Parktronic sensors, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, collision prevention assist, lane keeping assist, and high beam assist. These advanced safety features make the Sprinter a reassuring choice for families concerned about safety and driver assistance technologies in a good family van.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter dashboard showcasing safety technology features, highlighting the van's focus on passenger safety for family transportation
Con: Payload Capacity Considerations
The maximum payload for the long-wheelbase, high-roof Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Passenger Van is 2275 lb. While this is more than a ton and sufficient for most families, it’s important to consider passenger and luggage weight. If all 12 seats are occupied by adults weighing 190 lb each, the Sprinter would reach its maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8550 lb without any allowance for luggage or gear. Therefore, it might not be the most ideal vehicle for transporting a full load of passengers and substantial cargo simultaneously, such as a high school sports team with equipment. The Ford Transit Passenger Wagon, another unit-body design, offers higher payload ratings and can seat up to 15 passengers, making it a competitor to consider if payload is a critical factor for your family van needs.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter rear cargo area, illustrating the payload capacity considerations when carrying many passengers and luggage for family trips
Pro: Practical and Comfortable Interior
While the Sprinter Passenger Van’s interior is more utilitarian than luxurious, it is far from basic. While it lacks features like Apple CarPlay, it includes Bluetooth and a trip computer. The seats are firm yet comfortable and upholstered in durable black leatherette. The dashboard is functional and well-designed. Ample storage is provided with 10 cup holders, five ashtrays, and five 12-volt power points. The steering wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach, allowing drivers to find a comfortable position, and the large windshield offers excellent visibility. Our test Sprinter included an optional Becker navigation system with a backup camera, dual-zone climate control with rear auxiliary heating and air conditioning, a toolbox, a first aid kit, and a 10-speaker stereo system. These features contribute to a practical and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers, making it a functional good family van.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter interior view from the driver's seat, showcasing the utilitarian yet comfortable and spacious cabin suitable for family use
Con: Towing Capability is Adequate, Not Exceptional
Mercedes-Benz rates the long-wheelbase, high-roof Sprinter Passenger Wagon with the 2.1-liter turbodiesel (or the diesel V6) to tow 5000 lb. This towing capacity is respectable, surpassing the 12- and 15-seat Ford Transits with larger engines. However, for heavy-duty towing needs, such as large boats or horse trailers, a large diesel pickup truck or a full-size body-on-frame van from General Motors or Nissan would be more suitable. On the other hand, the Sprinter’s immense interior space can reduce the need for towing in many family scenarios. For instance, camping gear, including a tent, can easily be stored inside, eliminating the need for a tent trailer. While the towing capacity is decent for a family van, it’s not a primary strength compared to dedicated towing vehicles.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter rear view highlighting the tow hitch, discussing the van's towing capacity as a factor for families with towing needs
Conclusion: Is the Sprinter a Good Family Van?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van presents a compelling option for very large families or those who frequently need to transport groups and substantial cargo. Its unparalleled interior space, surprising fuel economy, and comprehensive safety features are significant advantages. However, its large size can pose challenges in urban environments, and the ride quality on rough roads may be less comfortable than some alternatives. The payload capacity, while generally sufficient, should be considered when carrying a full complement of passengers and luggage. Ultimately, whether the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a good family van depends on individual family needs and priorities. For those who prioritize space and versatility above all else and are willing to manage its size, the Sprinter can be an excellent, albeit unconventional, choice.
