Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2021 Review

Full-size vans, with massive interior volume to securely transport cargo or passengers, are as much part of the country's industrial and commercial backbone as pickup trucks. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most versatile of these boxes on wheels, with a dizzying array of body styles, engine choices and customization options. There's even a four-wheel-drive version that provides enhanced traction on icy roads and can serve as an off-road-capable overlanding van.

Not much changes for the Sprinter in 2021, though there is a new diesel-powered four-cylinder engine option. It's likely the most efficient engine of the Sprinter lineup, which still includes the base gas-powered four-cylinder engine and optional diesel V6. Competition in the full-size van market includes the Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit, Nissan NV and Ram ProMaster. The Sprinter costs more than its rivals but rewards buyers with more refinement and better driving dynamics. Odds are, there's a Sprinter to fit your particular needs. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of the Sprinter's performance, roominess and more.

Which Sprinter does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in cargo, passenger and crew configurations. All vans come in 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase lengths, and the longer-wheelbase versions are also available in extra-long cargo and crew configurations. A choice of high roof or standard roof is available on all three configurations.

Mercedes also offers regular 1500 and 2500 models and heavy-duty 3500 and 4500 models. The standard engine on 1500 and 2500 models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (188 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. New for 2021 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine (161 hp, 266 lb-ft) with a seven-speed automatic; it's available on 2500 and 3500 models. Optional on 2500 models and standard on 3500 and 4500 models is a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 (188 hp, 325 lb-ft) paired to the seven-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional on 2500 and 3500 models.

Standard equipment on the cargo van includes:

• Metal cargo floor
• 270-degree-opening rear doors
• Heated mirrors
• Front seats
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• Tilt-only steering wheel
• Rearview camera
• Sound system and two USB ports
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Crosswind assist (helps the driver stay on course in windy conditions)

The crew van (2500 and up) adds:

• Second-row three-seat bench for five-passenger seating
• Side-door windows

The passenger van (available in 1500 and 2500 configurations) features:

• Three rows of rear seats
• Rear interior trim and tinted rear windows

The options list is lengthy and can change depending on configuration, but highlights include:

• Driver's side sliding rear door
• Heavy-duty suspension
• Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera
• Upgraded front seats with heating
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with either a 7- or a 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system

Cargo and crew vans can be equipped with driver-compartment partitions, a roof fan (or heater), a fixed rear sunroof, roof rails and various interior storage options. The passenger van can be equipped with rear air conditioning.

Optional driver aids for all three models include:

• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Sprinter and the car in front)
• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)