Acceleration

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
3	3

No opportunity to test with the 3.5-liter V6. Gutsy turbodiesel provides ample around-town power, even with a moderate load, though highway passing power is just adequate.

Fuel Economy

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
5	2.8

Test turbodiesel 2500 Passenger with the 144-inch wheelbase proved impressively frugal, averaging 18.4 mpg.

Ride Quality

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
4	4.5

No opportunity to test a 170-inch wheelbase model. Almost passenger car smooth, though like most large vans Sprinter tends to hop over larger road irregularities. Available pneumatic seats effectively provide additional cushioning for driver and front passenger. Sprinter prone to class-typical body shudder over broken surfaces, though far less than other vehicles in this category.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
2	2.6

Compared to traditional large vans, Sprinter's high seating and copious lean in corners results in a tippy attitude that takes some getting used to. On straight roads Sprinter feels smaller than it is, with usefully direct steering and good highway stability. Sprinter's surprisingly tight turning circle is a boon to tight quarter maneuvering.

Quietness

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
3	4.3

Not quite car-like, but Sprinter is peaceful enough. Diesel engine heard but never intrudes, and unstrained conversation between first and second-row passengers possible even at highway speed.

Controls

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
6	6

Simple and logical control placement, though reaching some less-used switch gear requires a stretch. Sprinter's clearly marked gauges are easy to read at a glance. Materials of industrial-grade, but assembly quality is first rate.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
7	6.3

High roof in standard models means endless headroom. Entry includes difficult first step. Without a passenger load, visibility to all corners is excellent--though high side walls means smaller vehicles in neighboring lanes may sneak by below sight line. Depending on seat location, frame of divided front side glass may partially obscure view of outside rear-view mirror.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
7	8.5

Tall design and large side door mean excellent headroom and easy entry and exit. Some testers found flat seats uncomfortable for long trips.

Cargo Room

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
10	10

Cargo space behind last seating row limited in 144-inch models, likely insufficient for a full-compliment of passengers and luggage. More than ample rear storage with 170-inch wheelbase. Small item storage includes under-front-seat drawers and handy, large front-row overhead bins.

Value within Class

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
9	9.1

The Euro-flavored Sprinter trumps traditional large passenger vans with greater headroom and a less glutinous appetite for fuel. Sprinter prices start higher than domestic vans, but the big Dodge's passenger-friendly ways and potentially lower operating costs make it a strong value.

Total Score

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel	Class Average
56	57.1

Scores for all Full-size Vans

Low Score		54
Average Score		57
High Score		59