2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diesel Crew Van

The line-up for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel includes four trims which are 2500, 3500, 3500XD, and 4500 with the base price being speculated at $45,000. All the trims are available in three forms i.e. low roof, standard roof, and high roof. Apart from the standard features mentioned in the table below, there are several optional features available on the Sprinter Crew Van. 

The features on offer include a navigation system, a Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system (a 7.0-inch touchscreen display or a 10.25-inch touchscreen display), front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, driver-compartment partitions, fixed rear sunroof, roof rails, and driver’s side sliding rear door. A lot of optional driver-assist features are also available which will be discussed further. 

Which trim should you buy?

There is not much extra or special that the higher trims offer except for a more powerful V6 engine. For us, the base trim suffices our needs and is also comfortable enough for passengers. If it's payload capacity that you’re looking for then the 3500 is a good fit. 

2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel Release date

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van is supposed to hit the showrooms for the public to enjoy in the last quarter of 2021.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van is available in two diesel engine options; the base trim is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine that is rated at 161 hp and 266 lb-ft and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, with the power being delivered only to the rear wheels. If you're looking for more power and better payload capabilities, a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine is also available which is capable of producing 188 hp and has a maximum torque output of 325 lb-ft, while being paired to the same 7-speed automatic gearbox. This engine can also be paired to an AWD drivetrain which ensures better traction and more payload capacity. 

The base engine’s acceleration is rather sluggish and it lacks the punch of the V6, which also is the more reliable one and delivers better driving dynamics, making it easier for the driver to maneuver in tight spaces. For a van of such proportions, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter handles decently - it is a tall van and hence there is no way to eliminate body roll which you’ll have to cope up with. It is equipped with a strut-type front suspension and a leaf spring-type rear suspension. It offers a comfortable ride for the passengers and also performs well when put to work.

The base engine has a payload capacity of 5,000 pounds. Opting for the V6 engines or higher trims will increase this number to 7,500 pounds. Both the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express offer a 7,000 payload capacity from their base engines.

The Sprinter Crew Van is slightly underpowered when compared to its rivals and is also more expensive than both of its rivals. The acceleration figures are rather decent for a van this size, while the top speed is respectable as well. That said, the acceleration figures aren’t available for the other two making this mostly a one-handed advantage for the German. 

The fuel economy of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel is decent and since the figures of the smaller ones aren’t available, we’ve taken the EPA ratings of the bigger V6. The EPA rates the bigger engine at a mileage of 21 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highways with a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG. It is equipped with a larger fuel tank when compared to its gas-powered substitute - a 24.5-gallon fuel tank which allows it to attain an overall range of 588 miles on the highway.

Both the GM products - the GMC Savana 2500 and the Chevrolet Express 2500 - have a larger fuel tank that can hold 31.0 gallons instead of the Mercedes’ 24.5 gallons that also helps a great deal in attaining the miles be it in the city or on the highway. The Mercedes’ fuel economy is better than the others’ but the smaller tank lets it down by way of lesser range.

The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van is the same as it was in 2021 and features a refined cabin with a simple layout along with good quality build and finish. The dashboard and the center console are simplistic yet modern, while the center console is raised from the dashboard and hampers the exterior visibility slightly. However, the overall exterior visibility for the driver is decent. 

The Sprinter Crew Van can accommodate a total of 5 passengers who will sit in seats upholstered in Maturin fabric. The front seats are 4-way power adjustable and with heated functionality. The rear bench seats can seat three people and can be removed if not necessary. Due to its tall exterior profile, there is ample headroom for all the passengers regardless of the front or rear seats. The legroom, however, could have been better.

The Sprinter Crew Van can hold up to 222.5 cubic feet of luggage, which is very impressive but it is easily outperformed by both of its rivals. The GMC Savana 2500 and the Chevrolet Express 2500 both can store up to 239.4 cubic feet of luggage and also have better legroom than the Merc. While rear-seat dimensions for the Sprinter are not yet known, the GM twins, do get adequate space for even taller folks to be seated comfortably.

Some of the highlights of the interior are:

• Maturin fabric upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Manual air conditioning
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel (optional)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel?

In general, Mercedes-Benz equips its cars with one of the best infotainment systems in the business, however, the Sprinter is an exception. The standard infotainment system is disappointing and pushes the buyer to opt for the optional units that are available - a 7.0-inch touchscreen display or a huge 10.25-inch touchscreen display as your infotainment system. Both of these systems are powered by the renowned Mercedes-Benz MBUX multimedia. The latter display has a much better resolution and clarity.

Along with the big screen, you’ll also get some necessary features like a 5-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, SiriusXM, 4G LTE Hotspot, and Wi-Fi compatibility, voice commands, etc. 

Some of the key infotainment features of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel include:

• Voice-activated Bluetooth connectivity
• Navigation system (optional)
• 2 12V DC power outlets
• SiriusXM radio
• AM/FM radio

The exterior styling of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel is the same boxy-styled van but with a touch of modernity. It follows a tall profile regardless of the type of roof you opt for. There are three choices which include low roof, standard roof, and high roof. The front fascia of the Sprinter features a simplistic grille with the iconic Merc logo. It is surrounded by sleek daytime running LED headlamps and has a sloping hood design. 

The side of the Sprinter features the classic van roofline. With the standard and low roof, the Sprinter looks simple. The high roof not only increases the height of the van but also translates into more interior space. It has a high ground clearance of 8.0 inches. It sits on 16-inch steel wheels regardless of the trim. It also features sliding doors, heated power-adjusting, manual-folding mirrors, gray body side moldings and you also have an option of fitting a sunroof.

The most significant feature of the rear end is the 270-degree-opening rear doors. Some more features include LED brake lights, a black rear bumper, and a single exhaust outlet.

The Sprinter Crew Van is the lightest vehicle in the segment and weighs almost 800 pounds less than both of its competitors. The Mercedes’ longer wheelbase of 144 inches also has its own advantage by way of payload capacity and interior space but still falls short of the competitor's cabin space. Both the GMC Savana 2500 and the Chevrolet Express 2500 have the best-in-class ground clearance of 8.6 inches. 

Some of the key exterior features are:

• Daytime running LED headlights
• LED brake lights
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Heated power-adjusting, manual-folding side-view mirrors
• 270-degree-opening rear doors
• Gray body side moldings
• Fog lights (optional)
• Sunroof (optional)

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van hasn’t been tested by both the NHTSA and the IIHS. Hence there are no performance scores to tell you how safe this van is. However, with the reputation that Mercedes-Benz carries, and with the amount of safety and driver-assist features it offers on the Sprinter, you should rest assured about it. 

Apart from the standard safety equipment, some optional features are also available on the Sprinter. These include a blind-spot monitoring system, lane departure warning system, rear cross-traffic alert system, attention alert, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, etc. 

Some of the highlight safety features are:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Driveline Traction Control with ABS
• Rear-view camera
• 360-degree camera system
• Forward collision warning
• Crosswind assist
• Cruise control

2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel vs 2022 GMC Savana 2500 Passenger Van Diesel

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van has other rivals too which include Ford Transit and Nissan NV200 but only the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express offer a diesel engine option. The Savanna is one of the most capable vans in this segment but has dull and dated exterior looks which need some serious attention. However, that doesn’t stop Savanna from performing well. It has a better-performing base engine and has better payload capacity as well. As far as interior features and comfort go, we’d go for the Merc. 

2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel vs 2021 Chevrolet Express 2500 Passenger Van Diesel

Both the Savanna and the Chevrolet Express are identical to each other. The Express is more of a practical van rather than being luxurious or providing comfort features. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense van, then the Chevy will satisfy your demands. Just like the Savanna, it has a better-powered engine and payload capacity than the Sprinter. For the price you’re paying for the Chevy, it is an excellent purchase, but the Merc is more composed and feature-filled than the Express.

The diesel engines offered by the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van Diesel Sprinter Crew Van are much better than the Gas powered engines. Opting for the V6 significantly increases the performance and the payload capacity but the Merc demands a heavy price as compared to its rivals. On the brighter side, it has multiple high-tech features and options along with advanced safety and driver-assist tech to satisfy the price.