The Best Year for the Mercedes Sprinter
Photo by Jordan Irving on Unsplash
Mercedes is a leader in the automotive industry and well known for its ingenuity and craftsmanship on luxury cars. They’re stylish, sporty, and the interior is second to none. Surprisingly, in addition to its expertise on sedans, the German brand has also been manufacturing the Sprinter all the way back to the early 2000’s, although it wasn’t under the Mercedes name until 2010. You can see the same high quality of engineering in the different variations of the Sprinter as well.
The Sprinter is in a league of its own when it comes to higher end passenger vehicles and has a lot to offer. If you are wondering what the best year for the Mercedes Sprinter is for you to purchase, you can at least narrow it down to the model year.
It will likely require some additional communication with your local dealerships, since each model year can have multiple different passenger van variations with different maximum seating, roof height, and other small changes.
It’s a unique one of a kind passenger vehicle that brings style and luxury to an area that is often neglected by its competitors. Mercedes offers a few different versions of the Sprinter where some focus primarily on cargo and hauling and the other for passenger travel. This will mainly go over the passenger vehicle but you can imagine the same details for the cargo version, just without the seats.
Compared to some other vehicles offered by competitors, the Sprinter generally offers a smaller towing capability around 5,000 pounds, but runs away in terms of comfort and technology standards. All five recent models are comparable with each other and will be a durable investment whichever you choose.
Currently the only major recall that applies to each vehicle is the TAKATA airbag recall. Every Sprinter uses these for front and side airbags, so it’s important to check the VIN and with the dealership to see if the changes have already been applied to that specific vehicle.
2017 Sprinter
MSRP Range: $33,500 - $45,750
Standard Features
- 144-inch wheelbase
- Rear-wheel drive
- 12-person seating capacity
- 5-speed automatic transmission
Upgradable Features
- Four-wheel drive
- 7-speed automatic engine
- 170-inch wheelbase
What’s new for the 2017 model?
- Rear passenger seat air conditioning controls
- PARKTRONIC backup camera parking system
Is 2017 the best year for the Mercedes Sprinter?
The 2017 Sprinter model like many other vehicles released in the last five years, is a trailblazer for the newest generation. This is one of the first models in the Sprinter family that starts to offer tech upgrades like lane departure alerts, backup cameras, and modern infotainment systems.
With its 5,000 pound towing capacity it definitely can bring some power to its resume, but overall not one of the best models in the last five years. Comparing estimated MSRP and mileage, for a little bit extra you can find improved standard models with many more modern features.
Even though it’s a few years older the 2017 model is still a significant investment, and for a few thousand dollars extra with a new model you can have many more modern amenities.
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2018 Sprinter
MSRP Range: $34,500 - $55,000
Standard Features
- Diesel V-6 engine
- 144-inch wheelbase
- Rear-wheel drive
- 12-person seating capacity
Upgradable Features
- Four-wheel drive
- 170-inch wheelbase
- Lane departure recognition system
- Enhanced connectivity for mobile devices
What’s new for the 2018 model?
- Mercedes safety technology
Is 2018 the best year for the Mercedes Sprinter?
Overall, the 2018 and 2017 models are very similar. They offer just about the same features with the newer model adding some slight upgrades to the interior and enhanced safety options. It’s a strong good option, but since it doesn’t really differ from the previous model it might not be the best to invest in long term for the modern features it lacks.
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2019 Sprinter
MSRP Range: $38,500 - $52,200
Standard Features
- 144-inch wheelbase
- 4-cylinder gas engine
- 12-person seating capacity
- E-call emergency communication system
Upgradable Features
- 170-inch wheelbase
- 6-cylinder diesel engine
- 15-person seating capacity
- 9-speed automatic engine
What’s new for the 2019 model?
- MBUX infotainment system with touchscreen console, wireless charging, and voice controlled navigation
- 13 total speakers throughout the vehicle
- 360 degree safety camera, lane departure alert, brake assist, and blind spot monitor
Is 2019 the best year for the Mercedes Sprinter?
It should definitely be considered to be one of the best, but maybe not at the top of the list. The entertainment, safety, and hauling capacity all are met with this model at a lower starting price than the newest two versions.
The slight downside compared to the newest models may be around its interior, with a smaller touchscreen and basic entertainment features that are currently standard. Still, for a slightly lower base price the 2019 is a great option.
2020 Sprinter
MSRP Range: $42,500 - $53,200
Standard Features
- 144-inch wheelbase
- 12-person seating capacity
- Rear-wheel drive
- 9-speed automatic engine
Upgradable Features
- 170-inch wheelbase
- 6-cylinder diesel engine
- 15-person seating capacity
- 4-wheel drive
- 7-inch touchscreen for premium edition
What’s new for the 2020 model?
- Four 12-volt charging outlets
- Four additional USB ports
- Downhill speed assistance
- 10.25-inch touchscreen for premium plus
Is 2020 the best year for the Mercedes Sprinter?
With roughly 550 cubic square feet of storage, the 2020 model is as spacious as it is comfortable. It doesn’t offer many improvements for interior entertainment, which is a little disappointing considering the increase in price.
The slight upgrades are great from a passenger’s perspective with more charging ports than previous models and the high quality cloth fabric returning for another year. You are better off with the 2021 for more upgrades in features, or the 2019 if you’re interested in saving some money.
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2021 Sprinter
MSRP Range: $40,500 - $54,000
Standard Features
- 144-inch wheelbase
- 12-person seating capacity
- Rear-wheel drive
- 9-speed automatic engine
- 7-inch touchscreen
Upgradable Features
- 170-inch wheelbase
- 6-cylinder diesel engine
- 15-person seating capacity
- 4-wheel drive
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
What’s new for the 2021 model?
- Natural 2-liter 4-cylinder
- Stability control speed and power response system
- Forward approach collision mitigation
Is 2021 the best year for the Mercedes Sprinter?
Overall, yes, the 2021 model is the best year for the Sprinter based on improved technology, safety, and durability features. It’s the most expensive of the five, but if you plan on investing in a large passenger van that will last for years (realistically more than 10 with good upkeep) this should be at the top of your list. It has all the modern features of a Mercedes luxury vehicle, and the additional benefits of a passenger van with towing capability.
You can’t go wrong with any of the above since they are all similar in their standard editions, although based on the large investment the 2021 is the best to consider. Fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and general drivability are all nearly identical, but the 2021 continues to put the Sprinter ahead of its competitors.
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