2007 Dodge Sprinter

When the Dodge Sprinter arrived for 2003, it took the full-size van market by storm. Designed by Mercedes-Benz, it offered versatile packaging and efficient diesel power that trumped its domestic borne competition. Now, along with a new U.S. assembly plant comes an updated model. So is the Sprinter still first across the big box finish line?

Whether it’s shuttling people, delivering flowers, or dropping off overnight parcels, the Dodge Sprinter, and its Freightliner clone, have become the quintessential full-size commercial van. Now, for 2007, this ‘Jack of all Trades’ is bigger, and more capable then ever.

Before its American arrival, the Sprinter spent years plowing European delivery routes. With demand still growing, U.S. final assembly for cargo versions has now moved to a larger plant in Ladson, South Carolina.

Its history may not be straight-forward, but its beyond-practical usage certainly is.  Just ask your local FedEx guy or electrical contractor how much easier the Dodge Sprinter makes their work day. This van is so customizable and creative; we even use one as an on-location television production hub.

Larger in virtually every direction, this redesigned Eurobox adds 30 inches to its maximum available length.  It is now available in three vehicle lengths - 233, 273, and 289 inches - on two new wheelbases, including class longest.  It’s also taller, offering three lofty interior roof heights, with a max of 84 inches, an 11 inch gainer on last year’s maximum.

Commercial drivers will also appreciate best-in-class dimensions like the pallet-friendly 51-inch-wide sliding cargo door opening, lowest step-in height, and the widest swinging rear doors that open 270 degrees.

And the Sprinter’s now sleeker body rides atop standard 16-inch wheels with tire pressure monitoring. New cornering lights are a class safety best.

Inside, the driver’s environment is very comfortable with a new tilt/telescoping steering wheel and standard power windows and locks. The dash is still utilitarian, with very little wasted space, but there is plenty of small item storage and a new air conditioned glove box.

Our Sprinter passenger van had a new, more efficient heating and air conditioning system among other added standard amenities. It’s ideal for a hotel that needs to ferry guests from its lobby to the airport, or even for a very large family to move in mass.

Outfitted with luxury options like heated seats, a six-disc CD player, and side and curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, our van arrived road trip-ready.

Interior volume is also up. Our passenger van had quick release seats so it can easily be converted to cargo use. Depending on model, the Sprinter can hold up to 600 cubic feet of goods, another class best.

Power is from two all-new engines: a 3.5 liter gas V6 with 254 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, and our tester’s 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 rated at 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. We found acceleration adequate, but reserve passing power is very limited.

Both engines link to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission.  Depending on model, maximum towing capacity tops out at 7,500 lbs.

As far as fuel efficiency goes, our unibody Sprinter 2500 diesel tester managed 16.3 miles-per-gallon in real world driving. That’s significantly better than the body-on-frame Dodge Ram Van the Sprinter replaced.

Whatever your Sprinter may be hauling, you can expect its stiffer commercial-grade chassis and enhanced suspension to grant a compliant on-road feel, especially when you add in the adjustable air ride.

Its handling is now governed by a standard Adaptive Electronic Stability Program that uses extra sensors to compute vehicle payload.  And there’s plenty of stopping power from the improved all-disc braking system with ABS.  As before, the Sprinter has a surprisingly tight turning radius. The shortest version takes 47.6 feet, or about the same as some full-size pickup trucks.

To match its wide array of configurations, the Sprinter’s price range is defined by a broad spectrum.  Pricing is book-ended by the base shorty, gas-powered cargo van starting at $31,290, and the longest wheelbase, diesel-powered passenger version beginning at $39,555. You can buy a cheaper full-size van, but not one that is a better helper.

While not the typical MotorWeek test vehicle, we are still very impressed with the latest Dodge Sprinter. Even before it was improved, the Sprinter had taken American businesses by storm, claiming the cream of the full-size van market previously owned by Ford and Chevrolet. Now better in every way, the 2007 Dodge Sprinter is one big box that’s going to be hard to top.