How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 get?
A 2008 Sprinter 3500 typically gets about 20 miles per gallon combined, though actual numbers vary widely depending on engine, cargo, and driving conditions.
The Sprinter 3500 is a heavy cargo van that was offered with different diesel powertrains and wheelbase configurations in 2008. Fuel economy is influenced by engine choice, payload, driving style, and route characteristics, so published figures can be broad. Below is a concise guide to what owners and reviewers generally observe for this model year.
Engine options and their MPG characteristics
Two diesel engine configurations were commonly associated with the 2008 Sprinter 3500 in the U.S. market. Each drivetrain has its own impact on fuel economy, with real-world results varying by load and conditions.
- 2.7L inline-five turbo-diesel (I5): Typical real-world mpg ranges are roughly 15–19 mpg in city driving, about 23–27 mpg on highways, with a combined figure around 19–22 mpg.
- 3.0L V6 diesel (V6 CDI): Typical real-world mpg ranges are about 18–21 mpg in city driving, around 25–28 mpg on highways, with a combined figure around 21–24 mpg.
These figures reflect common owner- and reviewer-reported experiences rather than guaranteed EPA numbers, and they can shift with payload, tires, and driving style.
Real-world factors that affect MPG
Fuel economy on a Sprinter van is not driven by engine alone. Several practical factors can push mpg higher or lower in daily use.
- Cargo weight and roof racks or external storage add weight and wind resistance, reducing efficiency.
- Driving style, including rapid acceleration, heavy braking, and sustained high speeds, lowers mpg.
- Terrain and traffic patterns; hilly routes and frequent idling reduce efficiency.
- Tire condition and proper inflation; underinflated tires raise rolling resistance.
- Maintenance status, including air filters, oil quality, and engine tune, which affect combustion efficiency.
- Use of air conditioning at higher speeds can modestly reduce mpg.
In practice, the mpg you achieve will hinge on how you use the Sprinter—commercial drivers who carry payloads and operate at highway speeds may see different results than light-duty, city-focused use.
How to find the exact MPG for your 2008 Sprinter 3500
To determine precise fuel economy for a specific vehicle configuration, use official sources and track your own data over several fill-ups.
- Check the original window sticker or owner’s manual for the EPA-estimated figures for your exact engine and configuration.
- Look up the 2008 Sprinter 3500 on fueleconomy.gov to see official or historical EPA estimates by engine and wheelbase.
- Record real-world fuel economy by tracking miles driven and gallons of fuel filled over multiple tanks under typical usage.
- Compare your real-world data to the published estimates and consider factors like payload and route type when interpreting the results.
For many 2008 Sprinter owners, real-world numbers can diverge from official estimates due to payload, weather, and driving practices, so ongoing tracking can be the most reliable guide.
Summary
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500’s fuel economy varies mainly by engine choice and payload. Expect roughly 19–24 mpg combined across common configurations, with highway numbers often higher than city figures. Real-world results can differ significantly based on how the van is used. For the most accurate figure for a specific van, consult the EPA data for that exact model and track mileage over several fills.
Sources and further reading
For readers seeking precise, model-specific numbers, consult fueleconomy.gov and the original EPA documentation for the 2008 Sprinter 3500, noting that real-world results will vary with load, maintenance, and driving style.
