How many miles per gallon does a Sprinter 2500 get?
In brief, the Sprinter 2500's fuel economy depends on engine and configuration. Diesel versions typically average about 20–23 mpg combined, with highway mileage around 23–26 mpg. Gasoline variants usually run about 21–24 mpg combined, with highway numbers around 23–27 mpg. Actual results vary with payload, wheelbase, roof height, tires, and driving style.
The Sprinter 2500’s mpg is not a single number because Mercedes offers multiple powertrains and configurations within the 2500 designation. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the main engine options and how they commonly affect efficiency, followed by real-world expectations for different setups.
Engine and drivetrain options that influence mpg
Knowing the primary powertrains and configurations helps explain the mpg you may see in practice.
Diesel option
The diesel variant most commonly paired with the Sprinter 2500 uses a 3.0L V6 Diesel (BlueTEC), with either rear-wheel drive or 4x4. Diesel Sprinters typically deliver strong highway efficiency and high torque, which influences overall fuel economy in favorable ways.
- 3.0L V6 Diesel (BlueTEC): 2WD or 4x4; typical combined mpg about 20–23 mpg; city around 17–19 mpg; highway around 23–26 mpg.
- Drivetrain and wheelbase considerations: 2WD 144" standard or 170" extended; 4x4 adds weight and can reduce mpg by roughly 1–2 mpg in many conditions.
Diesel Sprinters are often favored for heavier payloads and longer highway drives due to torque and efficiency on open roads.
Gasoline option
The gasoline option features a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic for efficiency and smooth operation. Gasoline variants may deliver different economy depending on gearing and load, and they can be attractive for customers who prefer lower up-front emissions or different fuel availability.
- 2.0L Turbo Gasoline: 2WD or 4x4; typical combined mpg around 21–24 mpg; city about 18–20 mpg; highway roughly 23–27 mpg.
- Transmission and configuration: paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic; payload and aerodynamics influence overall efficiency similarly to the diesel variant.
Gasoline Sprinters can offer competitive highway efficiency, particularly on light loads, but payload and roof height will impact fuel use similarly to diesels.
Real-world mpg by configuration and driving conditions
Real-world results vary with how the van is built and how it’s driven. The figures below reflect common patterns reported by owners and manufacturers for typical Sprinter 2500 setups.
- Diesel Sprinter 2500: City 17–19 mpg, Highway 23–26 mpg, Combined 20–23 mpg.
- Gasoline Sprinter 2500: City 18–20 mpg, Highway 25–27 mpg, Combined 21–23 mpg.
- Payload, roof height, and wheelbase effects: Heavy cargo loads, tall roofs, and extended wheelbases can reduce mpg by several miles per gallon; aerodynamic and tire choices also play a role.
In practice, diesel models tend to perform better on longer highway trips and with heavier payloads, while gasoline models may show advantage in lighter-duty, mixed driving – though both configurations benefit from careful tire selection and load management.
Summary
The Sprinter 2500’s fuel economy is not a single figure but a range that depends on engine choice, drivetrain, wheelbase, payload, and driving conditions. As a rule of thumb, diesel versions commonly land in the 20–23 mpg combined range with highway numbers in the low-to-mid 20s, while gasoline versions typically fall in the 21–24 mpg combined range and can reach the mid-to-high 20s on highways under lighter load. For the most accurate figure, consult the EPA fuel economy ratings for the specific model year and configuration you’re considering, or check Mercedes-Benz’s official specs for that year.
