How many miles per gallon does a sprinter diesel get?

Typically about 23–26 miles per gallon combined, with highway mileage higher than city driving; exact figures vary by wheelbase, payload, drivetrain, and model year.

Diesel Sprinters in the U.S. market use a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, offered in multiple configurations—rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive, with various wheelbases and roof heights. The following explains why mpg varies and what you can expect in common setups.

Key factors that affect mpg

Engine and drivetrain

Most current Sprinters use a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Drivetrain choices (rear-wheel drive versus 4x4) and the transmission contribute to efficiency; 4x4 adds weight and drivetrain losses that typically reduce mpg by a small amount in practice.

Payload and weight

Carrying heavy loads increases rolling resistance and engine load, lowering mpg, especially in city driving.

Aerodynamics and tires

Roof height, accessories, and overall aerodynamics affect efficiency. Using proper low-rolling-resistance tires and maintaining correct tire pressure can improve mpg to some extent.

Typical mpg ranges for common Sprinter diesel setups

Before listing, note that these ranges reflect representative numbers for U.S.-market Sprinters during recent years; exact EPA figures appear on the vehicle’s window sticker and vary by year, trim, and options.

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD), 2500/3500 cargo van with a 2.0L diesel: Combined around 23–25 mpg; city about 19–21 mpg; highway about 28–30 mpg.


• RWD, longer wheelbase/high-roof variants: Combined around 23–26 mpg; city about 18–20 mpg; highway about 28–30 mpg.


• 4x4 Sprinter variants with 2.0L diesel: Combined around 21–24 mpg; city about 17–20 mpg; highway about 25–28 mpg.

Across these configurations, most drivers see mpg clustered in the mid-20s for combined fuel economy, with highway efficiency higher under light loads and steady speeds, and city efficiency lower under heavy payloads or dense traffic.

Tips to maximize mpg

Small changes can add up over time. Consider these practices when operating a Sprinter diesel:

• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and rotate as advised.


• Schedule timely maintenance on the engine, fuel system, and transmission.


• Plan routes to minimize idling and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.


• Limit unnecessary roof racks or accessories; remove extraneous weight when practical.

Concluding paragraph: You won’t turn a Sprinter into a compact-car economy vehicle, but disciplined driving and regular maintenance can help you approach the upper end of these ranges.

Summary

In practice, a Sprinter diesel typically delivers mid-20s miles per gallon combined, with highway figures usually higher than city figures, and wide variation based on wheelbase, payload, and drivetrain. For precise numbers, check the EPA window sticker for your exact model year and configuration, and tailor expectations to your typical use case.

Which 2500 diesel gets the best mpg?

The best MPG 2500 diesel truck is subjective and depends on usage, but the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with its Duramax engine is frequently cited as highly efficient, achieving around 18-20.4 MPG on the highway. The Ford F-250 with the Power Stroke engine is also very competitive, especially when unloaded, offering up to 20 MPG, while the Ram 2500 with the Cummins engine typically gets around 17-18 MPG highway, according to SlashGear and DPF Guys. 
This video discusses the efficiency of the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax: 54sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Jan 30, 2025
Chevy Silverado 2500 HD (Duramax) 

• MPG: Around 18-21 MPG highway, sometimes reaching over 20 MPG on highway-only tests.
• Notes: Often considered a top contender for fuel economy, especially on the highway. 

Ford F-250 Super Duty (Power Stroke)

• MPG: Up to 20 MPG on the highway when unloaded. 
• Notes: Performs well unloaded, and real-world results often fall in the 17–20 MPG range for highway driving. 

You can watch this video to see a review of the Ford F-250 Super Duty: 54sGetty's GarageYouTube · Nov 20, 2025
Ram 2500 (Cummins) 

• MPG: Typically around 17-18 MPG highway, with real-world figures often in the 16-18 MPG range.
• Notes: While it may not be the absolute highest in MPG, its performance is still competitive and considered efficient by many owners. 

This video discusses the efficiency of the Ram 2500 Cummins: 53sPickup Truck Plus SUV TalkYouTube · Apr 10, 2025
Factors that influence MPG

• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and heavy braking will lower MPG. 
• Towing/hauling: Towing a load will significantly decrease MPG, though diesel trucks often maintain better relative efficiency than gas trucks when towing. 
• Conditions: Driving habits, terrain, and weather all play a role in fuel economy. 

Is the Mercedes 3.0 diesel a good engine?

Mercedes' 3.0-liter diesel engines, like the OM 642 V6, are praised for their high torque and good fuel economy, making them suitable for a range of vehicles from SUVs to Sprinter vans. However, they require strict adherence to specific oil types and can have potential issues with intake air leaks from seals around the turbocharger and CCV system, which can lead to poor performance if not addressed. The engine's reliability is considered good, with many examples reaching high mileage, but maintenance is critical, and repairs can be expensive.
 
This video discusses the review and problems with the OM 642 engine: 59sAUTO MOTO FREAKYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
Advantages

• Torque and Performance: The 3.0L V6 diesel provides ample torque for powerful acceleration and towing. 
• Fuel Economy: It offers excellent fuel efficiency, especially for its size and power class. 
• Reliability: Many owners report high mileage on these engines with proper maintenance, with some reaching over 500,000 miles. 
• Smoothness: The V6 configuration results in smooth operation and a refined driving experience. 

Disadvantages

• Maintenance: Requires a strict maintenance schedule and the correct, specific oil type (like MB 229.51 or 229.52) to avoid serious engine damage and costly repairs. 
• Intake Leaks: A common problem is air intake leaks due to worn gaskets around the turbocharger and CCV system, which can cause a loss of power and reduce fuel efficiency. 
• Cost: Maintenance and repairs for Mercedes diesel engines can be expensive. 
• Emissions Equipment: Newer models require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and the emission control systems can lead to carbon buildup in the intake manifold. 

Key takeaways

• Check the oil: Ensure the correct Mercedes-spec oil is used, as using the wrong type can cause major damage. 
• Inspect for leaks: Be aware of potential air intake leaks from the turbocharger and CCV system, which require replacement of the associated rubber seals. 
• Prioritize maintenance: Regular and proper maintenance is essential for longevity and reliability. 

How many miles per gallon does a Mercedes Sprinter diesel get?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diesel MPG is generally between 15 and 21 MPG, but real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on factors like driving habits, trim level, weight, and driving conditions. Some drivers report getting as high as 24 MPG, particularly on long highway drives, while heavily loaded vans or those driven at high speeds may average closer to 14-15 MPG. 
General MPG estimates

• Average: Around 17 MPG is a good estimate for an average mix of driving. 
• Range: Most drivers can expect a range of 15 to 21 MPG. 

This video shows a long-term review of a 4x4 Sprinter van and discusses its fuel economy: 54soutdoorbrosYouTube · Mar 14, 2025
Factors that influence MPG

• Driving speed: Higher speeds, especially above 65-70 mph, drastically reduce fuel economy. 
• Vehicle weight: Added weight from conversions, cargo, or equipment will decrease MPG. 
• Driving conditions: Stop-and-go city traffic is less efficient than consistent highway driving. 
• Wind and terrain: Strong headwinds or driving in mountainous areas will lower MPG. 

You can watch this video to see a real-world test of a Sprinter van's fuel economy: 19sToday I Work OnYouTube · Oct 26, 2022
Tips for maximizing MPG

• Maintain a consistent and lower speed on the highway.
• Avoid unnecessary weight.
• Perform regular maintenance on the vehicle.
• Be mindful of how driving conditions and speed affect fuel consumption. 

Which Sprinter van has the best mpg?

The Sprinter with the best MPG is the 4-cylinder diesel version, which can get 23-25 mpg combined. While some drivers report achieving over 25 mpg on long trips, a realistic combined average for the 4-cylinder diesel is typically in the 19-22 mpg range, depending on driving style and conditions. The V6 diesel model is slightly less fuel-efficient. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the fuel efficiency of Sprinter vans: 1mRidgeside K9 HQ - Modern Dog Training & VLOGSYouTube · Sep 9, 2024
Factors that influence MPG

• Engine: The 4-cylinder diesel engine is the most fuel-efficient option in the Sprinter lineup. 
• Driving conditions: Highway driving, especially at a steady, lower speed, will yield much better MPG than city driving or aggressive driving. 
• Weight: Carrying extra weight, such as in a camper conversion, will decrease your MPG. 
• Maintenance and modifications: Properly maintaining your van and avoiding performance modifications that increase fuel consumption can help maintain better MPG. 

Alternatives to consider

• Ford Transit Connect: A compact van that can achieve 25–28 mpg combined.
• Ram ProMaster City: Another option that gets around 28 mpg combined.
• Nissan NV200: A budget-friendly micro-camper that gets about 26 mpg.