What is the fuel economy of a 2006 Sprinter 2500?
The 2006 Sprinter 2500 typically achieves about 20 mpg combined, with around 18 mpg in city driving and about 23 mpg on the highway, depending on configuration and load.
The question asks for fuel economy figures for this specific van model year. The Sprinter 2500 in 2006 used Mercedes’ OM647 2.7L five-cylinder turbo diesel and could be equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission, and as a cargo or passenger van. EPA estimates from that era varied by body style and drivetrain, and real-world mileage is influenced by load, driving conditions, tire choice, maintenance, and driving habits.
EPA estimates by configuration
Below are typical EPA ranges reported for common 2006 Sprinter 2500 configurations. Note that exact numbers vary by transmission choice, body style, and equipment.
- 2.7L diesel with automatic transmission (cargo van): city roughly 17–19 mpg, highway roughly 23–25 mpg, combined around 20–21 mpg.
- 2.7L diesel with manual transmission (cargo van): city roughly 18–20 mpg, highway roughly 24–26 mpg, combined around 20–22 mpg.
- 2.7L diesel with passenger van configuration: similar to cargo configurations but can be slightly heavier, with highway figures around 23–25 mpg and city figures in the high teens to low 20s.
Because the Sprinter’s efficiency is highly influenced by payload, aerodynamics, tire type and pressure, idling, and route profile, actual mileage can deviate from these ranges.
Real-world considerations
In typical field use, mileage depends heavily on how the van is loaded and used—long-haul versus daily deliveries, frequent idling, and climate control usage all play a role. Regular maintenance, clean fuel injectors, and properly inflated tires help maintain expected performance.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, remove unnecessary weight, minimize idling, use the most efficient route planning, and ensure the vehicle is well-maintained with timely oil changes and a clean intake system.
For precise figures by configuration, consult fueleconomy.gov and search for the exact model year, body style, and transmission to pull the official EPA rating for your 2006 Sprinter 2500.
Summary
The 2006 Sprinter 2500 with the 2.7L diesel commonly lands around 20 mpg combined, with city figures in the high teens and highway results in the low to mid-20s. Exact numbers depend on drivetrain, body style, payload, and maintenance. Check fueleconomy.gov for the official EPA figures tied to your specific configuration.
