2009 Dodge Sprinter

Review

If you want a drivable, high-quality full-size passenger van, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter is unbeatable. The Sprinter may be a bit more expensive than its rivals from Ford and GM, but it more than earns the higher sticker price with an impressive interior and the best fuel economy in the segment. In all three available body styles, the Dodge Sprinter can seat up to 12 people and boasts the most passenger room of any full-size van. Read more about the results of our road test of the 2009 Sprinter in our review.

Improvements from the 2008 Dodge Sprinter

Dodge has discontinued the once optional 3.5-liter gas-powered V6 engine for 2009.

Performance

Although the 154 horsepower of the Sprinter’s turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 is rather underwhelming, the van’s fuel economy is far better than any of its competitors. Car reviews note that the Dodge Sprinter’s power is adequate for cruising around town but may give drivers problems on the highway. Nevertheless, the 2009 Sprinter is probably the most drivable full-size passenger van on the market. The driving position is more like that of a car than a van, which makes the Sprinter even more maneuverable. The Sprinter is not ideal for towing, but it is the van of choice for hauling passengers in the city.

Exterior Features

Full-size passenger vans aren’t exactly known for their aesthetic allure, but the 2009 Dodge Sprinter is well-put-together for its segment. As shown in the accompanying photos, the Sprinter comes in three body styles: a regular 144-inch wheelbase with a standard 65-inch roof, a regular wheelbase and a tall roof (76.4 inches), and an extended-wheelbase (170 inch) with a tall roof. Standard exterior equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, an emergency-exit window, a 51-inch sliding passenger door, and folding wide-angle heated outside mirrors.

Interior Features

Auto reviews praise the quality of the 2009 Sprinter’s interior, noting how similar it looks to the Dodge’s Mercedes-Benz sibling. Seating 12 passengers, the Sprinter offers four different styles of front seats to accommodate buyers’ needs. Critics praise the modern layout of the controls as well as the ease of entering and exiting the Sprinter. With the high-roof option, passengers will enjoy a cabin height of 6’3”. Standard interior features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, full power accessories, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and a CD player with MP3 capability.

Safety and Specifications

The Dodge Sprinter has not completed car insurance industry or government crash tests, and its car safety equipment is not exactly abundant. Standard safety features include electronic stability control and antilock brakes; you may have to fight for cheap car insurance. An overview of the Dodge Sprinter’s specs is provided below.

• Car pricing: $42,145 - $45,495 MSRP; $38,352 - $41,400 invoice
• Engine: 3.0-liter, 154-hp turbodiesel V6
• Transmission: five-speed automatic transmission with automanual mode
• Acceleration: no data available

Upgrade Options

Options available on the 2009 Dodge Sprinter include cruise control, a heated windshield, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a power-sliding passenger door, front and rear park assist, rear air-conditioning and heating, heated front seats, a six-disc CD changer, and front and/or rear power sunroofs.

How the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Compares to Other Full-Size Passenger Vans

The Dodge Sprinter is significantly more expensive than most of its competitors, but it also should get better gas mileage because of its turbodiesel engine. The EPA has not offered fuel economy ratings for the 2009 Sprinter. A list of the Sprinter’s main competitors follows.

• GMC Savana
• Chevy Express
• Ford Econoline

New car guide websites have no information on the Sprinter’s Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership. The 2009 Sprinter has also not received a score on the J.D. Power Quality Ratings for predicted reliability. The Dodge Sprinter comes with good warranty protection, including a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty with towing assistance and a lifetime powertrain warranty.

Conclusion: Is the 2009 Dodge Sprinter a Smart Buy?

The Dodge Sprinter is on the pricey side for a full-size passenger van, but in many ways, it is worth the cost. For one, a turbodiesel engine allows the Sprinter to driver farther on a single tank of gas than most of its rivals. Additionally, the Sprinter reflects Mercedes-Benz-level quality. Finally, the 2009 Sprinter offers best-in-class passenger capacity. If you need a large van and don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter is an excellent choice.