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Mercedes Sprinter Fuel Economy: A 1,670-Mile Family Road Trip Test
Mercedes Sprinter Fuel Economy: A 1,670-Mile Family Road Trip Test
The Ultimate Family Hauler
When your family vacation requires transporting up to 12 people, fuel economy typically isn't a priority. That's what made our nine-day, 1,670-mile road trip in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 so surprising. This full-size van delivered nearly 20 mpg while battling traffic, construction zones, and extreme weather - all while keeping our large crew comfortable.
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Overall average fuel economy
Total distance traveled
Average diesel price (vs. $3.75 previous year)
Trip Leg Breakdown
Fuel economy varied significantly based on driving conditions, weather, and passenger comfort demands:
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Leg 1: Aurora, IL → Akron, OH
405 miles | 8 hours
- Benefited from tailwinds
- Heavy Chicago traffic reduced efficiency
- Indiana road construction delays
- Youngest passengers impatient with duration
Leg 2: Akron, OH → Honeoye, NY
310 miles | 5 hours 40 minutes
- Lighter Saturday afternoon traffic
- Extensive cruise control use
- Mild 70°F temperatures allowed A/C breaks
- Wife vetoed extended A/C shutoffs due to humidity
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Leg 3: Honeoye, NY → Aurora, IL
677 miles | 11 hours 29 minutes
- 98°F temperatures required constant A/C
- 30-40 mph headwinds
- Longest single-day driving duration
- Demonstrated weather's significant impact on mpg
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How the Sprinter Compares
The Sprinter's diesel efficiency stands out among large passenger vans:
| Vehicle | Passenger Capacity | EPA MPG | Real-World MPG | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sprinter 2500 | 12 | 21 city/24 hwy | 19.7 (tested) | Diesel |
| Ford Transit 350HD | 15 | 13 city/17 hwy | 14-15 | Gasoline |
| Chevrolet Express 3500 | 12 | 12 city/17 hwy | 10-12 | Gasoline |
The Sprinter's 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine provides 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque while maintaining a significant fuel efficiency advantage over gasoline-powered competitors.
Key Takeaways
What Impressed
- Diesel refinement: Quieter operation than expected
- Fuel availability: Never struggled to find diesel stations
- Consistency: Nearly matched last year's trip mileage despite different conditions
- Cost savings: Lower fuel prices saved approximately $170 vs. previous year
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What Could Improve
- Passenger patience: Younger travelers struggled with longest legs
- Climate control: A/C significantly impacts mpg in extreme heat
- Urban efficiency: Heavy traffic noticeably reduced mileage
For large families or groups requiring substantial passenger capacity, the Sprinter's combination of space and efficiency remains unmatched in the full-size van segment.
Road Trip Tips for Large Vehicles
Based on our experience maximizing the Sprinter's efficiency:
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Driving Techniques
- Use cruise control whenever possible on highways
- Anticipate traffic flow to minimize braking/acceleration
- Maintain steady speeds (65-70 mph optimal)
- Check tire pressures before long trips
Trip Planning
- Schedule travel during mild temperature windows
- Avoid major cities during rush hours
- Check weather forecasts for headwind potential
- Plan fuel stops using apps like GasBuddy
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Klash
Last Updated On Oct, 01-2025