2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are looking to add a full-size cargo van to your work fleet, then you might be interested in learning about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This vehicle can do just about everything and is versatile in its design. For the sake of this review, we will go over the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo van, although we think that its other variants are worth checking out (especially if you need a capable people hauler, in which case, go for the passenger van).

There are a lot of different configurations that you can get on the Sprinter, which is a large part of its appeal. But it also does well with power. Its three engine choices are all strong and capable, and the standard automatic transmission that they get paired up with helps supply the power.

But which configuration is the best one to get? Which trim level is going to meet your needs the best? Bear in mind that these are some of the most expensive cargo vans out there, so you will need to budget things out as you build your Sprinter.

There are five different trim levels to choose from on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, so we will go level by level as we examine what each one has to offer. In the end of this trim level comparison review, we will let you know which trim level we think will be the most appealing to the average buyer and explain why it is the top pick.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 vs 2500. What is the difference?

Let's start things off with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's base trim, the 1500. The 1500 comes with rear-wheel drive and can be equipped with either of the three available engines. The base engine is a turbo/super-charged 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine that, together with the standard 9-speed automatic transmission, musters up 188 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer diesel, there is a 6-cylinder diesel option as well as the 6-cylinder diesel 4x4 engine.

Other mechanical features that you will find on these vehicles includes a 250-amp alternator, sequential sport shift, and a single stainless steel exhaust tip. Electric power assist speed-sensing rack and pinion steering is standard, and there is an independent front strut suspension with an anti-roll bar that is made to be heavy duty. There are also heavy-duty front shocks and a rigid axle rear leaf suspension with an anti-roll bar. The vehicle rides atop standard 16-inch wheels, and there is a spare tire that comes with the van. If you want, you can opt for a comfort suspension on this cargo van.

The outside of the 1500 looks fairly sophisticated for a cargo van. It comes with manually folding side mirrors, black door handles, a large black grille, a front license plate holder, and three doors (including a sliding right rear passenger door). You can opt for a chic chrome grille with a body-colored surround and power-folding side mirrors if you want them. Gray bumpers come equipped on the front and rear of the vehicle.

On the inside of the 1500, you will find a good amount of creature comforts. Infotainment features include the well-loved MBUX infotainment system, smartphone app integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Mercedes Pro Connect. There are one-touch auto-up/down windows, a full overhead console with a storage area, cup holders for the front seat, a single USB port, 2 12-volt DC power outlets, a locking glove box, manual heat and air conditioning, and bins for both of the front doors. The vehicle also comes with remote keyless entry via the use of a keyfob for all of the doors. You also get illuminated entry upon getting into the van, and there is a footrest for the driver to relax their non-driving foot upon. There is a standard 5-speaker sound system, AM/FM radio with an anti-theft function, an integrated antenna on the roof, and an LCD monitor for the first row.

Options that you can get include three USB ports, cruise control with controls mounted onto the steering wheel, a front under-seat storage tray, power-folding side mirrors, an automatic climate control system, a sunroof, and a built-in navigation system.

The seats inside of the 1500 are both adjustable four different ways and are able to manually recline. They are bucket seats and are done in comfortable cloth upholstery. Each seat has an armrest for additional comfort. There are a few different options here though. You can go for an optional third seat if you need it. You can also get power adjustability for the seats as well as heated seatbacks. You can also get thigh support equipped on the seats. If the cloth upholstery is not your thing, there is Alcantara premium cloth or leatherette. The steering wheel and gear shift kob can also be wrapped in leather if you so choose.

So, what is available on the 2500 that isn't on the 1500? With these vans, it is all about how you configure them. This means that they share most of the same standard features, but they cannot all be configured the same way. While the 1500 is available as a 144-inch wheelbase with a standard or high roof, the 2500 comes as a standard or high roof in either the 144-, 170-, or 170-inch extended wheelbases.

Of course, depending on which engine you have equipped and how the vehicle is styled, your maximum payload capacity changes. On the 4-cylinder, you get a maximum payload capacity of 3,854 pounds. On the 6-cylinder diesel engine, you max out at 4,123 pounds. The 6-cylinder diesel 4x4 maxes out at 3,854 pounds. All have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Also, they have 319 cubic feet of cargo space, meaning that these are some pretty roomy cargo vans.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 vs 3500. What is the difference?

When it comes to the 3500, you can get this vehicle as a 144-inch high-roof model, a 170-inch high roof model, or a 170-inch extended high-roof model. In other words, the standard roof is not available on this version.

You can opt for the 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder diesel, or the 6-cylinder diesel 4x4 engine with the 9-speed automatic transmission. You can also take your pick of available packages to add on to the standard features.

Let us turn our attention to those packages for just a moment since they warrant some discussion. Essentially, you can take your pick of the available packages with any trim level of your choice. But what to pick?

The Driver Convenience Package has the multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, a 12-volt power outlet, power folding mirrors, a hinged lid for a storage compartment, ATTENTION ASSIST, and blind spot assist. Then there is the Premium Package, which gives you the wet wiper system, a rear-view camera, active lane change assist, a 7-inch screen with the MBUX infotainment system, a rain sensor, and active brake assist. If that is not enough to fit your needs, you can up it to the Premium Plus, which includes traffic signal assist, intelligent navigation, a 6-month all-access trial of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with the MBUX infotainment system, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, and a gorgeous leather steering wheel.

If you want to put more exterior lighting features on your van, you can add the Exterior Lighting Package. This will give you high beam assist, LED headlights and taillights, and fog lamps with a cornering function.

There are some options for the cargo area as well. You can get the Cargo Protection Package, which comes with D-rings and cargo straps, plastic floor covering, and waist-level lashing rails. The Cargo Convenience Package adds a 12-volt outlet to the cargo area, LED light stripping, and B-pillar assist handles among other such handy features. There is also an HD Cargo Protection Package available.

The Comfort Package is one that you might want to consider since it equips lumbar support, comfort seats, and armrests on the doors for the front seat passenger and driver. The Backseat Package lets you add twin front passenger seats and a stowable multi-functional box on the two-seater. You can also choose to get the Swivel Seat Package.

Stand-alone options abound as well. For the outside, you can get mounting rails for the roof rack, wheelhouse coverings, and painted metallic bumpers. On the inside, you can go for the leather wheel, fixed sunroof, and an array of comfort features (such as two extra keys, soft close for the doors, and improved acoustic features). Safety features can include a security alarm and back-up alarm, while you can opt for a reinforced front axle on the suspension.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 vs 3500 XD Trims. What is the difference?

When it comes to the 3500 XD, there are just a few differences. This trim level can be purchased as the 144-inch standard or high roof, 170-inch high roof, or the 170-inch extended high roof. Of course, it has a lot of the same standard features as the 3500, but it does get the option of having the 3.0-L V6 diesel engine. There is a neat electric sliding step that you can get for about $1,000 extra. Overall, this trim level is easy to drive thanks to its massive side mirrors. Bluetooth connectivity - which comes standard - will help you keep your hands on the wheel.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 XD vs 4500. What is the difference?

Finally, we have the 4500. This version of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can be equipped with the optional 3.0-L V6 engine, which gets paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is a heavy-duty model like the 3500, so bear in mind that their build materials will be even stronger than what you find on the 1500 and 2500.

Which Trim to Choose?

Overall, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a great choice when it comes to cargo vans, and you can bet that the passenger variants are just as good. What you get really will depend on how you wish to configure your vehicle.

If it is a combination of power and payload capacity you want, go for either the 3500 or 4500 with the 3.0-L V6 diesel engine equipped. This can help you max out your payload the best while pumping a lot of power to all of the wheels. You will also want to think about equipping the Driver Convenience, Premium Plus, Comfort, Cargo Protection, and Cargo Convenience packages in order to really maximize your van's utility and comfort. But, again, you can configure the Sprinter any number of ways depending on what you need this vehicle to do. It is a workhorse - an expensive workhorse, but a highly powerful one with a lot of room to customize.