Underpowered? 2023 Mercedes Sprinter 2.0L Diesel POV On & Off-Road Review

[@pawo007]

332lb/ft of torque not 232 as stated in the video The v6 om642 can be a little laggy but has plenty of power. I have one in my motorhome and it does fine. Try daily driving a 190d 2.2 non turbo if you want to experience slow. (72hp, 98lb/ft) think 25 seconds to 60 flat out

[@brent7368]

Tons of other channels are adopting the POV setup, and it works. Would love to see more of these POV reviews.

[@eeroala5132]

The real test is on the freeway when you’re driving over the Rocky Mountains on a 7% grade. Once you build that out as an over landing vehicle, which adds weight, I seriously doubt it would be able to keep up with traffic while driving up a hill on the freeway.

[@peat381low8]

I’m not expecting a review upslope anytime. Reviewers don’t the risk or don’t understand the daily aspects of owning a cargo van.

[@toyota420xp]

The older engine was less powerful less respnsive and was made into campers and overlanding vehicles why would this not be able,to wprk

[@1guyin10]

I'll agree with you on the turbo lag of the old engine. It wasn't horrendous, but there was definitely a pause while it gathered steam.

[@tlrolstad]

I moved a two bedroom apartment back from Bozeman to Spokane in a 2024 2.0 HO diesel. Over the divide, lookout, and 4th of July. Plenty of power. Zero issues maintaining speed up the passes. I passed semi’s on all three passes. Twin turbos and 9 speeds get it done. Seat of pants it feels like my 4th Gen 4Runner with the 4.7 liter V8. The torque is about the same.

[@norm4907]

Longevity is what I would be worried about. They push these engines to the limit. There is no replacement for displacement.

[@headinghome1644]

Exactly

[@sprinterboy713]

2.0 liter feels quicker. it revs quicker due to less displacement. 3.0 liter is reliable and is a work horse. the 2 liter feels forced and struggles in high rpm. no replacement for displacement. also the 2.0 dpf set up is much smaller and seems to clog up quicker after extended idle cycles. much more complicated exhaust aftertreatment system as well. its has to egr valves to worry about and two spray nozzles for the def. which means more trips to the dealership .

[@bosse641]

Would rather have a strong and smooth V6.

[@toyota420xp]

Not me

[@ben3989]

I ran a 2.1 sprinter (om651) for about 8 years and I really liked it. Even towed my 4,000 lb boat around just fine.

[@mikelytvynchuk9521]

I just hit 405k miles on mine haha

[@kevinbarry71]

Funny; I don't remember all those complaints about the 3 L before.

[@LX450_Adventure]

As far as I remember, he never mentioned those criticisms in his prior reviews of the Sprinter Van /w 3.0L diesel before. Issues with merging? Seems kind of important...

[@kevinbarry71]

@@LX450_Adventure yes. Reviewers like to pretend they are objective, however if they state negative things like that for a model in production they will find that somehow they're not being invited to those overseas junkets. Nor are they getting access to vehicles to review

[@TFLnow]

I’ve discussed it before I just haven’t done an on-road sprinter review on KZbin before of the old engine. Not hiding anything, I always say it like it is -Tommy

[@jayhiggins5239]

Can you find those old reviews on All TFL?

[@icare7151]

Some of the shortcomings of the older 3.0l diesel and transmission combination were not show stoppers. The Sprinter engineers have been improving the Sprinter diesel engine and transmission over the years. With tighter emissions regulations, better fuel economy and reliability requirements, the trend is ICE motors going from v8 to v6 or I6, v6 to I4 cylinders paired to new 8, 9 or 10 speed transmissions. Being the first year of the Sprinter 4 cylinder diesel, 9 speed transmission and AWD system, suggest one wait a year to get any possible hidden bugs discovered and fixed.

[@cristianm-uv9up]

torque for the 3 liter engine is 325, not 225.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Great all the way around Tommy. More POV. Cool van set up. Switzerland trail was a good test road.

[@davidhendrie6935]

As I've said in my last comment (Stubby tailgate mpg test), I drive a 2011 Isuzu Rodeo Dmax. This came with a 2.5L turbo diesel with 136bhp. In 2012, the all new Dmax came with a twin turbo 2.5 and 163bhp. For 2021, it's dropped to a 1.9L twin turbo, but with 164bhp (110kW) and 258lbFt (350nm) torque. Even with the higher power and torque than the 2.5, it still feels teeny weeny!

[@headinghome1644]

Get a pedal box and a RennTech tune, big difference. No lag and power all the way thru the curve.

[@giolats8179]

Liked the POV, I expected a bit more off-road (eg a cross-axle uphill situation)

[@MJ-km3qz]

Please do a shootout between ProMaster, Sprinter & Transit. Nobody else has done it. Thank you

[@kornaros96]

It's been done probably. With the Ducato as the promaster

[@PMcGuffin]

Can you do an off road comparison between this and a transit trail on a slightly more rugged trail when both are available?

[@angelgjr1999]

I’d take the transit, the 10 speed with the ecoboost is faster.

[@JoseGomez-vr6lh]

The transit destroys the sprinter now that the sprinter doesn't have four wheel drive.

[@911sc1981]

Glad to hear that the new power train is up to moving the sprinter effectively! I’ve had the V6 diesel sprinter and Tommy is right it is sluggish off the line. I ended up getting a pedal commander to address that issue. I also had the 2.0 diesel in my Mercedes E250, and it was a fantastic engine.

[@svolk2921]

Not sluggish with 7sp transmission

[@zsoltlengyel2720]

I've got a 19 sprinter v6 diesel 7g+ transmission deleted tunned lot less delay now as is tunned and I love it towing my 8000 rv trailer on flat road easily at 2300 rpm 110 kms/hr at 8%uphill it runs at 3200 rpm and holds 95km per hr can't see that with the 4 cylinder tho I am sure is strong and good but towing heavy and loaded heavy all the time hmm will see in the future

[@tsangsir8827]

MB is trying really hard to tell people their 4 cylinders is just as good as the 6. But tell me why the 4 cylinders 4Runner failed and 6 cylinder is standard?

[@ben3989]

Because america. I think in-line engines are always better if they can deliver the power requirements.

[@asong26]

Tommy, great review. But this doesn’t prove anything as you are driving an empty van. Would you please put some ‘real’ load on it and re-test?

[@RB55able]

Thanks for the review. Is the color Blue Grey ?

[@Thehigher13]

Acceleration was a major issue, especially when getting into the flow of traffic on a busy road.

[@1guyin10]

Was just at the Sprinter plant a couple of days ago. I saw several I would for sure take home.

[@chrisp9859]

A few years back I drove full length long wheel base sprinter with the 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder engine for my job as a delivery person. Who in their right mind thought that putting a high stress small engine from a compact sedan into a moving apartment on wheels was a good idea. I mean seriously. It had nine gears and would shift through four of them within 20 miles an hour. That makes sense for a truck but not really for a light band. You had a hard time maintaining freeway speed on highest gear, and climbing hills sucked. it felt like the engine was on full blast all the time. Like it wasn't making power. It was squeezing the living heck out of itself. Gas mileage also sucked. Couldn't pass anyone, couldn't merge without me freaking out. Literally no one wins here. Meanwhile the Ford and Dodge vans with minivan engines scooted along just fine. EDIT: forgot to mention it was the gas engine. not much torque.

[@agustincid4866]

My new recently acquired 170 extended RWD broke down in Flagstaff, AZ. The van has 9K miles and has been at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Flagstaff for about a month now. The dealer has not communicated what the problem is or when it will be fixed. I’m disappointed with the process Mercedes has in place for handling these types of mechanical failures. Has anyone else experienced issues with the driveshaft, and how long do dealerships typically take to make repairs? This is my first-and probably last-Mercedes. I plan to file a formal complaint with Winnebago and the RV dealership I got the RV from (Mcclain's RV). As owner of one of these new vehicles I cannot provide positive feedback, my experience dealing with mechanical issues and Mercedes Benz has been horrible.

[@Oaky]

Not my normal POV videos, but thanks!

[@MikeCris]

Tommy, you're reviews are the best.

[@Byepolar619]

While I know these are NOT rockcrawlers or meant to concur the rubicon trail but I’d really like to see a vid on their off road capabilities more so than you did here

[@anthonymrskipt9252]

They did one years ago with a Storyteller, I believe. Probably searchable. Worth watching.

[@mitchellcamps7595]

Take a look at Living The Van Life, he has pushed the Sprinter farther than anyone else on KZbin. Pretty awesome videos and showcase how capable a Sprinter can be.

[@fredzuccarelli]

Awesome POV Tommy!!!! My concern is trying to decide on my 2024 winnebago ekko....is the 2.0 twin turbo diesel AWD enough? Or safer to go with the Ford version with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas? The vehicle is 11k pounds before me and the dog! LOL. Appreciate your/anybody's thoughts!!!! Cheers!!!

[@pelerojo4256]

Did he say you would need to put the V6 sprinter in 4L to get up Sugarloaf? I literally dive my V6 sprinter up that hill in 2WD!

[@curtisshepherd2990]

How is the power compared to the transit eco boost?

[@someguy8498]

I would like TFL to load the new sprinter with 75-80% of the cargo capacity, then go for a long highway drive. (w/ mountain pass) Think about the Expedite Cargo Van industry. Let’s get an accurate review of the three cargo vans in the industry. (Sprinter,Transit,Promaster)

[@jadesluv]

Good video ACCEPT you skimmed the engine compartment, like 2 seconds worth, AND the camera wasn’t high enough to show anything properly!

[@greggb681]

Why only 230 lb-ft? I thought a 4 cyl diesel would be around the 380 lb-ft area 🤔

[@svolk2921]

He was wrong

[@michaelhenry-hurst2787]

we have the 2020 2.1L small twin turbo 314 CDi model (spec out for my wife in her wheelchair) ists not to bad, does lack some oommpphh only a 6 speed so can get quite loud at speed only rwd. its not a bad van overall but we are hugely considering a ECU tune to make 190hp vs the current 143hp

[@Padge993NZ]

Were do you get a ECU tune from I have a 2924 MB 2l turbo I'm a wheelchair passenger also

[@michaelhenry-hurst2787]

@@Padge993NZ Our 2020 2.1L small twin turbo 314 CDi model was modded by Tune Technic in Auckland. i shopped around and they were the best top end performance upgraded by modding the ECU. WEll worth it especially if you travel a lot and or steep hills become nothing

[@Padge993NZ]

@@michaelhenry-hurst2787 thanks for that information mate and they are in NZ also 👌

[@kamikazekunze]

Throw the ARB locker in it and enjoy the ride. 😊

[@rd1860]

Does anyone know if these new engines are B20-fuel compliant? The past V6 Sprinter was limited to a maximum B5 diesel fuel. Seems everyone is moving to the B20, so readily finding B5 in the future is going to be a problem. Would hate to spend that kind of money only to be limited by current and future enviro-regs. Any help with this info would be greatly appreciated.

[@517sf6]

The new 2.0s are B20 compliant finally. It’s stated in the owners manual, u can probably find a copy of one as a pdf online if you’d like to check for yourself

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

All I see are future limp modes. Ford Transit FTW!

[@markkiyabu2462]

I Hope tfl can test More vans and do a Long term testing? Thank you

[@sauerOFkraut]

I think the ford van makes more sense. it's cheaper and easier to get parts for

[@Jv19979]

And has a ton more power

[@sauerOFkraut]

@S Volk ford dealership is 10mins away. MB dealership is 3.5 hrs away.

[@sauerOFkraut]

@S Volk I do my own oil changes too. yet warranty work is easier to get done 10 minutes away then 3.5 hours away. lots easier to find a ford dealer then a mb dealer if something goes bad on a trip

[@garden0fstone736]

@@sauerOFkrautwell yeah ford will be at the shop pretty often so I don’t blame ya for needing one close by

[@sauerOFkraut]

@garden0fstone736 always good to have an idea on logistics to get things repaired

[@BlueAlgon]

Looks good. It would be interesting to know what fuel consumption it was showing during your test ride. BTW, man, how can you talk so fast and continuously for so long, just barely taking a breath?

[@chompnormski]

What’s with the rattles?

[@rik999]

Love the POV, although you have to carefully control your head movements so that you don't make an amateur looking jerky, shaky video. Topher really has the art down on his channel.

[@gwaddles]

I saw one of these in Ann Arbor yesterday - definitely going slow

[@SunnynPhilly]

Seems like a step backwards. The 6 cylinder diesel is very smooth and has plenty of power. Probably way more reliable then the twin turbo 4. *where I live is about 400’ above sea level though so I wasn’t spending time diving the 3L 6 at elevation climbing up mountains 🏔️ ✌️

[@petelattimer6808]

twin turbo 4 cylinder has been around in various Mercedes vehicles for about a decade in Europe now. more than adequate for well designed roads.

[@rightright6582]

mpg? is it available on gas or hybrid in Europe or the us?

[@GuyCruls]

It'd be great to see this taken to the next level of off-road driving...

[@sprinterboy713]

THAT IS THE NEXT LEVEL. ITS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE CARGO VAN NOT A ROCK CRAWLER.

[@marcoadamberger4456]

Meanwhile in europe the biggest engine you can get is a 190hp engine it doenst feel slow for a van

[@mbaktari8194]

I wish MB USA bring in 6X6 Sprinter.

[@summertop511]

My 16 2.1 has same horrible delay in throttle. Then a rush of power.

[@davekent20]

I feel people are going to say it's better because this is all they sell not the 4x4 anymore

[@nandanugent]

Great fuel economy and reliability.

[@stevecrossland3681]

Interesting vehicle. Do you have any fuel economy numbers?

[@Jodapit]

this is wat i want to know also?!! but no answer

[@gamerscouncil2262]

I own the 2023 sprinter AWD HOD. It trashes the old V6 in every way.

[@svolk2921]

Not in every way

[@svolk2921]

Research rockers design. Failure

[@MikeWrenches]

"Lots of locals live up here" well yes of course, locals always live locally.

[@ellerybice3787]

I think he is under the impression that his audience is ignorant. After all he is an authority. 🐒💩

[@j.sch.3535]

Rear locker is missing that's to bad

[@cameronbreckenridge9789]

Wow those horsepower and torque numbers seem anemic

[@rudolphna54]

It's a diesel, low HP numbers are normal. The torque number is indeed a bit low however

[@autobootpiloot]

I guess you have never been on the German autobahn or in the European mountains. Vans like this make Porsches look slow. Even with less hp, because most don’t have this top or the line engine. Nothing is faster than a constructionworker on the way home. Maximum allowed weight is 3500kg so they have enough tools on board to weigh at least 4000kg when they sit on your rear bumper flashing the lights wanting to pass.

[@bertwilson4311]

Partially because he is incorrectly stating torque on both the new and old Sprinters by 100 lb-ft.

[@angelgjr1999]

They are, I remember having the rev tf out of the little engine to go uphill driveways.

[@carholic-sz3qv]

No it's more than adequate! You don't need 500hp for that wtf!!!! In Europe it's 120-190hp big vans

[@digitaljustin92]

10,000lbs when loaded being lugged around by a 2.0L motor. An adventure van is not an econo box hyper-miling or a city dwelling delivery van. For the $70k+ HO base price where's the 3.0L bi-turbo gas engine, 4WD with a low range transfer case, a rear e-locker and decent suspension Mercedes?

[@DamnManSam]

While people don’t buy these vans for “luxury”. For the price point, the van looks like a Econo box, interior wise. Makes little sense to pick this over a transit.

[@ronethridge9875]

great-demo/take care/thanks much

[@matt.docondor6099]

I downpoint compare to the 3 Liter V6 is the very poor engine brake, downhill support with the new 1950 ccm Fourbanger engine. Be carefull on steep and long downhill sections 🙄

[@ben3989]

Diesels in general have poor engine braking due to no air throttle.

[@etmccaus]

Really sad to hear they not only ditched the 3.0, but ditched the 4x4 setup for AWD.

[@hellobenny]

4cyl awd seems to be better, look at all the reviews. the only ppl praising the 4x4 3.0 are current owners who are rationalizing their purchase.

[@garden0fstone736]

I mean it is better all the way around. No matter how you look at it.

[@karloskelly]

the ludicrous goofy system Mercedes foisted on the US market from 2015-2022 is a laugh. No lockers, stop to shift, noisy, max 35% torque to the front. It won't be missed.

[@alliedfroth]

Did you say $35k for that modular setup??

[@WheresHerb]

Yet to see one over 3-4 years old not rusted out.

[@gapcityracing6086]

I’ve seen plenty not rusted the rusted ones are 15years old or in salty

[@WheresHerb]

@@gapcityracing6086 well I do live in Central NY.

[@svolk2921]

@@WheresHerb new sprinter is finally galvanized

[@keitha.9788]

2.0 L engine seem rather small for a large/heavy vehicle. Bet the engine won't last as long as the 3.0 L V6.

[@kornaros96]

It's a turbodiesel. You will have to really load it down in order to feel weak.

[@headinghome1644]

True. To put one of these in a MB Sanctuary Class B van from Thor that weighs 8k lbs is dumb. 6cyl was reliable. 2.0, who knows?

[@WillPittenger]

Lot's of room in that engine bay. Looks like a straight 6 will fit. Do they sell the AWD version with the gas engine?

[@svolk2921]

Gas engine is discontinued

[@mini2nut67]

@@svolk2921 You can get the gas version on the RWD trim.

[@svolk2921]

@@mini2nut67 not anymore, starting 2023 only 1950cc om654 diesel

[@mini2nut67]

@@svolk2921 I just built a 2WD gas Sprinter on the 2023 Sprinter configurator.

[@svolk2921]

@@mini2nut67 Google it

[@paulwilliams2024]

This is so slow 208 hp 330 ft lb of torque . The transit has 315 hp and 400 torque . No wonder sprinter have trouble going up hills . What the point of all that payload if you’re bogged down by the lack of power !

[@larshamilton40]

saw the word 'underpowered'.. thought it was a new Gladiator review 😂 .. sweet van tho

[@finnianfitzsimons623]

Loved the pov style

[@kiakad7603]

Please correct your specs outputs of the Engines

[@the_jarmel]

👏👏👏... Good job Tommy ...

[@theylied1776]

I mean, if I can't get them to build me an alien /zombie laboratory on that sprinter, then there's really no point.

[@ubermenschen3636]

The 2.0 L diesel has to rev higher to reach the same torque as the 3.0 Liter. Mpg is not improved.

[@PlayWaves1]

It's more for emissions than mpg. It doesn't necessarily have to rev higher because it's twin turbo vs the single turbo of the 3.0L.

[@JogBird]

are those tracks strong enough to hold the seats???

[@devengudinas1649]

O yea. They can hold down dirt bikes. So a little person is no problem.

[@devengudinas1649]

O yea. They can hold down dirt bikes. So a little person is no problem.

[@devengudinas1649]

O yea. They can hold down dirt bikes. So a little person is no problem.

[@Wtfisthisohyeah]

they are used on airplanes, so yes.

[@larryhawes8295]

Price?

[@garden0fstone736]

Did they change the EGR lol

[@craigmccall7450]

Ha, ha! My Ford Transit Ecoboost kickin' all that German ass, all the time.

[@svolk2921]

Like 13 mpg vs 25mpg ? And like engine longevity 200k vs 600k?

[@craigmccall7450]

@@svolk2921 Whoa! You're funny. If power is meaningless, then enjoy the crawl and your maintenance, son. 🥩💪

[@svolk2921]

@@craigmccall7450 lol , comparing junk car, with laughable mpg , where everything is falling apart and has horrible engineering to the real piece of ART is funny . My V6 with 7 sp is not crawl ! And there’s no cheaper maintenance than my Sprinter! My last 2014 Sprinter has almost 800k and I never went to dealer for their‘maintenance’ - there’s nothing to maintain in that diesel, everything is still original, even turbo.

[@christophggcyrus6861]

For sure ….. as long as it keeps you happy …… (hint: won‘t last that long) 😅

[@SSVHD]

Emissions systems for the US are problematic, no matter which Sprinter engine. California and Oregon are phasing out petroleum based diesel in favor of biomass blends which are not advised for Sprinters, just like B20 is problematic.

[@headinghome1644]

True. Very true.

[@bradh7472]

These Sprintervans are very capable off road and rock crawling if setup right. Put a lift and locker, they are unstoppable!

[@jmansens9309]

Yes to the POV!

[@Johnyshmit]

You can tell that it's wrong when people have to invent new terms, like a power delivery. It's like 0-60 is overnight by Amazon and two days by the USPS. 2.1 feels like a train with a lawn mower engine. My 3.0 with a SUV tune drives almost the same as my 6.4 Jeep SRT, I can do a burnout in it. Will drive it until my wheels fell off, will never by a Mercedes lawn mower

[@bonoman68]

Lol, completely wrong numbers google HO awd sprinter output misleading as most of the content on this channel 😂

[@micku9954]

Come on still no electric parking brake to save spare

[@toyota420xp]

What milk comes in a bottle

[@karloskelly]

9000 lbs? Check your glasses. 6000 empty!

[@musarra195]

Cars getting soft just so they can meet their mpg requirements

[@gondwanatravels8834]

Can’t beat cubic inches old son😂

[@paul1der]

my 3 liter with clap this thing

[@Mr-pn2eh]

Meep

[@markbaker53]

I’ll Yeah )😊

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Made for going slow.

[@farhancsgo_25]

WTH? BIGGY VAN BUT SHE HAVE TINY ENGINE 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@petelattimer6808]

the norm in Europe and more than adequate in the real world, with well designed road systems.

[@ellerybice3787]

Your body looks to be cramped in the drivers seat.

[@jakbkta]

2.0 l Gas is awesome engine, I’ll never get a Diesel engine again

[@gapcityracing6086]

Diesels are the most reliable engines

[@JogBird]

if you want certain configs, you need to go deisel

[@tztz1949]

2.0 is a joke for towing, hauling or mountain driving. Sorry but your demoing an empty van. Put 5000 lbs in or behind it and you will burn up the 2.0 quicker than you can pop more Adderall to dream for more power.

[@Jv19979]

Yeah going to be funny when people don't buy these

[@ben3989]

I owned a 2wd sprinter for about 8 years that had the 2.1 twin turbo 4 cylinder (om651) and it was great. Excellent mpg’s, towed my 4,000 lb boat with ease and occasionally pulled big dump trailers. I really liked it.

[@garden0fstone736]

Wait what? How can I pop adderall with a shortage?

[@kornaros96]

​​​@@garden0fstone736 count the sheeps

[@garyrichards9539]

Still turdmasters. 🔴🔵🔴

[@CantPickTheNameIwant]

What a silly sh!t is he talking about?

[@HamzaKhan-wp8vh]

First

[@mini2nut67]

Sprinters are great vans. MB really stepped up their game on the 2023 version. The only negative is the pricey maintenance schedule. It’s still a Mercedes and you will be reminded at every service visit.

[@svolk2921]

Cheapest car to maintain, just don’t go to stealer

[@svolk2921]

Oh and 2023 is a step down, their engine is not 700-800k anymore, it’s barely 100k miles

[@mini2nut67]

@@svolk2921 Reading a lot different opinions on the new 2.0L engine. Some say 300-400k lifespan while others predict issues around 100k. I would need to find some facts vs opinions.

[@svolk2921]

@@mini2nut67 valve rockers are not even 100k miles , that’s a fact not opinions. Then tandem oil and vacuum pump is another failure. In order to replace it - half engine has to be apart and engine has to be out . Timing chain isn’t surviving long on new thing oil . Good bye longevity… But many people don’t need more than 100k miles, so why bother with 700k miles engine, right?

[@mini2nut67]

@@svolk2921 I decided over the weekend to continue waiting patiently for my 2nd day Tesla Cybertruck reservation.