2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon - Review

The Basics:

Editors at TheCarConnection.com understand what's important to you: information. To bring you this review of the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, experts have combed the Web to find a wide variety of insights on the 2009 Sprinter. This inclusive review lets you head to the dealership with plenty of knowledge.

The Sprinter Wagon is Dodge's full-size passenger van. The 2009 Sprinter Wagon emphasizes passengers and cargo more than the full-sized vans from GM and Ford.

The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon is powered by a 3.0-liter CDI turbodiesel V-6 that makes 154 horsepower, along with a much more impressive 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual-shift mode.

As in other full-size vans, the driver and front passenger sit perched high over the front wheels. Behind the front seats, the Sprinter Wagon is as close to a box as you're likely to find in a vehicle. Properly configured, it can seat up to 12 people, as the three different seating configurations in the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon offer 9-, 10-, and 12-passenger capacities in up to four rows of seating. Drivers can choose to upgrade to a power-sliding door for easier passenger loading.

The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes in two different wheelbases—144 and 170 inches—with the 144-inch (233 inches long) model quite maneuverable in the city. Two different roof heights are offered as well. With the seats removed, the Sprinter's tall roof allows awe-inspiring cargo capacity.

The ride is a bit choppy, but handling is surprisingly nimble for such a tall vehicle. Once you get used to the odd driving position, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter feels quite maneuverable for those accustomed to driving large sport-utility vehicles or other vans.

The options list is vast, including courtesy lamps and overhead consoles, bi-xenon headlamps, sunroofs, heated seats, rain-sensor wipers, and a backup sensor system. The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes with standard keyless entry, automatic climate control, rear ducts, and a 13-speaker sound system; unlike most full-sized vans, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. For commercial needs, there are several different axle ratios and various heavy-duty components available.

Front-seat side airbags and front side curtain airbags—two other features that aren't typically available in this class—are both optional. Electronic stability control, a feature that's not yet offered in all full-size vans, is standard on the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, as are anti-lock brakes. The Sprinter hasn't been subjected to either of the major crash-test series.