2008 Dodge Sprinter Safety Review
Not Yet Ranked
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Sprinter has not been crash tested, but provides ample safety features to avoid accidents and protect occupants in the event of one.
Accident Avoidance
The Sprinter has anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution, and an adaptive Electronic Stability Program, "a first in the full-size van segment," Newsday says. This system helps prevent skidding, and the driver maintain control of the vehicle is a skid occurs. Dodge's traction control system, called Acceleration Slip Regulation, changes the amount of power delivered to the wheels when starting or accelerating in slippery conditions. The Sprinter also has Load-Adaptive Control, which helps the large vehicle calculate mass and center of gravity to improve braking response. An optional Electronic Roll Mitigation system improves the van's cornering capability by reducing engine torque and providing additional brake pressure to the necessary wheels.
Kelley Blue Book says the van's "tall windshield and long door glass provide the driver excellent visibility," and Newsday adds that "visibility is exceptional." Even still, the Sprinter's optional windshield heating and rain sensor helps keep visibility clear in inclement weather. Dodge also provides a rear parking assist system that uses sound waves to detect possible obstacles when the car is in reverse.
Crash Protection
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter has two standard front air bags. Supplemental side curtain and torso air bags are optional. If the Sprinter's air bags do deploy in an accident, the van front windows automatically open to help ventilate the cabin.