If you are a couple nearing retirement age with a taste for minimalism and the finer, simpler things in life, then the Cozy Road 170 was built with you in mind. Probably, the name itself doesn’t scream adventure; it whispers road trip. This vehicle is based on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 chassis with four-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter diesel engine, resulting in a platform combining power, efficiency, and German reliability. Although the exterior silhouette reflects the familiar contours of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Coastline Vans has discreetly integrated various design updates to support off-grid capabilities.
One of the defining characteristics of the Cosy Road 170 is its interior design, which aims to offer a welcoming ambiance for drivers and passengers alike. White cabinetry contrasts with knotty cedar walls and ceilings, creating a bright and natural cabin environment. Is it too bright? Well, that depends on your taste. The interior seating is designed to maximize relaxation, offering zero-gravity lounge seats that reduce pressure points. The layout allows seating and two fold-out tables for four people while providing a sleeping area for only two; the grandkids will have to tent it outside—sleeping arrangements center on a queen-size bed that deploys mechanically.
Those wishing to embark on lengthy trips will appreciate the freshwater system, which includes a standard 40-gallon tank to supply drinking water and a self-priming water pump to facilitate a consistent flow. The van also features an integrated drinking water filtration system, combining carbon and UV treatment to maintain a reliable water source free from unwanted contaminants.
In addition to the generous freshwater capacity, a 30-gallon waste water tank holds graywater and other runoff; both tanks are equipped with heaters and insulation. Coastline Vans has taken steps to further enhance interior comfort with a full sound-deadening and winter insulation package. The van is fitted with a diesel-fueled Truma Combi hydronic heating system for colder environments. This setup delivers on-demand hot water and circulates warm air through three separate outlet vents. The warm air is complemented by a hydronic heated floor, which increases comfort underfoot and helps maintain ambient warmth. In warm weather, travelers can rely on a 12,000 BTU 48-volt rooftop air-conditioning unit designed to operate efficiently without excessive reliance on the diesel engine. Air quality is further addressed through an integrated ceiling exhaust system and dual-blower fresh air modules with adjustable speed controls.
Along with climate control, onboard power management stands as a critical feature of the Cosy Road 170. The van includes an EcoFlow Power Kit LiFePo battery system, which provides 5 kilowatt-hours or the equivalent of approximately 400 amp-hours of energy storage. This system is paired with a 3,600-watt AC power inverter, allowing occupants to run household appliances or power electronics. A 30-amp DC output accommodates various device chargers, while a 500-watt solar array on the roof supplies renewable energy throughout the day. Additionally, the vehicle can draw up to 1,000 watts of charging power from its high-output alternator, offering another source of electricity when the van is in motion. A 30-amp shore power connection ensures the battery can be replenished while parked for campgrounds or other locations with electrical hookups.
Inside the cabin, Coastline Vans has made an effort to merge functionality with aesthetic appeal. A butcher block countertop provides a generous surface for food preparation, and a large stainless steel sink with an extendable faucet facilitates tasks like washing dishes. The galley area is further enhanced by a NovaCool refrigerator with a freezer compartment and a dual burner induction cooktop, capable of running at 1,800 watts, enabling cooking without the need for propane. A pop-up countertop, actuated mechanically, adds extra space for meal preparation whenever needed.
The shower and toilet are housed within a very Nimbl-esque pop-up bathroom unit. The spacious shower area with a marine-grade flush toilet and a removable shower wand ensures occupants can maintain personal hygiene on longer journeys. The only drawback we can see to the vehicle’s design is that there is limited exterior packing space, but then again, this is a new and professionally built Mercedes-Benz van and not an old Land Rover. A basic tool and parts kit should do just fine.
Built in Santa Rosa, Northern California, the Cosy Road 170 retails from $200,000.
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