The Mercedes Sprinter, known for its versatility and robustness, is a popular choice for adventurers and professionals alike. For those venturing beyond paved roads, the 4 Wheel Drive Mercedes Sprinter offers enhanced capability to tackle challenging terrains. This article delves into the experience and performance of these off-road capable vans, comparing older 4WD models with the newer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions to understand their strengths and how they deliver power when the going gets tough.
My initial encounter with the 4 wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter’s capabilities was rather unexpected. Driving my 2021 Winnebago Revel, built on the 2020 Mercedes Sprinter 4WD chassis, down a seemingly manageable forest road in West Virginia, I was headed to a favorite, secluded campsite. However, the melting snow had turned the roadside into a muddy trap. Suddenly, the hefty 9,500lb RV slid off the track, its all-terrain tires sinking into the soft shoulder like an anchor dropped from a boat. It came to an abrupt halt, and honestly, my first thought was resignation – I was going to need a tow.
Determined to avoid calling for help, I decided to attempt a self-recovery. I spent some time gathering fallen branches and stones, jamming them under the buried passenger side tires to create makeshift traction aids. Engaging first gear and low range, I pressed the throttle to the floor, gently working the steering wheel back and forth. The engine revved, but initially, the wheels remained stubbornly still.
This is where the intelligent engineering of the Sprinter VS30 (2019+) 4 wheel drive system became apparent. It doesn’t just indiscriminately apply power; it carefully directs it to the wheels that can find grip. It assesses the situation, ensuring power is used effectively.
Patiently maintaining full throttle, I waited. Slowly, incrementally, the van inched forward, climbing the improvised ramp of branches without excessive wheel spin. It felt like the Sprinter was meticulously searching for purchase. Progress was slow, almost imperceptible, and one might doubt if anything was happening at all. Yet, gradually, the van found sufficient traction and powerfully pulled itself back onto solid ground.
The outcome was a surprise. I had underestimated the system, and this experience forced me to rethink my preconceived notions about what constitutes a truly capable “four-wheel drive” system. While traditional mechanical components are fundamental to delivering power, software and intelligent control systems are now equally crucial in determining how and where that power is distributed.
It felt as though pressing the accelerator was merely a suggestion to the vehicle. The van acknowledged the desire to move forward, and the software took over, deciding the optimal way to achieve it. The challenging aspect for the driver is trusting this process, even when progress seems minimal and the wheels aren’t visibly spinning, to have faith that the system is indeed working. While driver feedback might be different from a traditional 4WD system, the result – being unstuck and avoiding a costly tow – was undeniably impressive.
Fast forward nearly three years, and Mercedes introduced significant changes to the 2023 Sprinter VS30. The robust 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine and selectable four-wheel drive system were replaced with a 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel and a permanent AWD system that delivers torque on demand. Notably, the new model year Sprinter no longer features a “low range” setting. There are no levers or buttons to manually engage four-wheel drive when transitioning from highway to rough terrain. The traction system is constantly active and ready.
The idea of AWD replacing a traditional 4WD system might initially raise concerns among off-road enthusiasts. However, my experiences with these technologically advanced vans have taught me to discard preconceived ideas. The crucial question becomes: does it truly matter whether the badge reads “4×4” or “AWD” if power is effectively delivered to the wheels that have traction?
To answer this, Agile Offroad and I put a 2023 Mercedes Sprinter AWD to the test in a desert environment, pushing its limits and comparing its off-pavement capabilities to older 4WD models.
The chosen obstacle was a short, steep incline riddled with deep ruts and alternating moguls, designed to challenge suspension articulation and, more importantly, traction control. Sprinters, being built as delivery vans, prioritize payload over extreme flexibility, so the test focused primarily on traction management.
Settling into the cockpit of the new AWD van, the first thing I noticed was the remarkably light power steering compared to my 2020 4WD model. The throttle response felt significantly more “peppy,” likely due in part to the test van being an empty cargo model, contrasting with my heavily laden RV conversion. The throttle was noticeably more responsive to input than in the older model.
While the increased responsiveness was welcome, as the previous powertrain could feel somewhat sluggish, it also required a more delicate touch to maintain a smooth crawl over the obstacles. The new van possessed ample torque and tackled the ascent without hesitation, but throttle control was more sensitive than in my 2020 Sprinter. This difference likely boils down to adapting to the new throttle characteristics and developing the muscle memory for finer adjustments.
Reports indicate that the 2023 transmission features a 25% lower first gear ratio compared to the 2019-2022 models. This lower gearing is said to make the first gear crawl ratio comparable to the older 4WD models when operating in low range first gear.
Ascending the hill and navigating the moguls, the driving technique that proved most effective was light, consistent throttle input in first gear, gentle steering wheel adjustments for persuasion, and allowing the van’s intelligent systems to manage the traction.
Comparing the power delivery to my 2020 Sprinter 4WD, the 2023 AWD model felt considerably more generous. The 4WD system seemed to provide only the necessary power to overcome an obstacle, conserving energy and traction. Conversely, the AWD model delivered ample power but would momentarily disengage the AWD system if the computer detected overly aggressive throttle input or prolonged wheel slippage.
This disengagement is indicated by a “4Matic Currently Unavailable” message on the instrument cluster, and the system reactivates after shifting into park for a brief moment. While this “nanny” feature might be initially disconcerting and potentially frustrating, it serves as a clear signal to the driver to moderate their inputs and reassess their approach.
Despite this, the AWD system demonstrated superior traction-finding capability and forward momentum compared to the 4WD system it replaced. The key remained patience and steady throttle application, allowing the traction control system to work its magic and propel the van forward effectively.
The 2023 Sprinter AWD paused momentarily on each mogul, briefly assessing traction before smoothly lurching forward. This process repeated consistently and predictably until the van completed the obstacle course.
While both the 4WD and AWD Sprinters rely heavily on computer-controlled systems for off-road performance, the AWD version feels more responsive and intuitively intelligent. The four-wheel drive Sprinters produced through the 2022 model year, with their selectable low-range, excel at maintaining slow, controlled speeds over technical terrain. However, the newer AWD vans demonstrate superior ability in rapidly finding traction and maintaining forward progress in varied conditions.
In conclusion, don’t let the AWD badge mislead you. Based on our testing and experience, the new 2023 Sprinter AWD is arguably the more off-road capable machine in many scenarios. Whether you own an older 4WD Sprinter or the latest AWD version, the off-road potential of these vans is significantly underestimated and will likely surprise you. So, venture out, reduce your tire pressure appropriately, and begin exploring the backcountry in your 4 wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter.
