AWD vs. 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter Van! | Which would you pick?

After hundreds of hours behind the wheel of both 4x4 and now AWD sprinter vans... I decided to give my input on this hot topic!
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[@carvesnow]

The old 4x4 chassis is in reality a primitive AWD system that is manual but with a mediocre 1.42:1(variable torque split) transfer case low range. The torque split maximum is almost 33%. So, no, not even close to a four wheel drive system. Its basis is derived from the prior generation E Series Mercedes-Benz sedan. The new AWD Sprinter while not a 4x4 system, continues on with a variable split transfercase. Here the torque split is up to 50% max in conjunction with an new larger front axel assembly. The new transmission is a 9 speed with a very low first few gears. First gear ratio approaches the previous transfercase and first gear combination. The new drive train is superior on and off road. The new V4 diesel engine with compound turbo is low speed tractable and very responsive. Is also a nice improvement at high altitude. A much better experience this time around.

[@borandell9915]

Well, I just purchased the 2022 MB Sprinter 4x4. I thought hard about the AWD. But in the end, I wanted the 4x4. I'll give up the fuel economy to get that low end 4x4. I'm old school. And nostalgic. 2022 was the last year of the 6 cylinder 4x4 on the Sprinter, for now.

[@trentdavey779]

Love your no BS, informative videos. Most of what I’ve heard so far is AWD will be fine for most folks using a van on highway, forest roads, etc. If you start pushing it more it sounds like a locker is required but then it will be very capable. I still prefer the larger engine with low range. Add a locker to that and it will take you where you probably shouldn’t go 😂

[@bjbhehir]

Down in Mammoth this winter I passed a few 4x4 Sprinters stuck and abandoned in a snow storm in my AWD 2020 Transit.

[@scottallen6058]

I’m so glad I watched this. I was looking at 4x4s No longer.

[@sethchampi1017]

We just don’t know if the new 2.0 AWD will be reliable. We know that MB is asking a lot of a very small engine. It seems to be a compliance motor squeezed to the limit. Maybe it will be incredibly reliable; but I felt more comfortable buying my new 2022 4x4 and not questioning myself later.

[@BenH80]

Great vid! Looking to buy a 2025 AWD. Thank you for the insights! Helpful. Glad I found your channel!

[@markroper9269]

Good information!! I have had 4WD most of my life until my last vehicle, 2018 Expedition Max. I love the AWD, but there was a huge increase in HP with the last vehicle. Good luck, stay safe!!

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Thanks for that review. I've been wondering about the awd version, this answered a lot of those questions. 👍

[@VanDoghies]

As a 2023 Mode LT Owner with AWD on the Ford Transit chassis, we can validate the amazing power in that form factor as well. I have been pretty sketched out with a few off-road wash outs in dispersed camping BLM areas and thankfully the AWD has kicked in (pretty quickly) and got us back to solid ground. Max tracks are ready but not used (yet) :). Super interested in anyone who has tossed a winch on a Transit chassis (both front and back). Anyone?

[@kodiaksride]

Great review comparing the 4x4 vs AWD. We have a 2021 170 4x4 v6. Have you tried Dyno Mode while off-roading? I drove the AWD while having work done at Van Works. The electronic steering was definitely a nice upgrade. Definitely noticed the improved acceleration with the 4 cylinder. I wanted the 4LO for off roading and I wasn't keen on pulling 8600 lbs with a twin turbo 4 cylinder. There is also a huge difference in the fuel economy of your previous van with the 5 speed transmission and the 7-speed transmission in the 19-22 model year. I've averaged 17-19+ on the highway. The big upgrade is the 47g fuel tank. Our range is 800-900 miles when keeping the speed below 72mph with favorable weather conditions.

[@marioteki4435]

Hi! I haven’t driven the 4WD version but I had to make the decision between both because last week I got my storyteller and both version where available. I bought the v6 4x4 after consulting with an expert (my friend not the dealer) and we checked the torque curves of both engines. V6 is more progressive and the 4cil runs at higher rpm always so it runs with more stress therefore it is more likely to break and the V6 will hold its resale value better. Not to mention 4x4 is probably better off road than 4WD. But 4WD will kick in immediately all wheels in a slippery situation in highway which is safer than 4x4 system.

[@kodiaksride]

Good decision with the v6.

[@tyeetamer]

4WD is the same thing as 4x4 . . .

[@theronboling]

Thanks for putting this out. You answered a bunch of questions I had about the Storyteller.

[@SPQR-Z]

Great comparison review. Have had our 23 AWD 14 months and love it. We think it’s better the the previous 7-spd 3.0l turbo diesel. Much more felt power and very little turbo lag. Not mentioned but the new 9-speed transmission absolutely makes this drivetrain. Deep snow where we live and no issues that our Sprinter’s AWD couldn’t handle. AWD is probably better system for most drivers vs 4WD

[@TalonSei]

These vans are GREAT in the snow with fresh tires. I was in the blizzard conditions in Tahoe last winter after I picked up the van and it was unstoppable 👌🏼

[@0622michaelhorne]

Great first review of the AWD system. I'll subscribe, and keep watching for updates!

[@dirkrohloff6785]

Good info. We just picked our AWD Beast. With the new steering it drives like a AWD Audi we used to have. I don't have any comparative experience to comment on. We did come from a Winnebago Boldt BL 4x4.. Looking forward to more of your reviews!

[@gamerscouncil2262]

I was one of the first to take delivery of the AWD HO diesel 2500. This van is legit off-road. I have taken this thing through the national forests in FL through WILD terrain including very soft, deep sand. not many of these were offered to the consumer market. If you find one of these Available, get it. You will not be disappointed.

[@TelExpressBuySell]

Thanks for the comment. My big question was how it performs in soft deep sand because that is how I intend to use the AWD

[@yyjexplorers]

First Great Video! Is it just me, i feel like many channel are really pushing this 4cyl all wheel dive version over the older V6 4WD like it's a good thing. In wat world do people choose a 4cyl over a V6 and a all wheel drive system over a 4WD with low range???

[@rstott88]

The transmission is updated too on the AWD, so that the gearing in first is lower. There are many reasons the AWD is appealing, including improved steering, better mileage, better throttle response, higher power, and not having to stop and shift into 4x4

[@peterbkrogh]

Well @yyjexplorers, here's the world they live in: The 4-banger makes more HP, more torque, weighs less, and gets demonstrably better mileage. "Low range" only means that you have a transfer case that does nothing other than lower the final drive ratio of your lowest gears. When the new drivetrain has a 9-speed transmission vs. the old 7, and the lowest gear is nearly the same as lowest gear in the 4x4, who cares as long as you can lock the gear in??? That said, you can assume that the OM654's turbo (singular [it's a twin-scroll]) is pushing a *lot* more boost than the one in the OM642. I'd guess 15 lbs minimum. That's where all the magic comes from, but it also means that the aftermarket is not going to find a lot more power in the platform like they did in the 42'. As for the previous generation's "4x4", Talon got it right that it wasn't "real" 4x4. No lockers, no fore/aft distribution other than 33/67. The AWD tech is the same that's been used in the C and E class for years, and you'll find it modulating up to 90% to either axle in milliseconds as needed. It doesn't "kick in." It's always measuring and always on. Compared to the junior varsity 4x4 from before, it's superior in every way. But if the # of cylinders and the '4x4' badge on the side is what's important to you... you do you.

[@toddallen443]

Talon Storyteller are lucky to have someone with your real live experience to give a honest opinion and comparison.

[@granthoward3296]

I was curious if the AWD was always enabled. Glad I found out!

[@spec24]

All wheel drive is, by definition, always engaged.

[@PezRacer]

Great review, and I’m sure the new 9 speed transmission is helping a lot with what you’re feeling!

[@craftedbyalvint]

I wonder how this compares to my smaller awd astro van with the automatic rear locker

[@TheGunCollective]

Thanks for the breakdown on all of this. That electric steering looks super nice.

[@jimbopeebles8210]

The agile guys recently put out a video that does a pretty good job illustrating the issues of both platforms. Their overall synopsis aligns with yours (mostly positive) but they were able to show the strength of the AWD platform with lockers and how it performs better than 4X4 in certain conditions (loss of traction to both front tires) and worse without diff lockers. Ever since MB announced the change the internet has been decrying AWD but I think there are definite positives to be had, hopefully some manufacturers like STO who already see the value of building off-road capable rigs will look into locker options, that would be pretty sick.

[@PanzerGunsAmmo]

These guys pretty much said the all wheel drive is inferior off road unless you the get a diff lock.

[@spec24]

@@PanzerGunsAmmo that's what he said

[@GriffinConway]

Great video Talon! New storyteller is looking great!

[@TalonSei]

Thanks brotha!

[@eddierodz]

Great breakdown and video man! AWD all the way!

[@MatthiasNyberg]

I have found a 1st generation Sprinter (2003 box van) with a 4x4 badge on it. It also has buttons for rear diff lock and center diff lock. How is this possible? Accoring to all info I can find, this was not available for the 1st generation Sprinter. Not in the U.S., and not here in Europe.

[@ccartee1]

Thanks Talon. Appreciate your experience and insight. Makes me feel good that this newbie made the right choice.

[@TalonSei]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dustytrailhead4633]

I have a Transit campervan AWD Ecoboost on 32ish inch KO2s. It’s powerful. It’ll pass everything but a gas station: 12.5 mpg. Even factoring in higher diesel prices, 16.5 mpg looks pretty good to me

[@curtisshepherd2990]

But if your ford breaks down there are garages everywhere to fix it. My fear of mercedes if it breaks down somewhere in Mexico is it going to get fixed right away??

[@JAYC.]

The wrap you did looks sick but it’s a good balance not overkill!

[@TalonSei]

Thank you! 👊🏻

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

If you think that's badass in the snow, get you a lifted Chevy Astro all-wheel drive or a lifted Chevy Express all-wheel drive with the G80 locker and you'll forget all about a sprinter

[@glennloadsman5990]

Thanks for the review, I've seen the AWD have 2 wheels, 1 front and 1 back spinning in the air attempting to climb a hill, and going nowhere. I've driven both the 2022 V6 & AWD and couldn't tell the difference re steering, both felt like driving a car...amazing!!......felt the torque of the V6 7 speed was superior to the AWD 9 speed. V6 proven over 600 miles without a problem, interesting to see how the AWD runs with significant mileage on the clock........

[@javierdeleon7597]

Love that van. I want to buy one just like that one. What's the average price for one of them?

[@happiknife7716]

Awesome info, Awesome drone shots and great content as always dude ✌️

[@RossenBial]

Thanks for the video! As a Cali resident I see the price per g. Diesel B20 being below the cheapest 87 gasoline. One of the closest gas-stations(Chevron) to home. I've read a piece of the MB manual where it says that use of B20 is 'restricted' on the V6 engine. Where new owners of the I4 twin turbo engine state on the Sprinter community weblog that B20 diesel is perfectly fine to use along with petroleum diesel. Can you comment on this topic please?!

[@Jeditilt]

Awesome info. Thanks!

[@lawrencefranck9417]

In slippery washes will wear the awd quickly. Know your intended use.

[@SuperJungeJunge]

do you have an estimate on its current curb weight? My 2020 2wd is just south of 7000lbs and with a medium effort of being efficient I regularly see 21-22mpg.

[@tclay2663]

Thanks for the review! I’ve been following your travels with the SAT Van which inspired me to build a 4x4 144 MB Crew Van. It’s been a blast! Did you sell your SAT Van? Sorry if you mentioned this and I missed it. Best to you

[@jong4678]

Is this really a new chassis versus a new drivetrain/engine? 2019-present is VS30 or 3rd generation.

[@MrBrenden830]

Time will tell . The AWD has no low range which is mentioned if you need to go backwards the 4x4 has low in reverse which the AWD doesn't also as said the AWD has a 50/50 split and the 4x4 doesn't but again it has low range and can deliver much more pulling power with it 33% up front that the Awd can with its 50% and to add if the 4x4 front get stuck you can turn it off and send all the power to the rear in low range which the AWD cant. It seems that there a lot of Vid's coming out show the Awd is better than the 4x4 but the ones I have seen they get stuck without a locker in the rear where the 4x4 just drive though. The low range and in the 416 having lower diff ratios make a huge difference and yes the new 419 with it new motor has more power but off road it has nothing to do with just power most of it is gearing which the Awd 2023 sprinter just doesn't have. But another great Vid.

[@ScrewFlanders]

The difference in low range between the 4x4 and AWD is small (24:1 vs 22:1), partly because the AWD has a 9-speed transmission. Also, the 4x4 isn't really "4x4," since all three differentials are open. With the 4x4, when just one wheel starts spinning, unless that wheel gets braked you're not going to move. At least the central differential on the AWD is limited-slip, so it will take spinning a wheel on _both_ axels to stop forward progress. All this said, if you're planning to climb off-road with a Sprinter - AWD or 4x4 - you really should be concentrating on installing a locking rear differential. That will make a much bigger difference than anything else.

[@jrl022]

The turbo lag in our V6 was such a shock the first time we went to Denver. A few high traffic intersections were sketchily navigated before I learned to get on the accelerator pedal much much earlier. Weirdest thing is how, at least in ours, it’s not always consistent as to when it decides to go full struggle bus mode at elevation. Sometimes it’s “fine” (slowish but fine) and sometimes you gotta give it a 3-6 week notice.

[@TalonSei]

3-6 week notice 🤣🤣 I know the struggle. A tune and pedal commander might help ya out a little bit

[@abin_chi]

Great explanation 👌. Please could you post some videos of what the vehicle is capable of.

[@TalonSei]

There are plenty on the storyteller playlist on my channel now

[@deborah4579]

Good video. I’m curious btw the LT and the MB Classic awd’s which has the greater clearance ground?

[@TalonSei]

MB awd by a ton. The awd is even taller stock than the 4x4

[@nikuraba29]

What did you do with your Revel?

[@EVERYDAYPANDA]

Thanks for this. Are you considering going with a rear dif locker?

[@TalonSei]

Haven’t decided yet. Once I get onto some more challenging terrain then I will decide if it’s something I need or not.

[@sunj8286]

Can you do that? A locker on awd system?

[@PakmanR3]

Nice review brotha, thanks 👍 do you feel like the van lacks power at all going over large rocks or inclines?

[@TalonSei]

Not yet, I’d say the awd still feels better in the power department.

[@GrahamHolmes]

Great review. Thanks

[@noelleon770]

If I remember you mentioned in your old episodes that your revel gas mileage was 17-18. How come this one is much better?

[@TalonSei]

You must be thinking of someone else… This was the last update I gave on mpg with my van - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3ilnGmnrLB0ldE Either way, when the awd is lifted with bigger tires the numbers will be off.

[@noelleon770]

I was referring to this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYK5gIiQaphogKs You mentioned it was 16.5 on average, not 17-18, my bad.

[@gen2-x364]

Add a rear locker and it'll be a pretty capable rig.

[@aal9207]

Did you know the truck version when it gonna be available in the US market?

[@TalonSei]

No but I’m interested in seeing what people do with those!

[@kasper_429]

Random semi-related question, lol: I've been wanting to get into drone stuff for a while now, and was just curious. How do you get the B-roll shots like in this video of the drone following the van when it's just you by yourself? Is there a setting on the drone to make it follow the remote/receiver/whatever the controller part is called? I love those shots and was just wondering. Great video as always, T! Can't wait to see what you do to the STO in the future!

[@TalonSei]

Depends on the drone. Most have an “active track function” that allows a makes a follow mode.

[@kasper_429]

@@TalonSei nice, I figured it had something like that. Thanks!

[@darthlord4411]

What’s your take on a benchmark?

[@JohnLaGuardia]

I have a 170 6cyl turbo diesel 4WD. Curious - how much does this van weigh with all the current mods?

[@TalonSei]

I have not gotten it weighed yet

[@robertnichols2253]

Does the 2023 have paddle shifting ?

[@TalonSei]

My awd does

[@tuomasholo]

I’m very surprised the 4cylinder is comparable to the V6.

[@joec4871]

Most videos I watch on this subject all agree that awd is just as good or better than 4wd.

[@cascaderetriever7618]

I like the old versions 2016. 4 low is key and You can get lockers. 2 liter engine pushing an 8,000 lb van up a mountain pass. Lol. Those turbos will be screaming

[@janpur1417]

A recent video done on MB AWD and 4WD by venture4WD showed on certain difficult terrains, the power to front wheels get cut off for about a minute. It came with a hard shock load on the drive train. Electronics controlling the AWD power distribution system is not ideal. I am between an Armada, LC 200 and this Sprinter but AWD 2.0 L turbo is a deal breaker.

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome cool 🤘

[@snapple1424]

Only 70,000 miles on Sat Van!?

[@TalonSei]

Believe it or not… yeah. I feel like it’s been over 100k 😆

[@butchfajardo8832]

I wish they modified the V6.

[@clarencejoseph2917]

3.0 v6 is easily tuned for more torque and hp…cant yet on the new ones

[@jamestreanor182]

I think my 2020 Mercedes 170 4x4 is built on a 1972 chassis

[@TalonSei]

🤣

[@morthomer5804]

Is AWD = 4matic

[@gearforexperiences]

I don’t know, probably good enough or better for most people but for those who truly off road with their Sprinter, it’s not looking good. + less lag in the engine + Better steering + 50:50 ratio when AWD activates + Better with B20 diesel - Not full time AWD - Lack of 4Lo - 4cyl with twin turbos for 10k pounds - 4ETS not as capable when one wheel in the air according to AO testing.

[@maccusswell]

I hear record player static.

[@TheBigdutchster]

Nice hat.

[@andyrivas3599]

9:12

[@keitha.9788]

That little 2.0 L 4 cylinder inline is working a lot harder than the older 3.0 L V6 diesel engine considering it is a large, heavy vehicle. If I had a choice, I'd choose the 3.0 L V6 engine every time....

[@speedygonzales9993]

👍👍👍 !!!

[@markj10]

Hands down my 2022 Transit awd twin turbo ecoboost is far and away better than my 2022 MB Sprinter 4x4 in power, drivability and equal on the dirt! Down side is mpg (15.5) on the gas Transit. Note: Dealer oil changes: $70 (Transit) VS $600 (Sprinter)

[@blank_slate50]

Wtf! Are you serious on the oil changes??

[@shanemurphy5864]

Chassis? It’s a unibody.

[@Radio_180]

2:00 nope you didn’t

[@TalonSei]

vancompass.com/blogs/news/whats-new-with-the-2023-sprinter-awd

[@cch201992]

Get a front wheel drive promaster save your money you get wqy better value with a promaster only thing I wish is they make a diesel promaster. But all around the layout of a promaster is better you get a higher roof but can still fit in a drive thru if you got a slim solar and roof mounted ac setup. The seating position in the promaster is awesome bigger views I feel from when I test drove different models. I took my promaster in fresh snow I put on autosocks had no issue in the snow also had maxxtraxx as a back up and recovery ropes, but didn't need she handled it like a beast didn't feel like it was less confident in most driving conditions. The promaster has straight sides so you have more living space too. So yeah save your money people get maxxtraxx and recovery equipment also good tires running Falken AT3s personally. My opinion as someone who built my own van one you should build your van the class B RVs ain't cheap and 2 a promaster more than capable of driving dirt, roads ,snow and gravel which is where most of us will be probably %80 of our times 🍻 with all of that said if you have the money yeah friggin sweet van😅

[@kodiak4240]

Hey Fix It Again Tony !

[@DRONIXAR]

Hey Friend, this is so nice, see you next 🔄⭕🔄 Talon

[@bernardinolagasca1153]

Both are not true 4wd/awd without 3 locking defferentials, front, center and rear. But it'll get you around most places

[@MyCentsTX]

don't even need to watch. 4x4 is way better off road. especially when you get lockers

[@HarryTouart]

Test drove a 2024 Entegra Launch on the new AWD chassis. Don't waste you money on this AWD model Has no power and can not maintain speed going up a moderate freeway grade. Had throttle pinned to floor at 70 MPH, Trans downshift and the RPMs were near redline. I was steadily loosing speed . This grade was not nearly as bad as say the Grapevine or Cajon Pass. I can only imagine navigating a mountain with thinner air. This thing was gutless. For MB to claim this powertrain has higher torque and horsepower is very misleading. Sure it is zippy going through the first 3 speeds in town but once in higher gear ratios. It sucks

[@VEHICROS]

All the 2019 and newer Mercedes Sprinter vans are pure junk, made in America now

[@RonanMcNamee-v5y]

Is that even the ones sold in Europe?

[@MikeHalsall]

I got the 4x4 in 2021 and it was made in Germany 🤷

[@VEHICROS]

@@MikeHalsall Thats awesome, Because I noticed the American made Sprinters feel really cheap, and seem to have thinner metal, the doors even have a cheap feel.

[@cjoneillj]

I have a 2019 made in Romania.

[@VEHICROS]

@@cjoneillj Right, so Ive only seen the 2019 and new made in America and they are JUNK, made from very flimsy metal. Keeping in mind The Sprinter is a CARGO VAN, and thus it is being made as cheaply as possibly in america, then converted into an RV by various companies. Only the 2017 and Older are of high quality German Made. Of course I cannot speak for any others made Outside of germany.

[@roteldorel]

trLLlalalalalalalaaal to much just to show haw rich hoor you are santa close