Is The Brand New 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD Any Good Off-Road - I Put It To The Test!

[@gamerscouncil2262]

I was one of the first to get the 2023 AWD sprinter. I have put over 7000 miles on it in multiple climates and terrains. my previous vehicle was a 4 door diesel wrangler, before that I had two door wrangler. This sprinter AWD set up is incredible, it just keeps finding traction. I've been in soft deep sand that eats many vehicles with 4x4...the AWD system cut through it like butter, same for rocky inclines. I know a lot of people are trashing the change to AWD. I was one of those people of those people until I put mine to the test. This van makes the last years model feel like a dinosaur in terms of power and technology and capability. you will not regret the purchase. Mercedes did great on this vehicle, it is a blast to drive! I have the 144 AWD HOD 2023 for reference

[@NicPapagiorgio]

Gamers, did yours come with the Michelin Agelis tires? I have a 23 awd 144 also. Am curious how well they do off road.

[@lovice]

Does this new AWD come with any diff locks (standard or optional)?

[@lifeisfuneh]

Just get ready, it will bite you in the *SS like al german cars.

[@aarondavis156]

This is awesome would love to see your review some time!

[@MrNicknackpaddywack]

What mpg do you get

[@broncofun5636]

all the Sprinter builders are pushing the 4 Cylinder AWD as if it is better than the 6 Cyl 4X4 - they have to - the better one is not available anymore, so if they criticize the new one that will cut into their own sales

[@jayhiggins5239]

I thought the old PT was laggy

[@kodiaksride]

Well said

[@joshc606]

Elaborate on why it was better?

[@davidfitzgerald1246]

More HP & Torque sounds better to me.

[@lordabhikingfisher8087]

Old v6 was a known work horse if you kept up with regular maintenance. 500K miles avg engine life.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Adventure Wagon has my interest. Too many "over-landing" vans that cannot be utilized as they were originally meant for. Which of course was hauling cargo. Makes them useless after a full conversion. This modular concept means its resale options go up. Gives the next buyer a choice of what they want to use it for. 👍

[@westeed1]

They should give you an ob2 reader with your purchase of one. Get ready for those engine lights.

[@regsparkes6507]

Sounds like you speak from experience ? I have a friend who had one of these as a camper van and he had all kinds of 'issues' with his , he doesn't have it anymore, needless to say.

[@luvdacurvyones]

Westeed1 is correct. Get ready for dead batteries and ecm disconnecting from the transmission.🙄

[@westeed1]

I owned a ‘16 2.0 diesel. Waterpump at 70k. Then… oh yeah, right at 103k. The ‘ol cp4 fuel pump failure. Estimated repair… $16+k. 1000 miles from home. I drive a ford now.

[@lifeisfuneh]

Haaaahahaha, same experience from many I know as well. Endless money pits!

[@normanran3589]

if you don't change your coolant, this will happen,

[@perpelle]

The old v6 was a work horse that were very popular for commercial work (often chassi + big box in Europe) and did 250k miles without anything but maintenance. It's going to be interesting to see how the 2 liter will cope.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Not as well I bet...

[@lordabhikingfisher8087]

I have ML350 bluetech with old diesel 3L v6. I put 110K miles on her so far with zero problem. Just change oil every 5K miles.

[@ldv5831]

Great, so smaller engine higher power so basically it will be more unreliable and will need a engine rebuild at 150k

[@matthewprather7386]

Remember when real trucks and vans had 460 in^3 V8 engines? Needed a valve job every 100k miles? Ah, the good old days! 🙂

[@eatcommies1375]

More compression for more reliability, Hans!🤣

[@angelgjr1999]

150k? You’re being generous 😂 I’ll give it 80k tops

[@RKmndo]

I'd be more concerned about the EGR setup and DEF BS than smaller displacement and higher boost. Diesels are generally built sturdier than gasoline engines. They can handle boost and heavy loads.

[@SuperBacDoc]

Exactly! Why build a 2500 that most will add lots of weight with build options/water containers/batteries/cabinets etc. not to mention you want to tow anything bigger than a jet ski trailer! Plus the gas mileage is not much different than a V8! 6 cylinder is minimum and V8 is ideal for AWD and building up the van.

[@regsparkes6507]

Sounds like this Sprinter will be a great multi-purpose van. Right now I'd like to see a fuel economy road test. Thanks for this Tommy.

[@NicPapagiorgio]

Since December, our average mpg is 23.5. Its really impressive how efficient it is

[@bah5310]

I had my 2004 Springer RV in for service and the dealership gave me a 2024 as a loaner. The throttle response was incredible.

[@dimitriwaardenburg4631]

A comparison with the ford transit AWD would be awesome thanks :)

[@Shadow56399]

"Is it any good off road?" >Proceeds to drive it on a dirt road a camry could do 😐

[@spartanchirho]

Dang it Tommy.... couldn't you gave at least done tombstone hill!!! We need some off road vids asap.

[@NicPapagiorgio]

Also, the new electronic power steering system is a huge improvement as well over the 4x4.

[@BigPowerAL]

Really like that interior build. Great idea. It will interesting to see how well that 4 cylinder and transmission last.

[@engir63]

This is a all wheel drive plumber van, repair van that can get up a country drive in the dead of winter it is not a off road vehicle it is a work van.

[@b3014003ric]

we got a 2023 sprinter 3500 extended. dually. having it built now. drove it from dealership in chicago to nh went great. build will be. done in couple of months eager to have it back😊

[@Youtube--Critic]

You sound rich

[@truevan]

The MB 4 Matic in the AWD is extremely expensive to repair so keep in mind by installing the locking diff your warranty is void and you will incur the entire cost of the repair. Most people will forget to turn it off now and then, it happened to me and our customers many times so be very careful.

[@rvboyett]

I've been thinking about buying one and outfitting it myself for overlanding, but all the Denver area MB dealers want at least $10K over MSRP.

[@gearforexperiences]

Not having full time AWD or 4x4 with 4Lo is severely going to limit in true off road situation vs the previous generation. For most people it will be fine but for those of us who truly use it as an overlanding vehicle, it’s a sad story.

[@paulgaerlan4362]

agreed. From someone who regularly drives up to the mountain for winter recreation. I would not feel comfortable with a van that "decides" when to use AWD, transferring from 2WD to AWD.

[@Chriscovery]

It actually will not limit driveability on snow or Off road but improve it. I drive both a 2015 V6 4x4 and 2023 I4 AWD. The old 4x4 has an open centre differential so IT IS NOT true 4x4. The AWD has a haldex system and behaves Like a centre difflock. IT is pre primed and engages the front wheels BEFORE the rears slip. The only thing I cannot tell yet If it is just as reliable as the old system. Got 68.000km on new system and 410.000km on old 6banger with its transfer case being replaced due to carastrophic failure at 330.000km.

[@truevan]

The best setup is to have a dif lock installed like the Agile or Van Comp. Locking differential in the rear is more affective than locking the front but you can also install the front locker also. Rear locking differential can make a big difference when one of your rear wheel loses traction in the air on a loose surface. Also MB will not tell you if you ever forget to disengage the lockers on the AWD it will cost you over $10K of repair vs a less complex 4x4 which cost a ton less to maintain. We carry both AWD and 4x4 at Truevan, just want to put things in perspective that no one system is perfect.

[@R.Nelson]

Got a 1/48 scale model of this van right here on the table...it's a model of a UPS truck.

[@Van_Liberty]

I really have to wonder how that tiny 2.0 engine is going to last once class B van builders kit them out to around 9k pounds of rolling motor home. It's a nice looking van, though. I'll keep my 2021 Ford Transit 350 HD with the 3.5 twin turbo Ecoboost gas engine. It weighs as much kitted out. Dealer network is everywhere and service prices at acceptable levels.

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Your van would blow this sprinters doors off going up any steep grade. The ecoboost has more hp and torque.

[@matthewprather7386]

Back in the day real trucks had 460 in^3 V8 engines… What’s so magical about 3.5L? 3.0L? 🙂

[@Ken_Koonz]

​@@matthewprather7386 Twin turbskies

[@BullittKid08]

​@Matthew Prather make the same torque as the big block but using less weight and fuel. Meaning you can bring more gear and people

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

​@@matthewprather7386 more power than a 460, less weight and double fuel economy. And nowadays they have it down so well it will last just as long as that 460. Back in the day everyone thought old engines would last long but that's because they drove less remember when a 70s car had a hundred thousand miles and we considered it worn out LOL not that we wouldn't rebuild it but 100,000 Mi seemed Warren now 100,000 Mi is nothing. I know change happens Vehicles don't sound as cool yada yada but the reality is a lot of it is better and more reliable when you compare the longevity. There are no vehicles from the 60s or 70s that can last with nothing but oil changes Beyond 100,000 miles

[@RoryVanucchi]

My sprinter had constant engine troubles, diesels need to be used every day, and the ride was rugged. Liked it though high top with AC very hard to maintain, too tall for a cover and most service stations. Would not buy another high top or another diesel, more trouble than good. Roof AC will leak and cause roof to rust.

[@Kristian_Saile]

Hey, request, you guys should try to review a Field Van E series Classic. Field van used to be Sportsmobile West and had their own proprietary 4wd conversions along with the interior conversions. Most people don’t realize it but they still sell brand new turnkey E Series 4wd camper vans amd they are absolute beasts, by far the most capable vams on the market. They take a cutaway chassis and put their own custom made van bodies in them, it’s pretty wild. Not affiliated with them but do own an older E350 7.3 Powerstroke 4wd Sportsmobile and wouldn’t trade it for anything new on the market personally. The Sportsmobile was the OG, OG adventure Van even dating back to the original pop top VW microbus, predating the Westafalia. It’s kind of a cool story in its own right.

[@jayhiggins5239]

I do like the adventure wagon modularity. I have a family of 5 and most built out camper vans only have 4 seats. Years ago I really wanted a Nissan Low Roof camper but, only 4 seats.

[@AdventureWagon]

We get it. If you have the Smartfloor installed, you can have as many seats as you want!

[@jayhiggins5239]

Don't forget to always mention the power train, and any other negatives, every time, no matter the video subject. Otherwise, you are a corporate schill.

[@foellerd]

That intro music had me fully expecting a Captain Jack Sparrow cameo.

[@wompa70]

The tires are on backwards! 😂 Good looking van.

[@DJ_Underwood]

Another thing to consider with the new van is the small displacement engine also weighs less, less weight increase power to weight ratio which can really help the can move much better

[@hectorkidds9840]

Less weight in the van is more payload too. In the UK and Europe most vans are limited to 3500kg, and when payloads are generally only ~ 1000kg, there is very little left for people, water and stuff by the time the conversation is done.

[@jessr.2490]

Looking forward to you guys testing the Ford Transit Trail.

[@Espiritiv]

12+ months

[@Dwealdric]

Wow I didn't even know that was a thing! Glad to see some competition in this market.

[@chrisss73841]

Anyone who has worked on Transit vans know how horrible they are. Changing the transmission filter is billed for something like 8+ hours because you have to drop the whole front subframe and steering rack to do it. The rear axle bolts are torque to yield, so when you bring your transit to any random garage for new brake rotors, they will re use the bolts which inevitably break off in the housing while you are on the highway. they are just junk the moment the warranty runs out.

[@Unburdened_Beauty]

typical ford!!! @@chrisss73841

[@rd4660]

Didn't come here to listen to a long commercial.

[@IKnewMickey]

You were today years old when you found out ...Every review on every channel is a long commercial.

[@leefritchman9643]

Roller test ??

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

I've got a lifted all wheel drive Chevy Express with a g80 rear locker in that can go anywhere also had a lifted Chevy Astro with it

[@the_jarmel]

Have a beautiful Tuesday Everyone ✌️

[@DanyRivard]

TFL always have answers to our question before we even ask ourselves!!!

[@matthewm3912]

The ford van with the 3.5 is how i would have one. Way more power, and cheaper maintenance costs.

[@truevan]

Skewed AWD review and don’t fall for the MB marketing bias cos once your are stuck it takes too many spins for the computer to figure out which wheels need the torque and it is often too late and you have dug yourself deeper in the hole. Yeah it does accelerates quicker but definitely the 4x4 is better off road to get unstuck. You need to take it to places to test how long it takes for the computer to stop the spin. Test it before your give your opinion.

[@captbob1494]

So what is the best engine for a 4x4 overlanding van.

[@bilbojenkins5276]

Kinda plays like a paid endorsement....

[@THEANIMALGUY]

Technically any car review where the company's gives the car is a pair endorsement but the sprinter has a reputation of getting the job done soooo

[@jerrysouza1656]

You don't know but we luv tommy so Mutch

[@nature10879]

This thing would be nice as a multipurpose vehicle for camping, transporting cargo as a small business across cities and states while camping at the same time. Dont forget it can tow a lot of things too. Definitely a great adventure vehicle. I am still curious if the AWD is better than their previous 4x4 in serious trails which it seems like but am a bit curious if we are right on this one.

[@rudeman1914]

I have 2022 sprinter 4x4 it's basically AWD I also have Subaru Outback 3.6 AWD with low button gear same as my sprinter and I have 1989 Toyota (real) 4x4 with lockable hub on front wheel with manual hi and low shifter inside.

[@johnsimon2152]

Wow, where did this guy find such a smooth dirt road in Colorado?

[@Chriscovery]

The new AWD actually will not limit driveability on snow or light off road situations but improve it. I drive both a 2015 V6 4x4 and 2023 I4 AWD. The old 4x4 has an open centre differential so IT IS NOT true 4x4. The AWD has a haldex system and behaves Like a centre difflock. IT is pre primed and engages the front wheels BEFORE the rears slip. The only thing I cannot tell yet If it is just as reliable as the old system. Got 68.000km on new system and 410.000km on old 6banger with its transfer case being replaced due to carastrophic failure at 330.000km.

[@gffriedman]

$100k for a van that has a “modular build out” with nylon bag “cabinets” and a dometic fridge sitting on the floor? I’m sorry. That’s insane.

[@Mammmut91]

Let’s be honest … these rigs are not any good for any off-roading or even real overlanding… (high center of gravity, $200k rig you don’t want to hurt…) AWD and more efficient 4 cylinder is exactly what people who have these rigs need …

[@27sport86]

How is this putting it to an off-road test? You drove down a dirt road.

[@doneB830]

What about the ratio of reverse or does that also have a lower range gear.

[@androidemulator6952]

Do they make rear diff lockers for Sprinters ?

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

A Diesel with turbo-lag? Never heard of it...

[@MrMyinteg]

Why your headlight is different. 2023 should be led ?!

[@subsidiarity8839]

Love the modular concept!

[@gerald4nomads]

I think a true comparison would be with a Ford Transit Trail AWD.

[@charleswoolsey2296]

The way that van is outfitted, they should furnish earplugs.

[@Beat98TJ]

How does a tow? I am a quadriplegic looking for a four-wheel-drive van that I can tell my off-road toys with. The old sprinters were terrible with 6,000-7,000 pounds behind them. I really want four-wheel-drive and the ability to tow toys. Oh, and the ability to drive from my wheelchair.

[@valdius85]

It might be popular in JP as well if specified to compete with Delica D:5. Benz minivan is already relatively common

[@danielp5353]

Any suspension difference from the old one?

[@davidkallstrom4349]

leaf or springs?

[@lunamaria1048]

The V6 does NOT do nothing for seconds. My sister has one and I like the engine. Like any turbo, if you mash the gas full throttle, there is a brief delay to reach full throttle, but nobody drives these like race cars. I quite like the engine's power delivery.

[@krover01]

This was lame. You drove down a dirt rd.

[@grantchristensen9995]

whats the awd ride like?

[@coskier1969]

A throttle controller on the original really changes acceleration.

[@davereid-daly2205]

You need to take it off road like the Germans do....

[@bchi521]

Love the review, thank you so much.

[@Pro4Sound]

What size wheels are these?

[@Indypacecar82]

Skip the camping van. Get a camping unimog instead

[@J.Young808]

Tommy what are the MPG ratings on the two chassis?

[@bobbeebobbee6998]

Did he fit in a contener?

[@Billyboy2a6]

So sad the awd sprinter version can not be ordered in europe.. 😢

[@davidthomas9267]

Sorry Tommie it doesn't look like many viewers like this Sprinter?

[@rickstrawbridge892]

How did the AWD affect the MPG? I never liked AWD. I want the control,but in today's world we can't think for ourselves, we need a computer to do it for us.

[@callumfreebairn8082]

best off road van

[@ifly64s]

"These Sprinters have a winch and all but they are really meant to just drive up the road in slush." Me with my Sprinter Revel van 4x4 off-road camping wondering how in the world I got way up here after hearing this. We go off road along with many, many other 4x4 Sprinters routinely. Love your channel but you are wrong on this point.

[@lifeisfuneh]

Endless money pit like all previous generations ....

[@yahtadi5152]

This new 4 banger? Might be. But the old V6 was very reliable bruv

[@lifeisfuneh]

@@yahtadi5152 Absolutely not, POS that I would not own after warranty expired

[@yahtadi5152]

@@lifeisfuneh POS? Point of sales? What is POS? Anyway, if you happen to live in the EU. Look around mate, almost majority van, either for work van, camper, or pessenger van were and are this sprinter. Most of them had 3.0 V6 diesel, underpower? Yes but also reliable? F hell yes as well

[@lifeisfuneh]

@@yahtadi5152 Yeah, because parts are cheap there so people don't complain so much, very different here in NA...and BTW POS is far away from Point Of Sale 🤣🤣🤣 More like Piece Of SH*T

[@yahtadi5152]

@@lifeisfuneh yeah so more point to my statement. While new 4 banger parts definitely not cheap.. Yet. So the old V6 were reliable, parts everywhere and cheap, and wherever roads you broke in to, people can fix it on the spot In that said, your first comment regarding previous sprinter is POS 🤣🤣

[@junxie126]

Do a towing test please, both 2500 and 3500 144"

[@wallyklejka5754]

I drove with 12' trailer for over 690 miles. Trailer was around 1900Ib weight and I had 2500Ib load inside. I was getting 17mpg and no issues at all. My 2500 is rated for 5k tow too. Overall, it's super smooth.

[@RB55able]

What is the color; Grey Blue?

[@kc0lif]

wow tommy first you talked about trans am now you talking about mercedes sprinter awd.

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

I don't like when they just change the four-wheel drive system on things such as getting rid of the low range. Now just because you can doesn't mean you have to. Is it just people in the corporate World getting bored and say what can we change what can we make quote easier? I don't see getting rid of the low range and trying to justify is even something that should take place LOL yes it is possible but why? Same thing with Land Rover I don't understand why they have to just constantly try and make things supposedly better or easier when they could either leave what works or at least offer old-school manual selections for some people who want that. I never understood constant changes I feel like some of the unnecessary changes that are worse or neutral are just caffeine fueled Monday morning justifying their jobs as they sit in a corporate meeting. I could be wrong but seriously all the time you see stuff that just changes when the old one worked perfectly fine and was probably easier on the vehicle

[@daisydela]

These things are big vehicles and not meant for serious off-roading. Any serious 4WD enthusiast is going to beat the snot out of their vehicle, and choose a reliable chassis they aren’t afraid to scrape up. The sprinter isn’t that, and is severely limited in suspension articulation for any serious off roading. Their previous 4WD only delivers 33% of the power to front wheels anyway. The loss is 4-low isn’t going to matter for 99% of people. No one is going to do any serious off roading in a $100K-200K+ van anyway.

[@allthegearnoideaoverland]

A Toyota Corolla could drive this terrain. No real off road testing 🤷‍♂️

[@thenfg]

Why not just state up front this is not an unbiased review video...in this one we are shilling for this company to pay for the unbiased part...

[@CyberCheese392]

But Id be wanting to get out of driving that van in a dangerous spot too!

[@outsidethebox3880]

AWD is great on snow and gravel paved surfaces but it is in no way better than 4 x 4 in off road getting out situations. The video is quiet bias and can mislead viewers into making a wrong decision. Love the Adventure Wagon design and the Truevan design but get the 4x4 version for off road and the AWD for daily driving.

[@ryzen397]

These companies just keep adding gears to make fuel economy better, in 10 years vehicles will have 30 gears lol

[@MikeDillardShow]

Please make the kiddy whistle music stop 😣

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

Trying to mimic a Chevy Express conversion van

[@ihsanulkamil1999]

my dream car. awesome

[@Espiritiv]

Definitely not $35k for the upfit. More like $58,000+ and up. They have an online configurator. BTW black L Track is extra 😢

[@AdventureWagon]

Yep, as shown that build is over $50,000 installed, but our base kit starts at $16,000 for a Sprinter 144 high roof and you can DIY it in a few weekends.

[@centuryfreud]

Does that upfit include sound deadening? Man, it's loud inside.

[@chrisss73841]

I can't watch this video. That background music playing softly while Tommy is trying to talk is just infuriating. Also the *boop* sound then flashing the "adventure Wagon" sponsor on the whole screen is REALLY jarring.

[@CyberCheese392]

You only did half the test; how does it perform going downhill?

[@ZeezaAndNomadicJack]

Great information. Would be easier to follow if you just talked a little slower LOL😂

[@kennethjinkins8967]

Tommy , how come you do reports on the weird vehicles most people don't buy , ask your dad

[@rickstrawbridge892]

Think about it.

[@leefritchman9643]

Sounds like a rattle trap

[@jimjasinski4861]

Ask " LTVL " His is nothing but a constant problem 😊

[@AWDTransitOverland]

Very disappointing. I was hoping for a real off-roading analysis instead of endless off-topic blabbing. I’m sure this model Sprinter could do serious off-roading, with the right driver…

[@iamnid]

I was waiting to see you take it up truth or dare or the ranch. What happened?

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

Another market segment moved forward by Ford.➡️

[@cmacblue42]

Every day you look more like your father

[@ashtaroth1975]

I think i'll buy a second hand jaguar i-pace than the solterra/bz4x

[@ccarter8175]

what a complete waste of my time. a lot of advertisements. almost nothing of use regarding the AWD. Sucks

[@fraserhardmetal7143]

Designed for fleet users who will trade them in at 18 months or 150k miles - so who knows how long they will last after that - not much more I would guess.

[@sarahann530]

If they dont last more than 150k fleets will not be able to trade them in as there will be no market for them

[@fraserhardmetal7143]

@@sarahann530 When I say last, I mean before anything major needs replacing - Fleet trade in generally when warranty expires, or maintenance becomes remedial rather than routine servicing, Looking at the current demand for vans, there is a market for anything.

[@sarahann530]

@@fraserhardmetal7143 Warranty is not 150k . If major repairs are required at 150k nobody would buy these without a serious discount which means fleets would not buy them . Depreciation is always taken into account along with running costs .

[@fraserhardmetal7143]

@@sarahann530 Warranty coverage on major fleet purchases is negotiated on an ad hoc basis and is not a uniform figure. The fact is that most fleet vehicles are leased and will have a set disposal time when the vehicle will not have started to fail mechanically and when the optimum residual value will be realised.

[@sarahann530]

@@fraserhardmetal7143 Lease rates are based on the residual value of the vehicle at lease end. If these vehicles only lasted 150k without significant issues there low residual value would make their lease rates higher than vehicles with more longterm reliability . You really don't appreciate the fact that fleet buying is a numbers game and cpm is all important .

[@lutomson3496]

No lockers braking system is terrible sprinters are a fail for true off reading many videos out there showing this and where is the roller test? Missing of course TFL is on a mercedea kiss ass rodeo...and I own a sprinter