There hasn't been much Sprinter love here, so I guess I'd better chime in.....
Having had (not van's) multiple 4x4's in the past (International, Land Rover, Ford & Chevrolet), I went through a lot of this same soul searching when faced with the same decision when I purchased the Sprinter new back in 2016. Since then the van has had to be towed a total of one time (which I consider acceptable) in the 100k miles we have driven it. We just finished a 6k+ mile trip that saw temps swing from 10 to 77 degrees and the van ran flawlessly while comfortably delivering 15.7 mpg.
Is the Sprinter (or a Transit) for everyone? Absolutely not, and for many of the well-articulated reasons listed above. Would I like to put the DEF system behind me? Indeed yes, but emissions controls are just a fact of life and I have learned to deal with it. Can the Sprinter go the places a full size 4x4 converted van can go? Not a chance, but I have been very surprised at the places this van has taken us and how capable it is with its factory 4x4 system.
The bottom line? I love 'em all, no matter who they are made by. Figure out what works best for you at this point in your life and then great out there and use it!
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“Flint” - 2016 SMB Sprinter 4x4 144" RB 150S w/ PH
KN6BJX
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