Test Hub: Mercedes's Towering Sprinter Van Tackles Our RTI Ramp

Why It Matters

The test shows that a high‑roof Sprinter can handle modest off‑road tasks, informing fleet buyers about its limits and prompting manufacturers to consider stronger articulation for commercial vans.

Key Takeaways

• Sprinter scored 202 on RTI, far below Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
• 29.1‑inch climb beats Ford Maverick Tremor, Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.
• AWD system lacks low‑range but includes short first gear.
• Solid‑axle leaf‑spring rear suspension supports 5,000‑lb towing.

Pulse Analysis

The Ramp Travel Index (RTI) has become a benchmark for measuring suspension articulation, especially on a steep 20‑degree ramp that mimics real‑world obstacles. Car and Driver’s methodology—positioning the vehicle without a driver and tracking the rear tire’s lift point—provides an objective metric that cuts through marketing hype. By applying this test to the 2026 Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter High Roof, the publication offers a rare data point for a vehicle class typically evaluated only on payload and fuel efficiency.

The Sprinter’s 202 RTI score places it well behind the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (847) but ahead of several crossover and compact SUV entries. Its solid‑axle rear with leaf springs, designed for a 5,000‑lb towing capacity, delivers enough articulation to clear 29.1 inches of ramp, surpassing the Ford Maverick Tremor and Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. However, the absence of a true low‑range transfer case and reliance on a short first gear mean the van cannot sustain the extreme wheel travel demanded by serious off‑road enthusiasts. For commercial operators, the data suggests the Sprinter can handle light trail work or rough‑terrain deliveries without compromising cargo capability.

Industry analysts see these findings as a signal that commercial van manufacturers may need to rethink suspension architecture if they aim to capture a growing niche of adventure‑oriented fleet customers. Enhancing articulation—through independent rear setups or adaptive dampers—could bridge the gap between utility and off‑road performance, expanding market appeal beyond traditional work‑site applications. As consumers increasingly seek versatile vehicles, the Sprinter’s modest RTI performance both validates its robustness and highlights opportunities for future engineering upgrades.