I for one think a Subaru van would be great! The Sprinter is not a true 4x4, it's an AWD system you can turn off, and doesn't even have the ability to send 100% power to front or rear. The 4x4 lift doesn't provide additional ground clearance at the axels/pumpkin, just raises your roof height which is a detriment on forest service roads with low branches. The low range might be replicated by a 10 speed transmission 1st gear.
The Transit isn't designed for off-road. The 4x4 has no more ride height than the 4x2 version.
Ride height is actually very important for off-road. Approach, departure and breakover angles are all improved by increased right height and are at least as important as axle height. Good wheel placement can make up for axle height, but your angles is what keeps your body off the rocks. In my experience I've been limited by more by angles than by axle height. Plus a lift gives you the ability to mount larger tires which do increase axle height.
As I said before, the Sprinter will never be a rock crawler, but it will always be more capable than a Transit AWD.
I love Suburus too, btw. For skiing, not for off-road.
