2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz Metris has served as a staple for shoppers who need a city van but want above average capability and craftsmanship. Its mainstream alternatives, namely the discontinued Ram ProMaster City and soon-to-be discontinued Ford Transit Connect, are less capable and less refined—albeit less expensive. The German van offers more than twice the towing capacity of its rivals, plus more horsepower, more torque, and decidedly more refinement in the form of an available air suspension and a nicer interior. Even so, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the Metris will meet the same demise as its rivals, as production is set to conclude after the 2023 model year—proof that being the class leader does not ensure market longevity. Those looking to purchase a brand-new cargo or passenger city van should do so now, before they’re gone for good, and we think they ought to pick the Mercedes over the Ford or Ram.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What’s New for 2023?

There are no changes to the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris, which represents the nameplate’s final year of production in the United States.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Due to the vastly different missions of the Metris cargo and passenger vans, shoppers will have similarly diverse requirements. Still, we think the passenger van’s removable seats make it the more versatile pick. It comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automated emergency braking, crosswind assist, and more. We’d opt for automatic climate control, built-in navigation, the Comfort air suspension, electric sliding doors, and power-adjustable front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All Metris vans are motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends torque to the rear wheels. The Mercedes vans excel when it comes to towing and payload capability. The Metris can tow up to 5000 pounds. For reference, the Ford Transit Connect, an indirect rival, has a towing maximum of 2000 pounds. The Metris can also handle a payload of up to 2425 pounds, while the Transit Connect can carry 1550 pounds. The last Metris passenger van we tested proved able to shuttle people and cargo posthaste. In fact, it was quicker than the lighter Transit Connect we tested in the same acceleration tests. The last Metris we drove was easy to live with, too, delivering handling that has a higher level of refinement than is typical for this class. Its steering was light, and we could easily maneuver into tight spaces. Plus, the van was very controllable at highway speeds. The optional air suspension allows for adjustable ride heights and should proffer an even smoother ride.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Cargo van variants of the Metris are rated at up to 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway while the passenger van version is rated at 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. We’ve never had the opportunity to test a Metris on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, so we can’t evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Metris’ fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Metris passenger van can seat up to eight passengers, which is one more than the Transit Connect. The second and third rows can be reconfigured or removed to accommodate different numbers of people and amounts of cargo. The cabin isn’t as plush as that of the typical Mercedes, but the design is pleasant, and the accommodations offer a reasonable degree of comfort. We found the bottom seat cushions to be too small for passengers with wider posteriors, and we’re disappointed that the steering column lacks the ability to telescope. The Metris does a great job of keeping road noise out of the cabin. Its interior is quieter than that of other vans in this class during highway travel. While the passenger van has up to 38 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, the cargo van boasts up to 199 cubes on the long-wheelbase version.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes on every Metris. It replaces the tired 5.8-inch screen that used to be standard. Unlike the outgoing system, the new one finally adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to the roster. The van also features better radio reception and built-in navigation with live traffic information.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Metris comes with standard and optional driver-assistance technology that includes crosswind assist and a driver-attention monitor. For more information about the Metris’ crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring
Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Other vans surpass the Metris when it comes to warranty coverage: The Transit Connect provides a longer powertrain warranty, and the NV200 has one of the best limited and powertrain warranties in the class.