Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a midsize cargo and passenger van, not quite as big or powerful as the better-known Sprinter, but larger by far than compact vans like the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City. In many ways the Metris is the perfect-size van. It offers good power and fuel economy from its 2.0-liter turbo engine, and its sub-$30,000 price tag belies the Mercedes-Benz star on its hood. The Metris also comes in a passenger version that can hold five, seven or eight people. Through MB’s Master Solutions program, customers can work with a trained professional from such famous upfitters as Gruau, Smartliner and Knapheide, helping tailor each van to a specific need and creating the perfect work van.

One might expect a vehicle, even a boxy work van, carrying the Mercedes-Benz name to be of quality design and sterling ability. In the case of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris van, one would be correct. Easily superior to the mini work vans from Ram, Ford and Nissan, the Metris offers a rich blend of power, acceleration, fuel economy and maneuverability. In fact, unlike the larger Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, the Metris is almost fun to drive. For such a tall vehicle, the Metris shows amazing balance, and the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while no rocket, delivers lots of low-end torque generously doled out by a 7-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters. As one would expect, the lightly insulated cargo van feels like driving around in a bass drum, but the passenger van is impressively quiet, with large comfortable seating for up to eight people.

One of the Metris van’s greatest assets is its impressive interior space. In the cargo van, the bay measures a massive 186 cubic feet (199 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase model), more than enough room for boxes, equipment, barrels or whatever needs moving. Through the Master Solutions program, the Metris’ cargo bay can be customized to fit the exact needs of its owner, offering everything from rack solutions to storage systems, toolboxes to custom creations. Owners can even convert the entire rear-cargo area into a massive refrigeration unit. On the passenger models, 3-row seating offers accommodations for up to eight passengers, with a full set of side-curtain airbags protecting all three rows.

Considering the peculiar styling of some of its competitors — not to mention the big-daddy Sprinter — you’d expect the Metris to look a little funky. Instead, it’s a sleek box on wheels, with a huge Mercedes-Benz badge in the grille. It’s utilitarian, of course, with base models coming with black bumpers. Cargo versions have one sliding door on the passenger side, while passenger versions get dual-sliding doors with power sliders as an option. On cargo vans, buyers can choose between a liftgate or barn doors in the rear and a long or short wheelbase. Passenger models get glass side windows instead of the cargo model’s metal panels.

MASTER SOLUTIONS
Finding the perfect van to meet the specific needs of your business is easier said than done. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz’s Master Solutions program, tradespeople from every sector can work directly with upfitters to customize their rigs. The additions can even be financed as part of the vehicle loan.

TOWING & PAYLOAD CAPACITY
Unlike its smaller, front-drive rivals, the Metris’ rugged construction and rear-drive platform allow it to tow up to 5,000 pounds and deliver payloads up to 2,500 pounds. That’s important for folks who regularly pick up and deliver heavy items.

The passenger and cargo Metris models come with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 7-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The tilt steering wheel also features shift paddles to manually control the transmission. There are standard 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power accessories, and an audio unit with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs and a 3.5-inch monochrome screen. In the cargo area there’s a wood floor with six D-rings for securing cargo, or five additional seats for passenger models. Safety is a primary concern, with systems to aid with crosswinds and driver drowsiness, plus a bevy of airbags.

“Luxury” isn’t on the menu, but you can get body-colored bumpers, black Leatherette seating material, heated front seats, a rearview camera, cruise control, and active safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, collision-prevention assist and lane-keeping assist. An Active Parking Assist feature helps in parallel parking, useful in tight urban areas. The available Becker navigation system is on the basic side; it’s not the advanced system you’ll find in Benz passenger cars. Passenger vans can opt for 8-passenger seating with a 2nd-row bench, and for dual-power-sliding doors as well. Automatic climate control and idle-stop are on the options list.

There’s only one engine offered on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris van. It’s a stout 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder good for 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While it’s no diesel, we found this engine and its 7-speed automatic both efficient and capable. All Metris vans are powered by their rear wheels; sadly, all-wheel drive is not an option. The 2.0-liter is recommended to run on premium fuel, but it can stomach regular with only a slight decrease in horsepower. The Metris is tow-rated at 4,960 pounds (5,000 pounds on long-wheelbase versions).

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/24 mpg (cargo), 19/23 mpg (passenger)