Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a midsize van, which immediately makes it different. The rest of America’s vans are either compact or full-size. For example, the Nissan NV200 is in the former category, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is in the latter.

You probably noticed that we just mentioned yet another Mercedes-Benz van. Both the Metris and Sprinter are work vehicles from a company more usually associated with luxury and technology. But buyers acquiring their new vans from a Mercedes-Benz dealer can also enjoy similar high-quality build and components, plus things like driver assistance features trickling down from the elite to the everyday.

The 2021 Metris comes as a cargo van, a passenger transporter with seating for up to eight, or a camper van in the form of the Getaway. For businesses that would find the Ford Transit Connect too small but the full-size Ford Transit too big, this could be the perfect fit.

Despite a size that can fit in the average garage, the Metris has some serious capabilities. The Cargo version can now take up to 2,668 pounds, and every version is rated to tow 5,000 pounds. That’s a few hundred gallons of paint or an industrial generator. And, crucially, much more than any compact van can handle.

A new 9-speed automatic transmission in the 2021 Metris replaces the previous 7-speed unit. It would have been nice to report that having more gears has improved fuel economy, but the new Metris is slightly thirstier, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This adds weight to our little gripe about the lack of a diesel option, but none of the compact rivals offer one. It’s the same situation with all-wheel drive.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of other good points to driving a Metris. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, for example, develops a useful 208 horsepower. It can still get things moving even when there’s a full load aboard. The new transmission also has Comfort and Sport modes, plus paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering wheel.

The ride quality is more than bearable, even though the Cargo model is set up a little stiffer than the Passenger version because it can take heavier freight. And a handy turning circle of 38.7 feet is a boon for maneuvering. The seats are comfortable, and front-seat armrests are standard. Overall, the Metris is as easy-going as a family crossover.

Not that the Cargo version is particularly raucous, but the Passenger Metris is the quieter of the two. As it should be, since it has to please more people more of the time.

Last year’s optional Pro Connect communications feature becomes standard this year. A 4G LTE module is included, enabling an emergency call function and fleet management systems.

Part of this year’s refreshment is a new dashboard design. It now includes round turbine-style air vents, as found in many new Mercedes-Benz cars. They look especially upscale when an optional chrome package is applied. The dashboard also contains a new 7-inch touchscreen that’s part of an updated infotainment system bringing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration into the 2021 Metris.

How much cargo can a Metris Cargo van hold? With the standard-length 126-inch wheelbase, there’s an area of 183 cubic feet behind the front seats. Or the 135-inch extended wheelbase provides 199 cubic feet. A space of 50 inches between the rear wheel housings means sufficient room to load in a standard-sized pallet.

The 2021 Passenger Metris offers accommodation for five, seven, or eight occupants. The seats in the second and third rows can be removed, providing extra versatility. Behind the third row is 37.4 cubic feet of luggage space. Taking those seats out results in 97.3 cubic feet.

We wouldn’t recommend a Passenger version as a family runabout instead of a minivan. There aren’t the same levels of comfort and convenience.

The most family-oriented version is the Getaway camper van, although it only seats five. But it also has captain’s chairs in the front. When the Getaway is parked, they can turn 180 degrees to face an integrated table. The rear seats can convert into a bed, the cabin has privacy curtains that even go across the windshield, and there’s a pop-up roof with another sleeping area.

Turning up in a Mercedes-Benz van can impress clients. Especially since this 2021 Metris now offers optional chrome for a redesigned grille that’s the setting for a large and ever-iconic 3-pointed star badge.

The total length of a Cargo version with the extended wheelbase is 211.4 inches. It has a sliding door on the passenger side and is available with 50/50 rear doors that open out 180 degrees or 270 degrees. Alternatively, buyers can choose a tailgate hinged at the roof. The Passenger model offers the option of an extra sliding door on the driver’s side. And they can be powered.

UPFITTING OPTIONS
This applies more to the Metric Cargo version, where the van can be equipped and configured to meet specific requirements by specialist companies such as Knapheide and Driverge — a process known as upfitting. You can factor the total cost into the financing arrangements with Mercedes-Benz.

PAYLOAD & TOWING CAPACITY
Last year’s maximum payload of 2,425 pounds was already impressive. That’s been increased in the 2021 Metris Cargo (with the standard wheelbase) to 2,668 pounds. The top towing figure remains at a strong 5,000 pounds for every Metris variant.

The inventory of standard equipment in the 2021 Metris is bolstered by an improved infotainment system bringing a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a better Bluetooth system that enables easier phone calls as well as audio streaming.

Elsewhere, it’s deliberately basic so buyers can add whatever they deem necessary. There’s air conditioning for the Cargo van’s cabin, cloth upholstery (also updated for 2021), 16-inch steel wheels, and wood flooring for the cargo area.

Safety features include load-adaptive stability control, driver attention monitoring, Crosswind Assist, hill start assist, and a rearview camera.

The Passenger version offers 180-degree rear doors or a tailgate, plus the choice of seating arrangements — all at no extra cost. Plus air conditioning for the passenger section, as well as extra airbags.

The Cargo version’s main option is the extended wheelbase, which brings more volume but not a greater payload capacity — it’s limited to a still respectable 2,612 pounds.

Beyond this, the new model year brings the choice of a durable and lightweight plastic cargo floor covering. This joins various extras such as lashing rails, roof rails, heated/power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, and 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, you can order the Passenger model with simulated leather upholstery.

In both versions, you can upgrade the infotainment system with navigation (with traffic updates — a first for the Metris) and satellite radio. The number of paint choices also expands for this 2021 model year.

Are the safety options in the 2021 Metris worth it?. Absolutely. They’re a good investment not just for the health and safety of whoever is driving the van, but also those around it. And if such gadgetry saves the Metris being stuck in the shop for repairs when it could be out working, then so much the better.

These drivers aids include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and the newly available Active Distance Assist Distronic that removes a lot of the stress for drivers — accelerating, braking, and maintaining a set distance to the vehicle ahead, in town as well as on the highway.

Another new-for-2021 safety feature is the optional digital rearview mirror, providing a clear view behind even if the van is completely full. A self-parking system is also available.

The Getaway camper van is eligible for a pull-out kitchen, solar panels, bug screens, a tailgate tent, and an 8-foot awning.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is the only source of propulsion for the 2021 Metris. It develops 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which goes to the rear wheels through a new-for-2021 9-speed automatic transmission.

To achieve maximum output, it’s recommended that you use 91-octane gasoline. Using 87-octane gas results in slightly less power, but is otherwise acceptable.

This new transmission also means a change in fuel economy. Whereas the 2020 version (with a 7-speed unit) Metris Cargo achieved 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, the revised version returns 19 and 23 mpg, respectively. This year’s Passenger model is thirstier than its predecessor to the tune of one mile per gallon on each cycle.

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: 19/23 mpg (Cargo), 18/22 mpg (Passenger)