2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　Though primarily regarded as a luxury brand in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz also sells a fair amount of commercial vans. The Metris is Mercedes' entry-level model. It's smaller and less capable than the Sprinter, but in return it has a lower price and better fuel economy. You can get the Metris in a Passenger or Cargo version to best suit your needs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris 126" WB Cargo 3dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$227/mo  for Metris 126" WB Cargo

　　Metris 126" WB Cargo

　　126" WB Cargo 3dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $32,630 MSRP135" WB Cargo 3dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $33,155 MSRPPassenger 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $36,840 MSRP

　　vs

　　$203/mo

　　Avg. Large Minivan

　　There are a few notable changes on the 2021 Metris. For starters, Mercedes has replaced the previous seven-speed automatic transmission with a nine-speed automatic. We'd normally expect marginally better fuel economy and acceleration from having more gears, but the Metris' EPA combined fuel economy estimate has actually dropped 2 mpg compared to last year.

　　We're more impressed with the van's additional features. On the safety front, adaptive cruise control is now available, as is a digital rearview mirror. At the flip of a switch, the mirror displays an image beamed in from the rearview camera. This gives you a clear view of the road behind you, even if the cargo compartment is filled to the roof. The Metris also debuts a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded system also supports navigation with real-time traffic — a Metris first.

　　Overall, these changes further enhance the Metris and make it a great pick for a small commercial van. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full in-depth take on the van's performance, utility and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Metris drive? The Metris stands out on the road with its powerful engine and great braking performance. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has a lot more character than rival engines, and it delivers good response that matches smooth shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission. This van is well-equipped for heavy work yet remains fun to drive.

　　The accuracy of the steering makes it less demanding to drive, which is key when lugging equipment around for hours a day. As to be expected, there is some body roll around turns, but the Metris keeps its composure and easily wheels around city streets. Be aware, though, that wind catches its upright stature despite Crosswind Assist stability control.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Metris? The Metris is designed to handle the maximum amount of payload capacity possible, so it should come as no surprise that thin walls and little insulation detract from ride quality. An empty cargo area will flood with outside noise, and a full load isn't much better. There's not much getting around that in a van built for work.

　　But Mercedes-Benz did an impressive job everywhere else. The simple driver's seat is extremely comfortable with good support, and ride quality is great over cracks and ruts in the road. We also like the optional automatic climate control. The dials are simple, and if you set the temperature and lock the doors, it will automatically prep the cabin once you return and unlock the door.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Accessibility is a strong point inside the Metris. It's easy to climb inside, slide onto the flat seat cushion, and reach the array of straightforward dials and controls. There isn't much seat adjustment, and the steering wheel doesn't telescope, but it does tilt up and down.

　　The van's two front seats offer ample room for passengers, with plenty of head and elbow space. A little more legroom would be nice. Visibility was a challenge in the Cargo Van version we tested. That's partially because it lacked rear windows, but we also found that the van's thick front roof pillars hampered the driver's ability to see through turns.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Pleasingly, the Metris comes with many of the same technology features as SUVs and sedans. A basic but legible 7.0-inch touchscreen supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation can be had as an option.

　　Standard crosswind assist ensures the Metris stays on course during windy conditions while the available adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking are welcome features for both the Cargo and Passenger versions. The available digital rearview mirror is also helpful as it can display a camera video feed of what's behind you even if your van's cargo area is full or the rear windows are blocked.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Metris stands out in storage and utility even among small vans. Payload and tow ratings are the highest you'll find in the segment. Maximum cargo space is also impressive.

　　Optional cargo area features include variable tie-downs, LED lighting, double sliding rear doors and roof rails. The rear doors can be configured to open 270 degrees wide or even as a vertical-opening hatch.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? According to EPA estimates, the Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van is good for 22 mpg combined (21 city/24 highway). Its peers do better. Mileage will vary based on cargo weight, of course. In mixed driving, we averaged 22 mpg over 430 miles, including 27 mpg on the 116-mile zzdcar evaluation loop.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Metris a good value? Mercedes relies on its three-pointed star and larger size for pricing, charging thousands more than competitors for similarly equipped vans. If you think of the Metris as a well-built van with Mercedes-Benz quality and a gutsy engine, and consider its impressive payload and towing capability a trade-off for middle-ground EPA ratings, it holds a lot of value. Otherwise one of the smaller, weaker, cheaper vans will work just fine.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　In the bland world of cargo vans, a torquey engine gives the Metris more personality than you might expect. It's fun to swing around city street corners, and when it's time to punch in and get on the clock, the Metris can haul or tow more — by far — than other vans. It's comfortable and responsive, but the primary purpose is guts. And the Metris has plenty of that.

　　

Which Metris does zzdcar recommend?

The Metris is made better when you opt for the Driver Comfort package (includes upgraded seats with lumbar support) and the Safety package (heated, electrically adjustable mirrors and blind-spot monitoring). We'd also suggest adding Navigation to the Metris, which can be had as a stand-alone option on the Cargo version or as part of the Driver Efficiency package on the Passenger van.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris models

The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a small commercial van configurable for hauling cargo or people. In its Cargo guise, the Metris is available in either a 126- or a 135-inch wheelbase. In its Passenger van configuration, only the 126-inch wheelbase is available. Every Metris is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Cargo vans have two seats while Passenger vans can seat five, seven or eight passengers. Highlighted standard features include:

　　Cargo

　　16-inch steel wheels 7-inch infotainment touchscreen Five-speaker audio system Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility Air conditioning Cloth upholstery Power front windows Crosswind assist (helps the driver stay on course in windy conditions)A myriad of options can be added on their own, like navigation or a sliding driver's side door, or grouped into packages. Packages range from adding utility to driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Metris and the vehicle in front) and parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking). For extra personalization, Mercedes-Benz also offers options like ladder racks and custom-fit shelving. Highlighted option packages include:

　　Driver Efficiency

　　Extra storage tray Fog lights Cruise control Extra keysSafety

　　Leather-wrapped steering wheel Blind-spot assist (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Heated, electrically adjustable mirrors 4.2-inch digital display with trip computer First aid kitCargo Protection

　　LED lighting in the cargo area Full-height plastic paneling Floor- and wall-mounted tie-down rails with additional anchor pointsPassenger

　　Includes most of the standard equipment from the Cargo and adds:

　　Seating for seven (five and eight passenger options are available) Side windows for second and third row Plastic flooring Rear windows with defroster and wiperLike the Cargo version, the Passenger offers options on their own or in packages. Passenger versions can also be upfitted to offer a mobile office environment, wheelchair access or to convert the Metris into a camping van, complete with a pop-up roof and sleeping for four people. Highlighted option packages include:

　　Premium Exterior

　　Body-color painted bumpers Black roof rails Chrome grilleEnhanced AC

　　Automatic climate control More powerful air conditionerPremium Interior

　　Chrome interior accents Rear reading lights Full carpeting Footwell lightingActive Distance Assist Distronic System

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mercedes-Benz and the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

　　

2021 Metris Highlights

Trim: 126" WB Cargo135" WB CargoPassenger126" WB Cargo

　　

Base MSRP	$32,630
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$227/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	182.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles