2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Review

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris is an all-new model.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris, thanks to its midsize configuration and appealing feature content, is an intriguing alternative to the existing selection of commercial cargo and passenger vans.

It wasn't long ago when our reviews of commercial vans were filled with references to long-past presidential administrations and bygone cultural icons to drive home the point that they hadn't been re-engineered in a very long time. Today, with rare exception, cargo and passenger vans are thoroughly modern and blessed with superior space efficiency, dramatically improved fuel economy and less ponderous driving experiences. Now another excellent example has come to market in the form of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris.

The Metris is particularly interesting because of its size. It's smaller than full-size vans like the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter but bigger than small city vans like the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200. This extra size compared to the city vans results in more cargo capacity (45 percent more than the Transit Connect), as well as passenger space, where seating is less minivan-like and more indicative of larger vans. It's definitely easier to move around either of the rear compartments.

The Metris also boasts a far more powerful engine than the smaller city vans: a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder shared with the Mercedes CLA sport sedan. It's punchy, reasonably fuel-efficient and not exactly what you'd expect from a commercial van. On the downside, the Metris doesn't offer anywhere near the amount of capability or seating capacity provided by full-size models. In exchange, though, the Metris is easier to maneuver at slow speeds (its turning circle is especially tight) and far sharper to drive at higher ones.

Now, you might think that as it's a Mercedes, the Metris is expensive. It isn't. Its base as-new price is actually a bit lower than the starting points for the Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. Only the Nissan NV Cargo starts lower. The Transit Connect, Nissan NV200 and Ram ProMaster City are all priced considerably lower, but you're getting more van with the Metris. Considering its unique size, rightly renowned Mercedes engineering, generous feature content (especially in terms of safety), strong powertrain and fair price, we think the 2016 Metris Cargo and Passenger Vans represent a compelling, just-right choice for many commercial van shoppers.

Every Metris is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg combined (21/24) for the Cargo and 22 (20/23) for the heavier Passenger. An optional automatic stop-start system should, in theory, improve fuel economy.

The Metris has a maximum towing capacity of 4,960 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,502 pounds (Cargo) and 1,874 pounds (Passenger).

The 2016 Metris comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, crosswind assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (full-length on Passenger) and a driver inattention warning system.

The Active Safety Plus package includes blind-spot, lane-departure and collision prevention systems that both warn the driver and take action if needed. A rearview camera, parking sensors and reverse beeping warning system are optional.

Besides its greater size, the greatest differentiators between the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris and smaller cargo vans are power and torque. It has far more of both, yet its fuel economy is similar. Paired to a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, we found this powertrain to be strong, smooth and not especially vanlike.

Driving the Metris also doesn't evoke images of UPS trucks or plumber vans. Its turning circle is sharp -- you'll easily be able to bring her about across two lanes of opposing traffic -- and its handling is confidence-inspiring, with reassuring body control and precise steering. If there's one problem area, it's the harrowing lane changes caused by the small passenger-side mirror. This is especially troublesome in the cargo van because it lacks rear side windows. Even the optional blind-spot warning system can only do so much to help.

There's no confusing the Mercedes-Benz Metris' interior design for anything other than pure van. Unlike what you'd find in a Ford Transit Connect or any minivan, the dash and front passenger compartment are broad, upright and finished with materials that are substantially harder and more industrial than what you'll find in a Mercedes car. At the same time, it actually utilizes much of the same switchgear found in Mercedes cars -- the optional steering wheel is what you'd find in a CLA-Class and the window switches are shared with the new C-Class. The infotainment system is not a modern Mercedes COMAND unit, though, and its antiquated joystick controller is frustrating to use.

The front seats, whether covered in fabric or premium "leatherette" vinyl, are comfortable, supportive and adjust manually in eight ways to increase the chances of achieving an ideal driving position. Keep in mind, however, that the optional fixed cargo partition significantly reduces legroom to the point that drivers of above-average height will not be comfortable. The Passenger van's rear seats are not as plush as those you'd find in a minivan, nor are there the sort of available creature comforts or entertainment choices. This is a commercial van best suited for airport runs rather than taking kids to school. There is abundant room, though, with a chairlike seating position and lots of headroom that makes moving about the cabin easy.

There is plenty of cargo space behind the Passenger van's third row, plus the option of either standard barn doors or an optional liftgate. The cargo van boasts 186 cubic feet of maximum space in a 4.5-foot-tall cargo area. For comparison's sake, the long-wheelbase Transit Connect tops out at 128.6 cubic feet of space and the minivan-based Ram CV Tradesman has 144.4. The Metris is dwarfed, however, by even the smallest variations of the Ford Transit (ranging from 246.7-487.3) and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (319-586). Those also offer tall-roof options.