2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Review
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2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Review
byRyan ZumMallen
Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
- Offers a larger cargo area than small van competitors
- Payload and towing ratings are at the top of the small van class
- More maneuverable than full-size vans
Cons
- Premium fuel is required
- More expensive than the budget-friendly competition
What's new
- New Weekender camper package for Metris Passenger Van
- Mercedes Pro Connect fleet management technology debuts
- Minor package and equipment changes
- Part of the first Metris generation introduced for 2016
Overview
Mercedes-Benz is famously associated with luxury in the United States. But in many markets around the world, the brand is known for vehicles that outlast and outwork the competition. The Metris, first offered here in 2016, introduces that ethos to the U.S. in the form of a compact van that is more grit than glam.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris 126" WB Cargo 3dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) 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 $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$228/mo
Metris 126" WB Cargo
vs
$211/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Available as a two-seat Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van with cavernous space or the more comfortable Metris Passenger Van with up to eight seats, this Benz is designed to happily haul whatever you want to put inside. And compared with the competition, it does that with ease. The Metris has a powerful turbocharged engine and a strong frame that deliver not only class-leading towing and payload figures but also an engaging drive experience.
The Metris has a few knocks against it. It's significantly larger than competitors in the class, which presents a confusing proposition for buyers who may as well just upgrade to Mercedes-Benz's more comfortable and capable Sprinter. It's also the most expensive option among small vans, with the worst fuel economy and a premium fuel requirement. The Metris is certainly not the value play here. But its payload and towing capacities speak for themselves, and fleets that put their drivers behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz badge will be fleets with happy employees.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.6/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a sort of "cheat code" among small cargo vans. Its larger dimensions and Mercedes build quality help it easily lead the class where it counts: maximum payload and towing capacity. Buyers will pay significantly more up front and sacrifice fuel economy, but the Metris is in a class above when it comes to work capability.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Metris does Edmunds recommend?
Shoppers can choose between the Metris Passenger Van for people-moving and the windowless Metris Cargo Van for hauling, which will suit fleets in the mobile service industry. Both models offer a bare-bones Worker version that is significantly less expensive, but you miss out on a long list of additional equipment including optional safety and comfort features.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris models
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a compact van built for carrying a lot of goods or people. Businesses and fleets hauling products will lean toward the Metris Worker Cargo and the optioned-up Metris Cargo. Families and shuttle services should consider the Metris Worker Passenger or the cushy Metris Passenger with up to eight seats.