Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Even though the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris comes from the company’s commercial division, it’s still capable and refined enough to wear that famous 3-pointed star. And it’s the only midsize van out there.

Dimensions-wise, the Metris fits between compact rivals like the Ford Transit Connect, Nissan NV200, and Ram ProMaster City, and full-size contenders such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit. So this “not too big, not too small” approach could be the right choice for many potential buyers.

The 2020 Metris comes in Cargo, Passenger, and Getaway variants. The Cargo model is available with a regular 126-inch wheelbase or an extended version of 135 inches. Maximum payload is 2,425 pounds. The Passenger model has seating for up to eight occupants. All 2020 Metris variants can tow up to 5,000 pounds. These payload and towing figures exceed the capabilities of the compact rivals.

The new Metris Getaway camper van is the priciest model, but does come with some special features (which we’ll go into later). If any large families were thinking of buying a Passenger version instead of a minivan, we’d recommend reconsidering. It doesn’t have those many little touches or such comfortable seats that would make it a candidate for road trips and the like.

As a work vehicle, though, the 2020 Metris has a lot to offer.

No doubt Mercedes-Benz situated the driver’s seat near the front wheels to optimize the space behind. But the happy upshot is that there’s a pleasant immediacy to steering inputs, bringing confidence, especially when maneuvering. And the turning circle is a handy 38.7 feet wall to wall. The Metris is easy to drive, almost like a crossover.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes a decent 208 horsepower. We would have liked a diesel alternative as well, considering this is a German company with a lot of expertise in that particular field. And neither would the option of all-wheel drive be beyond the capabilities of Mercedes-Benz. But it’s rear-wheel drive all the way in the 2020 Metris.

A 7-speed automatic transmission works unobtrusively in the background. If the driver wants to change gears manually, there are paddle shifters beneath the steering wheel.

The Cargo model has a slightly firmer suspension in expectation of moving heavier loads than its Passenger counterpart. A more comfortable suspension setup is optional. And naturally, the Passenger model has the better sound insulation of the two, delivering a more pleasurable drive. Although driving the Cargo van all day is perfectly fine.

This year sees the introduction of the optional Pro Connect communication package. It includes a 4G LTE module for efficient connections to base, plus an emergency call system, optimized assistance, and fleet management tools.

A workaday, purely functional dashboard made from not the classiest plastics ever seen in a Mercedes-Benz reminds drivers that the 2020 Metris is here to get the job done. However, it still comes with considerate touches.

The front seats are well-cushioned and have armrests as standard. They’re upholstered with a cloth material that looks tough enough to take the punishment, yet still has a certain visual appeal.

In Cargo form, the standard-length Metris comes with 183 cubic feet of space. The extended-length version has 199 cubic feet. And the width between the rear wheel housings is 50 inches.

The Passenger model — with seating arrangements for five, seven, or eight — has 38 cubic feet behind the third row, 97.3 behind the second. The rear seats are removable, although they are pretty heavy and cumbersome. The 7-seater version has two places in the second row instead of three, leaving space for those in the third row to access the sliding side door with ease.

The Getaway comes with captain’s chairs up front that swivel 180 degrees, an integrated table, rear seats that fold into a bed, privacy curtains (including across the windshield), and a pop-up roof.

Outward attractiveness is probably low on the list of van buyers’ wishes, but the 2020 Metris still has some arguably attractive qualities. The big 3-pointed star emblem in the grille can’t help but exude a certain class. And it looks like the rest of the Metris was designed not solely with function in mind, but also with a little flair.

More importantly, the exterior dimensions mean that the Metris can fit in the average garage. It’s 75.2 inches high (the Getaway is 78 inches), 88.3 inches wide with mirrors, and either 202.4 inches long (standard wheelbase) or 211.4 inches (extended wheelbase, Cargo model only).

All variants have a sliding door on the curb-ward side. The Passenger offers the option of sliding doors on both sides. As well as an extended wheelbase, the Cargo model is also available with rear doors that open by 180 degrees or 270 degrees, or a roof-hinged rear tailgate.

UPFITTING OPTIONS
Upfitting is the process of installing specific equipment into vans because some people need more than an empty shell. Mercedes-Benz has a Master Solutions program that connects Metris buyers with specialists like Knapheide and Driverge. You can still finance the final cost through Mercedes-Benz.

TOWING & PAYLOAD CAPACITY
The ability to tow 5,000 pounds is impressive. It’s possible to pull something like an industrial generator. The best payload of 2,425 pounds is achieved with the shorter of the two Cargo wheelbases. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for every 2020 Metris is 6,614 pounds.

The most affordable 2020 Metris — and therefore most basic — is the Cargo model in Worker trim. It comes in white only, has a steel floor (the non-Worker cargo has wood flooring, which reduces noise), steel wheels (painted silver), air conditioning, USB port, Bluetooth, auxiliary audio input, and a 5-speaker sound setup.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is not offered in the 2020 Metris.

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

The Worker Passenger van has seating for seven, side windows, and full-length side curtain airbags.

The non-Worker Metris vans come with a color 5.8-inch infotainment display and offer more options. The longer wheelbase for the Cargo model, for example.

Other extras include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, heated front seats, powered sliding side doors, roof rails, cargo straps, D-rings, navigation, and rain-sensing wipers.

Among the safety options are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a self-parking system. The Passenger van is eligible for simulated leather seating surfaces and body-colored bumpers. The Getaway is offered with solar panels, a tailgate tent, an 8-foot awning, bug screens, and a pull-out kitchen.

The sole engine for the 2020 Metris is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission sends drive to the rear wheels.

Like many turbocharged engines, 91-octane gasoline is recommended, but Mercedes-Benz says 87-octane gas won’t be detrimental — just a small dip in power output.

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)