2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van

Being mostly work and no play, expectations aren't high in this segment for impressive handling. The Metris pleasantly surprises in this regard thanks to an eager engine and capable transmission. Given its resemblance to a very large and expensive tin of corned beef, we wouldn't be shocked if people assumed that body roll is a common side effect of corners. We're pleased to say that it isn't; the Metris delivers a stable and steady ride even on twistier roads and may even be amusing to drive around the city. Standard cross-wind assist is also helpful on windy days. Direct and responsive steering makes it a pleasure to park in tighter spaces, and these traits are even more appreciable when you're zipping passengers back and forth on busy roads. Most precise steering setups sacrifice weight, but the wheel of the Metris is meaty enough, especially at higher speeds. Yet another victory for the Metris is its agreeable ride quality, and the van absorbs lumps and bumps with ease. The Metris puts on an impressive performance both as a workhorse and a family-hauler.

The Metris will appeal more to those who are looking to add a van to their business fleet, thanks to its ample cargo space and one of the highest occupancy allowances in the segment. The durable interior materials and functionality offered are ideal for the commercial runaround, and employees would be happy behind the wheel of one Monday to Friday. The thing is, when you're considering the Metris as a van for the odd family trip or the daily school run, it is outshined by more affordable competition, even though the latest infotainment system is a huge improvement. Possibly the Metris' biggest flaw is its poor fuel economy; it falls behind the Ram ProMaster City in terms of frugal sipping. The class-leading towing capability of the Metris helps it along, and it's not a bad van. But you can do better, for less.

The Sprinter is the Metris' bigger and more attractive relative, and this inevitably means that the Sprinter is going to cost you an extra few thousand dollars. A couple of things make the Sprinter better, including the fact that it's fitted with Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment system as standard. The interior of the Sprinter offers a more premium feel over the Metris and is capable of seating up to 15 people in its long-wheelbase variation. The Sprinter also offers a diesel engine option that delivers more torque for extra capability. Also shared by the Sprinter is a comfortable ride quality and pleasurable driving experience. It doesn't make sense to opt for the Sprinter if you're not going to use the extra space and you're tight on your budget, but in most aspects, the bigger van is better than the Metris.

The Transit Connect is a lot more affordable than the Metris. It's arguably better, too. The two are on par in terms of infotainment and interior quality, which says a lot given that the Merc costs so much extra. One of the downfalls of the Transit Connect is that its 2.0-liter engine is devoid of a turbo, making it much less powerful than the Metris. It also boasts a lower maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and the Metris can handle more than double that. Ultimately, the Transit Connect is a better choice in terms of value for money, but if you want the extra power and capability, the Metris is the better choice.