The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van is the smaller of the German automaker's two people haulers but it's no less impressive. Though more expensive than primary competitors like the Ford Transit Connect, the Metris is a more premium vehicle. Its cabin is built from upscale materials and comes outfitted with many comforts and conveniences. There is plenty of space, too, both for people and their stuff. And no matter how you load the van, it always has enough power to get the job done thanks to a 208-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. However, all of this comes at a cost, and it's not a small one. If you can get the same level of performance from a much cheaper car, why spend more? That's the question the 2021 Metris Passenger Van sets out to answer.
The third-generation Metris receives a fair number of updates for the new model year. Firstly, the van gets a new grille design and revised wheels. The driver-assistance suite has also been expanded with brake assist and adaptive cruise control. Perhaps the most extensive update is to the infotainment, which has seen the 5.8-inch display replaced by a seven-inch unit with full smartphone integration as standard. A more refined 9-speed automatic gearbox has replaced the old 7-speed, and the trim lineup has been slimmed down with the deletion of the Worker model. A few features have been removed from the new base-level model, though they are still available as extras.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$32,630 |
| Passenger Van |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$36,840 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
The Metris is a great addition to any fleet that needs to move people around quickly and affordably. It has an impressive cargo hold behind the rear seats, too, so you can add luggage or even some equipment. The interior of the van is also well-appointed, considering it's a commercial vehicle, but durability remains a key component. Backed by Mercedes-Benz's reputation for reliability, this is a van that will stick with you through thick and thin. It also excels as a family or school vehicle. However, the lack of an official safety rating or safety review for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van may put potential owners at unease.
But this isn't the van's biggest detractor. At the end of the day, you have to remember this is a product from a premium brand and, as such, it carries a higher price tag. Add to this its middling fuel economy figures, and the cost of ownership can be daunting. Yes, it has a more comfortable interior, and it can tow more than its rivals, but these aren't really things buyers are looking for in a small passenger van. The fact of the matter is that there are cheaper and equally capable options on the US market.
The 5-door van is presented in a single trim level, but it can be configured to seat up to eight, and you have a choice of 180-degree cargo doors or a standard rear liftgate. There are customization options, but they very quickly add to the already high starting price of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van. That said, we do suggest adding the Premium Safety Package, since that is a primary concern when transporting people. The Driver Comfort Package is also quite alluring for the power seats with lumbar support. It would be a godsend if for those long workdays or when ferrying the kids around to all the extracurriculars.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo