2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Review | Pricing, Trims & Photos (2024)

Splitting the difference between commercial van and minivan, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris combines eight-passenger capacity, vast cargo space, and hefty towing limits. It shares the same sturdy chassis as the Metris Cargo Van, and an interior quality that, while not up to Benz sedan standards, still befits the brand as a commercial van. This last part is important: The Metris is, at heart, a work vehicle. It shouldn't be confused for a family minivan, even if it's tempting to soften the perceived stigma of minivan ownership with a three-pointed star on the grille.

The Metris isn't trying to be a minivan like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. The Metris doesn't offer the same passenger space and legroom, or the same level of infotainment and driver-assist tech, or even similar fuel economy. Buyers who want a Mercedes family car are better off with one of its SUVs.

The Metris excels as a short-hop shuttle van, however, with seating for five to eight passengers, and generous cargo space even behind an upright third row. It is also fine as a small crew van, with tight handling and a midsize footprint that make it ideal for city work. In addition, it makes a solid foundation for camper van and RV conversions, with strong towing capacity enhancing its utility.

The Metris is shorter and smaller than its commercial peers — including the Ford Transit Passenger Wagon, Ram ProMaster Crew Van, and even Mercedes' own Sprinter — which limits its usefulness for big jobs. But for many business or recreational buyers, the Metris will prove to be just right.

Positives

Flexible seating configurations. Smooth ride and agile handling. Refined interior quality for a commercial van.

Considerations

Minivans offer more room and tech. Only available in one size. Few standard driver-assist features.

Verdict

With its midsize footprint, flexible passenger configurations, and ample towing, payload, and cargo capacities, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is a comfortable and compelling work, crew, and shuttle van. Just don't consider it a substitute for a family minivan.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van comes in one trim level, priced at $39,895. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a five-speaker AM/FM sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connections, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Only a few driver-assist features — crosswind assist, drowsy driver alert, and a rearview camera — come standard.

The Metris does offer a number of options and packages, among them a lift-up tailgate (side-opening doors are standard), a tow hitch rated at 5,000 pounds, softer suspension tuning, heated and power-adjustable front seats, additional seat adjustments (lumbar support, for example), black faux-leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power-sliding side doors, and a digital rearview mirror.

Notable packages include the Premium Interior package, which adds carpeting, chrome accents, an overhead console, and illuminated vanity mirrors. The Driver Efficiency package bundles navigation, fog lights, and cruise control, while the Premium Safety package adds heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure alert. Automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are also available.

The Metris comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (208 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This combination generates ample power for the Metris' relatively low mass; it's much lighter than a Ford Transit Passenger Wagon and only slightly heavier than a Honda Odyssey. Stable, nimble handling makes the van an ideal choice for threading dense city traffic and parking on crowded streets.

The standard suspension is the same as in the Metris Cargo Van, and it lives up to expectations as a work-van suspension. If you plan to regularly carry passengers, the optional "comfort suspension" (included in the optional Driver Comfort package) is probably worth the cost. It features softer spring and shock settings and adds a stabilizer bar to maintain a cushier ride, even with no passengers aboard.

The Metris comes standard in a seven-passenger configuration: Two up front, two in the middle, and three in the third row. You can pay more for an eight-passenger setup, or deduct some cost by opting for a five-passenger layout. Regardless of configuration, the Metris offers adequate passenger space and legroom, but not as much as modern minivans like the Honda Odyssey, which offers 3 to 5 inches more legroom.

The Metris compensates with generous cargo capacity, beating its rivals handily with 37.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind an upright third row. Folding the third row yields 97 cubic feet. Mercedes doesn't list a maximum cargo capacity with both second and third rows folded; the Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offer between 100 and 145 cu ft).

Inside, the Metris isn't quite up to Mercedes SUV standards, but it's still a classy work-van interior with an upright, no-frills dash design, quality fit and finish, thoughtful small-item storage, even a quasi-tartan pattern on the standard cloth upholstery. Its minivan rivals are more visually pleasing, but as a passenger shuttle, the Metris represents well.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Metris comes standard with crosswind assist, drowsy driver alert, and a rearview camera. Several driver-assist features are optional, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The Metris Passenger Van is an odd one, a dressed-up work van sized like a minivan, intended for carrying passengers, but not with the comfort and coddling of modern minivans like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, or Kia Carnival. Those rivals offer more passenger room, more infotainment and driver-assist tech, nicer interiors, and more flexible seating arrangements. The Metris is designed more for short-distance passenger shuttling, making up for its diminished elbow room with generous cargo capacity and robust towing capability.

Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van vs. Chrysler Pacifica

Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van vs. Honda Odyssey

Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van vs. Kia Carnival

Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van vs. Toyota Sienna

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