21 MPG combined from a 2.0L four-cylinder isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris cargo van, it’s a number most owners can live with. This isn’t a personal commuter; it’s a working vehicle, a mobile workshop, a delivery platform, and a vital piece of infrastructure for countless small businesses. For those businesses, capability and practicality beat outright thriftiness every time.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Metris cargo variant break down to 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure, seemingly low, reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban delivery routes and the inherent inefficiencies of a vehicle designed to carry substantial weight. Out on the open road, the 9-speed automatic transmission helps the Metris achieve a more respectable 23 MPG.

This range reveals the Metris’s intended operational environment, which isn’t long-haul trucking, but more localized, varied driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris at exactly $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, assuming a national average fuel price. While this is undoubtedly a significant operating expense, it’s important to remember that for Metris owners, fuel cost is just one component of a larger financial equation. The van’s utility, cargo capacity, and Mercedes-Benz build quality play an important role in its overall value. Businesses factor this cost into their pricing models, accepting it as a necessary element of doing business.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world MPG for the Metris will vary depending on payload, driving style, and route conditions. A fully loaded van navigating congested city streets will likely fall short of the 19 MPG city estimate. However, a lightly loaded van cruising on the highway might exceed the 23 MPG highway figure. Careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic can potentially achieve better-than-expected fuel economy. See more all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data across the entire brand lineup.

How it compares

The Metris inhabits a unique space in the market, slotting in between smaller cargo vans and full-size vans. The Ford Transit Connect, a smaller alternative, achieves a combined 26 MPG with its 2.0L engine, making it a more fuel-efficient choice, though it sacrifices cargo volume. On the other end of the spectrum, a full-size Ford Transit with the standard 3.5L V6 manages around 17 MPG combined, a significant drop compared to the Metris. The Ram ProMaster City offers comparable dimensions and specs, with an EPA rating of 24 MPG combined. These comparisons highlight the Metris’s compromise: offering more cargo space than the smallest vans while remaining more fuel-efficient than the larger ones.

Buyers select the Metris when they require more space than the smaller vans provide, but are unwilling to sacrifice fuel economy and maneuverability of a larger van like the full-size Transit. Looking at METRIS MPG across all years makes understanding these fuel economy changes easier.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize unnecessary weight. Every extra pound in the Metris requires more fuel to move. Avoid carrying tools or materials that aren’t essential for the day’s tasks. Regularly inspect tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. Keep tires inflated to the specification on the door jamb for optimal efficiency and handling.

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Smooth, consistent driving is the key to squeezing every last mile out of each gallon. The 9-speed automatic is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but aggressive driving negates its benefits.

Consider the impact of wind resistance. Roof racks and ladder carriers can significantly increase drag, particularly at highway speeds. Remove these accessories when they’re not in use to improve aerodynamics and MPG.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and properly functioning spark plugs are essential for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs cleaner and more efficiently.