22 MPG combined isn’t going to set anyone’s heart on fire, but it’s a perfectly acceptable figure for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van. This isn’t a vehicle purchased by penny-pinching hypermilers; it’s a tool, often for small businesses or large families, where space and capability are more important than outright fuel efficiency. These buyers need to haul people and their gear, and they understand that comes at a cost. They’re more concerned with reliability and lower operating costs than outright MPG because the van depreciates less and also lasts longer. The compromises required to achieve significantly better gas mileage in a vehicle of this size simply don’t align with its intended purpose.

City and highway performance

The 2016 Metris Passenger Van achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This spread highlights the Metris’s character: it’s relatively more efficient on the open road, where its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine can cruise efficiently in seventh gear. Stop-and-go city driving, with frequent acceleration and braking, takes a bigger toll. Expect more frequent fuel stops when using the Metris primarily for urban transportation. Buyers should realistically expect to see 22-23 mpg in mixed driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van at $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. Bear in mind that these figures were calculated in 2016, so the estimated fuel cost will likely be higher due to inflation and recent changes in the price of gasoline. Nevertheless, $2,650 provides a good comparison with other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

While EPA ratings provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Factors like driving style, load, terrain, and weather conditions all influence the MPG you’ll actually see behind the wheel of the Metris. Regularly hauling a full load of passengers and cargo will noticeably reduce fuel economy. Aggressive driving, with hard acceleration and braking, will also have a negative impact. Conversely, careful driving and keeping up with maintenance, like tire inflation and air filter replacement, can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Keep an eye on the METRIS MPG across all years to find the best option for your individual needs.

How it compares

The Metris competes with other vans like the Ford Transit Connect Wagon and the Ram ProMaster City Wagon. The Transit Connect Wagon, with its 2.5L four-cylinder engine, achieved EPA ratings of 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway when new, making it a more fuel-efficient option. However, the Transit Connect offers significantly less passenger and cargo space. The Ram ProMaster City Wagon, with its 2.4L four-cylinder, was rated at 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, splitting the difference between the Metris and Transit Connect. While these competitors may slightly edge out the Metris in MPG, they don’t necessarily offer the same level of refinement, towing capacity, or payload capacity. A prospective buyer must weigh their priorities to determine which vehicle best meets their needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Metris’s 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers adequate power, but abruptly pressing the accelerator to get up to speed quickly burns fuel. Instead, apply the gas pedal smoothly and gradually to minimize fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow to avoid sudden braking and maintain a consistent speed.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. This is a simple yet effective way to improve your MPG.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling extra cargo that you don’t need adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the van to lighten the load and improve MPG. Also, consider removing items that create aerodynamic drag, such as roof racks, when they are not in use.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long highway drives helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control minimizes fluctuations in speed, resulting in smoother fuel consumption when compared to manually operating the throttle. However, avoid cruise control in hilly terrain, as the engine may work harder to maintain speed, reducing fuel economy.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. Regular servicing ensures that all components are working optimally, improving fuel economy. Be sure to check all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see how regular maintenance can optimize your MPG.