22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, it’s a reasonable price to pay for the capability it delivers. This isn’t a vehicle bought for leisurely Sunday drives or high school parking lot status; it’s a workhorse, and its fuel consumption reflects that reality and METRIS MPG across all years. Small business owners, delivery services, and tradespeople prioritize cargo space, payload capacity, and maneuverability over Prius-like efficiency, and the Metris delivers on those fronts while remaining relatively frugal for its class.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Metris Cargo Van at 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the vehicle’s design and intended use. Around town, the stop-and-go nature of deliveries and urban driving impacts fuel economy, explaining the lower city MPG. On the open road, the 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with the 7-speed automatic transmission allows for more consistent speeds, improving efficiency. Remember that these are EPA estimates. Expect those numbers to decrease when the van is loaded with equipment and traversing hilly terrain. You might exceed them with a lightly loaded van on a flat highway.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van is $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. It’s a useful benchmark for budgeting, but individual expenses will vary. Someone who drives exclusively in a congested city will likely spend more, while someone primarily doing highway miles might spend less. Fluctuations in fuel prices will naturally impact this annual cost. Plan on this figure as a baseline, and adjust based on driving habits. If you’re curious about all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, there are resources available.

Real-world expectations

While official EPA estimates provide a starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. The Metris is particularly sensitive to load weight, driving style, and route. A fully loaded van with a heavy foot will see a noticeable drop in MPG. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking, common in urban delivery routes, significantly impact fuel consumption. Gentle driving habits and strategic route planning can help owners get closer to, or even exceed, the EPA estimates. Maintaining proper tire inflation and ensuring regular maintenance also play a critical role in optimizing fuel efficiency.

How it compares

When considering alternatives, the Ford Transit Connect offers a good comparison. The Transit Connect with its 2.5L engine achieves around 24 MPG combined, slightly edging out the Metris. The Ram ProMaster City, another competitor, comes in around 24 MPG combined with its 2.4L engine, matching the Mercedes, but with a different driving dynamic. The Nissan NV200, while significantly smaller, boasts a 25 MPG combined rating thanks to its smaller engine, attracting buyers with tighter urban routes and smaller cargo needs. The Metris buyer likely recognizes these trade-offs, valuing the Mercedes’ larger cargo area, more powerful engine, and overall refinement despite the slight MPG disadvantage.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize unnecessary weight. This is especially important for a cargo van. The more weight you carry, the harder the engine has to work, directly impacting fuel consumption. Only carry what you need for the job at hand and remove any unnecessary equipment or materials.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.0L turbo engine provides ample power, but using it excessively burns fuel. Anticipate traffic flow, maintain a steady speed, and gradually accelerate and decelerate to conserve fuel and prolong brake life.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level found on the tire placard or in the owner’s manual. This simple step can significantly improve fuel economy.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoiding congested areas and peak traffic times can save fuel and time. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and avoid stop-and-go traffic wherever possible. Consider route optimization software if your business involves multiple deliveries.

Ensure regular maintenance is performed. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from becoming major fuel-efficiency problems.