The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets an estimated 22 MPG combined. This isn’t the most fuel-efficient van available, but it’s a reasonable trade-off for businesses and individuals who prioritize cargo space, maneuverability, and Mercedes-Benz build quality over absolute efficiency in a mid-size van.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for the Metris. These figures are based on simulated driving conditions. The city MPG shows the Metris’s ability to navigate urban environments, important for delivery services and tradespeople who spend much of their time in stop-and-go traffic. The highway MPG is good, making longer trips between job sites or deliveries more economical. The seven-speed automatic transmission helps optimize engine speed for both city and highway driving and contributes to these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While this cost can be a significant expense for businesses, it is predictable and can be factored into operating budgets. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and how the vehicle is used. Stop-and-go driving, heavy loads, and aggressive acceleration will all hurt fuel economy, increasing the total annual fuel cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the 2018 Metris Cargo Van can change. Some owners report numbers slightly below the combined EPA estimate, especially when the van is heavily loaded or frequently used for short trips. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and driving style all play a big role. Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds can get you closer to the 24 MPG highway estimate, but consistently exceeding those numbers is unlikely. The Metris is a cargo van designed for hauling, not maximizing fuel economy.

How it compares

The Metris competes against vehicles like the Ford Transit Connect and the Ram ProMaster City in the mid-size cargo van segment. These alternatives offer different levels of fuel efficiency. The Ford Transit Connect, for example, gets around 26 MPG combined, making it a slightly more fuel-efficient option, if its smaller size is acceptable. The Ram ProMaster City gets around 24 MPG combined, closer to the Metris, but often with lower refinement. For businesses that place importance on fuel cost, it is important to explore Mercedes Benz fuel economy data and the fuel efficiency of its competitors. The Metris often wins out with its combination of cargo capacity, maneuverability, and Mercedes-Benz engineering, making the 22 MPG acceptable for many fleet managers and owner-operators. You can find all METRIS MPG across all years on this website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for best fuel economy in your 2018 Metris. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease MPG. Follow the recommended service schedule, including oil changes and filter replacements, to keep the engine running well.

Drive smoothly and avoid accelerating quickly. The 2.0L turbocharged engine in the Metris provides plenty of power for most situations; using full throttle is unnecessary. Look ahead at traffic and avoid sudden braking, which wastes energy.

Avoid idling as much as possible. Letting the engine run while parked uses fuel without going anywhere. If you expect a long stop, it’s best to turn off the engine. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than prolonged idling, especially with modern fuel-injected engines.

Reduce weight. The more weight you carry in the Metris, the lower the fuel economy. Remove any tools, equipment, or materials that aren’t needed for the current job. A lighter load improves efficiency.

Plan your routes to avoid heavy traffic and congested areas. Stop-and-go driving greatly reduces fuel economy. Using navigation apps to find the best routes can save time and fuel.