22 MPG combined isn’t a figure Metris owners brag about, but they accept it as a cost of doing business. For plumbers, electricians, caterers, florists, and other small business owners, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris cargo van is a calculated compromise: maneuverability and interior volume exceeding smaller vans, without the fuel consumption of full-size options. It’s a workhorse, designed for efficient operation, not necessarily at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for the 2016 Metris cargo van. These figures reflect its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The city MPG is believable given the van’s frequent stop-start driving and typical payloads. The highway rating reflects optimal conditions, but real-world highway driving can lower that number, especially when fully loaded or driving at higher speeds. The 7-speed automatic transmission is important, keeping the engine in its most efficient range much of the time.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris cargo van is $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. For business owners who drive more than 15,000 miles on their Metris annually, the actual fuel cost will be higher. Changes in fuel prices will also affect the real-world expenditure. This EPA figure is a standardized baseline for comparison to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a useful benchmark, Metris owners often report slightly lower MPG. Load weight, driving style, terrain, and even tire pressure can noticeably impact fuel economy. A fully loaded van driven aggressively in hilly terrain will see lower MPG than an empty van driven conservatively on flat highways. Owner forums and online MPG trackers show a range of fuel economy numbers, showcasing the variability in real-world performance. Some drivers achieve figures close to the EPA estimates, while others experience significantly lower values.

How it compares

The Metris is unique in the commercial vehicle market, so direct comparisons are difficult. A Ram ProMaster City, with its 2.4L 4-cylinder, gets a slightly better combined MPG of 24. However, the ProMaster City offers less overall cargo space. A Ford Transit Connect with a 2.5L iVCT engine also gets around 24 MPG combined. A full-size van like the Ford Transit 150 with its standard 3.7L V6 dips significantly, resulting in a combined MPG of just 16. For businesses prioritizing maneuverability and less gas over maximum cargo capacity, the Metris offers a practical alternative. Users can also view all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data as well as METRIS MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical for fuel economy. Ensure the engine oil is the correct grade, change it per the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually about every 10,000 miles. A clean air filter helps the engine breathe and burn fuel efficiently.

Tire pressure is important. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel economy and premature tire wear. Check tire pressures regularly, especially before long trips.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra weight reduces fuel economy. Remove tools or equipment not essential for the current job. Optimizing your load can result in savings over time.

Adopt a smooth driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these habits waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Using cruise control on the highway can help optimize fuel efficiency.

Consider a fuel card for commercial vehicles. Many fuel card providers offer detailed reports on fuel consumption, identifying potential areas for improvement, helping businesses track and manage fuel costs. These cards might include discounts on fuel purchases, too.