20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s what you get with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van and its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This isn’t a vehicle you buy expecting great fuel economy; it’s a tool, a workhorse designed to haul payloads and drive on tight city streets. Its owners, plumbers, electricians, florists, caterers, and small business owners of all kinds, prioritize cargo capacity, maneuverability, and reliability over Prius-like efficiency. For them, the Metris is about getting the job done, and the 20 MPG is a necessary compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Metris Cargo Van are 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the stop-and-go driving that dominates most workdays and the longer stretches of highway driving between job sites. The 9-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel consumption, offering a wide range of ratios to keep the engine in its most efficient range. Aerodynamics and weight are still important. The Metris is boxy, and it’s designed to carry significant weight, which impacts fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van is $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Real-world costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and cargo weight. While $2,900 per year might seem high, consider it a business expense and factor in the revenue the Metris makes possible. Businesses can also look into fuel cards and tracking tools to manage and reduce these costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard estimate, but real-world MPG will vary. Drivers who mainly use the Metris for short city trips, especially with heavy loads, can expect fuel economy closer to the 19 MPG city rating, or even a bit lower. Highway driving, especially unloaded, should get you closer to the 23 MPG highway figure, assuming consistent speeds and little idling. Aggressive driving, rapid acceleration, and frequent braking will hurt fuel economy. Watching your fuel consumption and adjusting your driving can lead to improvements.

How it compares

The Metris competes with models like the Ford Transit Connect and the Ram ProMaster City in the compact cargo van segment. The Ford Transit Connect, with its 2.0L engine, gets a combined EPA rating of 26 MPG, better than the Metris. The Ram ProMaster City, with a 2.4L engine, gets 24 MPG combined. These competitors offer better fuel economy, but the Metris has a higher payload capacity and a more refined driving experience. Buyers who want these characteristics may prefer the Metris. For those seeking all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, comparing the Metris to other models shows its particular strengths and weaknesses. You can also review METRIS MPG across all years to see longer-term trends for this model.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct tire pressure, specified on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb, minimizes rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. Regularly check and adjust tire pressure, especially when the temperature changes, because this can affect MPG.

Avoid unnecessary weight. The heavier the load, the more fuel the Metris consumes. Only carry essential equipment and materials, and remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area. Less weight will improve fuel economy and reduce wear and tear.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.0L engine in the Metris works best with smooth inputs. Excessive acceleration and hard braking waste fuel and increase emissions. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed if possible.

Limit idling time. Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Metris’s engine is designed for quick restarts, so there’s no need to keep it running.