The Mercedes-Benz Metris is this automaker’s offering for commercial vehicle buyers who like the Sprinter van, but desire something a bit smaller. They get it in the Metris mid-size van, a model first introduced to the U.S. in the 2016 model year that’s somewhat larger than compact competitors on the market. Because it’s smaller than the Sprinter, it’s more maneuverable in an urban setting with a reasonable 38.7 foot turning diameter. Notably, the Metris van offers a height that allows it to be parked in a standard garage. For commercial interests like hotels and transport companies needing a people mover, Metris also comes in a passenger version with seating for up to eight.

Mercedes-Benz is associated with luxury sedans, premium SUVs, and upscale sports cars in the U.S, but the Metris – like the Sprinter – charts its own course. This van is devoid of the luxury appointments expected in the automaker’s consumer products, instead keeping things simple with fewer frills and a much greater focus on the features most desired by tradesmen, businesses, and fleets.

To this end, Metris is fitted with sliding doors on both sides and wide-opening rear doors. Power sliding side doors are an option. It has a cargo capacity of 2500 pounds and can tow 5,000 pounds. A standard pallet fits between the wheel wells. The roof can support over 330 pounds. Plus, configuring a Metris for specific commercial uses is made easier with the Mercedes-Benz MasterUpfitter program that offers many options for interior and exterior customization. Fleet operators will appreciate the 15,000-mile service interval.

Metris is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine that’s EPA rated at 20-21 mpg in the city and 23-24 mpg on the highway. It connects to a seven-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters, an unusual feature on a commercial van. New for 2019 is standard stop/start operation to enhance efficiency and an optional rear liftgate.

Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, Hill Assist Start, and a load-adaptive Electronic Stability Program are standard on both van and wagon. Entry-level versions also include an Audio 10 radio head unit with Bluetooth capability and five speakers. Optional convenience and safety features include Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, and Blind Spot Assist, plus parking sensors and a rear view camera.

Businesses requiring a delivery or work van that can fit a diversity of needs will see this Mercedes-Benz product an affordable option, a surprise to some since it has a Mercedes-Benz emblem on the front grille. And it became even more accessible with the more basic and lower cost Worker version added to the mix, which reduced the model’s initial launch price by $3,000 to bring the cost of entry to $25,995.

The Ram ProMaster City, a new model on U.S. highways made possible by the international depth of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, is distinguished in many ways. This was underscored at the 2015 San Antonio Auto Show with its win of Green Car Journal’s 2016 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ award. The model bested finalists that included the Chevrolet City Express, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Nissan NV200.

Based on the successful and long-running Fiat Doblò model in Europe, the ProMaster City compact van is essentially the same vehicle but tailored for the American market with updates like a slightly higher ride height and heavier-duty suspension. It is available as a Tradesman Cargo Van or five-passenger Wagon to fit diverse needs, at starting MSRPs of $23,445 and $24,445, respectively.

 

Functionality and efficiency are what this vehicle is all about. Interior space is quite generous considering its compact exterior dimensions that aim at ease of operation in urban traffic. In fact, the ProMaster City features best-in-class payload and cargo capacity, allowing drivers to carry up to 1,883 pounds or 31 cubic feet of cargo.

Its floor area between the rear wheel wells is 48.4 inches wide. Driver convenience is enhanced with an available Uconnect 5.0 audio and multimedia system featuring a five-inch touchscreen, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls.

The ProMaster City’s class-exclusive front-wheel drive system utilizes a 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine, an efficient Fiat-developed powerplant widely used in Chrysler models ranging from the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart to the Jeep Cherokee and Renegade. This rather sophisticated SOHC engine – at least by work truck standards – features variable valve timing, variable valve lift technology, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio, plus of course Fiat's efficiency-enhancing Multiair technology. The 178 horsepower engine is mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.

This combination moves the ProMaster City from 0-30 mpg in about 3.7 seconds, more than adequate performance in city environs. The ProMaster City offers EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, very good numbers for a van of any kind.