The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris provides a middle ground for commercial van buyers. The Metris fills in a gap for buyers who need a bit more space for carrying passengers, but want something that is easy to maneuver while also being fuel efficient.

In terms of design, the Metris features a clean, boxy profile with a slanted front end. Compared to the larger Sprinter van, the Metris is about is about 30.9 inches shorter in overall length, 7.2 inches narrower in width, and 19.3 inches shorter in height. Around the back is the choice of either swing-out cargo door or a liftgate. The base Metris Worker comes with black bumpers and 17-inch steel wheels. The Metris adds body-color bumpers and optional 20-inch alloy wheels.

This is a van built with work in mind and interior shows it. The dash layout is simple with large controls in easy reach for the driver and passenger. There are some soft-touch materials used on the dash and parts of the door panels, but the rest is hard plastics which will able to withstand the duty of carrying passengers and cargo. A 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard. Navigation is available as an option.

The Metris passenger van offers 3 seating arrangements. Standard is a 7 seat layout, while a 5- and 8-seat layout are optional. Cloth upholstery comes standard, while leatherette is available as an option. The front seats provide excellent comfort and the basic level of seat adjustments. An optional comfort package adds lumbar support to both seats. The rear seats provide plenty of head and legroom. For short trips, the back seats provide excellent support for passengers. Cargo space measures out to 38 cubic feet behind the 3rd-row and 97.3 cubic feet behind the 2nd row.

All Metris vans come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission routes power to the rear wheels. EPA fuel economy figures stand at 19 city, 23 Highway, and 21 Combined. Mercedes-Benz recommends 91-octane gas to maximize performance and fuel economy.

Around town, the Metris does exceeding well. A tight turning radius and communicative steering make the Metris a surprisingly nimble vehicle in urban areas. Ride quality is impressive as the suspension soaks up road imperfections of all sizes with no problem. Road and wind noise are kept to almost silent levels.

For safety, the Metris comes equipped with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, Crosswind Assist that helps stabilize the van in high wind conditions, a full set of airbags, a driver-alertness monitor, reversing camera, and Mercedes-Benz’s Rescue Assist that allows first responders to scan a QR code to see where key components such as batteries and structural elements are located to safely perform a rescue. Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, collision-prevention assist, lane-keep assist, rain sensors, and a first-aid kit.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris begins at $29,995 for the Worker passenger van and $33,900 for the passenger van.