The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo provides commercial buyers a middle ground when shopping for a new van: slightly larger than many compact vans, but can still navigate through urban areas.

Mercedes-Benz offers 3 different rear door options for the cargo version —swing-out doors that open up either 180 or 270-degrees, and a liftgate. Both the Metris Worker Cargo and Metris Cargo come with black plastic bumpers and 17-inch steel wheels. The Metris Cargo offers a wider color palate and is available with an Appearance package that brings body-color bumpers, chrome grille, and 20-inch wheels.

Powering the Metris Cargo is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission routes power to the rear wheels. Even with the Metris filled up with cargo, the engine doesn’t break a sweat. The automatic transmission delivers smooth and crisp shifts. Mercedes-Benz quotes a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. EPA fuel economy figures for the 2018 Metris Cargo stand at 21 City, 24 Highway, and 22 Combined. A stop/start system to help save fuel is available as an option.

The Metris may have a Mercedes-Benz badge, but it's built to work. There is an abundance of hard plastics and the bare minimum in creature comforts. The dash is very clean in terms of design and controls for the various functions are within easy reach. The front seats only offer a limited number of adjustments but are comfortable on long trips. An optional comfort package adds lumbar support and a few more adjustments. A 5-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on all Metris Cargo vans.

The space behind the seats of the Metris Cargo is very generous. Total space measures out 186 cubic feet. The Metris Cargo can also haul more with a maximum payload capacity of 2,502 pounds. Mercedes-Benz’s Master Upfitter program gives buyers the ability to configure the rear cargo to their specific needs with shelving, additional tie-down points, drawers, and more.

In terms of safety equipment, the Metris Cargo comes equipped with front and side airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, reversing camera, crosswind assist to keep the van stabilized in high wind conditions, attention assist, and Rescue Assist that allows first responders to scan a QR code to quickly see where key components are located such as the battery to perform a rescue safely. Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, collision-prevention assist, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors.