Difference between Sprinter Cargo Van and Metris Cargo Van

Both the Metris and the Sprinter are full-sized vans from Mercedes-Benz, but the Metris is the newcomer having only been around since 2016. The Sprinter is fantastic if you need a van that can hold camping gear for a cross-country adventure that can go on forever, but not everyone needs that type of space from their van. See who will benefit most from each vehicle.

Exterior and Interior

The standard Sprinter is about 233″ long with a higher roof while the Metris is about 202″ in length. You can configure the Sprinter for even more space while the Metris comes in a standard size. Inside, you’ll find that the Metris can seat eight people while the Sprinter can seat up to 12. Get 186 cubic feet of storage space in the Metris but up to 590 cubic feet in the longest version of the Sprinter. On the inside of either model, you’ll feel more like you’re in the cabin of a car than a van. The gauge, steering and seating positions in either option are simple and easy to control.

Engine and performance

The Metris comes with 208 horsepower in a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. (You currently cannot get the Metris with either AWD or a diesel engine.) The Sprinter comes with only diesel engines, with options of either a 2.1L 4-cylinder (7-speed automatic) or a 3L turbodiesel 6 cylinder (5 speed automatic.) You can get the Sprinter with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Sprinter’s payload capacity is 3,500 pounds as opposed to the Metris’ 1,500 pounds or so. Towing capacity for either van is 5,000 pounds regardless of how you configure your choice. Both of these vans have been praised for being comfortable on the inside, with heated seats and cruise control options. It should be noted that the Metris drives much like a car does, but the Sprinter (especially the extended length option) will require some real practice and expertise for the driver to feel comfortable behind the wheel.

Safety and Technology

When it comes to staying safe on the road, you get a number of options to keep you protected with both the Metris and Sprinter. Forward-collision prevention assist is available, which can be instrumental when an animal darts into the middle of the road. Lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring decrease your chances of being involved in an accident on the freeway, and side curtain airbags are there on the off-chance a collision does occur. Automatic high beams give you extra visibility when you need it most, without even having to think about it. The handling and exterior of the Metris may remind you more of a car when you’re on the road, but when you have to park either van, parallel park assist and rear back-up camera are total lifesavers.

Essentially, when you can’t live without the extra space, the Sprinter is definitely for you. For everyone else, the Metris offers sufficient space and excellent handling.