Compare the2023 Mercedes Metris CargoVS 2022 Ford Transit Connect Van

Both the Metris Cargo and the Transit Connect Van have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Metris Cargo has a standard 175-amp alternator. The Transit Connect Van’s standard 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Metris Cargo has a standard 850-amp battery. The Transit Connect Van’s standard 800-amp battery and largest (2.5) 590 amp battery aren’t as powerful.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mercedes 2 places higher in reliability than Ford.

The Metris Cargo’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 46 more horsepower (208 vs. 162) and 114 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 144) than the Transit Connect Van’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Metris Cargo’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 39 more horsepower (208 vs. 169) and 87 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 171) than the Transit Connect Van’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Regenerative brakes improve the Metris Cargo’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Transit Connect Van doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Metris Cargo has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Transit Connect Van (18.5 vs. 15.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes Metris Cargo higher (6 out of 10) than the Ford Transit Connect Van (5 to 6). This means the Metris Cargo produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Transit Connect Van every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes Metris Cargo, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Transit Connect Van.

For better traction, the Metris Cargo has larger tires than the Transit Connect Van (235/55R17 vs. 215/55R16).

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Metris Cargo offers optional 17-inch wheels. The Transit Connect Van’s largest wheels are only 16-inches.

For superior ride and handling, the Mercedes Metris Cargo has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Ford Transit Connect Van has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Metris Cargo’s wheelbase is longer than on the Transit Connect Van:

For better maneuverability, the Metris Cargo’s turning circle is tighter than the Transit Connect Van’s:

The Metris Cargo has 4.7 inches more front hip room and 4.6 inches more front shoulder room than the Transit Connect Van.

The Metris Cargo Standard WB has a much larger cargo volume than the SWB Transit Connect Van (182.9 vs. 104.8 cubic feet).

The Metris Cargo Long WB has a much larger cargo volume than the LWB Transit Connect Van (199.2 vs. 127.4 cubic feet).

The Metris Cargo’s cargo area is larger than the Transit Connect Van’s in every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Metris Cargo. The Transit Connect Van doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Metris Cargo offers an optional power cargo door, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Transit Connect Van doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

The Metris Cargo’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Transit Connect Van’s (5000 vs. 0 pounds).

Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the Metris Cargo, using the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Transit Connect Van.

The Metris Cargo Standard WB has a much higher standard payload capacity than the SWB Transit Connect Van (2205 vs. 1270 lbs.).

The Metris Cargo Standard WB has a much higher optional payload capacity than the LWB Transit Connect Van (2668 vs. 1550 lbs.).

The engine in the Metris Cargo is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Transit Connect Van. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Metris Cargo to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Ford doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Transit Connect Van.

The Metris Cargo’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Transit Connect Van’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically. The Transit Connect Van’s optional windows’ rear windows don’t close automatically.

If the front windows are left open on the Metris Cargo the driver can close them from a distance using the remote (remote must be aimed at door sensor). On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Transit Connect Van can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Metris Cargo has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Transit Connect Van doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Metris Cargo offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Transit Connect Van.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the Metris Cargo has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The Transit Connect Van doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

The Metris Cargo’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Transit Connect Van doesn’t offer an automated parking system.