Compare the2024 Ram ProMaster Cargo VanVS 2023 Mercedes Metris Cargo

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The ProMaster Cargo Van has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ProMaster Cargo Van offers optional ParkSense with Stop that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The ProMaster Cargo Van offers an optional Surround-View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Metris Cargo only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the ProMaster Cargo Van and the Metris Cargo 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, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

Warranty

The ProMaster Cargo Van comes with free roadside assistance for 5 years 60,000 miles. Ram will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Mercedes doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Metris Cargo.

The ProMaster Cargo Van’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Metris Cargo runs out after 100,000 miles.

There are over 6 times as many Ram dealers as there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the ProMaster Cargo Van’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the ProMaster Cargo Van has larger alternators than the Metris Cargo:

	ProMaster Cargo Van	Metris Cargo
Standard Alternator	180 amps	175 amps
Optional Alternator	220 amps	190 amps

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ram vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ram second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 60 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 23rd, below the industry average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Ram vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ram 14 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

Engine

The ProMaster Cargo Van’s 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 68 more horsepower (276 vs. 208) than the Metris Cargo’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ram ProMaster Cargo Van uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Metris Cargo requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The ProMaster Cargo Van has 5.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Metris Cargo (24 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ProMaster 2500 LWB’s wheelbase is 24 inches longer than on the Metris Cargo Long WB (159 inches vs. 135 inches).

For better maneuverability, the ProMaster 1500 SWB’s turning circle is .1 feet tighter than the Metris Cargo Standard WB’s (36.3 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

Chassis

The ProMaster 1500 SWB is 7 inches shorter than the Metris Cargo Standard WB, making the ProMaster Cargo Van easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The ProMaster Cargo Van offers optional seating for 3 passengers; the Metris Cargo can only carry 2.

The ProMaster 1500 SWB has 25.8 inches more front headroom, 3 inches more front legroom, 7 inches more front hip room and 12.6 inches more front shoulder room than the Metris Cargo Standard WB.

The ProMaster 1500 MWB has 25.8 inches more front headroom, 3 inches more front legroom, 7 inches more front hip room and 12.6 inches more front shoulder room than the Metris Cargo Long WB.

Cargo Capacity

The ProMaster 1500 SWB has a much larger cargo volume than the Metris Cargo Standard WB (259 vs. 182.9 cubic feet).

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

	ProMaster 1500 SWB	ProMaster 3500 Ext. LWB	Metris Cargo Standard WB	Metris Cargo Long WB
Length	105.1”	160”	111.5”	120.5”
Max Width	75.6”	75.6”	66.3”	66.3”
Min Width	55.8”	55.8”	50”	50”
Height	65.4”	76”	55”	55”

Payload and Towing

The ProMaster Cargo Van’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Metris Cargo’s (6910 vs. 5000 pounds).

The ProMaster 1500 SWB has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Metris Cargo Standard WB (4000 vs. 2205 lbs.).

The ProMaster 1500 SWB has a much higher optional payload capacity than the Metris Cargo Standard WB (4000 vs. 2668 lbs.).

Ergonomics

The ProMaster Cargo Van offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the ProMaster Cargo Van has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

The ProMaster Cargo Van’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Metris Cargo’s parking brake has to be released manually.

Keyless Go standard on the ProMaster Cargo Van allows you to start the engine without removing a key from pocket or purse (optional Keyless Enter ‘n Go will also allow unlocking the doors and cargo door without taking your keys out). The Mercedes Metris Cargo doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

In addition to the standard right side sliding door, the Ram ProMaster Cargo Van offers an optional driver’s side rear sliding door. This door simplifies loading and unloading passengers and it allows parents to easily secure two children into child seats. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer a driver’s side rear door.

The ProMaster Cargo Van’s cruise control switch is lit from behind, making it plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Metris Cargo’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The ProMaster Cargo Van SLT’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Metris Cargo’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the ProMaster Cargo Van detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the ProMaster Cargo Van offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer cornering lights.

On extremely cold winter days, the ProMaster Cargo Van’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ram ProMaster Cargo Van offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The ProMaster Cargo Van offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the dashboard, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Metris Cargo doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Recommendations

The Ram ProMaster outsold the Mercedes Metris by almost 9 to one during 2023.