The Mercedes-Benz Metris and the Ford Transit Connect are both smaller vans which offer both a passenger and cargo version. The van segment is perhaps not one of the most exciting, but it is popular. These people and stuff carriers are an important part of the automobile industry. They carry families around town and they are an integral part of many business both large and small.

Which of these vans comes out on top? Let’s take a quick look at the specs of both the 2020 Ford Transit and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris to see how they compare. Is there one of these vans that dominates both as a cargo van and a passenger van? Or will the results be split? Here’s how the Metris and the Transit Connect look side by side.

Metris and Transit Connect pricing

For many buyers, pricing is the first thing to look at. The price of a cargo van or minivan can really sway someone one way or the other in terms of choosing between two options. The Mercedes-Benz Metris is the more expensive option between these two no matter how you look at it.

According to Edmunds, the 2020 Metris will run you anywhere between $27,180 – $33,580, depending which configuration you choose. While there are some options that the 2020 Transit Connect Cargo or Transit Connect Passenger Wagon doesn’t offer––such as a weekend camper package––its price range is much lower.

The Ford Transit Connect is a small van which also offers both a cargo van and a passenger wagon option. Its starting price is thousands lower coming in at $24,275, and even tops out more than a grand lower at $32,250––according to Edmunds. The 2020 Transit Connect will also tend to be less expensive to maintain as parts are generally easier to source.

Maintenance at the Mercedes-Benz dealership can get pretty steep and the Metris requires premium fuel. Many people don’t mind paying extra for the Mercedes, however. It is supreme in terms of luxury. Still, the Ford Transit is utilitarian bliss.

Cargo van

As a cargo van, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is king of these tiny cargo vans. Edmunds posts a max tow rating of over twice what the 2020 Ford Transit Connect cargo can handle. The Metris tows up to 5000 pounds versus the Transit’s 2000 pound towing capability.

The payload capacity is way better for the Mercedes cargo van as well. The 2020 Ford Transit Connect can haul load as heavy as 1,570 pounds. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris, however, can handle 2,425 pounds. Additionally, the Metris has a cargo capacity of 183-199 cubic feet, while the Transit Connect can carry a maximum of 123.2-145.8 cubic feet, according to the specs and features posted by Edmunds.

Passenger wagon

Edmunds prefers the 7-passenger Transit’s driving prowess over the 8-passenger Metris. For a city wagon, the 2020 Ford Transit Connect is probably your best bet. Especially if you opt for the top-tier Titanium trim level which provides comforts such as leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel, and heated seats.

The full Ford safety suite is standard on both the Titanium trim and the step down XLT trim for the Transit Connect Wagon. If you don’t mind giving up a little comfort that something more luxurious like the Metris offers, the Transit is a solid choice as a passenger wagon. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris offers plenty in terms of luxury, but it’s surprisingly a bit more cumbersome (according to Edmunds). Overall, the Ford Transit is a better choice. Unless you really want the Mercedes luxury aspect or the heavy hauling capability that the Metris brings to the table.