Skip to main content

Spacious and smooth, the Ram ProMaster City has received acclaim as one of the best passenger vans around. While in production, it was popular with drivers who needed to get many people from one spot to another. However, after it was killed by Ram, following the 2022 model year, the ProMaster City has remained in demand as a used vehicle. For many families, the 2022 Ram ProMaster City is still an excellent option, stacking up against the likes of brand-new vans like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris, a vehicle that offers enhanced towing capacity and a refined interior.

The 2022 Ram ProMaster City passenger wagon

Any comparison between the Ram ProMaster City passenger wagon and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris should start with the price. The Ram ProMaster Wagon, which came in two models, a cargo van for work and a passenger van for family transport, has a starting price of $36,570 for the passenger wagon, according to Car and Driver. The 2022 ProMaster City achieves fuel economy of up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with seating for up to five passengers.

Regarding additional features, the ProMaster City offers a standard backup camera and rear parking sensors, a four-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone, and streaming audio. If you’re looking for advanced driver assistance and safety features, you won’t find them in the Ram ProMaster City, as it has pretty basic safety features. In terms of warranty, drivers get a limited warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles and a Powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles. There aren’t a lot of optional features or add-ons with the Ram ProMaster City, with many deeming the van as relatively barebones compared to more luxurious alternatives.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Sleek and luxurious, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris is the next evolution in passenger vans. This all-new model has both a cargo van and a passenger van available, like the Ram ProMaster City, with a starting price of $45,495. According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris passenger van has a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. You’ll get plenty of space for passengers to stretch out their legs with this model, with seating for up to eight passengers. Additionally, the second and third rows can be reconfigured or removed to accommodate different numbers of people and amounts of cargo.

The Mercedes-Benz Metris also has a full suite of features, including a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard automated emergency braking, standard blind-spot monitoring, and available lane-keeping assist. It also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and Crosswind Assist. The Metris also has an attractive warranty, including a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles. 

Should shoppers opt for the ProMaster City or Metris?

There are a lot of factors to consider when comparing the 2022 Ram ProMaster City and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris. Both vehicles offer comfort and safety, although the latter undoubtedly has more safety and driver-assistance features. However, for many shoppers looking for a passenger van, it all comes down to available seating and cargo space. In that realm, the Mercedes-Benz Metris walks away the winner, with seating for up to eight passengers, along with adjustable second and third-row seating. Still, the Metris is considerably more expensive than the Ram ProMaster City, at around $45,495 starting price compared to the ProMaster City’s affordable $36,570.

Related The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway Scoops up Popular Mechanics’ ‘RV of the Year’ Award

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway Scoops up Popular Mechanics’ ‘RV of the Year’ Award