Both are backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, and the EcoBoost engine is EPA rated at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, about the same as the Ram and better than the Mercedes.

The Transit Connect makes a strong case against the NV200, but its cargo space and payload capacity aren’t large enough for it to function as the ultimate traveling toy box. Still, at a starting price of $23,010, which is about $500 less than the Ram and undercuts the Mercedes by $3,000, the Ford packs quite a bit of value. The Ram ProMaster City makes impressive use of its space, with 131.7 cubic feet of cargo room, which is more than the Ford or Nissan.

It also has a higher maximum payload at 1,886 pounds, and is taller than the Transit Connect at 51.8 inches of interior height. The ProMaster City’s rear cargo doors even open to 180 degrees. The van is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Output is 178 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque – very similar to the Transit Connect. It’s backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, which boosts fuel economy to EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Like the Ford and Mercedes, the ProMaster City is front-wheel drive. One issue could be driveability, however. The ProMaster City is more than a foot longer than the Ford, and its turning radius of 42 feet is much higher than the Nissan. The added space and payload capacity make it a great choice, but tight urban parking needs to be considered as well. Still, the ProMaster City packs plenty of appeal for lifestyle buyers. Mercedes-Benz MetrisĢ018 Mercedes-Benz Metris. More powerful and more capable than its competitors, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is the best small cargo van for the lifestyle buyer looking for a weekend on wheels. Prices start at $26,000 for the Metris Worker and jump to nearly $29,000 for the Metris Cargo Van. The Metris is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The combination creates a class-leading maximum payload of 2,502 pounds and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds – 3,000 more than the Ford or the Ram. The Metris also leads the class in interior height (55 inches) and cargo space (186 cubic feet). And while the others offer 180-degree rear cargo doors, Mercedes offers three configurations and up to 270-degree doors. Parking could be tight as the Metris has the largest wheelbase, length, width and height in the class. At 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, it also trails in fuel economy.

Still, the Metris offers heated seats and safety technology unique to the class such as Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Collision Prevention Assist. It may be larger and more expensive than other small vans, but the Metris offers capability and amenities that simply aren’t matched.When you press on the brakes, the brake calipers force the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors.

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