Why I got a Metris.
Apart from all the other advantages everyone has mentioned, I needed something for an easy drive on a daily basis that could also haul the dogs (and hopefully the 27' 3900lb trailer, for nearby shows at least - we'll see when the snow goes). My 2010 ford E350 does the job, but is not a daily drive and uses twice the fuel. None of the other smaller vans has the height to stack crates or towing capacity. My 2012 Escape could only fit 3 crates (the newer ones can't even do that).
My Metris has the climate control for the dogs and by flipping the 2-seat bench over the back bench (even I can do that at my advanced age) and strapping it down, I can get 6 full sized (Vari 300’s) crates in and 2 puppy (200’s) crates. If I take the 2 seater out, I can get in another two 300’s without removing the back bench seat. Now I can take the whole "family" when I take a long day trip and not have to worry about putting them in kennels (6 dogs x 2 nights x $20) - Even border patrol understands why I take them with me on those breeding runs to the US.
I’ve got the auxiliary battery, so I’m planning the max-air fan, a powered cold box and solar panel for those dog shows in an open field on a sunny day, or meal stops where its best to leave things locked up. With the roof fan on, will air be drawn in through the car’s ventilation system or does it automatically close?