LOOKS
The RAM Promaster city looks like what it is -- a plain compact cargo van. I had the two-seater variety, with literally just two seats up front and a huge wide-open space behind for cargo. No frills, all space. Fill it up with your tools or cargo, and head to work. Nothing fancy to see here.
There is a second-row option if you do want to increase capacity to five people, and if you want to keep the content of your van hidden from public view, you can go without windows.
The number of cubic feet of storage space in this van is 131.7, so whatever you’re storing or transporting you’ll have a decent amount of room to play with -- and this is a best-in-class number.
ENGINE, HORSEPOWER
The RAM Promaster City operates off of a 2.4-liter Tigershark Multiair I-4 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It produces 178 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque
Overall ride comfort was average, but the van can have a pretty rough ride feel when not loaded. It’s all about knowing what you’re getting into with a vehicle like this. Don’t go into a work vehicle and expect it to drive like a luxury ride -- because it will not.
On the positive side, the power you need to get around is there -- as I found the Promaster City gets moving pretty fast when you want it to go.
RAM also touts a 2,000 lb. max towing capability, plus a class-leading payload capacity of 1,883 pounds.
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
Base versions of the Promaster City vans (both 2-seater and 5-seater) are simple and the opposite of flashy. Turn-key start, cloth seating, etc.
Upgrading a trim level will get you options such as power mirrors, leather on the steering wheel, cruise control and Bluetooth capability, plus the Uconnect infotainment system and a 5-inch touchscreen (an upgrade that’s worth it, as Uconnect is always a home run in terms of user experience).
Beyond that, there are option groups offered that will boost your stereo’s power, give you heated front seats, or a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. You can also select the towing package for maximum pulling power, and remote start and satellite radio are also offered.
Keep in mind, though, that in the safety arena you’re not going to get the works offered here (blind spot monitoring, etc.) compared to what you would have available on more upscale rides.
MPG
Official fuel mileage numbers on the Promaster City are 21 city/29 highway/24 combined. These numbers are competitive in the segment, and of course your mileage will vary depending how the van is loaded and other factors.
PRICE, BOTTOM LINE
My test vehicle came in at $25,475; base price for the RAM Promaster City starts just over $23K.
The RAM Promaster City is not a vehicle you would want to get for a daily driver, even with the second row of seating; but as far as loading it up and getting the job done -- well, it will get the job done.
The overall feel and experience of the Promaster City wasn’t as impressive to me as the Ford Transit Connect, which you should also test if you’re looking for a cargo van, but considering that the Promaster City can carry more than any other van of its size on the market, it’s bound to find some happy customers on that fact alone.
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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.
