2018 Ram Promaster Cargo Van Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

A 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera are all newly standardPart of the first ProMaster Cargo generation introduced for 2014

　　There have been dramatic shifts in the full-size cargo van market over the last few years. The Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana and Nissan NV all ride on body-on-frame truck chassis, while newer models such as the Ford Transit utilize unibody construction for reduced weight and improved ride comfort. The 2018 Ram ProMaster Cargo takes it a step further and really throws convention out the window: Not only is it a unibody cargo van, but it's also front-wheel-drive in a segment otherwise dominated by rear-wheel-drive haulers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 1500 Low Roof 3dr Van w/118" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Promaster Cargo Van 1500 Low Roof

　　Promaster Cargo Van 1500 Low Roof

　　1500 Low Roof 3dr Van w/118" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $29,995 MSRP1500 Low Roof 3dr Van w/136" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $31,395 MSRP1500 High Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $32,195 MSRP2500 High Roof 3dr Van w/136" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $33,195 MSRP2500 High Roof 3dr Van w/159" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $34,795 MSRP3500 High Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $35,995 MSRP3500 High Roof 3dr Ext Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $38,745 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　Going front-wheel drive brings a few benefits. The ProMaster's step-in and cargo-loading heights are the lowest in the class, and the extra weight over the driven wheels should give the ProMaster better traction when the road is slippery. A tight turning circle also helps with low-speed maneuverability. It can't tow as much as rivals, but its maximum payload capacity of 4,430 pounds is right up there with the rest of the class.

　　We think the 2018 Ram ProMaster is a good choice for commercial use as long as you're willing to overlook the van's unconventional looks and mediocre tow rating in exchange for greater mobility in the city and easy cargo loading and unloading.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2018 Ram ProMaster Cargo breaks the cargo van mold with front-wheel drive and a unibody construction. It can't tow as much as rivals, but the low step-in height makes it easy to load equipment into the back and a tight turning radius makes it easy to navigate crowded city streets.

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has limited experience with the Ram ProMaster Cargo. The following is our take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　Since the diesel was discontinued for this year, the 3.6-liter V6 is the only engine available. But it's a refined one, with smooth shifts and a notable lack of engine noise. It feels easy to drive this van in crowded urban centers thanks to its light steering and relatively tight turning radius.

　　

Comfort

　　The seats are well-bolstered, but the steering wheel doesn't tilt, so many drivers may find the driving position is compromised.

　　

Interior

　　There's nothing fancy about the ProMaster. Like all cargo vans, this beast is about function, not form. The ProMaster doesn't offer blind-spot monitoring, so consider the optional tow mirrors and side window glass for extra visibility.

　　

Utility

　　A low liftover height makes it easy to load items or step into the boxy cargo area. Cargo capacity ranges from 259 cubic feet in the short-wheelbase, low-roof 1500 model to 467 cubes in the long-wheelbase, high-roof 3500 with the extended cargo area.

　　

Technology

　　A rearview camera and a 5-inch touchscreen with Ram's intuitive Uconnect interface are standard.

　　

Which Promaster Cargo Van does zzdcar recommend?

　　Since the list of standard features is the same no matter which trim you specify, the model you decide on is based purely on your business needs. Keep in mind that lower numbers correspond to a smaller wheelbase and a shorter roof height. For instance, the 1500 is the only one available in the short-wheelbase and low-roof combination, while the 3500 can only be ordered in the long-wheelbase and high-roof combo.

　　

2018 Ram Promaster Cargo Van models

　　The 2018 Ram ProMaster Cargo is a large van with two seats and a large cargo area perfect for storing gear and upfitting. There are no traditional trim levels; instead, its 1500, 2500 and 3500 levels indicate the size of the vehicle (higher numbers translate to longer available wheelbases and taller roofs) as well as an increasing gross vehicle weight rating for higher payloads. The engine is a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine (280 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　The 1500 carries a GVWR of 8,550 pounds, with a payload rating of 3,770 to 3,990 pounds, depending on how it's configured. A 118-inch wheelbase and low cargo roof are standard, while a 136-inch wheelbase with a low or high cargo roof is optional. The 2500's GVWR is listed at 8,900 pounds, with a payload rating of 3,700 to 4,130 pounds. It's available in a 136-inch or a 159-inch wheelbase with a high cargo roof. The GVWR for the 3500 is listed at 9,350 pounds, with a payload rating of 4,020 to 4,430 pounds. The 159-inch wheelbase is standard, but you can order an extended version with an even longer cargo area.

　　The standard features on the Ram ProMaster 1500 include 16-inch steel wheels, split-opening rear doors, manually adjustable mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, a rearview camera, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, a telescoping steering wheel, cargo lights, tie-down rings in the cargo area, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a four-speaker audio system with a USB port.

　　The 2500 and 3500 versions come with the same equipment as the 1500, but they feature a heavy-duty suspension to deal with the higher payload capabilities.

　　Optional features include alloy wheels, power-folding and heated mirrors, windows for the sliding rear doors, rear windows, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, heated seats, lumbar adjustment for one or both seats, a double passenger seat, swivel seats, a suspended driver's seat, cargo area climate control, satellite radio, a navigation system and a tow hitch.

　　A few options are also available through Mopar, including remote engine start, electronic vehicle tracking, carpeted or rubberized floor mats, LED cargo lighting, a spray-in bedliner and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　

2018 Promaster Cargo Van Highlights

Trim: 1500 Low Roof1500 High Roof2500 High Roof3500 High Roof1500 Low Roof

　　

Base MSRP	$29,995
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	259.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles