2018 Ram Promaster Window Van Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　

What's new

Uconnect 5.0 with optional navigation is now standardRearview camera and Bluetooth are standardPart of the first generation of ProMaster introduced in 2014

　　The 2018 Ram ProMaster Window Van is the people-carrying version of the ProMaster Cargo Van (reviewed separately). It's based on the Fiat Ducato from Europe, which means it's front-wheel-drive. That's unusual since full-size vans are traditionally rear-wheel-drive.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ram Promaster Window Van 2500 High Roof 3dr Van (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 Window Van 2500 High Roof

　　Promaster Window Van 2500 High Roof

　　2500 High Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $35,195 MSRP3500 High Roof 3dr Ext Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $39,145 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Large Van

　　Because of its front-drive layout, Ram can maximize the ProMaster's cargo and passenger volume while keeping it lighter than the competition. The ProMaster also benefits from a short hood, which lends itself to improved forward visibility, and the inherent traction advantage, especially when unladen with cargo.

　　The downside to that front-wheel-drive architecture is the van's lower tow rating than its rear-wheel-drive competition. But another and possibly more important downside is the extra step buyers will need to take to outfit the ProMaster with rear passenger seats. This Ram is sold with front seats only (or just a driver's seat if you'd prefer) with no option of fitting rear seats from the factory. That means the buyer will need to find a third party from which to buy and install the seats.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2018 Ram ProMaster is a good choice for buyers needing to carry people, haul cargo, or both. It offers a space-efficient design and an available diesel engine. It doesn't come with rear seats from the factory, though.

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have limited experience with a preproduction model. The following is our first 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 and fairly comfortable — there's even a suspension seat as an option. But the ride isn't anything to write home about, even by van standards. Selecting optional floor coating might help alleviate the noise from an empty cargo area.

　　

Interior

　　Utilitarian vans are seldom known for their comfort, but the ProMaster is fairly easy to get in and out of. Unfortunately, the steering wheel does not adjust for tilt, which can make for a compromised driving position. Forward visibility is a strong point.

　　

Utility

　　It doesn't get much more useful than a van, and as long as you don't want factory-installed rear seats, there are quite a few ways to equip the cargo area of a ProMaster. Payload capacity is competitive, but the ProMaster's tow rating lags behind those of rival vans.

　　

Technology

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

　　

Which Promaster Window Van does zzdcar recommend?

　　The list of standard features is the same no matter which trim you specify, so your decision about which ProMaster version to get will likely be based purely on your business needs. The 3500, because of its additional length, will be beneficial for packing in as many passengers (and their luggage) as possible.

　　

2018 Ram Promaster Window Van models

　　The 2018 Ram ProMaster Window Van comes in 2500 and 3500 versions. Both have a high roof, allowing adults to stand up inside the van, and a 159-inch wheelbase. The 3500 version, however, also has an extended-length body. (It's 250 inches long versus 236 inches for the 2500 van.) Only front seats are provided since Ram expects owners to outfit the van to their needs. Options and engine choices are available equally on both the 2500 and the 3500.

　　Standard on the Ram ProMaster Window Van is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Other standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, a passenger-side sliding side door, air conditioning, cloth bucket seats, power front windows, power locks, keyless entry, a telescoping but oddly not tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a four-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary audio inputs.

　　Available options include alloy wheels, foglights, daytime running lights, a driver-side sliding door, windows for the side and rear doors, power-folding and heated sideview mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a cargo partition (with or without a sliding window), heated seats, swivel seats, a suspension driver's seat, adjustable lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior wall paneling, and various add-ons aimed at upfitters. You can also get satellite radio and a navigation system.

　　Properly equipped, the Ram can handle payloads of up to 3,930 pounds on the 2500 version and 4,280 pounds on the 3500. Both vans can tow up to 5,100 pounds. The ProMaster's payload capacity is competitive for the class, but its tow rating is significantly lower than rear-wheel-drive competitors' ratings.

　　Standard safety features for the 2018 Ram ProMaster Window Van include front, side and side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, hill start assist, stability control with trailer sway control and rollover mitigation, and traction control.

　　

2018 Promaster Window Van Highlights

Trim: 2500 High Roof3500 High Roof2500 High Roof

　　

Base MSRP	$35,195
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	2 seats
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles