2019 Ram Promaster City 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.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

Newly restyled grillePart of the first ProMaster City generation introduced in 2015

　　If you're looking for a versatile compact van, Ram offers the 2019 ProMaster City. Although you can't stand upright inside this van as you can in the much larger, full-size ProMaster van (reviewed separately), it's still a very practical option. There are two versions: a two-passenger cargo van and a five-passenger van (the Wagon). The interior is spacious in both. The maximum cargo volume of 131.7 cubic feet is larger than in most competitors, and the ProMaster City's payload rating of 1,885 pounds (or 1,760 pounds for the passenger version) is excellent for this class of vehicle.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ram Promaster City Tradesman Cargo 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$157/mo  for Promaster City Tradesman Cargo

　　Promaster City Tradesman Cargo

　　Tradesman Cargo 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $24,295 MSRPWagon 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $25,945 MSRPTradesman SLT Cargo 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $26,045 MSRPWagon SLT 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$202/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Minivan

　　All ProMaster City versions come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 178 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration and fuel economy are both respectable for the class. On the move, the ProMaster City rides well enough for a commercial van, but its tall, narrow profile means turns should be navigated with some caution. This is one reason we don't consider the ProMaster City Wagon as an alternative to a five-passenger crossover SUV. A noisy cabin and limited safety features are other reasons.

　　For passenger van duty, the similarly priced and recently redesigned Ford Transit Connect is a better option. It has lower payload limits, but it comes in two wheelbase lengths. The passenger version also has additional amenities, including seven-passenger seating and leather upholstery. If you have the budget, the slightly larger and more expensive Mercedes-Benz Metris is worth a look, too. We like it because of its above-average interior space and good road manners. Overall, though, the ProMaster City is a solid option if you need an affordable and capable cargo van for your business or organization.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2019 Ram ProMaster City is a light-duty compact van that's ideal for commercial use in the city or for businesses that don't need or want the expense of a full-size van. It offers room for five passengers or can be equipped for strictly cargo duty and has an impressive payload rating.

　　

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

　　There's a suitable amount of pep driving around town. But once on the highway — especially if fully loaded — the ProMaster City starts to feel slow. The nine-speed automatic's shifting can be a bit clunky at low speeds. When driving around turns, the van leans heavily.

　　

Comfort

　　Vinyl seats can be had in Cargo and Wagon configurations, but the SLT trim gets heated front seats with height adjustment and lumbar support.

　　

Interior

　　It may be a small van, but the ProMaster City is still roomy and comfortable. Forward visibility is good, and rearward visibility is helped by a rearview camera and optional rear parking sensors.

　　

Utility

　　The Cargo version of the ProMaster City has 131.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. That's more than the Ford Transit Connect and the Nissan NV200 but less than the larger Mercedes-Benz Metris.

　　

Technology

　　Standard equipment includes the Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and a rearview camera. Rear parking sensors are optional but recommended.

　　

Which Promaster City does zzdcar recommend?

　　Whether you choose the Cargo or the Wagon version will depend on your hauling needs, but opting for the SLT trim level is a good idea. It gets you a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the option of heated seats, cruise control and a slightly upmarket appearance package.

　　

2019 Ram Promaster City models

　　The 2019 ProMaster City comes as a cargo van, called the Cargo, and a five-passenger version known as the Wagon. Both the Cargo and Wagon have Tradesman and SLT trim levels. The main differences between the base and the SLT come in the form of standard equipment, better seats and a less utilitarian appearance. Of course, the Tradesman Cargo Van seats just two passengers and the Wagon seats five.

　　Both the Cargo and the Wagon use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (178 horsepower, 174 pound-feet). The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and is only available in front-wheel drive.

　　Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, power front windows, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a front overhead storage bin, a 60/40-split folding rear seat (Wagon only), Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a four-speaker stereo with a USB port.

　　For the SLT trim levels, all of the above equipment comes standard, along with body-colored mirrors and bumpers, power-adjustable heated mirrors, privacy glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, height and lumbar adjustments for the driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded cloth upholstery, and cruise control.

　　Available option packages include the Popular Entertainment group (second-row power windows, a six-speaker stereo, heated front seats), a Cargo Partition package, a Lights and Wheels group (16-inch alloy wheels and foglights), and a tow package with a Class III hitch.

　　There are almost too many stand-alone options to name, but other major ProMaster City options include roof rails, a rear window defroster and wiper/washer, remote start, rear parking sensors, a navigation system (in combination with the 5-inch touchscreen), window grates, satellite radio, and a telematics option for vehicle tracking.

　　

2019 Promaster City Highlights

Trim: Tradesman CargoWagonTradesman SLT CargoWagon SLTTradesman Cargo

　　

Base MSRP	$24,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$157/month
Seating	2 seats
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles