2020 Ram Promaster City Review

　　

2020 Ram ProMaster City Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Available as either a five-passenger van (called the "Wagon") or a two-passenger cargo van, the 2020 Ram ProMaster City offers a roomy cabin, vast expanses of cargo space, and substantial payload capability for its size and class. While you can't stand upright and move around in the City like you can in the full-size ProMaster (reviewed separately), the smaller van packs a solid punch of utility.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) - $24,480 MSRPWagon 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $26,130 MSRPTradesman SLT Cargo 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $26,180 MSRPWagon SLT 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,730 MSRP

　　vs

　　$202/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Minivan

　　The ProMaster City carries over unchanged for 2020, and that's fine. Its 131.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is among the biggest you'll find in a small van. In addition to its cargo capacity, the ProMaster City can carry 1,883 pounds of payload in cargo van configuration, or slightly less in the passenger van.

　　Getting this van moving is a reasonably peppy and fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (178 horsepower, 174 lb-ft of torque) rated at up to 24 mpg combined. On the move, the ProMaster City rides well for a commercial van. But its tall, narrow profile requires taking turns with some caution, which is one reason we don't consider the ProMaster City Wagon an alternative to a five-passenger crossover SUV. Limited safety features and a noisy cabin are other reasons.

　　Drivers looking primarily for a passenger van should also consider the Ford Transit Connect. Its payload limits are lower, but it offers additional amenities, including two lengths, seven-passenger seating and leather upholstery. The Metris is worth a look, too, for its above-average interior space and good ride quality. But overall, the ProMaster City is a solid option for an affordable, capable small cargo and passenger van.

　　

Which Promaster City does zzdcar recommend?

Your hauling needs will determine whether the Cargo or the Wagon is the best fit, but choosing 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.

　　

2020 Ram Promaster City models

The 2020 Ram ProMaster City comes as a two-passenger cargo van (Cargo) and a five-passenger Wagon. Both are available in Tradesman and SLT trim levels. The main differences between the two are standard equipment, better seats and a less utilitarian appearance.

　　Both vans use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (178 horsepower, 174 lb-ft) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Only front-wheel drive is available.

　　Standard Tradesman equipment includes steel wheels, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a front overhead storage bin, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a four-speaker stereo with a USB port. The Wagon also offers a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

　　SLT trims offer all of the above and add power-adjustable heated mirrors, privacy glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustments, upgraded cloth upholstery, and cruise control.

　　Notable option packages include the Popular Entertainment group (second-row power windows, a six-speaker stereo and heated front seats), a Cargo Partition package, a Lights and Wheels group (alloy wheels and foglights), and a tow package with a Class III hitch. Additional stand-alone options are available to tailor the ProMaster City to specific needs.

　　

2020 Promaster City Highlights

Trim: Tradesman CargoWagonTradesman SLT CargoWagon SLTTradesman Cargo

　　

Base MSRP	$24,480
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