2021 Ram Promaster Cargo Van Review

　　

2021 Ram Promaster Cargo Van Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The Ram ProMaster Cargo Van is among the small crop of modern work vans that sit atop a streamlined, passenger car-type chassis, rather than the tall truck frames of yesterday's vans. This design makes for more nimble maneuvering, improved fuel efficiency and smarter use of interior space without sacrificing capability.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $32,385 MSRP1500 Low Roof 3dr Van w/136" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $34,240 MSRP1500 High Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $35,140 MSRP2500 Low Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $35,285 MSRP2500 High Roof 3dr Van w/136" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $36,210 MSRP2500 High Roof 3dr Van w/159" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $37,885 MSRP3500 Low Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $36,815 MSRP3500 High Roof 3dr Van w/136" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $37,315 MSRP3500 High Roof 3dr Van w/159" WB (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $38,865 MSRP3500 High Roof 3dr Ext Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $42,015 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　The ProMaster Cargo stands apart from its rivals, however, with a front-wheel-drive layout and three available van lengths. The ProMaster's entire drivetrain sits under the front cab, so its load floor sits just 21 inches above the ground, lowest in the class, and ideal when handling bulky, awkward objects. An 118-inch wheelbase version, shortest in the class, is also available for buyers who want a capable but compact van.

　　Front-drive cars often sacrifice capability for efficiency, but the ProMaster Cargo can handle up to 4,680 pounds of payload or tow up to 6,910 pounds when properly configured. These are comparable specs to those of the Ford Transit, which is a key full-size van rival. If you drive in a wet and snowy climate, a Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which offer available all-wheel drive, might be a better choice. These vans are also a little more refined to drive. But overall the ProMaster is a capable work van that'll get the job done.

　　

Which Promaster Cargo Van does zzdcar recommend?

The ProMaster isn't offered in conventional tiered trim levels. Instead you choose a body length, roof height and payload capacity to suit your needs, then add optional features to taste. If you'll need to stand up or walk around inside the van, you'll want the high-roof body, which offers more than 8 feet of clearance.

　　

2021 Ram Promaster Cargo Van models

The 2021 Ram ProMaster Cargo is a large van with two seats and a large cargo area designed for storing gear and equipping to your needs. There are no traditional trim levels. Instead, the ProMaster comes in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions, with the higher numbers indicating increased payload ratings (think of these as light, medium, and heavy-duty choices), then a selection of short and long body styles, and finally low- and high-roof options.

　　The most compact ProMaster, with its 118-inch wheelbase, is only available as a 1500 model with a low roof. All others are available as 2500 or 3500 versions, with low or high roof, and with medium or long wheelbases (136 and 159 inches, respectively). The long-wheelbase 3500 high-roof is also available with a slightly extended body for maximum cargo space.

　　All ProMaster vans come with a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine (280 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard feature highlights include:

　　Split-opening rear cargo doors Remote locking and unlocking Rearview camera Air conditioning 5-inch touchscreen central display Four-speaker audio system Crosswind assist (helps the driver stay on course in windy conditions)The ProMaster's options list is extensive and geared toward increasing levels of comfort and utility. Notable features here include:

　　Power-folding and heated mirrors Sliding side doors Rear windows Rear parking sensors Cruise control Heated seats Suspended driver's seat Cargo-area climate control Tow hitch Digital rearview camera (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

　　

2021 Promaster Cargo Van Highlights

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

　　

Base MSRP	$32,385
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