2021 Ram Promaster City Review

　　

2021 Ram ProMaster City 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.

　　For decades, a full-size van was the one-size solution for commercial cargo or passenger hauling regardless of how much stuff, or how many people, you needed to carry. But the advent of robust front-wheel-drive platforms able to carry moderate payloads has given rise to compact work/passenger vans like the 2021 Ram ProMaster City.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $25,065 MSRPWagon 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $26,130 MSRPTradesman SLT Cargo 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $26,380 MSRPWagon SLT 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,730 MSRP

　　vs

　　$202/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Minivan

　　Based on a Fiat small-van platform designed for threading tight European streets, the ProMaster City is an affordable, fuel-efficient workhorse built for light-duty work. It's available as a two-passenger cargo van or a passenger van with seating for five. Both offer a roomy cabin with impressive cargo space and payload capacity. Although it's not available with a tall roof and you can't stand upright in it like you can in the full-size ProMaster (reviewed separately), the junior ProMaster still packs a solid utility punch.

　　The ProMaster City's price hovers around the middle of the class, and that class includes competitors from Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, which helps explain some of the Ram's deficiencies. The cabin is noisy, the van can feel wobbly around corners, and it lacks some of today's more basic driver aids such as blind-spot warning or automatic emergency braking. It does offer rear parking sensors, but they're optional. Although it's tempting to consider the ProMaster City Wagon as an alternative to a minivan or crossover SUV, we can't recommend it.

　　Drivers seeking primarily a passenger van should also consider the Ford Transit Connect, which offers better amenities but lower payload limits, or the nicer Mercedes-Benz Metris. Overall, the ProMaster City is a capable, affordable choice that can handle light cargo and passenger duties with ease.

　　

Which Promaster City does zzdcar recommend?

Whether you choose the ProMaster City Cargo or Wagon van will depend on whether you intend to carry boxes or people. With either choice, we recommend the SLT trim level. It makes the utility van more livable, with features such as upgraded seats, power-adjustable mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

　　

2021 Ram Promaster City models

The 2021 Ram ProMaster City is offered in two-passenger (Cargo) and five-passenger (Wagon) configurations in both Tradesman and SLT trim levels. The Tradesman covers the essentials, while the SLT offers more standard equipment, upgraded seats and, with the addition of body-colored mirrors and bumpers, a slightly more polished look.

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

　　Standard features for the base-level Tradesman Cargo and Wagon include: 

　　16-inch steel wheels 180-degree-opening rear doors Tinted side glassInterior, comfort and convenience features include:

　　Air conditioning Cloth upholstery Driver's seat armrest Front overhead storage bin 12-volt rear power outlet Keyless entry Bluetooth with voice controls 5-inch touchscreen central display Four-speaker audio system with USB input 60/40-split folding rear seat (Wagon only)Moving up to the SLT trim level adds:

　　Power-adjustable heated mirrors Upgraded window tint Upgraded cloth upholstery Height and lumbar adjustments for driver's seat Leather-wrapped steering wheel Cruise controlA comprehensive options list allows you to tailor the ProMaster City to specific business or personal needs. Notable packages and stand-alone options include:

　　Popular Entertainment package (Wagon SLT) Second-row power windows Heated front seats Six-speaker audio system Lights and Wheels package 16-inch alloy wheels Foglights Heated front seats (SLT) Premium vinyl seat upholstery (SLT) Navigation system Tow hitch Cargo partition (window or solid panel) Cargo area LED lighting (Cargo) Rear parking sensors Telematics tracking and mapping system

　　

2021 Promaster City Highlights

Trim: Tradesman CargoWagonTradesman SLT CargoWagon SLTTradesman Cargo

　　

Base MSRP	$25,065
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