2024 Ram ProMaster

Overview

Whether you're a plumber, a shuttle driver, or simply looking to live in a van down by the river, the 2024 Ram ProMaster can serve as the blank canvas you need to get your fledgling business or lifestyle off the ground. A 280-hp V-6 engine drives the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. With this powertrain—the only option—the ProMaster's acceleration is unhurried, but it's quick enough to keep up with city and highway traffic. The Ram competes with the Ford Transit and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, both of which offer more refined handling and a more comfortable driving position. If driver-assistance features are important to you, the ProMaster comes standard with more of those than its rivals.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#7 in Best Full-Size Vans

1

Ford Transit

STARTING AT: $48,985

2

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

STARTING AT: $53,195

3

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

STARTING AT: $63,545

4

Ford E-Transit

STARTING AT: $48,590

5

Chevrolet Express

STARTING AT: $42,595

7

Ram ProMaster

STARTING AT: $46,955

What's New for 2024?

The ProMaster is largely unchanged for 2024, but buyers can now choose to add a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield as an option. Automated emergency braking that works when reversing has been added to the spec sheet, and there's also a new backup alarm that can be set to a white-noise sound or the traditional audible beep. An electric variant of the ProMaster is expected to launch this year too, but we review that model separately.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The most economical choice from the Ram ProMaster lineup is the base model 1500 cargo van. For shoppers looking for a sensible work van, the 1500 is a great choice thanks to its useful assortment of standard equipment. The list includes a rear step bumper, a sliding passenger-side door, and a split swing-out rear door, all of which make getting cargo in and out easier. On the inside, there’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and a manually adjustable telescopic steering column. If you need additional towing or payload capacities, the more expensive 2500 or 3500 provide it.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All ProMaster vans are motivated by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that provides 276 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. We haven't tested the ProMaster with the nine-speed, but the one with the old six-speed automatic made it from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. That's a solid enough performance for this class of vehicle, but other vans in this segment are quicker. For example, the Ford Transit made the same sprint in a mere 6.8 seconds. The ProMaster can tow up to 6910 pounds and offers a maximum payload capacity of 4680 pounds. When it comes to overall handling, the Ram ProMaster is notably less refined than many of its rivals. The steering system is loose and numb, and competing vans provide smoother ride quality.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Full-size vans such as the ProMaster are exempt from fuel-economy standards. As a result, the Ram van hasn't been tested by the EPA. We haven't tested a ProMaster with the nine-speed automatic transmission, but during our time with a ProMaster with the old six-speed automatic, we observed fuel economy of 14 mpg. That's equal to the mileage we observed with a Ford Transit.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The ProMaster provides the driver with an expansive, wide-angle view of the road. The cabin looks more spartan than those in rival vans from Ford and Mercedes-Benz, but the overall design is reasonably attractive. While the interior materials mainly consist of hard durable plastics, the dashboard incorporates a host of modern technology. For example, a 7.0-inch configurable display in the gauge cluster and a wireless device charger are both available. The Ram van's dash also has a large and easily accessible storage tray beneath the glovebox. Those looking to shuttle more than a couple of people can opt for the Crew Van package, which includes a second row of seats that'll fit up to three people. The ProMaster comes with a huge drawback, though: road noise. The Ram just isn't as effective as some rivals at keeping the din of traffic out of the cabin.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every ProMaster comes with a user-friendly infotainment system that funnels through a 7.0-inch touchscreen. An even larger 10.0-inch unit is also available. Both touchscreens utilize the latest Uconnect5 software, which allows over-the-air updates and offers a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Likewise, these units allow two devices to simultaneously connect via Bluetooth, include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and have an Amazon Alexa voice-assistant feature.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The ProMaster offers a host of standard and optional driver-assistance features. It even can be ordered with a digital rearview mirror. For more information about the ProMaster's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The ProMaster's warranty coverage is on par with that offered by Ford, but both the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans come with the perk of a complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 4-door van

PRICE AS TESTED: $34,820 (base price: $29,625)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 220 cu in, 3604 cc
Power: 280 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 136.0 in
Length: 213.1 in
Width: 82.7 in Height: 101.0 in
Curb weight: 4909 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 8.1 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.2 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.5 sec @ 84 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 99 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 199 ft

FUEL ECONOMY:
C/D observed: 14 mpg

More Features and Specs