Ram Promaster Cargo Van 2021 Review

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.

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 MatoCar recommend?

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)