Ram Promaster City 2021 Review

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.

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 MatoCar recommend?

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 glass

Interior, 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 control

A 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