RAM Promaster Van and Minivan. 1st generation, 2018 restyling
The RAM Promaster is a full-size front-wheel-drive cargo and passenger van designed for commercial activities within the city, under the RAM brand. It can be either a van or a minivan.
The RAM Promaster restyled in 2018 is the response of the former FCA (now Stellantis), which owns the RAM brand, to user requests. Aside from the Mercedes-Benz-built Dodge Sprinter, Chrysler hasn’t had a cargo van in its lineup since the 2003 Dodge RAM Van.
Versions
The restyled 2018/2019 RAM Promaster is a large van that comes standard with two seats and a large cargo compartment. Such traditional RAM designations as 1500, 2500 and 3500 characterize the size of the vehicle: the larger the number, the longer the wheelbase, the greater the body height and the total mass of the vehicle. Cargo capacities, depending on configuration, range from 7.3 cubic meters for the 1500 short wheelbase low roof model, and up to 13 cubic meters for the 3500 long wheelbase high roof model with increased cargo space.
- The 1500 has a gross weight of 3,878 kg and a load capacity from 1,710 to 1,809 kg, depending on configuration. A 118-inch wheelbase and a low cargo roof are standard, with an optional 136-inch wheelbase with a low or high cargo roof.
- The gross weight of the 2500 model is 4,036 kg, while its load capacity ranges from 1,678 to 1,873 kg. It is available with a 136-inch or 159-inch wheelbase and a high cargo roof.
- The gross weight of the 3500 model is 4,241 kg, and the load capacity is from 1,823 to 2,009 kg. A 159-inch wheelbase is standard.
Engines and chassis
The 2019/2020 RAM Promaster is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 280 hp, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 3.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoDiesel engine with 174 h, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The new Promaster has independent front suspension and a solid rear axle like many commercial vans. Even the low-roof versions are quite tall for city driving, which results in significant body roll and risky cornering at speed.
Equipment
The ProMaster 1500 comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, split-opening rear doors, manually adjustable mirrors, remote door control, rearview camera, air conditioning, cargo side lights, 5-inch touchscreen, 4-speaker sound system and USB port.
The Promaster 2500 and 3500 versions come with the same equipment as the 1500, but have reinforced suspension to handle higher payloads. Additional features include alloy wheels, power folding and heated mirrors, sliding rear door windows, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, cruise control, heated seats, dual passenger seat, cargo area climate control, satellite radio, navigation system and a hitch.
Safety
Like most cargo vans in the United States, the ProMaster fails crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is not rated by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
But the van design offers a wide range of safety features, from standard items like front and side airbags, a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes and traction control to advanced options like rear parking sensors.
