2024 Ram ProMaster: A Practical but Imperfect Workhorse
Highs: Can handle heavy loads, offers a panoramic view from the driver’s seat, equipped with several standard driver-assistance features.
Lows: Front-wheel drive only, the cabin can be noisy on the highway, and competing vans boast higher towing capacities.
Verdict: The ProMaster is highly customizable to suit a wide range of jobs, but it lacks the refinement found in other large vans.
By Drew Dorian
Whether you’re a tradesperson, a shuttle service operator, or simply seeking the freedom of van life, the 2024 Ram ProMaster provides a versatile foundation for your business or lifestyle. Its configurable design allows it to adapt to various needs.
This van is powered by a 276-hp V-6 engine that drives the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ProMaster’s acceleration is adequate for city and highway driving. It competes with the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, but these rivals offer better handling and a more comfortable driving position. However, the ProMaster includes more standard driver-assistance features than its competitors.
What’s New for 2024?
The ProMaster sees only minor changes for 2024. Buyers can now opt for a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield. Reverse automated emergency braking has been added, along with a new backup alarm that can be set to a white-noise sound or a traditional audible beep. An electric version of the ProMaster is coming soon, but it is reviewed separately.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The starting price for the 2024 Ram ProMaster is $45,655, ranging up to $63,115 depending on the trim and options. Here’s a breakdown of the different configurations:
- 1500 Cargo Van: $45,655
- 2500 Cargo Van: $51,240
- 3500 Cargo Van: $53,880
- 2500 Window Van: $57,880
- 3500 Window Van: $63,115
The base model 1500 cargo van is the most economical choice, and provides a sensible option for those seeking a reliable work van. It comes with useful standard equipment like a rear step bumper, a sliding passenger-side door, and split swing-out rear doors, which simplify loading and unloading cargo. Inside, you’ll find a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and a manually adjustable telescopic steering column. If you need greater towing or payload capabilities, the 2500 or 3500 models are available.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All ProMaster vans are equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. While we haven’t tested the ProMaster with the nine-speed transmission, the previous model, equipped with the six-speed automatic, achieved a zero to 60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. This is a respectable performance for the category, though some rivals are quicker. For example, the Ford Transit completed the same sprint in 6.8 seconds. The ProMaster offers a maximum towing capacity of 6910 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 4680 pounds.
In terms of handling, the Ram ProMaster is less refined than many competitors; the steering is loose and numb, and competing vans generally offer a smoother ride experience.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Full-size vans like the ProMaster are exempt from fuel-economy mandates. As a result, the EPA has not tested the Ram van. While the specific figures are not available for the nine-speed automatic version, we have tested the prior model with the six-speed automatic and observed fuel economy of 14 mpg, which is comparable to the Ford Transit.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The ProMaster grants drivers an expansive, wide-angle view of the road. Compared to the interiors of the Ford and Mercedes-Benz vans, the cabin appears somewhat more basic, but the design is reasonably attractive. Though most of the interior uses durable, hard plastics, the dashboard includes some modern technology. For example, a 7.0-inch configurable display in the gauge cluster and a wireless device charger are available. The ProMaster’s dash also includes a large, accessible storage tray below the glovebox. For those needing to transport more than a couple of people, the Crew Van package provides a second row of seating for up to three passengers. However, the ProMaster is not as effective as some rivals at keeping road noise out of the cabin.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each ProMaster features a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and a larger 10.0-inch unit is optional. These touchscreens utilize the latest Uconnect5 software, providing over-the-air updates and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. They enable simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an Amazon Alexa voice-assistant feature.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The ProMaster offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance features. It can even be equipped with a digital rearview mirror. 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 aligns with Ford’s, but both the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana include complimentary scheduled maintenance visits. The warranty covers:
- Limited warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 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
