2016 Ram ProMaster City

The ProMaster City is Ram’s answer to the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200: a compact van that combines a small footprint for maneuverability with a versatile cargo bay. Although it’s new to the United States, the ProMaster has been around for some time in Europe, sold as the Fiat Doblo.

 

Power comes from Fiat’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission, the same combination that powers the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X all-wheel drive crossovers. But unlike those vehicles, the ProMaster is available only with front-wheel drive.

 

You can choose between one or two rows of seating and add side windows if you are planning to use the van as a passenger shuttle. If you are buying the ProMaster to carry large cargo, you’ll appreciate the ProMaster’s low lift-over height that makes it easy to slide large items in through the back. An asymmetrical rear door design has one door significantly larger than the other for easier loading street-side.

 

Drivers accustomed to passenger cars may find the ProMaster a bit rough around the edges with more road noise and less smooth ride than one would find in the typical crossover. On the flip side, the ProMaster’s spacious cargo bay easily can accommodate furniture, racks, sporting and camping gear, and construction tools, thanks to 131.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.

 

We found both the optional side windows and rearview camera helpful for visibility. Available creature comforts, including satellite radio, Bluetooth, and navigation, make the ProMaster a pleasant daily companion and a willing partner for challenging urban commutes.

 

Additional safety features include: front, side, side curtain, and driver’s knee airbags; antilock brakes; stability control; hill-start assist; tire pressure monitoring; traction control; and trailer sway control.

 

At press time, the 2016 ProMaster City had been released with a few minor upgrades, including bluetooth on entry-level radios, upgraded carpet to improve comfort and reduce interior noise, and upgraded tires.