2024 Ram ProMaster Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Minivans are great for hauling the kids to school or carrying the whole family on a long-haul road trip, but when you need to carry some serious cargo, you need a serious van. The 2024 Promaster is just that, and since Ram discontinued the ProMaster City, the big box is the only van in Ram's portfolio. It competes against the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Chevrolet Express, and the upcoming electric Promaster will go head -to head with the E-Transit and eSprinter.
What's New
- Newly optional heated steering wheel and heated windshield
- ParkSense emergency braking, white noise backup alarm and "normal" backup alarm
- Electric ProMaster with 162 miles of range
Powertrain Options
Ram now offers two powertrains to motivate the ProMaster. The more conventional option is a 3.6-liter V-6 developing 276 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. That mill is paired with a nine-speed automatic to transmit power to the front wheels.
For those desiring a rechargeable cargo carrier, there's also the ProMaster EV. Powered by an electric motor and a 110-kWh battery, this version of Ram's van can travel a claimed 162 miles per charge. Output is rated at 268 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque, sent thrrough the front wheels just like the gasoline-only model. Peak charge rates top out at 150 kW for Level 3 fast charging. An 11-kW Level 2 wall charger is also available.
Payload and Towing Capacities
Towing capacity for the ProMaster tops out at 6,910 pounds in a ProMaster 1500 with the low roof and 118-inch wheelbase. That capability is only marginally better than what you'd achieve with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Buyers will see payload improvements with the 2500 and 3500 models, and maximum payload can be had in the Promaster 3500 low roof with a 136-inch wheelbase, which can haul 4,680 pounds of cargo.
Configurations
Ram sells an outrageous 29 configurations of the 2024 ProMaster. Buyers can mix and match duty level (1500, 2500, or 3500), trims levels (Tradesman, SLT, or SLT+), roof heights (low, high, or super high), wheelbases (118-, 136-, or 159-inch), cargo area windows (with or without), and body options (standard or extended). A Low Roof 1500 Tradesman with the 118-inch wheelbase represents the entry point of the lineup, and the priciest variant is a Super High Roof 3500 SLT+ with the 159-inch wheelbase and extended cargo area.
Safety Features
Ram includes a handful of basic safety features on all ProMasters, including forward collision warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and crosswind assist. The ProMaster also offers adaptive cruise control and lane centering, as well as automatic high-beams, parking sensors, a digital rearview mirror, and a 360-degree camera.
The Electric Ram ProMaster
Ram has finally released a battery-electric version of the ProMaster. Offered in 12- and 13-foot cargo lengths, both available body styles make use of an 86-inch high roof and a 159-inch wheelbase. At present, the only variant on sale is a "delivery model," which appears to be a commercial-only version of the ProMaster EV. We anticipate more configurations will be introduced later in the model's production cycle. The ProMaster EV features the same flat rear floor and 524 cubic feet of cargo volume. Hauling is rated for 2,030 pounds when set up for delivery or 3,020 when configured for cargo carrying.
Technology
The ProMaster provides a 7.0- or 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment setup that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a wireless charging pad, and satellite radio. Those using the ProMaster for fleet purposes will appreciate Ram Telematics which can track driver behavior.
