2022 RAM Promaster

The 2022 Ram ProMaster is available in three trim levels with various options, albeit with only a single powertrain across all the trims. The trims start with the ProMaster 1500 minivan which is available with 118 inches and a 136-inch wheelbase with both long and high roof options. Its price ranges between $33,360 and $36,145.

The ProMaster 2500 is a full-size cargo van that is offered only with a 136-inch wheelbase and a high roof. For better space and capabilities, you have the ProMaster 3500. This one gets a 136-inch wheelbase as standard where there's a much bigger 159-inch wheelbase as well. It is available in both low and high roof options where it is priced between $37,585 and $42,840.

*2021 prices used for reference

Which trim should you buy?

The choice of cargo vans is based on your requirement, not the price. With the available options, you can choose your ideal size and trim. For every business and usage, RAM offers different body styles and options. The trim line-up offers both minivan and full-size vans. For the 2022 model, RAM has added better interior features with tech and connectivity. You even get advanced safety with the top trims.

2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van Release date

The 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van is expected to hit the dealerships in the Fall of 2021.

The RAM ProMaster Cargo Van stands out from the crowd with its FWD drivetrain where the rivals offer RWD and AWD for better towing. The ProMaster follows the same philosophy as its pick-up truck siblings with its power-packed 3.6L VVT V6. You get 280 hp of power with a torque output of 260 lb-ft.

It ensures both performance and capability for hauling heavy cargo. From the 2022 model onwards, the RAM ProMaster will offer a 9-Speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission instead of the older 6-Speed automatic. Also, the V6 will offer a much better compression ratio than before and will showcase enhanced performance.

Even with its FWD acceleration, the power-packed 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van has a great response on the throttle. It reaches 60 MPH from a standstill in 8.2 seconds and takes twice the time to reach a quarter-mile. It has a maximum towing capacity of 6,910 pounds and a payload capacity of 4,680 pounds.

The Ram ProMaster offers the best handling dynamics and maneuverability with its unibody structure and FWD drivetrain. It feels way lighter than the other vans that handle large pick-up trucks. The new electric rack and pinion steering will further enhance its driving dynamics and handling in traffic.

The heavy-duty suspension is offered to carry heavy loads without affecting the ride quality. With its front strut suspension, RAM offers leaf springs at the back to balance the cargo load. The brake actuated limited-slip differential will ensure that the ride is not affected. You even get a trailer sway control for further assistance.

The RAM ProMaster Cargo Van is offered at a very competitive price in the segment. With its 3.6L V6, it is the most powerful. However, the FWD drivetrain affects its towing capabilities. In terms of acceleration and handling, it is comparatively lighter and faster than the rivals in the segment. After the ProMaster, the Ford Transit Cargo Van offers close competition with its V6. The Nissan NV Cargo Van is the third one in terms of performance and capability. The Mercedes Sprinter is drastically underpowered in the segment with its 4 cylinder engine.

With its V6, the RAM ProMaster is expected to deliver a decent mileage. However, with its 280hp power, that's not possible. And when the cargo is loaded, it delivers even less economy. As the ProMaster is a utility vehicle, EPA has not rated its economy. Still, we have the real-world MPG for reference.

With the increased compression ratio, the ProMaster may offer a better economy. The 2021 model offered 12 MPG in the city, 15 MPG on the highway, and a combined 14 MPG. With its 24 gallon tank, the range was considered good enough.

As compared to the rivals, the RAM ProMaster Cargo Van does poorly in terms of fuel economy. The Ford Transit is surprisingly better with its PFDi V6 where you get comparatively higher mileage. It even has a bigger fuel tank that can hold 25.1-gallons. In the segment, the Mercedes Sprinter is the most fuel-efficient cargo van averaging 17 MPG, whereas the Nissan NV Cargo Van has the worst fuel economy but with the most voluminous tank it averages a range of 364 miles.

The 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van has a rugged cabin design with spacious single-row seating for up to two people. The outward visibility is amazing as you have a huge windshield. The seating position is upright and commanding. Behind the front seats, there's a huge cargo area to the rear door.

The boxy dashboard layout is updated and gets a bigger display with a new semi-digital gauge cluster. The center console has the gear shifter on the left and a cup holder on the right. It retains the HVAC knob controls. The four-spoke steering gets optional mounted controls.

The seats are 4-way adjustable for both the driver and the passenger that are available with both vinyl and cloth upholstery. You can even convert them into swivel seats to rotate them towards the cargo area. The standard cargo capacity is 259.0 cubic feet where the full-size vans offer up to 463 cubic feet.

As it is a cargo van that seats just 2 people, you have limited convenience and comfort features. Some of the features include a push-button starter for the ignition, a telescopic steering wheel, one-touch power windows, and manual air-conditioning. You also have features like a rearview camera, ambient LED interior lighting and 12V DC outlets.

For a cargo van, the RAM ProMaster offers a practical and customizable cabin space. With its extraordinary headroom and spacious seats, it is only shy of legroom. However, the Nissan NV Cargo Van offers more comfortable and spacious seats. For convenience options, both Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter are comparatively better. Still, the ProMaster has that rugged RAM feel that makes it suitable for rough usage with a pretty amazing standard cargo capacity. The Mercedes-Benz van also gets the highest cargo capacity of 319 cu.-ft and remains streets ahead of its competitors.

Some of the highlighting interior features are:

• Steering mounted controls
• Dash integrated gear shifter
• Practical cabin space with storage
• 4-way adjustable front seats
• Semi digital gauge display
• Rearview camera
• Ambient LED interior lighting

What's there to keep you entertained in the 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van?

RAM has put forth major updates for the infotainment of the 2022 ProMaster. They have replaced the UConnect 3 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest UConnect 5 system that offers a bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen display. It offers Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio as well as a SiriusXM radio subscription.

The top trim will get a bigger 10.0-inch infotainment display with the UConnect 5C Nav. This one will add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You have an optional WiFi hotspot for the internet.

Highlight Infotainment features:

• 4-speaker sound system
• UConnect 5 infotainment with a 7.0-inch touchscreen
• Uconnect 5C NAV with a 10.0-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity
• SiriusXM radio subscription
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G WiFi hotspot
• Satellite navigation system

RAM focused more on practicality rather than design. The recent facelift and updates make the 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van look more capable. With the new RAM lettered grille, it gets a slightly rugged appearance just like the RAM pickup trucks. The size of the van depends upon the trim you choose and that's what makes it better than other vans.

The ProMaster has a full-length sloping front fascia with a lifted bumper and a silver or a chrome grille on the hood. The windshield acquires most of the front fascia with high headlamps for better visibility. At the rear, the tail lamps are placed on the pillars so that they are visible even when the door is open.

For your convenience, the ProMaster offers a split rear tailgate for easy access and entry. It even has a rear window for proper visibility. Moreover, there are either 16-inch steel or aluminum wheels depending on the trim.

The ProMaster 1500 is the lightest cargo van in its segment. However, if you pick the 2500 or the 3500 cargo van, the weight crosses the 5,000 pounds mark. The minimum length is 195.4 inches where it can be as long as 250.6 inches. It can be as high as 102.5 inches. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Nissan NV get better ground clearances of 8.1 inches and have considerably longer wheelbases of 146 and 144 inches. The Ford Transit Cargo van lies midway in the segment when dimensions are concerned, yet it is the widest option available. 

Highlight Exterior features:

• Auto high beam headlamps
• Fog lamps
• Front and rear roof marker lamps
• Power sliding side door
• Split open rear tailgate
• Standard or high roof options
• Three wheelbase options
• Four cargo bed lengths
• Low ground clearance for easy loading

With its unibody steel and aluminum structure, the chassis is optimized and tuned for robust performance. It has an integrated frame with multiple crosses and longitudinal rails bonded together for maximum strength and durability. As it is a utility vehicle, there's no data for safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. The structural rigidity also ensures long-term reliability.

The 2022 RAM ProMaster will offer advanced safety features. From basic safety features such as a crosswind assist stability control and a Parkview backup camera, it offers sophisticated features like traffic sign recognition, drowsy driver detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with active braking and pedestrian alert.

Standout safety features:

• Parkview assist camera
• Drowsy driver detection
• Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
• Forward collision warning with active braking

2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van vs 2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van

The Ford Transit Cargo Van is the closest rival to the RAM ProMaster. The Ford Transit offers multiple powertrain options as well as an RWD and an AWD system. The ProMaster seems less capable with its FWD drivetrain. Still, the ProMaster has a better towing capacity. In terms of versatility and body styles, the ProMaster is a better choice. The Transit gets ahead with its slightly better fuel economy.

2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van vs 2021 Nissan NV Cargo Van

The Nissan NV Cargo is the only cargo van in the segment that offers both V6 and V8 powertrains. It packs better cabin features with enhanced comfort and design. However, its boxy design is a letdown for the ones looking for a stylish van. In terms of cargo capacity, the ProMaster is comparatively bigger and spacious. It has much better driving dynamics and handling mostly suitable for the city.

2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van

The Mercedes Sprinter Cargo Van is an upscale utility vehicle with its standard convenience and driver assistance features. With its standard cargo space, it is the most spacious cargo van in the segment. If we compare the full-size ProMaster with the full-size Sprinter, the ProMaster is the biggest. With its underpowered engine, the Sprinter has limited capabilities.

The RAM ProMaster is the first-ever RAM-badged cargo van. That's why RAM has made sure that it is properly equipped to compete with the existing rivals. You may expect a V8 engine from RAM, however, they have different plans for the upcoming models. The 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van has become the most versatile vehicle in its class with its different body styles. With a maximum price of $42,840, it is still affordable than most of its rivals.