2022 RAM Promaster 2500

There is only a single trim available for the 2022 RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van Van which offers a lot of standard features on tap. Features include a slew of safety and infotainment features along with an upgraded infotainment suite.

 There are also two other models available which are the Promaster 1500 and Promaster 3500. There are two roof heights to choose from for the 2500 and also a longer wheelbase variant, apart from that there is just one trim while the 3500 has an option for a window van.

Which trim should you buy?

While there is only one trim, there is no confusion about which trim to go for. According to your needs though you can choose between 1500, 2500, or 3500, and also how much payload you need to carry around and the nature of your work you can choose between the high roof model which would be priced somewhere around $38,150 (expected price) and the long-wheelbase model which is priced at $38,800 (expected price).

2022 RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van Expected release date

While Ram has stated that an electric ProMaster will be hitting dealerships in 2023, as of now, the updated 2022 RAM ProMaster range will hit the stores towards the later fourth quarter of 2021. 

Unlike the others, in the segment, the 2022 RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van comes with just one powertrain no matter which model you opt for. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 engine which is mated to the new nine-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission is better than the previous 6-speed automatic, it does not mess with the power or torque output but offers a smooth ride when towing something and the gear shifts have become smoother and the drive is less disturbed. The engine outputs 280-horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and is also the most powerful among its segment. While the ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van can also tow up to 6,910 lbs which is surprisingly not as good as its rivals here. However, the RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo van would still get most of your job done with ease. 

Power delivery is quick and smooth with the new refined transmission allowing the 2022 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van to sprint from 0-60 MPH in 8.1 seconds. Well, that's surely a respectable thrust from a Cargo Van and things are the same with braking performance as well. With an 11.8-inches rotor up front and 11.0-inch at the rear, the brakes are decently sized which aptly complement the ProMaster’s 4768 lbs lightweight body. Thankfully, the brake pedal offers good feedback and is neither roof firm nor too squishy. In cases of extreme deceleration, the ECU is alerted and provides engine braking to further reduce the pressure on the brakes alone and offer better stopping power.

*2021 data used for reference

While cargo vans are not known to be good handlers, the Promaster does try to break the stereotype. The steering is light at low speeds or when the van is unladen which makes it easier to maneuver around town and tight parking areas. The Promaster unlike other vans comes with only an FWD drivetrain which works as a bane when it comes to overall towing capacity but is a boon as it offers more grip and control to the van when it is unladen.

The design of the Promaster is a low, snub-nosed design which gives a better view of the road up ahead, and also overall visibility is more than we see in other vans further making it an easy van to drive especially in the city. While they are not the most luxurious vehicles, one still might expect some comfort which the Promaster seriously lacks, making the ride jittery and uncomfortable when moving over uneven road surfaces.

Cargo haulers are not often rated by EPA, such is the case of the Promaster as well. There are no ratings from EPA for the Promaster, at least as of now. However, the new and refined 9-speed transmission does p[in hopes for a better fuel economy compared to the older 6-speed unit. Some trustable real-world tests suggest that it would return a combined MPG figure of 15, and with a 24-gallon fuel tank, it would provide an overall range of 360 miles.

*2021 data used for reference

With a diesel engine and two fewer cylinders, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter proves to be the most fuel-efficient van. Nissan's and RAM's economy figures are not known, but NV has the biggest fuel tank of 28-gallons, but the least combined MPG figure. Thanks to the better fuel economy Mercedes-Benz also offers a better range than the rest, which is in excess of 500 miles on the highway. 

Cargo vans are often used as commercial vehicles, which helps the manufacturers cut costs with a basic and plain interior with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van being an exception. The Promaster has a quite simple interior that has rugged and tough materials all around to keep the interior maintenance-free in the long and heavy use that it would face. While the 2021 model was basically a bare-bones model, the 2022 model comes loaded with features and tech.

Seating can vary from 2 or 3 people as the standard bucket seat for the passenger can be changed with a bench seat allowing for a total capacity of 3. While there is ample headroom and legroom, the optional bench seat takes up a little bit of shoulder room. With a four-way manually adjustable driver's seat which can be upgraded to a six-way along with a manually adjustable telescopic steering wheel, drivers can find the perfect driving position which is not an issue in the low-nosed Promaster.

*2021 data used for reference

While the Ram ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van offers loads of cabin space, there is no dearth of cargo and loading space in it as well. These vans are cargo vans after all and their main purpose is to transport a lot of goods from point A to point B. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the most space for cargo and also has better interior space, in comparison RAM is slightly low on space than the rest. Key interior features in the 2022 RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van are:

• Vinyl or cloth upholstery
• Lumbar Support
• Front bench seat
• Swiveling seats
• Front bucket seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The infotainment system in the 2022 RAM Promaster has been given a major update as a 7.0-inch touchscreen is now offered as a standard fitting. Buyers now also get an option to upgrade it further to a bigger 10-inch screen. Both the screens come with the UConnect5 software, a major update over the UConnect3 which came in the 2021 model.

The audio system comes with a four-speaker setup which is just satisfactory in terms of how music is played inside the cabin, and the low insulation of the cabin deteriorates this further as excess road and engine noise enters the cabin, there is no lack of features this time around, and the long list includes features like: 

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto smartphone integration
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Voice Control
• USB audio ports
• SiriusXM Satellite radio
• Wireless charging
• Wifi Hotspot
• Amazon Alexa voice assistant

One section where any or in a true sense all of the Cargo vans lack is the looks or the exterior. They don't have the most aggressive or elegant looks per se. It is made pretty clear from the front that it is a 'RAM' van thanks to the prominent lettering upfront in chrome, on the sports truck-like front grille. 

Apart from that, there is not much to talk about in terms of design as this is just basically a big box on wheels used to carry around stuff, so looks remain boring, on all the vans. However, the C-shaped headlights, lower chrome-studded grille, and a small protruding hood look like an awkwardly shaped nose. 

*2021 data used for reference

In terms of design, there's really not much to talk about any of these Cargo Vans here. Talking proportions, the Nissan NV is the heaviest cargo van among the competitors, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the longest and highest, which makes it more capable than the rest to store in goods and even in heavy loads the 8.0 inches of ground clearance wouldn't reduce much. The Ford Transit Cargo Van has the shortest wheelbase in the segment of 129.9 inches and is also the lightest option in the segment. Key exterior highlights in the 2022 RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van are:

• Halogen front headlights
• Extended wheelbase option
• High roof option
• Fog lamps
• 16-inch steel wheels

Commercial vehicles and big trucks or vans are exempted from crash tests by top agencies like NHTSA and IIHS. Hence, there is no definitive evidence on how safe the RAM Promaster is on paper. It has a ladder frame and is mostly just a carry-over model from 2021 which was pretty tough. A steel frame and heavy bodywork not only help to load in and carry heavy cargo but also helps to keep the occupants and cargo safe in any uncertain event.

To further increase the safety the Promaster is loaded with safety tech and features, standard features like airbags, traction control, stability control, and ABS are already on the list but a lot of advanced safety features which are absent on most other vans are available as standard on the RAM, and these include:

• Blind Spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Rearview camera
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive high beam assist
• 360-degree camera system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeps assisting

2022 RAM Promaster 2500 Cargo Van vs 2021 Ford Transit 250 Cargo Van

The Ford Transit has been the king of cargo vans for quite some time and it is preferable over the RAM because of the better driving capabilities, better seating space, and better drive quality at high speeds. Although the new RAM is loaded with features, that is not what most buyers are looking into when buying a cargo van.

2022 RAM Promaster 2500 Cargo Van vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van

While you will pay significantly more for the Sprinter Cargo Van, the extra money shows, the Mercedes badge upfront the Sprinter is no joke as it has a refined and well-finished interior which is more comfortable too. Payload and towing capacity are also higher on the Sprinter as is the ride comfort making the extra money quite reasonable.

2022 RAM Promaster 2500 Cargo Van vs 2021 Nissan NV Cargo 2500

While the NV has better looks, an old gearbox affects the drive quality and it also costs more than the Promaster which in turn comes loaded with tech and features something the Nissan lacks. Although the Ram ProMaster offers better ride and handling, the Nissan NV is more rugged and capable than the Ram here. 

The new RAM ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van might not be the best van on offer for cargo hauling, but it has its set of advantages starting from the price at which you get a lot of standard features and a bigger payload capacity, although it is not the best looking one, it is still a decent performer in the cargo van category and it is a choice worth considering.