2021 RAM Promaster City

The 2021 Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van is the most affordable and fuel-efficient hauler with a capacity and utility to run you daily errands across the city and country roads. As the name suggests the Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van is a compact city based cargo van designed to offer optimized cargo and passenger hauling solutions for micro and small businesses and for personal use. 

The 2021 RAM ProMaster City is available as a cargo van as well as a wagon which is pretty much the same but with a seating capacity of 5. Talking about the cargo van, only two trims exist namely Tradesman and Tradesman SLT. The upcoming model is more of a delivery vehicle and hence has fewer features.

The base trim starting from $24,500 comes with very basic features while the other trim costs around $1500 more and has a more city-friendly appearance to it.

Trim	Tradesman Cargo Van	Tradesman SLT Cargo Van
MSRP	$24,530	$26,180
Key Features	16-inch wheels with front disc and rear drum brakes	Includes or replaces some features from Tradesman Cargo Van:
	Halogen headlights with LED brake lights	Front and rear body-colored bumpers
	Reclining manual adjusting front seats with adjustable headrests	Power front windows and power-operating and heated side mirrors
	AM/FM radio, voice-activated audio controls, and wireless phone connectivity	Front driver and passenger armrest
	Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel	Steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume
	Split swing-out rear cargo doors	Cargo tie-downs

The base Tradesman trim is the base trim with all the basic features that are required for it to qualify as a vehicle. It is more suitable to be used for commercial purposes.

On the other hand, the Tradesman SLT trim has been added with a few features that make the interiors a little more occupant-friendly with armrests, power side mirrors, and steering mounted audio controls.

The 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van is very reliable and the ownership costs are also low. Moreover, it is backed by good warranty coverage. Controversially, it is the most reliable cargo van in the segment when compared with its rivals.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Though a lot of its customers say that the RAM ProMaster City has good reliability, the unavailability of the J.D. Power ratings does not give the statement firm support as they are unavailable. However, RAM is a brand that is reputed for constructing moderately durable pickup trucks and so is the quality expected for the upcoming cargo van built for the city.

Talking about its ownership costs, none of its models have been tested for ownership costs of the ProMaster City Cargo Van which leaves us only with speculating it. Since RAM is an American company, these costs might be just average for a common man.

Warranty

RAM has offered good warranty coverage even for a class of vehicles that are not made for mass sales. Both the trims for the 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van gets a basic limited warranty along with a powertrain warranty and roadside assistance program.

Criteria	Period
Basic Limited Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Limited Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion Perforation Warranty	5 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	5 years/60,000 miles

While Ford provides an additional safety restraint system warranty, all other criteria is the same as for the RAM ProMaster City. However, in terms of the period of warranty, Mercedes disappoints with a 3-year/60,000 miles warranty available as optional whereas Nissan has good warranty coverage.

If only hauling and transporting is what you would want a vehicle for, we would recommend you to buy the Tradesman Cargo Van trim as it has most of the essentials for such tasks. The Tradesman SLT trim, on the other hand, has a little more look, comfort, and convenience on the inside but for nearly one and a half grand more, it is comparatively nothing different from the base trim.

Is buying a used RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van a good idea?

It could be a good one or a bad one. The RAM ProMaster is expected to run for around 8 to 10 years and it is still as fresh as new when driven for almost 100,000 miles.

However, when purchasing a used RAM ProMaster it is suggested to check on its condition rigorously and take it on a short drive to make sure that you don't get a lemon as there have been mixed consumer reviews about the model.

The upcoming model has no change in terms of performance as both the cargo van trims are powered by a 2.4L in-line 4-cylinder paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels.

The engine produces a power of 178 HP and a torque of 174 lb-ft which is enough for the low-key tugging that the ProMaster City is claimed to do.

Models	2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van	2021 Ford Transit Connect Commercial XL Cargo Van LWB	2021 Nissan NV200 S Compact Cargo Van	2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker Cargo Van
MSRP	$24,530	$24,694	$23,080	$27,180
Engine	2.4L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder	2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder	2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder	2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	RWD
Transmission	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	CVT automatic	7-speed automatic
Power	178 hp @ 6,400 rpm	162 hp @ 6,500 rpm	131 hp @ 5,200 rpm	208 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	174 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm	144 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm	139 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1,450-4,000 rpm

Though it is the costliest of all, the Mercedes-Benz Metris has the most power and torque. On the other hand, all other rivals are below the 200-mark where RAM’s ProMaster City costs less than but also edges out the Ford Transit by just a little more power and torque. While Nissan’s NV200 S has the least power and torque of all but is also the most affordable.

2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van Acceleration and Braking Performance

The 2021 RAM ProMaster City is not made to go fast but just to roam around the town carrying worthy stuff. However, it weighs almost 1.75 tons (3509lbs) but it still reaches 60 MPH from a standstill in nearly 8.1 seconds which is very staggering. The quarter-mile is hit in 16.5 seconds.

On the other hand, this mighty cargo van can come from 70 MPH to a complete stop in only about 173 feet. This is achieved by the 12-inch front discs and rear drum brake biasing which is a safer way to brake for such heavy vehicles.

Models	2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van	2021 Ford Transit Connect Commercial XL Cargo Van LWB	2021 Nissan NV200 S Compact Cargo Van	2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker Cargo Van
0-60 MPH (seconds)	8.1	10.6	10.0	7.9
Quarter-Mile (seconds)	16.5	TBD	17.2	TBD
Top Speed (MPH)	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
60-0 MPH (feet)	173	TBD	137	TBD

As most of the data is unavailable just yet, the Mercedes-Benz’s Metris is certainly the fastest as it has the most powerful engine, it is followed by the RAM ProMaster City which is only a second slower than the 200-HP Metris whereas there is not much difference between the RAM and Ford, the latter is the slowest. Though it has a comparatively smaller engine, Nissan’s NV200 still performs better than the Transit Connect.

The 2.4L engine fitted on the 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van might seem to be a serious guzzler but looking at its MPG figures, it seems to be doing pretty decently in terms of mileage.

The upcoming model provides 21 miles to the gallon in the city whereas a whopping 28 MPG can be expected on the highway. RAM has also fitted a 16.1-gallon fuel tank that increases its range.

Models	2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van	2021 Ford Transit Connect Commercial XL Cargo Van LWB	2021 Nissan NV200 S Compact Cargo Van	2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker Cargo Van
MPG (City)	21	24	24	21
MPG (Highway)	28	27	26	24
MPG (Combined)	24	25	25	22
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	16.1	15.8	14.5	18.5
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	338.1/450.8/386.4	379.2/426.6/395.0	348.0/377.0/362.5	388.5/444.0/407.0

The fight in this section is very tight. Ford edges out Nissan just by one more extra mile that it covers on the highway. 

However, the ProMaster City offers the most MPG on the highway but lacks in the city where Ford and Nissan show the strongest numbers. Mercedes-Benz, as expected, does not keep up with the competition with some least MPG numbers.

From the inside, the 2021 RAM ProMaster City is nothing different from the 2020 model. Starting with the dashboard, a very simple layout is observed. Most of the interior styling is made up of hard plastic with a simple cloth headliner and door trims.

The steering wheel feels good upon touching the polyurethane, a special soft plastic wrapped around it. Whereas the floor is covered with vinyl upon which a layer of rubber keeps the dust out of the van.

There are many small storage spaces in the interior. The dashboard has a small provision to store some general stuff. A small pocket on the passenger side also makes up space for a few important papers to be carried. Including the glovebox, a small shelf over the top holds things that would run around the cabin otherwise.

The 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van only comes with a seating capacity of 2. Both the trims have 4-way manual-operating and reclining front bucket seats that are very basic and covered in cloth for the Tradesman trim while the Tradesman SLT gets manual lumbar support and height adjustment. Moreover, the head restraints are adjustable giving rest to the neck muscles and ensuring a comfortable drive no matter the distance.

Unfortunately, the driver and passenger get one small armrest which they might have to share while two big cup-holders in the center console hold the disposable coffee cups in place.

Models	2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van	2021 Ford Transit Connect Commercial XL Cargo Van LWB	2021 Nissan NV200 S Compact Cargo Van	2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker Cargo Van
Seating Capacity	2	2	2	2
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	46.0/59.3/40.8	46.9/57.6/41.5	41.7/54.1/42.6	39.6/TBD/TBD
Interior Cargo Volume (cubic feet)	131.7	127.4	122.7	183.0

The RAM ProMaster Cargo has gambled the best in both front room and cargo capacity. Looking at the Metris which has a huge cargo volume but has its room compromised instead. While in the Ford Transit, though the legroom is slightly better, its cargo capacity is not so impressive and the same applies to Nissan when compared to Ford.

How is the infotainment system of the 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van?

The infotainment in the 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van is also just the same as the 2020 model. RAM has kept things simple here as well with the cargo van series getting a tiny 5-inch touchscreen which should not be underestimated as it provides a very high-definition display that can put most of the passenger cars to shame.

Moreover, shortcut buttons and knobs are provided for simpler use. The instrument panel sitting ahead of the steering is a complete analog display that gives out just enough information. While the cargo carrier has two 12-volt charging outlets in the center console and a USB and AUX input is also provided. A few other features included are as follows:

• AM/FM Radio
• Wireless Phone Connectivity
• Voice-activated audio controls

This is output from a standard 4-speaker audio system with speed-sensitive volume to increase the audibility in the cabin.

The 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van is just the same as the 2020 model in exterior styling. Talking about the front of the vehicle, the headlights seem to be tweaked subtly whereas the front black grille is very simple. 

The curvy bonnet not only makes it compact but also very appealing to look at. From the side, the round-shaped wheel arches under the 16-inch wheels and smart character lining gives it a weird but satisfying look. 

The rear has a large swing-out door which gives it a proper haul look whereas the long LED brake lights make the vehicles behind aware that a big cargo van is ahead of them.

Models	2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van	2021 Ford Transit Connect Commercial XL Cargo Van LWB	2021 Nissan NV200 S Compact Cargo Van	2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker Cargo Van
Curb weight (lbs)	3,509	3,713	3,280	3,307
Length (inches)	187.5	190.0	186.3	202.4
Width (inches)	72.1	84.1 (with mirrors)	68.1	88.3 (with mirrors)
Height (inches)	74.0	72.0	73.7	75.2
Ground Clearance (inches)	5.1	5.6	6.1	4.4
Wheelbase (inches)	122.4	120.6	115.2	126.0

Nissan keeps it compact making the NV200 S the easiest to drive within the city when compared to its rivals. It is surprising to see the amount of room from the RAM, as it is comparatively shorter but has more cargo capacity than the Ford. On the flipside, Mercedes-Benz would be the last preference to drive on within a city holding up all the cargo.

Although there are no driver assistance features for the upcoming cargo van, it has been equipped with very basic passive safety. RAM has stuffed the ProMaster City with frontal impact, side-impact, and first-row curtain airbags along with side impact beams to ensure the occupants remain safe even in the deadliest of crashes. Moreover, front pre-tensioning height adjusting seat belts also add up to the safety quotient.

Other than this, A 4-wheel ABS with brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control is also standard on the 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van. However, there is no strong backup that can support this vehicle’s already questionable safety as neither NHTSA nor IIHS has provided any sort of ratings to this utility van.

2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van vs 2021 Ford Transit Connect Commercial XL LWB

Ford’s Transit Connect makes it a tough fight to the RAM ProMaster City because both of them resemble the outside and both also have very much resembling interior features. Additionally, standard safety features, fuel economy, and warranty coverage are equaled out by both the brands. 

However, RAM edges out the Ford in terms of performance whereas infotainment in the Ford is made better with the optional SYNC3 system available on the Transit Connect. Eventually, talking about the maximum cargo space available, RAM’s ProMaster City offers the most of it, though it is more compact than the Ford Transit Connect.

2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van vs 2021 Nissan NV200 S Compact Cargo Van

The Nissan is truly a “compact” van that can carry sufficient cargo with better warranty coverage than the RAM. Moreover, Nissan seems to have taken better care of its safety, and has added a little more than the RAM in the particular section whereas Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 7-inch touchscreen display. 

However, the RAM is more powerful, can hold better cargo, has better room than the Nissan NV200 S, and is also smart-looking than the NV200 S’s typical cargo van design.

2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker Cargo Van

Branded by a famous German automaker, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is not only the costliest but the most powerful cargo van in the segment. Mercedes has surprisingly no standard warranty on offer while on the other hand, a fair amount of safety features have been added on the Metris Worker cargo van. 

Both the commercial class vehicles have almost the same dashboard layout where Mercedes’s interior looks to be more spacious. However, RAM offers more room for its occupants but Metris has the largest cargo volume. On the other hand, RAM has a more fuel-efficient powertrain than the Metris.

The 2021 RAM ProMaster City Cargo Van is a worthy investment for startups or small businesses and is probably the most practical cargo van in the segment. The 2.4L engine is powerful enough to haul important parcels and cargo while its compact dimensions make it easier to drive it in the city. 

Though there is not much safety and technology involved in the 2021 RAM ProMaster City cargo van, it is purely focused to be an efficient cross-city transporter with enough comfort and convenience provided.