Used 2020 Ram ProMaster

The 2020 Ram ProMaster offers a number of unique features that give it a leg up over its competitors. The ProMaster’s powerful V6 engine comes standard, and it provides best-in-class bragging rights for turning diameter, maximum cargo width, and standard roof height.

Unlike the Nissan NV, Ford Transit, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the ProMaster is a front-wheel-drive van, a feature that gives it good traction in snow. However, unlike the Transit and Sprinter, the ProMaster doesn’t offer the option of all-wheel or 4-wheel drive, nor does it offer diesel power, a passenger version, or advanced driver safety systems.

In the Dodge Charger, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers exciting performance. In the 2020 Ram ProMaster, however, not so much. What the V6 does do well is move a fully loaded van without struggle, and the 6-speed automatic keeps the power coming when needed. Though no speed demon, the ProMaster excels in the areas of ride comfort, stability, and, thanks to its tight turning radius, ease of maneuvering.

The ProMaster’s front-drive layout improves traction and stability, mitigating crosswind drift that can plague high-sided vans. However, some of our editors felt the ProMaster’s steering could use improvement, needing better on-center feel and less vagueness. Large windows and a massive raked windshield provide good forward visibility, coupled with the standard rearview camera and available side windows for improved side and rearward vision.

A big commercial van is more about utility and capability than comfort, but in this important area, the Ram ProMaster delivers. An available suspension-enhanced driver’s seat improves long-haul comfort, while available swiveling seats ease access to the rear.

There are three wheelbase lengths, two roof heights, four body lengths, and up to 17 tie-downs. Factor in the racks, shelves, and workbenches available from upfitters, and you can create a van for just about any purpose. To some KBB editors, the low load floor and high ceiling are justification enough to choose the ProMaster.

Stylistically, the Ram ProMaster lacks the uniform lines and 1970s’ cool factor of a more traditional van (think Chevy Express and GMC Savana), but then again, so do most of its competitors. The European-inspired design is more about function than form, with a short hood, tall roof, and a massive front windshield for maximum visibility.

The ProMaster offers three chassis (1500, 2500, or 3500), three wheelbases (118, 136 or 159 inches), two roof options (low or high), and solid or windowed side panels. The ProMaster offers a choice of a passenger-side-sliding door or sliding doors for both sides with openings wide enough to fit a standard pallet. The longest wheelbase version offers an extended-cab option, and Ram provides the ProMaster in Chassis Cab and Cutaway versions ideal for upfitters and custom van operations.

FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE LAYOUT
Where most vans are pushed by their rear wheels (or motivated by all four), the 2020 Ram ProMaster is pulled by its front wheels. This design improves stability and provides better traction in snow and wet weather, while the absence of a center driveshaft and rear differential allow for a low loading floor.

DRIVER’S SUSPENSION SEAT
This optional driver’s seat takes its cue from big rigs, adding a pneumatic suspension between the seat bottom and seat base. This setup allows the driver’s seat to move in relation to bumps and dips the ProMaster may encounter, keeping the seat’s occupant from constantly contacting hard surfaces and lessening fatigue.

The 2020 Ram ProMaster comes standard with a rearview camera and Uconnect 5.0, plus a telescoping but not tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, power windows, and a 4-speaker radio with USB and auxiliary inputs. Safety-wise, it has electronic traction and stability control, Trailer Sway Control, six airbags, and Hill Start Assist, which keeps the van from rolling backward on steep inclines.

There’s also a 180-amp alternator, auxiliary oil coolers for the engine and transmission, plus air conditioning as a delete option. As with other commercial vans, the rest of the vehicle configuration is up to the Ram owner and the extensive upfitter industry.

Options include swiveling front seats, heated seats, a pneumatic-suspension driver’s seat, and 3-across seating with vinyl upholstery for carrying the whole crew. Other options: navigation, Bluetooth, backup sensors, cruise control, an engine-block heater, fixed glass (in the sliding doors), heated and power-adjustable mirrors, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, an overhead shelf, and a driver-side sliding door.

Available in-vehicle Internet access via Ram Telematics will help with business needs, and while many of these vans are equipped with all manner of accessories from upfitters, that’s usually arranged at the dealership and included in the entire deal.

Regardless of which model you choose, Ram’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will power it. This proven engine offers 280 horsepower and more important, 260 lb-ft of torque so critical for towing and hauling. A 6-speed automatic handles shift duty.

3.6-liter V6
280-horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,175 rpm
EPA estimated fuel economy: N/A