2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van
Pros
- Front-wheel-drive configuration offers improved low-traction performance and tight turning radius
- Wide variety of body styles to suit a range of business needs
- Available on-board internet connection
- Up to 5,160 pounds of payload capacity
Cons
- Less towing capacity than other full-size vans
- Unrefined ride quality, even for a van
- Hard to find a comfortable driving position
- Clunky automatic transmission on diesel models
2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
In the last several years, few vehicles have changed as dramatically as the big American van. Traditional models based on heavy-duty pickup frames and components have largely given way to lighter, narrower and taller vans that are more efficient, easier to drive and safer.
One of the most unusual of these new big vans is the 2017 Ram ProMaster, a space-efficient, front-wheel-drive van that competes in a class dominated by rear-wheel-drive competitors. There are 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions offering varying levels of capability. There are also two wheelbase choices for the 1500 and 2500, low- and high-roof options for the 1500 and an extended-body option for the 3500 series. Most ProMaster cargo vans will have the higher roof, which gives the van a tall but tidy profile that maximizes cargo volume and permits users to stand upright inside the van.
One of the most distinctive things about the ProMaster cargo van is its very short hood, made possible by its front-wheel-drive layout. Forward visibility is excellent, and executing tight turns is less stressful than in other vans. A downside to the Ram's front-wheel-drive setup is a lower tow rating than its rivals, but payload capacity — arguably more important to most cargo van users — is just as stout as the competition. Depending on how it's equipped, the ProMaster can shoulder up to 5,160 pounds. Ram's capable 3.6-liter gasoline V6 engine delivers the highest load limits, while the available 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder returns better fuel economy.
Although the Ram ProMaster is a compelling pick for a cargo van, you'll want to investigate its competitors including the Ford Transit, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Nissan NV. All of them offer a wide array of configurations, engines and features to suit various business needs.
Standard safety features for the 2017 Ram ProMaster include front, side and side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, hill start assist, stability control (with trailer sway control) and traction control. Optional features include rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van configurations
The 2017 Ram ProMaster cargo van (the passenger version, the Window Van, is reviewed separately) comes in three main trim levels: 1500, 2500 and 3500. The 1500 offers two wheelbase lengths (118 or 136 inches) and a low- or high-roof option. The 2500 also offers two wheelbases (136 and 159 inches) but comes with the high roof only. The 3500 offers just one wheelbase — 159 inches — but can be ordered with an extra-long body configuration (250 inches versus the standard 236) for additional cargo space. The 3500 also comes with the high roof only.
Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, a passenger-side sliding door, air-conditioning, cloth bucket seats, power front windows, power locks, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a four-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs.
Available options include alloy wheels, foglights, daytime running lights, a driver-side sliding door, windows for the side and rear doors, power-folding/heated sideview mirrors, an alarm system, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, a cargo partition (with or without a sliding window), heated seats, swivel seats, a suspension driver seat, adjustable lumbar support, a double-passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior wall paneling and various add-ons aimed at upfitters, including 20-amp auxiliary instrument panel switches and auxiliary battery preparation.
You can also get satellite radio and an upgraded audio system with a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice commands, steering-wheel-mounted controls and, for an additional cost, GPS navigation and internet connectivity.
There are several options packages, including the Premium Appearance package (chrome grille and foglights), the Interior Convenience package (overhead shelf, under-seat storage tray and locking glovebox), the Cargo Convenience group (cargo net and sidewall tie-down rings) and a towing package.
Standard on all 2017 Ram ProMasters is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with 174 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It's also paired with a six-speed automatic (though technically this one is a single-clutch automatic transmission).
Properly equipped, the ProMaster can handle payloads of up to 5,160 pounds (payload capacity varies according to configuration) and tow up to 5,100 pounds. The Ram ProMaster's payload capacity is competitive for the class, but its tow rating is significantly lower than those of its rear-wheel-drive competitors.
Commercial vans like the 2017 Ram ProMaster cargo van are not subject to the conventional fuel economy testing by the Environmental Protection Agency and do not have published EPA mpg ratings.
Driving
It's remarkable how much more confidence you can have in piloting a large van when the hood is short and you sit high above it. That's the perspective from the 2017 Ram ProMaster cargo van's driver seat. Light steering and a relatively compact turning circle offer further encouragement, making the van feel exceptionally maneuverable, even in city traffic. Drivers still need to exercise caution when reversing, however, even with the optional rearview camera helping out.
We like both of the available engines. The standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6 comes straight from Chrysler's car lineup, so it's smooth, quiet and much more refined than you'd expect of a commercial van. The four-cylinder turbodiesel engine's forte is efficiency and low-speed pulling power. It's noisier than the gasoline engine, especially until it warms up, and the transmission it's paired with is unusually clunky through the gears.
Interior
The 2017 Ram ProMaster interior is all about function. The gauges are large and clear, with a multifunction display centered between the speedometer and tachometer. Climate control is a straightforward, three-knob layout for temperature, fan speed and directional control. Nothing fancy, all utility, and it works for the needs of its users.
Extended stints behind the wheel are eased by well-bolstered captain's chairs (you can order them with optional swivel mounts), but the lack of a tilting steering column might yield a less than optimal driving position for some drivers. Audio controls are mounted high on the dash, and the optional 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen audio system is a worthwhile upgrade for those who plan to make long trips in the van.
Cargo capacity ranges from 259 cubic feet of cargo on the 1500 low-roof model to 463 cubic feet on the extended-length 3500 van. Although that space doesn't match the Ford Transit's maximum of 487 cubic feet, the ProMaster vans still offer cavernous space to accommodate all manner of cargo or customized upfitter components. There are also plenty of well-placed cupholders, nooks, and storage areas.
As you might expect, the 2017 ProMaster can be ordered with solid walls and rear doors or with a choice of windows. Some buyers will find the optional sliding rear door on the driver side a boon for easy entry to the cargo area.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van for Sale
Get more for your trade-in
Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.
See your car's valueThe 2017 Ram ProMaster is the only full-size commercial van that uses front-wheel drive. That may sound odd for a work vehicle, but there are advantages to the setup, including improved traction (particularly when the van is relatively lightly laden), a smaller turning radius and excellent visibility because the transversely mounted engine allows a short hood. But rear-drive, and every other big van is rear-drive, has its advantages as well. So which advantages work best for you?
Before Ram was Ram, it was Dodge. And Dodge's history of commercial delivery vehicle goes back to 1919 when it introduced its first half-ton panel truck. But the ProMaster is actually based on the third-generation Fiat Ducato van; a European design introduced in 2006 that's also produced in countries around the world. The significant difference between the ProMaster and all its siblings is that while the others are offered solely with four-cylinder diesel engines, the ProMaster is offered with a gas-burning V6.
In fact the ProMaster's V6 is the same Pentastar 3.6-liter 24-valve V6 offered in many Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Rated at 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of peak torque in the ProMaster, it's hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged, 3.0-liter four-cylinder EcoDiesel four rated at 174 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque is also offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Keep in mind that the ProMaster is a commercial vehicle. The accoutrements and comforts that can be taken for granted in a consumer-intended vehicle are either optional or missing altogether. It's usually sold as a bare shell ready to be outfitted with shelving, dog grooming equipment, a full taco kitchen or whatever.
Flexibility being vital to business users, the ProMaster is available as a plain wall cargo van, a people hauler with seats and windows, or a chassis cab or cutaway. It's also offered in half-, 3/4- and 1-ton rated chassis; with 118-, 136- and 159-inch wheelbases; and with a low- or high-roof for additional headroom. That's a lot of flexibility.
As a commercial vehicle, the EPA doesn't rate the ProMaster's mileage. But expect the EcoDiesel engine to deliver better fuel mileage, while the Pentastar V6 is likely to have better responsiveness and may have better access to fuel in far-flung locations.
Buying a commercial van is a business decision. It means making a hard-nosed choice on what's best for your needs and which vehicle can meet those needs as efficiently as possible. Edmunds is your partner in getting the right Ram ProMaster at the right price to boost your profits.
2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van Overview
The 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van is offered in the following submodels: Promaster Cargo Van. Available styles include 2500 High Roof w/159" WB 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A), 1500 Low Roof w/118" WB 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A), 1500 Low Roof w/136" WB 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A), 1500 High Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A), 3500 High Roof w/Extended Length 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A), 2500 High Roof w/136" WB 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A), and 3500 High Roof 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Promaster Cargo Van 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Promaster Cargo Van.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Promaster Cargo Van featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van?
2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 3500 High Roof w/Extended Length 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 3500 High Roof w/Extended Length 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $42,755. The average price paid for a new 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 3500 High Roof w/Extended Length 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $5,757 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,757 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$36,998.
The average savings for the 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 3500 High Roof w/Extended Length 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is13.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 3500 High Roof w/Extended Length 3dr Van (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Vans are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van for sale near. There are currently 1 new 2017 Promaster Cargo Vans listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $42,660 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,757 on a used or CPO 2017 Promaster Cargo Van available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Vans you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ram Promaster Cargo Van for sale - 10 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $19,049.
Find a new Ram for sale - 6 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $7,573.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ram lease specials