more about this model If you've been to Europe or Asia, chances are you've seen plenty of compact commercial vans scooting around the streets. And now these little vans are finally making their way to North America. Chrysler's entry is the Ram ProMaster City, which is based on a European-market van known as the Fiat Doblò. With a payload rating of nearly 1,900 pounds, a figure that surpasses most of its rivals, the ProMaster City is a great choice for companies that need a more maneuverable and fuel-efficient alternative to a full-size van.
Ram offers the ProMaster City as both a two-seat cargo van and a five-seat "wagon." We think this small van is better suited to the role of cargo-carrier, in which guise it offers 131.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. That's more space than most of its rivals and comes with a maximum payload of 1,883 pounds. The low, flat floor offers 48.4 inches of width between the wheelwells, room enough for a full-size pallet. The 60/40 rear doors (the smaller door on the curb side) can open up to 180 degrees, allowing a pallet to be loaded and unloaded with a forklift. The option list includes factory-fit cargo dividers.
As a passenger van, the ProMaster City doesn't score quite so well. The industrial-grade interior is designed for function rather than fun, with lots of storage space and materials chosen for durability over decor. We do like the easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system, and you won't hear us complain about the 74.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Actually, you probably couldn't hear us complain even if we did because the cabin is fairly noisy. That, and the lack of advanced safety and driver aids, are among the reasons we feel the ProMaster City isn't as well suited to hauling passengers as a traditional SUV or crossover.
All ProMaster City vans are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and drives the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic. The EPA estimates the ProMaster City's fuel economy at 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway), which is significantly better than that of a full-size van and impressive compared to fuel economy of other small vans. The ProMaster City accelerates well and rides comfortably for a commercial van, but its tall, narrow shape affects the van's handling and grip, and not in a good way.
Ram offers both the cargo and passenger versions in two trim levels, and while the names differ (Tradesman and Tradesman SLT for the cargo van, Base and SLT for the passenger wagon), the content is mostly the same. The lower trim level comes with basic creature comforts suitable for commercial use, while the upper trim level offers upgraded trim and features. Edmunds can help find the 2017 Ram ProMaster City that's perfect for you.
2017 Ram Promaster City Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ram Promaster City and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Promaster City 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
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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.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ram Promaster City and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Promaster City 4.5 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 City.
Vehicle
Wagon 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
Review
I was looking for a rig that could haul gear and furniture and double as a recreation vehicle for bike, kayak, camping, etc. with decent gas mpg and fwd. In a word versatility that was fun to drive. I found the Promaster city wagon after the local Ford dealer wasn't even carrying the passenger Ford Transit and the salesman looked at me like I had something growing out of my head. This was the only Promaster City Wagon on the lot so I guess the versatile Eurovan has yet to catch on. I hate the lack of versatility/space in minivans and crossovers b/c of seating and finish. I recently bought this for clearing out an estate and for long trips. It's been a smooth ride so far. There is plenty of head room and room to bed down for the night or long haul. Back seats can be removed to make more room or tumble forward. Ideal for one or two people on a long haul. Lots of cargo space for moving gear and head space and shelf rack above windshield. Cruise control is a must but not standard. The cargo base is a tin can with 2 seats. The city wagon finishes the back with some plastic and fabric/sound dampening. You pretty much pay for anything extra. Decent fit and finish. Be forewarned: here in VT and with insurers it is deemed a truck/commercial vehicle b/c it has a truck base? so costs @$100 more to insure for a year. I am hoping after the break in period to get better mpg. Right now @23 hwy? 4 speaker Stereo is a little tinny but it is nice to take calls and play tunes via bluetooth, a new trick for this old dog, and I like the backup camera. City wagon was in short supply so no break from the msrp. Hard to get the features I wanted, pretty much had to take what is on the lot. Which was an ok set of features, camera, stereo, blutooth, cruise. I was unable to procure the rear defrost and wiper package. Rain driving means using the side mirrors which fold in btw, for parking. So far, so good. Lots of compliments and head turns around town. Good sight lines, though somewhat exposed, like you are driving around in an fish bowl. Roof rack is extra. Seat is comfortable for a big guy like me. Some have said the drive position is weird, but I don't mind it 33" arms, 30" inseam legs. I checked out the videos on line about it first and was happy to see it can haul a modest small size trailer too.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Ram Promaster City
Edmunds Value
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Available Ram Promaster City 2017 Submodel Types: Minivan
Available Trims: Wagon, Wagon SLT
Exterior Colors: White Knuckle, Bright White, Bright Red, Deep Red Metallic, Blue Night Metallic, Quartz Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Black Metallic
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Black premium cloth
Popular Features: Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, Navigation, Heated seats, Towing Hitch, Upgraded Stereo
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
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