2020 RAM Promaster

The 2020 RAM Promaster Cargo Van is not categorized in trim levels instead it has three variants depending on its load capacity, namely, 1500, 2500, and 3500. It is further subdivided into Low Roof and High Roof categories with the former having a length range of 118 to 136 inches and the latter with roof dimensions ranging between 136 and 159 inches. The Promaster Cargo Van starts at a price range of $36,515 and goes up to $45,280. All the models get a 3.6L V6 engine that puts out 280hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends all the power to the front wheels only. The other key highlights include 16-inch steel wheels, an Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a 5-inch screen, and a standard climate control system.

Which Trim should you buy?

The 2020 Promaster Cargo Van has no trims as such and all the features are available across 1500, 2500, and 3500 variants. The only thing that differs here is the load-carrying capacity and roof heights. So you should base your buying decision as per your requirements or business needs. If we were to give a blanket statement then the 2500 variant would be our pick as it has a better payload capacity than the 1500 trim while being only a thousand grand expensive. For those who don’t see value in buying the van new you can check out our used Promaster Cargo Van listing to get the best deals out there.

The 2020 Promaster Cargo Van 1500 Low Roof comes with a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All the 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque are channeled to the front wheels only. The van pulls off with ease and carries a load without making a fuss thanks to its well-thought-of gear ratios. Thus the van never feels underpowered in most situations provided you don’t exceed the payload limit. But the FWD setup does play spoilsport especially when the van is fully laden.

The 2020 Promaster Cargo Van is easy to drive in the city. This thanks to its non-existent bonnet that gives the driver a clear view of the road ahead. The van’s steering wheel is light and easy to maneuver. Unfortunately, the steering does not weigh up considerably well to give confidence while driving at high speeds. Therefore, the driver needs to be more attentive while driving at high speeds. Surprisingly this isn’t the case with the competitors. With that being said the overall ride quality is not very comfortable and an unladen van could exacerbate this even further.

*2018 model

The 2020 Promaster Cargo Van can go from 0-60 mph in a decent 9.2 seconds; however, some reviewers suggest that it takes less time, while the quarter-mile comes at 16.9 seconds. But the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van just like its name is the fastest from 0-60 mph at just 8.4 seconds and hitting the quarter-mile in just 16.5 seconds. Moving on to the braking part, the 2020 Promaster Cargo Van has a curb weight of 4560 pounds, and thus to stop this van RAM has provided the van with 11.8 and 11.0 inches of brake rotors at the front and rear respectively. 

The base model of the 2020 Promaster Cargo Van has a lower front and rear brake rotor size than the 2020 Ford Transit Cargo Van 150 and Chevrolet Express Cargo Van 2500. The van’s curb weight is more than the 2020 Nissan NV Cargo Van but less than the 2020 Transit 150 and Express 2500 cargo vans. The stoppage distance of the vehicle is incomparable with its rivals as the specs remain unknown.

The 2020 Promaster Cargo Van being a cargo-hauler is exempted from EPA’s fuel economy ratings. However, we gathered some real-world data from various sources and came up with some realistic gas mileage figures to give you a better idea of what to expect from this van. The Promaster Cargo Van returns gas mileage of 19/25/21 in the city/highway/combined respectively.

With a fuel tank capacity of 24 gallons, the 2020 Promaster Cargo Van returns a decent 500 plus miles of combined range. Coming to the competition, the Nissan NV Cargo Van and Chevrolet Express Cargo Van are the most frugal with both giving 25 mpg (combined) mileage. The Nissan has a 28-gallon fuel tank while the Chevrolet has a 31-gallon fuel tank thus the combined range of both the vans is 700 plus miles. Making these two vans a decent proposition for those who cover long distances in a day.

The 2020 Promaster Cargo Van base model is an uncomfortable two-seater cargo van. Overall interior is spartan but you get great all-round visibility from the front seats. The van comes in both vinyl and cloth upholstery options with a limited color range. Vinyl upholstery costs $200 extra.

The van’s bucket seats come with manual four-directional adjustments; however, owners can replace them with optional six-way manual adjustment seats. The steering wheel gets only manual telescopic adjustment, and buyers can add a leather-wrapped steering wheel to sass up their van. 

What the RAM Promaster loses in the interior makes up with the largest cargo space of 259 cubic feet. For comparison, the second-best cargo capacity of Ford Transit cargo vans stands at just 246.7 cubic feet. While Nissan’s cargo capacity is the lowest at 234.1 cubic feet.

As for the interiors, the infotainment of the 2020 Promaster Cargo Van isn’t anything to write home about. The base model comes with a Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a 5-inch screen, a standard four-speaker audio system, a USB port, rearview camera, 12v power outlet, AUX input jack, a navigation system, Bluetooth, and RAM Telematics. RAM Telematics and navigation system are an added bonus for fleet operators through which they can monitor their van and the driver.

The exterior looks of the Promaster Van are very quirky and get big and bold RAM branding on the grill. The overall looks of the van are more like a truck and that’s obvious considering the forte of RAM. To make life simple let’s say the RAM Promaster Van is a big block that rides on 16-inch steel wheels and that sums it all. You get sliding doors on both sides but the left one is optional while the right one is part of the standard fitment. You also get the option to have a window installed on the left door in place of a solid panel. 

The dimensions of the van are the real deal here as that’s what matters the most to the buyers of this segment. The Promaster Cargo Van measures 195.4, 82.7, and 91.7 inches in length, width, and height respectively. The van also has a ground clearance and wheelbase of 6.9 and 118.1 inches. 

The standard exterior color options include Black, Broom Yellow, Flame Red, School Bus Yellow, and Bright White. Buyers can spend an extra $100 to opt for colors like Sandstone Pearl Patriot Blue and Deep Cherry or $200 for colors like Bright Silver and Granite Crystal.

As for the dimensions, the Promaster Cargo Van is the smallest among the competition here. The Nissan NV Cargo Van is the largest in terms of dimensions while the Chevrolet Express has the longest wheelbase. Speaking of wheelbase the Ford Transit Cargo Van has a lot of options for wheelbase choice thus making it a very good option to cater to everyone’s needs instead of going for a one-size-fits-all kind of philosophy.

The NHTSA and IIHS don’t usually crash test cargo vans and the 2020 RAM Promaster Cargo Van isn’t an exception here. Although RAM has given the van a decent list of safety features to take care of its occupants' safety. The base model comes with a rearview camera, a navigation system, RAM Telematics, and standard features in its segment. Conclusively, the safety features of the 2020 Promaster Cargo Van base model include the following:

• Crosswind assist
• Digital rear-view camera mirror
• Rear park assists
• 4 airbags (frontal and side curtains)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning with emergency braking
• Electronic stability control
• 3-piece modular front bumper for better crash dissipation

2020 RAM Promaster Cargo Van (1500 Low Roof) vs. 2020 Nissan NV Cargo S

The 2020 Nissan NV Cargo van excels over the RAM Promaster in almost all areas except for the cargo space and the van’s wheelbase. While the gas mileage and the bigger displacement engine are pros of the Nissan you can’t deny the fact the RAM Promaster with a bigger cargo and the longer wheelbase has its basics spot-on as a van.

Coming to the looks both the vans look quirky and you can’t say one is ugly from the other. With that being said if your daily running is on the higher side go for the Nissan NV Cargo otherwise, RAM Promaster is a good proposition.

2020 RAM Promaster Cargo Van (1500 Low Roof) vs. 2020 Ford Transit Cargo Van 150

The 2020 Ford Transit Cargo Van is an interesting vehicle in the segment which gets a long list of trims with various wheelbase size options. This is a major plus point when it comes to buying a van as the one-size-fits-all philosophy doesn’t work for the buyers in this segment.

Everyone has a different need and purpose and the Ford successfully caters to almost every one of them. Thus we feel when pitted against the Ford the RAM barely stands a chance here.

2020 RAM Promaster Cargo Van (1500 Low Roof) vs. 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van 2500

The 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van is as old school as it can get. The design of the van will make your grandpa feel nostalgic. Looks aside the Chevy van means serious business, everything on the inside as well as the outside is function over form.

The van is big, gets good mileage plus a large fuel tank, it can be factory fitted with seats in the back. These all weigh very heavily on the RAM Promaster and make it look punny in front of the mighty Chevy van. If you can go with dinosaur era looks then the Chevrolet Express Van won’t make you regret your decision.

The 2020 RAM Promaster Cargo Van is a fierce competitor in its segment. It is better than rivals in many areas. Some of which include interior space, exterior dimensions, horsepower, torque, and cargo volume. However, it also lags in braking power, ground clearance, wheelbase, and gas mileage to name a few. Also, the vehicle has an uncomfortable driving experience when unladen. Regardless of these few shortcomings, the RAM Promaster is a decent van that deserves a chance to prove itself.