Used 2018 RAM Promaster for sale 

The 2018 RAM ProMaster 1500 is available in only one trim, but users have the flexibility of choosing from a plethora of different upgrades. One can always upgrade to a higher roof option which can increase the cargo space, there is an extended wheelbase option as well. The ProMaster is loaded with a ton of features, which makes it unique from its competitors.

Buying Advice

The ProMaster 1500 is not very cargo-friendly and the only option to rise above this is by opting for a high roof trim. The ProMaster 1500 is equipped with the necessary tools but there is one optional package we'd recommend the cargo convenience group. This package includes a cargo net and sidewall tie-down rings which will make this empty-nested van into a much convenient cargo van.

Since the diesel model was discontinued earlier this year, the 3.6-liter V6 is the only available engine but it's a refined one with smooth shifts and a notable lack of engine noise in the cabin. With tight competition in the segment, RAM had introduced the ProMaster as a power-packed truck. Now, equipped with the same engine as RAM's 1500 pickup, along with a front-wheel-drive configuration that helps with power transmission directly to the front wheels without losing any of it in between, which is the case with most RWD configured vehicles - the ProMaster's performance figures are decent enough. 

The 3.6-liter V6 can churn out up to 280 horses of power and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is decent enough, but not very satisfactory for a cargo van. Power transmission is handled by a 6-speed automatic transmission, packed inside the drivetrain itself. Shifts in this van are clunky and slow, it might pack an automatic transmission but it is worse than a manual transmission.

The RAM ProMaster houses the best and most powerful engine in this competition even though it has less displacement. The Ford Transit and the Chevrolet Express are equally competitive but the latter’s eight-speed transmission is better. The Nissan NV is the least powerful cargo van but also the most affordable.

How quick is the 2018 RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van from 0-60 MPH?

Not really meant to be tested on a dragstrip, cargo vans are not quick and you wouldn't find the necessity to rev it to redline. Even when there is no need to race these vans, acceleration plays an important role and RAM handled this responsibility pretty well. RAM's ProMaster equipped with a V6 takes 8 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark.

The second-quickest in this segment, ProMaster proves that it is quick and agile. 

The Ford Transit outruns the Ram ProMaster to achieve the best performance numbers while the latter grabs the second spot on the table despite boasting a powerful engine. Though the Chevrolet Express weighs more than the above two rivals, it performs quite decently. But the Nissan NV fails to display good performance.

How does the RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van handle?

All thanks to the ultra-light steering wheel and the relatively tight turning radius, it feels easy to drive and maneuver this van in crowded urban centers. As far as riding quality is concerned, most van owners try and let it slip from their attention. In this case, you just cannot ignore how clumsy and rugged the ride quality inside the ProMaster is. The suspension is stiff and it feels like riding on a camel in the middle of a desert. 

The quality of suspension turns important when the business is related to handling fragile packages and RAM is definitely not the option. Handling is something that every automobile buyer concentrates on, RAM takes care of ProMaster's handling aspect. The light steering and tight turning radius provide it with a pocket full of maneuverability. Inside ProMaster you might experience a bit of body roll and dive, this is quite common with vans as the body type does not help contain it.

How are the brakes on the 2018 RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van?

The RAM ProMaster is equipped with 11.8 inches brakes from the house of Brembo. Yes, by Brembo, the same manufacturers which provide braking to brands like Porsche and Mercedes. The braking distance is unknown for the ProMaster but with the amount of weight and braking assist feature, it wouldn't be a bad experience.

The braking distance stats of all the rivals are not known at the time of this writing. But it is evident that the Brembo brakes on the RAM ProMaster will perform better than its rivals. The Ford Transit, having similar curb weight may give tough competition to the ProMaster.

What’s the towing capacity of the 2018 RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van?

Cargo vans are meant to be practical and not behave like a pick-up truck. The RAM ProMaster, even with its front-wheel-drive configuration can pull up to 5,100 pounds which will make you consider other options. Although RAM has a good history in pick-up trucks, the ProMaster offers less towing capacity.

The most feasible option would be RAM's oldest nemesis, the Chevrolet Express Cargo van. It can tow up to a whopping 10,000 pounds of load and this is one figure we cannot ignore. While the Ford Transit and the Nissan NV try to stay in the competition, the RAM ProMaster finishes last due to its low towing capacity.

Fuel efficiency is one aspect in which cargo vans need to be good as the owners buying vans are mostly into small businesses and a fuel-guzzling van would burn a hole in their pocket. The ProMaster van is not as fuel-efficient as its competitors in cargo driving conditions, but on highways, it can provide best-in-class fuel economy. According to the EPA, the ProMaster returns 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It also houses a 24-gallon fuel tank, which is the smallest fuel tank capacity in this segment.

The RAM ProMaster is the most fuel-efficient in this segment. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine may not be powerful enough but offer the best fuel economy in its class. The fuel estimates of the Ford Transit are similar to the ProMaster but it has a bigger fuel tank. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Express has the thirstiest engine in this competition.

There is nothing really exciting inside the cabin space of the ProMaster, making it dull and unexciting. The blacked-out interiors and firm seats provide it less engaging. The perfect seating position is shadowed by the absence of telescopic steering which makes the throne a little bit uncomfortable. The steering might not be a problem for everyone but it definitely puts most of them in a bad mood. 

As you’d expect from a cargo van, with a seating capacity of only two, the rest of the space is reserved for cargo. As for seats, you get standard cloth upholstery treatment but there are a number of options for seat coverings. There’s also plenty of legroom for the front occupants.

Depending upon the roof height of the ProMaster, two models are available - Low Roof and High Roof models.

In terms of headroom, the Nissan NV offers 42.8 inches which is the best in this segment while the legroom department is handled by the Chevrolet Express. It is also important to note that only RAM and Ford offer different roof heights for their base model as well. The other two rival brands lag in this area. Some of the notable interior features include:

• 6-way manually-adjustable front seats
• Power mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry
• Multi-zone A/C
• Leather steering wheel
• Bucket seats

How intuitive is the 2018 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van’s infotainment system?

For a cargo van, practicality is prior to technology. Hence, you won’t find the best set of infotainment systems in the RAM ProMaster 1500. The 5-inch Uconnect display is quite small and changing radio channels will keep you distracted from the road. Unfortunately, you won't get the option of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional navigation system is not very interactive and the buttons are a bit cluttered. The infotainment is equipped with AM/FM and auxiliary input. Some of the infotainment features include:

• Bluetooth connectivity 
• Satellite radio
• Auxiliary audio input

How much cargo capacity does the 2018 RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van offer?

The RAM ProMaster 1500 is a practical cargo van, with a plethora of tie-downs and sidewall loops. This cargo van is made to carry heavy cargo and the basic facilities in the cargo box help consumers achieve that. The ProMaster 1500 can load up to 259 cubes of cargo with a 118-inch wheelbase while the 136-inch wheelbase model expands the space to 303.7 cubic feet. This is only for Low Roof models. The High Roof model adds 49.2 cubes on the 136-inch wheelbase to give a total cargo capacity of 353 cubic feet, which is best-in-class and defeats most of its rivals.

In both sections, the RAM ProMaster has the upper hand. There is no other van that can beat the unmatchable cargo capacity offered by RAM. Closest to RAM is the Nissan NV with a maximum capacity of 323.1 cubes. The Ford Transit tries to fit in the competition but the Chevrolet Express offers the least cargo room.

The RAM ProMaster 1500 looks like a Chinese takeaway box on wheels, and that might make you hungry but it is not exciting to look at. RAM did provide ProMaster with some cosmetic tweaks like adding a chrome grille but for a cargo van owner replacing that chrome is expensive. 

The cheap plastic is way more affordable, but it looks a bit bland. The ProMaster gets 16-inch steel wheels as standard while the alloy wheels are optional. The 118-inch wheelbase ProMaster is the shortest model whose length measures 195.4 inches while the 136-inch wheelbase model increases the figure to 213.1 inches. 

The RAM ProMaster is the lightest in this segment and this was achieved by the generic look it has. RAM's rival Ford is heavier and shorter, making the ProMaster a better choice for cargo haulers. The wheelbase of the Nissan NV measures 146.1 inches which means it has a spacious interior.

Both NHTSA and IIHS have not crash-tested the new RAM ProMaster 1500 yet. But since it comes from the same brand that produces their iconic pick-up trucks, it is obvious to say that the ProMaster is a safe van. To increase the safety perspective, the ProMaster comes with six airbags to protect the occupants from serious injuries. Some of the standard safety technologies added in the ProMaster include:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Speed Limiter
• Rear Park Assist
• Rearview camera

RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van vs Ford Transit Van

The RAM ProMaster, even with its front-wheel-drive configuration can pull up to 5,100 pounds which will make you consider other options. The most feasible option would be RAM's oldest nemesis. The Ford Transit Van can tow up to 7,500-lbs pounds of load and this is one figure we cannot ignore for choosing the Transit Van.

RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van vs Nissan NV Cargo Van

If budget ties you down and if you own a small business that does not require heavy loading and hauling, the Nissan NV is the van that we'd recommend. If you are on the other side of the coin, it will take no time to disappoint you. Even with a cheaper price, it can haul up to 6,900 pounds of load and that is much better than what RAM has to offer.

RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van vs Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

There were no facelifts or major upgrades in the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van since the late 90s because Chevy decided that practicality is what matters in a cargo van, not cosmetic uplifts. And they were very much right about it. The Express Cargo is still one of the best options one can consider while buying a cargo van.

A generous amount of cargo space and best-in-class fuel economy proves why the Express Cargo is still the best option.

The 2018 RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van is carrying its own highs and lows, each having its own fierce rivalry in a competition whose winner will decide whether the ProMaster is worth buying or not. Even though the van has below average interiors and cabin space, along with a substandard fuel economy and towing capacity, keep in mind - the car still has the best in class wheelbase with a quick and tight turning radius. To top that off, the top-notch cargo capacity is more than enough to impress its prospective buyers.