2019 Ram ProMaster City
The 2019 Ram ProMaster City is a compact cargo van designed for small businesses and tradespeople who need a versatile and maneuverable vehicle for urban deliveries and service calls. It offers a practical and efficient solution for transporting goods and equipment within tight city environments.
Highlights
- Engine: Powered by a robust 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a strong 178 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for hauling cargo and navigating city traffic. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which helps optimize fuel efficiency and offers smooth gear changes.
- Safety Features: The ProMaster City comes equipped with a suite of available and standard safety features designed to enhance driver awareness and protect occupants:
- ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera: Provides a visual aid when reversing, displaying the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen.
- Parksense Rear Park Assist: Uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles behind the vehicle and audibly warns the driver of proximity.
- Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): Senses when a potential rollover situation is imminent and applies brake force to individual wheels to help prevent it.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Monitors vehicle motion and automatically applies brakes and/or reduces engine power to help the driver maintain control during challenging driving conditions.
- Trailer Sway Control: Detects and helps correct trailer sway, improving stability when towing.
- Trims: The 2019 ProMaster City is available in two distinct trims, catering to different operational needs:
- Tradesman: The workhorse of the lineup, the Tradesman trim focuses on maximum cargo capacity and utility. It's typically configured for maximum storage space, with a more utilitarian interior and robust cargo floor.
- SLT: The SLT trim adds a layer of comfort and convenience features, making it a more pleasant option for longer workdays or for those who need a slightly more refined experience. This can include features like enhanced interior trim, power windows and locks, and a more advanced infotainment system.
- Notable Aspects:
- Exceptional Cargo Versatility: With its compact exterior dimensions and surprisingly spacious interior, the ProMaster City offers an impressive amount of cargo volume for its class. The low load floor and wide-opening rear doors (available as 60/40 split doors or a single liftgate) make loading and unloading efficient.
- Agile Maneuverability: Its small footprint and tight turning radius make it incredibly easy to navigate congested city streets, parallel park, and maneuver into tight loading docks.
- Fuel Efficiency: The combination of the Tigershark engine and nine-speed transmission contributes to competitive fuel economy for a commercial van, helping to reduce operating costs.
What to Expect
The typical ownership experience of a 2019 Ram ProMaster City is centered around practicality and efficiency for small business operations. Owners can expect a vehicle that is reliable for daily use, requiring routine maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations. The 2.4L engine is generally known for its durability. Insurance costs are typically reasonable for a commercial vehicle of this size and type, though rates will vary based on the driver's history, location, and coverage levels. The interior, while functional, is designed for durability and ease of cleaning rather than luxury, which is ideal for a work vehicle.
Potential Considerations
While the ProMaster City excels in its intended purpose, buyers should be aware of a few potential considerations:
- Engine Power: While sufficient for urban driving and light to moderate cargo loads, the 2.4-liter engine may feel underpowered when fully loaded or when merging onto faster highways or tackling steep inclines.
- Ride Comfort: Due to its commercial van underpinnings and suspension tuned for cargo hauling, the ride can be firm and less refined compared to passenger vehicles, especially when the cargo area is empty.
- Interior Noise: Some road and engine noise can penetrate the cabin, which is common for vehicles in this segment designed for function over absolute refinement.
- Limited Passenger Capacity: The ProMaster City is primarily a two-seater configuration, making it unsuitable for businesses that require transporting multiple crew members.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Ram ProMaster City is a highly competent and practical compact cargo van, particularly for urban businesses prioritizing maneuverability and efficient cargo transport. Its strong engine, versatile cargo space, and agile handling make it a valuable tool for tradespeople and delivery services navigating city environments. While it may not offer the same level of ride comfort or passenger capacity as some other vehicle types, its core strengths lie in its ability to efficiently and reliably serve its intended purpose as a workhorse for small to medium-sized businesses.