2022 Ram ProMaster City: Compact Cargo Champion
The 2022 Ram ProMaster City is a compact commercial van designed for urban agility and efficient cargo hauling. Aimed at small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery services, it offers a practical and versatile solution for navigating tight city streets while maximizing payload capacity.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The ProMaster City is equipped with a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a balance of power for hauling and fuel efficiency for daily use. Its front-wheel-drive setup contributes to its nimble handling in urban environments and better traction in slippery conditions compared to rear-wheel-drive alternatives.
- Safety Features: Ram has equipped the ProMaster City with a suite of available and standard safety technologies to enhance driver confidence and protect occupants. These include:
- ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera: Provides a visual guide when reversing, displaying the area behind the vehicle to help avoid obstacles.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Continuously monitors vehicle direction and applies brakes to individual wheels to help the driver maintain control during evasive maneuvers or slippery conditions.
- All-Speed Traction Control: Helps prevent wheel spin and maintain traction during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Hill Start Assist: Automatically holds the vehicle's brakes for a few seconds when starting on an incline, preventing rollback.
- Available ParkSense Rear Park Assist: Uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles behind the vehicle at low speeds, providing audible warnings to the driver.
- Available Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, crucial for lane changes in busy traffic.
- Available Rear Cross-Path Detection: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- Trim Levels: The 2022 Ram ProMaster City is available in two primary Cargo Van trims:
- Tradesman: This is the workhorse trim, offering a robust interior designed for hauling goods. It typically comes with essential features for commercial use and can be highly customized with upfitting options.
- SLT: Building upon the Tradesman, the SLT adds a degree of comfort and convenience with features like air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and a Uconnect infotainment system.
- Note: While the ProMaster City was also available as a passenger wagon, the focus for the 2022 model year is predominantly on its commercial cargo capabilities.
- Cargo Capacity & Versatility: This is where the ProMaster City truly shines. It offers an impressive 131.7 cubic feet of cargo volume and a payload capacity of up to 1,890 pounds. The cargo area is highly configurable with standard 60/40 split rear doors and an available passenger-side sliding door, facilitating easy loading and unloading. The low load floor further enhances its practicality for urban deliveries.
What to Expect
Owning a 2022 Ram ProMaster City generally translates to a straightforward and functional ownership experience. As a commercial vehicle, its design prioritizes utility and durability. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, will be typical for this segment. The 2.4-liter engine and nine-speed transmission are generally considered reliable, but as with any vehicle, adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule will be key to longevity. Insurance costs will vary depending on your business usage, driving record, and coverage options, but commercial vehicle insurance is typically higher than for personal passenger cars. The compact dimensions and front-wheel-drive make it relatively easy to maneuver and park in city environments, contributing to a less stressful daily driving experience for urban professionals.
Potential Considerations
While the ProMaster City excels in its intended role, there are a few aspects buyers should be aware of. The ride quality, especially when unladen, can be a bit firm and utilitarian, as expected from a vehicle designed for heavy loads. The cabin, while functional, is not as refined or as quiet as a passenger car, with more road and engine noise present. Interior materials are built for durability rather than luxury, which can mean harder plastics and less plush surfaces. Furthermore, the available powertrain, while adequate for city driving and moderate loads, might feel a bit underpowered on the highway, especially when fully loaded or facing steep inclines. The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as feature-rich or as intuitive as some competitors' offerings.
Overall Summary
The 2022 Ram ProMaster City stands out as a highly capable and practical compact cargo van for businesses operating in urban environments. Its efficient powertrain, impressive cargo volume, and agile handling make it an excellent choice for navigating city streets and maximizing delivery efficiency. While its focus on utility means a less refined interior and a firmer ride, these are acceptable trade-offs for its core strengths. For small businesses seeking a cost-effective and versatile workhorse, the ProMaster City remains a compelling option.