2017 Ram ProMaster City®
Ready to work
The 2017 Ram ProMaster City® is ready for you to put it to work. It's a European-style compact van that is bred for city life. It boasts a smaller footprint and compact-car maneuverability but it's still capable of hauling big loads thanks to the ample cargo space found under its tall roof.
Performance
The 2017 Ram ProMaster City® is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that serves up 178 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels and is one of the smoothest in its class. It keeps the engine rpm humming low for maximum efficiency, resulting in an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway).*
In addition to its impressive fuel economy, the van's engine is well suited to help carry lots of cargo. Payload capacity is rated at 1,883 pounds, which places the vehicle atop its class. When properly equipped, the ProMaster City can tow 2,000 pounds, adding another element of usefulness.
While driving dynamics are not a primary focus of the ProMaster City®, it still acquits itself well on the road. An independent multilink rear suspension and low ride height provide a smooth, comfortable, experience. It might be primarily designed as a work van but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy driving it.
Features
Cargo or Wagon? That’s the decision you’ll have to make when selecting your 2017 Ram ProMaster City®. The former offers just two seats up front and is set up for hauling, while the latter is a five-passenger vehicle with a backseat.
There are two trim levels for each body style: Tradesman and Tradesman SLT for the cargo van, and base and SLT for the wagon. Starting MSRP is $23,495. **
Standard equipment on the Tradesman and base vans includes 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, and power front windows. Cloth upholstery and air- conditioning are also standard, along with a handy front overhead storage compartment bin. Both models also benefit from Bluetooth® and a four-speaker stereo with USB support.
The SLT trim features all of the above equipment, and adds a number of convenience features such as cruise control, power heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and upgraded cloth upholstery. A Uconnect® infotainment system with 5-inch touchscreen interface is also included.
Buyers can also select from a number of options packages that further enhance the ProMaster City’s® cargo and towing capability and its convenience features.
Design
The 2017 ProMaster City® sports a slightly funky yet practical design. It stands 74-inches tall and features a dipping front end that aids in providing good forward visibility (see, we said it was practical!). Wagon and cargo models are largely the same but feature slightly different front ends. Regardless of the model selected, both feature rear doors that are split 60/40 and open 180 degrees to reveal a remarkably low step-in and load floor.
The ProMaster City’s® interior design is more straightforward than its exterior. It boasts a comfortable and upscale cabin that drivers will appreciate. The upholstery is particularly nice, and the smartly designed seats are easy to get into and out of, an important factor for delivery services.
In keeping with its more service-oriented role, the ProMaster City® provides a few options to make life easier. We’re particularly pleased with the available Uconnect® system, which adds a 5-inch color touchscreen media hub and TomTom navigation.
For small businesses buyers, we recommend adding Internet connectivity to help drivers stay in touch with the home office. A handy rearview camera is also available and strongly recommended for models without rear windows.
In terms of cargo, the ProMaster City® is, well, a pro. Cargo versions boast 131.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, and its 51.8-inch roof (enough to load a full-size pallet) makes transporting goods a breeze.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Ram ProMaster City® includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, hill-start assist, trailer sway control and rollover mitigation. As mentioned above, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors are optional.
Verdict
The 2017 ProMaster City® is a thoroughly competent utility van that allows businesses to work smarter, not harder, by virtue of its intelligent design and excellent features.
To explore this model for yourself, contact us online or visit Heritage CDJR Harrisburg, Owings Mills & Parkville at Find A Store Near You today.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.
Image: RAM