2022 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van

Ram delivers a range of pretty affordable cargo vans to the market. The entry-level 1500 can be had for just $39,490 in its most basic guise, an increase of nearly $8,000 over last year's base model. That's significant, but it is reflected somewhat in the 2022 model's expanded features and tech. The more capable 2500 starts at $42,150 and getting behind the wheel of the top-tier 3500 will cost you from $43,440 to $48,900. The medium wheelbase adds $1,760 over the short, with similar increases between medium- and long-wheelbase models higher up in the range. The high roof will also inflate the price. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Ram's $1,795 destination charge.

The Ram Cargo Van is unusually snub-nosed for the segment, which makes the road seem a lot closer than it actually is. This makes it a little easier to maneuver the chunky van around town, an advantage few competitors can boast. It also supplies impressive visibility, which is often a failure of large vans.

Steering, now a new electric system, is light enough to reposition the van quickly in traffic and around parking lots or loading bays, but it doesn't gain much weight when the van picks up speed, which means that constant attention is required when driving on the highway. Similarly, the ProMaster doesn't deliver a particularly comfortable ride, so it's hard to ever feel relaxed. This improves slightly when loading up with cargo, which helps the van feel sturdier and soak up road imperfections more readily.

The unusual front-wheel-drive design gives the Ram better road grip and control when unladen, but it subtracts from it's towing capabilities and overall performance.

What makes a good car is not what makes a good cargo van, so you need to look at the Ram ProMaster Cargo from that particular viewpoint. It may not be attractive, athletic, or flush with comfort features, but it does offer a spacious cargo bay that is easily accessed thanks to the clever design of the van.

Several body options are offered to meet the needs of any buyer, and the standard V6 engine gives the van enough power to get around, even when the van is carrying its maximum payload of 4,680 lbs. This year's upgrades have made a big difference: the infotainment interface is much better and the list of standard and available driver-assist technologies is now in line with rivals. However, as capable as the ProMaster is, it's still outclassed by segment rivals like the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Cargo Van. They have stronger engines, larger maximum capacities, and impressive towing capabilities.

Regardless of these shortcomings, Ram's Cargo Van is still capable of performing its duties. So you would be doing yourself a disservice by not at least giving it a chance to prove itself on the road.

With every model of the ProMaster Cargo Van coming equipped with the exact same list of features, your choice will come down to your personal cargo hauling needs. Naturally, the most expensive 3500 will let you carry the biggest loads. But if your needs aren't quite so intensive, you can get away with a cheaper model with a lower payload capacity. Nonetheless, every model offers a few ways to make the van a little more comfortable over the long haul. The available six-way manual seats will be a godsend to drivers who struggle with the standard high seating position, while the new safety packages are worth going for if your budget can stretch to them.

The Ford Transit Cargo used to cost more than the Ram, but the price gap has closed almost completely now that the ProMaster has been upgraded. Still, the Ford offers even more body configuration options than the Ram and gets access to a powerful turbocharged V6 that develops 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. The Ford also wins when it comes to cargo capacity, with an impressive 536.4 cubic feet of space offered in its optimal guise, more than 70 cubes more than the most commodious ProMaster. Add to this the Transit's higher towing capacity and impressive handling dynamics, and it's not hard to see why the Ford Transit is the most popular large van on the market.

Nissan discontinued the NV Cargo, but you could still pick up an almost-new 2021 model. The Nissan has potent, but gas-guzzling, V8 engine that develops 375 hp and 387 lb-ft, but its lack of body customization options limits its payload and cargo capacities more than those of the ProMaster. While the Nissan also gets two roofs and three payload options, only one wheelbase means that it can't match the Ram's versatility, so it's not surprising that the latter can haul more than 800 lbs more and accommodate 139.8 cubic feet of extra cargo. The NV Cargo is less agile than the ProMaster, but it looks and feels nicer. However, these are not things buyers really look for on a cargo van, so the Ram ProMaster is the better choice here.