Minivans may be a dying breed, but commercial vans are going strong. The full-size van segment is bursting with solid competitors, each offering its own take on the ultimate utility vehicle. The Ram ProMaster is one of two commercial vans the automaker sells. It gets a host of new features for 2023 that include refreshed styling, new infotainment, and more standard safety features.
Ram offers the 2023 ProMaster with three roof heights, three wheelbases, and four overall lengths for a total of 19 available configurations. Just one engine is available for the van—a 3.6-liter V6. The ProMaster is also the only van in its class with front-wheel drive (FWD). Ram says an electric ProMaster is coming in 2023 and notes it will provide more information closer to the reveal date.
The ProMaster is a boxy commercial van with simple styling. The front fascia of the 2023 model features a fresh 3-piece grille design, updated headlights, and a modular bumper with integrated steps. Ram moved the headlights out of the way of low-speed collisions, such as when driving around on a job site. They’re brighter now, too, as Ram says the standard halogen units feature 29 percent more lumens than the outgoing lights. The optional LED headlights are also brighter than their predecessors, with 70 percent more lumens.
Three roof heights are available for the 2023 ProMaster. A new super-high roof is available for the 13-foot cargo van, which increases headroom by 10 inches, and a new roll-up door is available. Ram offers two new colors for 2023: Ceramic Gray and Spitfire Orange. Additionally, an optional new Black Appearance package brings blacked-out badges and exterior trim.
Beyond their cavernous storage space, part of the draw of commercial vans is that they can be customized (also known as upfitted) with various racks and storage systems that cater to specific trades. The ProMaster offers a standard electrical connector for upfits, and almost all vital vehicle functions are located forward of the cargo area so that customizations won’t interfere with everyday operations.
Space inside the ProMaster is generous, as it should be. Ram says that the walls are more vertically oriented than any other van in the category, and the cargo hold measures a massive 75.6 inches across. In total, the ProMaster offers more than 500 cubic feet of cargo space. Four lengths are available for the Cargo Van configuration: 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, and 13.5 feet. Customers can add partitions to separate the passenger compartment from cargo and protect against load shift.
The 2023 ProMaster comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 276 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It pairs exclusively with a 9-speed automatic transmission and FWD. Towing capacity measures 6,910 pounds, and the maximum payload is a best-in-class 4,680 pounds.
Ram says the 2023 ProMaster carries more standard safety features than any previous versions of the van. Standard driver aids include:
Ram offers several optional features, such as adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The 2023 ProMaster is also available with a Level 2 automated driving-assistance system.
The 2023 ProMaster gets a standard 7-inch touchscreen (a 10.1-inch display is optional) that runs Stellantis’ excellent Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Wireless charging is available, and Ram says it configured the front USB ports for fast smartphone recognition.
Ram Telematics is standard, including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa and Google voice assistance, apps over the air (AOTA), unique mapping functions, and more. The system also enables fleet vehicle tracking and a driver behavior monitor, which Ram says reduces fuel costs and improves safety.
The Ram ProMaster competes in a surprisingly crowded class, including the Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit, GMC Savana, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Ford’s Transit is the best-seller and outpaced the Ram by tens of thousands of units in 2021.
Ram is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 9, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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© 2022 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.
© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.