2021 Ram ProMaster City Passenger Wagon

With its robust front-wheel-drive platform and compact frame, the 2021 Ram ProMaster Passenger Wagon is a purposed urban ute. It's comfortable on the road, spacious throughout, and impressively frugal, which are all qualities that lend to its urban-centric practicality. It's powered by a fairly competent 178-horsepower inline-4 gas engine that provides just enough power to get the job of ferrying people and their things around on a regular basis. Though one of the more affordable options in the compact utility van space, the 2021 ProMaster City Passenger Wagon isn't very well outfitted in the way of comforts, conveniences, and safety features, which may lead shoppers to consider more premium offerings such as the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van. The Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon is another very compelling offer on the US market as another very affordable, but also better-equipped, ute. Is the first-generation ProMaster City still a van worth considering, or is it time Ram improves its proposition with an upgraded, all-new generation?

Ram bestows the ProMaster Passenger Wagon with a competent 178-hp, 174 lb-ft 2.4-liter 4-cylinder motor that comes mated with a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission. All power is sent solely to the Rams front-wheel drivetrain with no all-wheel drive offered. Performance is passable in urban and suburban settings, and the engine does manage to stay suitable responsive when merging onto highways and commencing overtakes. Only the auto transmission exhibits some inadequacy with its sluggish responses. The Rams payload rating comes in at 1,713 pounds and its towing capacity at 1,867 pounds.

The entry price of the 2021 ProMaster City Passenger Wagon comes in at a very attractive $26,130, which, when you take into account what it offers in utility, makes it a very compelling buy, especially in comparison to the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van. Though a tad difficult to drive with its boxy, large design, the Ram is surprisingly comfortable on the road and it's impressively fuel-efficient, too - more efficient than the Mercedes. It's rather bare of comforts and conveniences, but the van is more of a utility vehicle than a luxury liner. The AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and auxiliary jack should provide enough entertainment during working days. If not, there is SiriusXM radio available. Unfortunately, the 6-door Passenger Wagon doesn't come standard with many driver aids or safety features at all, and the available options are very scant. There is just one option, in fact. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has subjected the 2021 Ram ProMaster Passenger Wagon to review, either, so it's difficult to say just how safe it really is, which is concerning considering it's a passenger vehicle.

Ultimately, the ProMaster is a good pick for anyone who just wants a nifty utility van at a very good price or anyone who doesn't mind skipping out on the newer tech and features found in most modern cars.

With such a minor difference in price between the entry-spec 2021 Ram ProMaster Passenger Wagon and the SLT, we'd recommend going straight for the better-equipped SLT. The height-adjustability and lumbar support that's added to the front seats really improve comfort and convenience for those passengers, while the cruise control adds some convenience. The default five-inch infotainment touchscreen with its four speakers can't be upgraded much, with only SiriusXM radio connectivity offered optionally. Bluetooth connectivity and a single auxiliary port are included as standard for entertainment purposes, too. We would also option in the available rear park-assist system just t make rearward maneuvers in the boxy van a little easier.