2017 Ram Promaster 1500 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2017?
No major changes have been made to the newest Ram Promaster 1500. Its styling and available trim packages remain the same as last year.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Ram Promaster 1500 – The Pros
1) Pentastar V6 Engine
Over the years, the Pentastar V6 engine has earned a reputation for being a strong performer. It pushes out a solid 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Even when hauling a full load, the van never feels weak. According to owners, the V6-powered model also returns decent fuel economy. You can easily average more than 20 mpg on the open highway.
2) Smooth Standard Transmission
The base V6 engine and the optional diesel engine don’t come equipped with the same automatic transmission. Most drivers agree that the standard transmission delivers a smoother performance. If you need to accelerate quickly, the transmission immediately shifts down to a passing gear. There is never a delay between gear shifts.
3) Fuel-Saving Diesel Engine
For the business owners who desire the optimum fuel efficiency, the turbocharged diesel engine deserves some consideration. Ram tuned the four-cylinder engine to develop 174 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Because of the engine’s impressive amount of torque, the Promaster 1500 always has enough pep. Most drivers won’t mind the diesel model’s slower acceleration.
4) Front-Wheel-Drive System
Unlike some of it competitors, the 2017 Ram Promaster 1500 comes equipped with a FWD setup. If you happen to be traveling in bad weather, a front-wheel-drive system helps provide improved traction. The Promaster 1500 also offers a relatively tight turning radius. This is a major advantage for the drivers who must maneuver in a busy city.
5) Easy to Drive
The Promaster 1500 has an easy-to-drive character. A light steering system helps prevent drivers from becoming fatigued. Even short folks will be able to easily see over the hood. While the van is far from being sporty, it does feel quite poised on the road. When equipped with the optional backup camera, the Promaster 1500 offers even better outward visibility.
6) Appearance Enhancements
Don’t expect the 2017 Promaster 1500 to wow you with its styling. However, Ram does offer a few worthy upgrades. If you want to make the van look more attractive, opt for the available alloy wheels. The Premium Appearance package certainly gives the van a bit more flair. It adds a chrome grille and a pair of fog lights.
7) Uconnect Infotainment System
Available as an option, the Uconnect infotainment system transforms the Promaster 1500 into a more pleasurable work van. Car reviewers rank the infotainment system as one of the best in the class. Not only is the Uconnect interface extremely easy to use, but it is also incredibly responsive. A touch-screen display and smartphone integration make it especially appealing.
8) Straightforward Interior
While driving the van, you will not have to deal with any complicated controls. A three-knob layout enables drivers to easily adjust the climate control system. You can truly focus on the task at hand. Big gauges make the van even more fulfilling to drive.
9) Can Tow a Load
The 2017 Ram Promaster 1500 can certainly be used to tow a load. It is rated to tow more than 5,100 pounds, which is an impressive amount of weight for a front-wheel-drive cargo van. Trailer sway control gives drivers an extra sense of security.
10) Nice Upgrades
The base model does not come equipped with a long list of features. Luckily, there are plenty of upgrades on the van's list of options. An available alarm system will help keep your cargo protected at all times. Meanwhile, the heated seats help fight cold weather. The on-board internet connection is a must-have feature for a lot of business owners. GPS navigation is available as well.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Ram Promaster 1500 – The Cons
1) Lower Payload than Some Rear-Wheel-Drive Vans
In terms of payload capacity, the Promaster 1500 can’t handle as much weight as some rear-wheel-drive vans. For example, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s payload capacity is 400 pounds greater. This may cause some concern for the business owners who must transport especially heavy cargo.
2) Diesel Model’s Transmission
Unfortunately, the diesel model’s transmission is not as smooth as the base transmission. When accelerating around town, you may notice the transmission’s clunky gear shifts.
3) Lack of Advanced Safety Technologies
You won’t find many advanced driving aids on the 2017 Ram Promaster 1500. While the available backup camera and parking sensors are helpful, they only come in handy during parking situations. If you desire high-tech safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, you should check out Mercedes-Benz’s lineup of cargo vans.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Some of the key competitors include the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the 2017 Nissan NV. When stacked against the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Promaster 1500’s more potent standard engine gives it a key advantage. Meanwhile, the Nissan NV’s infotainment system is a step behind Ram’s Uconnect interface.
Conclusion:
The 2017 Ram Promaster 1500 remains a worthy choice. Its confidence-inspiring handling and strong engine lineup will impress a lot of drivers. In regards to reliability, the Promaster 1500 proves to be a dependable workhorse. While the competition is definitely stiff, the Promaster 1500's excellent infotainment system and easy-to-use features will win over a lot of people. Solid gas mileage makes it even more satisfying.
