The 2018 Ram Promaster lasts around 150,000 miles with some average oil consumption and radiator fan problems reported. At $13,995 to $36,000, it’s a decent value for a large van with plenty of room for tons of supplies.
Is the 2018 Ram Promaster a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a decent year for the Ram Promaster, although it’s very focused on carrying cargo, which lowers its overall scores.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 5/10 – Interior materials are very utilitarian, the seats are not as comfortable as some competitors, although cargo space is fantastic for a van.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2018 Promaster, in general models from 2015–2022 are reasonably reliable.
- Performance 5/10 – Performance is poor from the V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder which both don’t have as much power as some of the other large vans on the market.
- Safety 6/10 – The 2018 Ram Promaster is reasonably safe, earning 3 stars in government crash tests. It doesn’t have any standard safety technology, but it does have an optional rearview camera.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 15 MPG, giving 360 miles of range out of the 24 gallon tank. Gas costs are $11 cheaper than average at $334 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Ram Promaster is cheaper than a lot of other large vans on the market with similar reliability ratings, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ram Promaster?
- Car and Driver gives the Ram Promaster a 7/10, and enjoys the efficient diesel engine options, but doesn’t like the lack of safety features.
- Edmunds rates the Ram Promaster at 2.3/5, liking the low load floor, but doesn’t like the lack of steering wheel adjustments.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Promaster a 3.4/5, praising the ability to be an RV conversion, but owners don’t like the lack of passenger room.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Ram Promaster Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Ram Promaster include excessive oil consumption, radiator fan issues, along with some burnt out lights. Overall, these problems are similar to some other large vans on the market, although the repair and running costs are higher than competitors.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Ram Promaster, showing up at around 65,000 miles. Usually, you can just check your oil regularly and top it off as needed. Some owners report having gaskets replaced throughout the engine to reduce some leaks, which costs around $1,000.
Radiator fan issues have also been reported on the 2018 Promaster in the first 50,000 miles. The components in the fan simply wear out as the van ages, and the fan has to be replaced. Changing out the radiator fan costs around $400, depending on local labor rates. There’s also a recall on the fan motor where Ram will replace the assembly for free.
Burnt out lights are another complaint from 2018 Promaster owners in the first 20,000 miles. The top indicator and side indicator marking lights are known to burn out faster than average. Replacing the bulbs costs around $5 per bulb, and is pretty easy to do yourself.
There are nine recalls on the 2018 Ram Promaster, which is similar to some other full size vans from the same year. The most serious recall covers a voltage regulator which can cause the engine to stall. Ram will replace the regulator on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the seat backs, rearview camera, and shifter cable. Ram will fix all of those issues for free as well.
How Long Will the 2018 Ram Promaster Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Ram Promaster can last around 150,000 miles, which is a bit lower than some of the longest-lasting large vans like the Chevy Express. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than lots of other vehicles on the market, costing around $1,072, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a used 2018 Ram Promaster reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the glow plug control module for $150, ignition coil costing $275, along with the exhaust manifold gasket which costs $480.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is basic, offering a 5-inch display with Uconnect. Optional upgrades include a larger touchscreen with navigation.
Optional safety technology includes a rearview camera, but there’s no other advanced technology available.
Is the 2018 Ram Promaster a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Ram Promaster is a good value for a large cargo van since it offers plenty of space and decent reliability ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,995 to $36,000, making it less than a Mercedes Sprinter. When new, the price range was $31,690 to $41,240. Depreciation is similar to other large vans, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ram Promaster?
There are several models of the 2018 Ram Promaster offered with various roof heights and wheelbases, all designed to fit different amounts of cargo. The Ram Promaster comes standard with front-wheel drive.
Standard Features for 2018 Ram ProMaster:
- Available in three trim levels: 1500, 2500, and 3500
- Low- or high-roof options available for the 1500 model
- High roof only for the 2500 and 3500 models
- Various wheelbase options: 118- and 136-inch for 1500; 136- and 159-inch for 2500; 159-inch for 3500
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Passenger-side sliding side door
- Air-conditioning
- Cloth bucket seats
- Power front windows and locks
- Keyless entry
- Telescoping steering wheel
- Four-speaker sound system
- USB and auxiliary audio inputs
- 3500 model offers a longer-body configuration for extra cargo space
- No tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Optional Features for 2018 Ram ProMaster:
- Alloy wheels
- Fog Lights
- Driver-side sliding door
- Windows for the side and rear doors
- Power folding/heated sideview mirrors
- Alarm system
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Cargo partition (with or without a sliding window)
- Navigation system
- Heated and swivel seats
- Suspension driver seat and adjustable lumbar support
- Double passenger seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Upgraded audio with Chrysler’s Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, voice commands, and steering-wheel-mounted controls
Optional Packages for 2018 Ram ProMaster:
- Premium Appearance package (bright grille and fog lights)
- Interior Convenience package (overhead shelf, under-seat storage tray, locking glove box)
- Cargo Convenience group (cargo net and sidewall tie-down rings)
- Towing package
- Satellite radio
- Cruise control
- Interior wall paneling
What Engines Come In the Ram Promaster?
The first engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which is known for its reliability and performance. This engine produces 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which makes it a strong choice for those needing a lot of hauling and carrying power. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that smoothly delivers power to the front wheels. As for fuel economy, like other commercial vehicles, the ProMaster’s ratings are not officially provided by the EPA, but real-world driving tends to provide around 14-16 mpg combined, depending on the load and driving conditions.
The second option is the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel I4 engine. This engine offers 174 horsepower and a robust 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine also uses a six-speed automatic manual transmission, providing efficient power delivery. The diesel engine’s main advantage lies in its fuel economy, which is typically superior to the gasoline variant, offering higher miles per gallon, particularly on longer runs.
Regarding towing capacity, the 2018 Ram ProMaster can tow up to 5,100 pounds with the V6 engine, making it a competent choice for various towing needs.
What Colors Does the Ram Promaster Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ram Promaster?
The 2018 Ram ProMaster is a work-focused vehicle, but despite its industrial purpose, it offers a commendable level of comfort for a cargo van. The seating position is high, giving drivers a commanding view of the road, which can enhance confidence during long trips. Plus, the driver’s seat and steering wheel are both adjustable, helping to accommodate various body types and sizes.
The ProMaster’s ride quality is also noteworthy for a vehicle in its class. While one should not expect the ride comfort of a luxury SUV, the suspension is quite adept at absorbing bumps and potholes, making for a smoother ride than many competitors in the cargo van segment.
The cabin, though fairly Spartan, is functional and roomy. The controls are well-laid-out and user-friendly, which can significantly improve the driving experience. The large windows also help to create an open, airy feel in the cabin and enhance visibility, which is particularly useful when maneuvering in tight spaces.
While not a luxury vehicle, the 2018 Ram ProMaster provides a level of comfort that’s more than adequate for its purpose. Whether used for long hauls, city deliveries, or daily work needs, the ProMaster delivers a driving and riding experience that can make the workday more pleasant and less stressful.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ram Promaster Have?
The 2018 Ram ProMaster cargo van is an excellent vehicle designed for serious hauling and storage. One of its impressive features is the immense cargo capacity it provides. The standard ProMaster cargo van offers a robust 259 cubic feet of storage space. However, this can be significantly increased if you opt for the largest model, which boasts a staggering 463 cubic feet of cargo space.
To provide a practical example, let’s consider the standard version first. In its 259 cubic feet of space, you can fit a range of substantial items, from multiple large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, to about 200 standard-size moving boxes. That makes it a perfect companion for moving house or transporting bulk goods.
In the larger model, with its 463 cubic feet of storage space, the capacity is nearly doubled. This space can comfortably hold larger or longer items such as several pieces of plywood or sheetrock. It can even accommodate bulkier items like furniture sets and could easily handle the contents of a small studio apartment.
In conclusion, the 2018 Ram ProMaster cargo van is a workhorse regarding cargo capacity, designed to accommodate a wide variety of items, making it an ideal choice for businesses, delivery services, and personal use alike.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Ram Promaster was introduced for the 2014 model year.
2015: Unchanged from when it was first launched last year.
2016: Optional 20-amp auxiliary switches on the instrument panel, and chrome grille.
2017: No major changes from earlier years.
2018: Standard 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera across all models.
2019: Minor front-end styling changes.
2020: More wheelbase and roof height options, increased maximum towing capacity.
2021: More driver safety aid features added, crosswind assist standard, and new digital rearview mirror.
How Does the Ram Promaster Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Ram Promaster is an average full size van, it offers plenty of cargo room, but it doesn’t offer any passenger configurations which are found in many of the competitors.
The Ford Transit is another large van which is available for about $2,500 more. Passenger comfort is better in the Ford Transit, while the Ram Promaster has higher roof options which offer more room for storage. We recommend the Ford Transit if you need to haul people, while the Ram Promaster is a better dedicated cargo van.
The Mercedes Sprinter is a popular competitor which costs $5,000 more. Interior materials are better in the Mercedes Sprinter, but the Ram Promaster has a higher towing capacity. Both vans are built on the same base platform making them similar, but we recommend the Mercedes Benz Sprinter since it is a more comfortable choice.
