The 2021 Ram ProMaster lasts around 150,000 miles, with some average transmission and stereo system issues reported. At $26,350 to $39,850, it’s a decent value for a full size van, but it’s not a leader in any areas.
Is the 2021 Ram ProMaster a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Ram ProMaster, although it’s only focused on hauling cargo, which makes it not practical for most shoppers.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 5/10 – Interior materials are very basic for a van, the seats don’t offer a lot of support, but the cargo space is excellent.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 ProMaster. Models from 2015–2022 are all similar in terms of reliability.
- Performance 5/10 – The standard V6 engine is weaker than some of the competition, and it’s designed to haul cargo instead of being exciting.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 ProMaster is reasonably safe, and comes standard with a backup camera and parking sensors. Optional upgrades include forward collision warning, and automated emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 15 MPG, giving 360 miles of range out of the 24 gallon tank. Gas costs are average for a full size van, at $313 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Ram ProMaster is cheaper than other larger vans on the market, with reasonable depreciation rates.
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ram ProMaster?
- Car and Driver says the 2021 Ram Promaster lags behind some of the competition on the market, and gets average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Ram ProMaster at 2.3/5, enjoying the excellent turning radius for its size, but doesn’t like the rough suspension at highway speeds.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the ProMaster a 3.2/5, praising the low floor height for loading cargo, but owners don’t like that there’s no all-wheel drive available.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ram ProMaster Have?
Common problems reported on the 2021 Ram ProMaster include delayed gear changes, the stereo system freezing, along with some safety system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other large vans on the market, leading to average repair costs as the ProMaster ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2021 ProMaster owners, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by the transmission control module. Most dealers will update the software for free, while others charge around $100.
The stereo system freezing has also been reported within the first 1,000 miles. Owners complain about the system freezing up and rebooting. Dealerships usually update the software for free during normal servicing, but some will charge around $50 for labor.
Safety system issues also show up on some ProMaster models at around 5,000 miles. The sensors in the bumpers are known to wear out quickly, and have to be replaced. Changing out the sensors costs about $250, depending on local labor rates.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Ram ProMaster, which is better than some competitors. Since there are no recalls, it simply means that there are no widespread problems that have affected the safety of the van.
How Long Will the 2021 Ram ProMaster Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ram ProMaster can last around 150,000 miles, which is shorter than the popular Chevrolet Express. Regular annual maintenance costs are high for a van, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $1,050 per year.
As a used 2021 Ram Promaster reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission shift cable for $250, fuel injectors costing $400, along with the variable valve timing control solenoid, which costs $1,100.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is basic, and only includes a 5-inch central touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is simple, and only includes a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision mitigation
Is the 2021 Ram ProMaster a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ram ProMaster is a decent value if you are in the market for a large van with plenty of room for passengers or cargo. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $26,350 to $39,850, making it less than a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit. When new, the price range was $33,555 to $42,835. Depreciation is similar to other vans, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ram ProMaster?
There are three main models of the 2021 Ram ProMaster available, from the entry-level 1500 series through to the 3500. The van comes standard with front-wheel drive.
2021 Ram ProMaster Standard Features:
- Split-opening rear cargo doors for accessibility
- Remote locking/unlocking for security
- Rearview camera for safety
- Air conditioning for comfort
- 5-inch touchscreen display for control
- Four-speaker audio system for entertainment
- Crosswind assist for stability
2021 Ram ProMaster Optional Features:
- Power-folding, heated mirrors for visibility
- Sliding side doors and rear windows for convenience
- Rear parking sensors for easy parking
- Cruise control for relaxed driving
- Heated and suspended driver’s seat for comfort
- Cargo-area climate control for temperature regulation
- Tow hitch for extra hauling
- Digital rearview camera for full cargo view
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert for safe lane changes
- Forward collision mitigation for accident prevention
What Engines Come In the Ram ProMaster?
The 2021 Ram ProMaster is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, known for its reliability and performance. This engine delivers 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offers a hauling capacity of up to 4,680 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 6,910 pounds, making it well-suited for heavy-duty tasks.
What Colors Does the Ram ProMaster Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ram ProMaster?
The 2021 Ram ProMaster, widely recognized for its practicality in the commercial vehicle sector, also places a significant emphasis on comfort, providing a pleasant driving experience for its users. The interior of the ProMaster has been designed with a focus on ergonomics, providing a comfortable cabin space for the driver and passengers. The seats, upholstered with durable yet comfortable materials, offer ample support, especially important for those long hours on the road. Additionally, the driver’s seat comes with various adjustments, allowing drivers of different sizes and preferences to find their ideal seating position. This attention to comfort extends to the steering wheel and pedals, which are strategically positioned to reduce driver fatigue.
Beyond the physical comfort, the 2021 ProMaster also excels in providing a convenient and user-friendly experience. The vehicle features an intuitive dashboard layout, with controls and instruments placed within easy reach and view of the driver. This layout minimizes distractions and enhances the overall safety of the driving experience. The ProMaster is also equipped with modern infotainment options, including a touchscreen interface that supports navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication, adding to the overall enjoyment of the drive.
Moreover, the ProMaster’s design takes into account the acoustic comfort of its occupants. The cabin is engineered to minimize external noise, creating a quieter interior that reduces stress and allows for clear communication, either among passengers or over the phone. The smooth and responsive handling of the vehicle also contributes to a comfortable driving experience, even when navigating through busy city streets or on long highway stretches. In summary, the 2021 Ram ProMaster successfully combines functional design with comfort-focused features, making it an appealing choice for those who spend considerable time on the road.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ram ProMaster Have?
The 2021 Ram ProMaster, a versatile and popular cargo van, offers a substantial amount of storage space, catering to a variety of commercial and personal needs. Specifically, the ProMaster boasts an impressive cargo area, providing up to 460 cubic feet of room. This spacious interior makes it an ideal choice for businesses that require the transportation of large items or a significant amount of cargo. For example, it can comfortably accommodate items such as large furniture pieces, a substantial number of boxes, or specialized equipment for trades like plumbing or electrical work. The van’s design allows for easy loading and unloading of such bulky items, thanks to its low floor height and wide-opening rear doors.
In addition to its generous main cargo area, the 2021 Ram ProMaster includes thoughtfully designed small interior storage spaces. These spaces are strategically placed throughout the cabin, allowing for the efficient organization of tools, documents, and other smaller items that are essential for day-to-day operations. The cabin features various compartments, including overhead shelves, door pockets, and under-seat storage areas. These additional storage options enhance the functionality of the ProMaster, making it not just a vehicle for transporting large items, but also a mobile workspace that keeps everything a professional might need well-organized and easily accessible.
Overall, the 2021 Ram ProMaster stands out for its impressive cargo capacity and smart interior design, making it a top choice for a wide range of professional and personal applications. Its ability to handle both large-scale transportation needs and the organizational requirements of smaller items underscores its versatility as a utility vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Ram ProMaster was launched for the 2014 model year as a full size van.
2015: No changes from when it was introduced last year.
2016: Upgraded chrome grille, and an optional 20-amp auxiliary switch.
2017: No major updates from earlier years.
2018: There’s now a 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera standard on all models.
2019: Small front-end styling changes.
2020: More wheelbase and roof height choices added, maximum towing capacity increased.
2021: Additional driver safety features added, standard crosswind assist, and updated digital rearview mirror.
How Does the Ram ProMaster Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ram ProMaster is a decent full size van since it offers a lot of space and a high roofline to fit more cargo in it, although it’s not a leader in the class.
The Chevy Express is another full size van, which costs about $3,000 less. The towing capacity is better in the Chevy Express, while the Ram ProMaster is more practical with its high roof, which allows people to stand inside the cabin. We recommend the Chevy Express, but both are similar vans, making it worth testing both out.
The Mercedes Sprinter is a popular competitor, which is available for $2,500 more. Standard technology features are better in the Mercedes Sprinter, while the Ram ProMaster has lower anticipated ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Mercedes Sprinter, although both are very similar vans.
