Ford dominates the commercial van segment in America, but Ram is fighting back with the 2022 ProMaster. Looking instantly recognizable, the updated van features a number of changes that reduce operating costs and make the vehicle more user friendly. While there doesn’t appear to be any styling changes, the 2022 ProMaster will be available in 18 different configurations as there are two roof heights, three wheelbases and four vehicle lengths. Furthermore, there’s a new Crew Van package that features polycarbonate rear windows, a built-in safety partition, and an elevated second-row bench seat that can hold up to three passengers.
Moving inside, drivers will find a modernized interior with a new steering wheel and a revised instrument cluster that features a 3.5- or 7-inch display. The model also boasts higher quality switchgear, new air vents and options such as a wireless smartphone charger and a 115-volt outlet.
The big news is the addition of a Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which is available with a 7- or 10-inch display. It’s five times faster than its predecessor and features a fully customizable home screen as well as support for up to five user profiles. Other highlights include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as an Alexa In-Vehicle Assistant. Users will also find a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, TomTom navigation and the ability to connect up to two Bluetooth-enabled phones – such as work and personal phones – at the same time.
For 2022, the ProMaster ups the ante in terms of safety as the model comes standard with full-speed forward collision warning, crosswind assist, post collision braking, drowsiness detection, traffic sign recognition, and a rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines. Customers can also order options such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and intelligent speed assist. Other notable options include a digital rearview mirror, a 360° surround view monitor and a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system known as Active Driving Assist.
Under the hood, there’s a “next-generation” 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 353 Nm of torque. While the output is the same as last year’s model, the engine is connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous six-speed unit. Besides featuring more gears, it has a unique calibration that allows for “outstanding vehicle launch characteristics with smooth transfer between gears.” It sends power to the front wheels and Ram noted the changes allow for up to a 9% improvement in fuel economy.
Speaking of performance, the van has been equipped with a new electric rack-and-pinion power steering system. It helps to reduce maintenance costs, improve fuel efficiency and allow for a best-in-class turning diameter of 11 meters. The van also offers a best-in-class payload capacity of 2,123 kg and a towing capacity of up to 3,134 kg. The 2022 Ram ProMaster will arrive at U.S. dealerships during the fourth quarter and an electric model will follow in 2023. The company was tight-lipped about the latter, but it will battle the Ford E-Transit.
