2020 Ram ProMaster Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are in the market for a new cargo van, you have likely come across articles mentioning the 2020 Ram ProMaster. But did you know that this line-up has a number of different configurations to choose from? Well, it does, and that can make figuring out which one you should get a little bit overwhelming at first. Let's take some of that stress away from you as we compare the ProMaster's various trim levels and configurations.

Before we launch into that, you should be aware of a few things. The ProMaster just got even more high roof and wheelbase options, so you really do have a lot to choose from. Also, new for the 2020 model year is an improved maximum tow rating of 6,910 pounds on the 1500 8' Cargo. Of course, if it is payload you're going for, the 13' Cargo (which comes as the 3500 Cargo Van High Roof) takes you all the way up to 4,550 pounds.

For its size, this van is remarkably easy to maneuver. It has a more minivan-like personality, rounding through turns without a problem thanks to its excellent turning radius. Unfortunately, its ride quality is not so fantastic. It is nowhere near as compliant and smooth as you would normally expect from a cargo van. It rides pretty rough, so be prepared to feel all of the bumps working their way into the cockpit.

That being said, let us now take a closer look at the 2020 Ram ProMaster's different configurations. At the end of this review, we will announce which one we think offers the best deal, although, of course, what you get depends on what your unique needs happen to be.

Compare the 2020 Ram ProMaster 1500 vs 2500. What is the difference?

In order to make this information easy enough to digest, we will take about the three main trims: the 1500, 2500, and 3500. The 1500 is considered the 'base' trim, and it can be bought as a Low Roof 118WB (118-inch wheelbase), Low Roof 136WB (136-inch wheelbase), or a High Roof 136WB. The 2500 can be configured as a Low Roof 136WB, High Roof 136WB, or Window High Roof 159WB. To keep things simple, we'll go over the 1500 Low Roof 118WB and the 2500 Low Roof 136WB.

The 1500 has a starting MSRP of $32,995, and the 2500 sits at $34,045 to start. Either way, the prices are fairly reasonable to start off with. Each of these configurations has a max towing capacity of 5,100 pounds and is powered by a 3.6-L V6 24-V VVT engine and a 6-speed automatic 62TE transmission. They also get 16-inch steel wheels to ride on. On the outside, you can take your pick of 10 different colors while the interior offers two color options.

There are some option groups available. Both trim levels let you opt for the Interior Convenience Group (which gives you a locking glove box, a shelf above the roof trim, and a storage tray that goes under the seat) and the Premium Appearance Group (which includes front fog lights and a shiny chrome grille). You will have to consider whether these option groups are worth adding. If you do not need all of the features that they include, you might want to just get individual options added on instead. However, know that you can get these groups on the 3500 as well as the 1500 and 2500.

As far as the rest of the mechanical features go, these two trims are pretty similar. However, the 2500 has heavy-duty anti-lock 4-wheel brakes. Brake assist is standard, as are a 180-amp alternator, a 95-amp battery, an engine oil cooler, and power rack and pinion steering. Front wheel drive comes standard on all of the ProMaster cargo vans. The 1500 has a medium-duty suspension while the 2500 has a heavy-duty one. MacPherson front struts with a stabilizer bar and a rear solid axle with a leaf spring are standard equipment.

The interiors also have some similarities. They each have 4-way adjustable front bucket seats done in cloth upholstery. Options are available for 6-way lumbar-adjustable front seats (you can get it on just the driver seat or on both), a Bench Seat Package, a suspension or swivel seat for the driver, heating on each of the front seats, a swivel seat for the passenger, and vinyl bucket seats. Many drivers will appreciate the additional lumbar support, especially if they are in their vehicles for the majority of the work day. The standard seats can come off as feeling a little bit uncomfortable over long rides, especially given that the ride quality is not all that smooth.

The convenience features are also pretty much the same and leave quite a few things as options. Standard convenience features on the 1500 and 2500 include a 12-volt power outlet that is mounted to the instrument panel, A-pillar grab handles, air conditioning, a glove box (that is not lockable), a MPH primary speedometer, no cargo partition, an oil level sensor, power front windows with one-touch automatic up/down, wiring prep for a rear speaker, a day/night rear-view mirror, speed-sensitive power locks, a tachometer, a telescopic steering column, and a trip computer.

If you want to up the creature comfort level a bit, you can choose to add things like a cargo net, a cargo partition, a cargo partition that has a sliding window, bright bezels on the instrument panel, the locking glove box, rear assist handles designed by Mopar, and a wood floor. Also, you get a standard cargo lamp but can opt for Mopar's LED cargo area lighting for even better illumination. We do recommend getting the cargo partition with the sliding window if you know that you are going to need the partition. The window gives you a good visual, and the partition is easy enough to maneuver when you need to do so.

If you are concerned about what kind of technology the ProMaster will have, know that the standard features include a 5-inch touchscreen display and a 4-speaker sound system. Bluetooth gives you hands-free connectivity with voice command, and you do get a media hub and charge-only USB port. The Uconnect infotainment system comes with the 5-inch touchscreen and is typically pretty user-friendly. You can opt for the Uconnect with navigation as well as SiriusXM Satellite Radio, which comes as a trial subscription that you can continue after it expires if you so desire.

Finally, the ProMaster does give you the basics in terms of safety and security. Those features include all-speed traction control, a dealer-activated speed limiter, electronic roll mitigation, electronic traction control, hill start assist, a rear view camera system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, you can opt for things like a security alarm, a rear parking assist system, and cruise control.

2020 Ram ProMaster 2500 vs 3500. What is the difference?

The 3500 has the most configurations of the bunch. You can get it as a Cutaway 136WB/81 CA, Cutaway 159WB/104 CA, Chassis Cab 136WB/81 CA, Chassis Cab 159WB/104 CA, Cutaway 159WB/104 CA, Chassis Cab 159WB EXT/104 CA, Low Roof 136WB, High Roof 136WB, Cargo High Roof 159WB, Cargo High Roof 159WB EXT (159-inch extended wheelbase), and Window Van High Roof 159WB EXT. In other words, the 3500 really gives you the most options to choose from, and they're all pretty solid choices. It just depends on how much space you will need and what you need your max payload and towing capacities to be.

So, how does it compare to the 2500? Know this going into it: These two trim levels share a lot of features. Their mechanical features are all the same, and they are equipped with the same seating features too. The 3500 also retains the same optional features when it comes to seating. And the only real difference on the outside is their badging. A simpler way of putting it? These vehicles basically share the same features, but their size configurations are really what make them different. The number of options left open are really there to help owners customize them to fit their own unique needs. You get all of the options on the 3500 that come on the 1500 and 2500, so you are left with a lot to select from. Of course, that might not be ideal based on how much you can afford to spend on the standard version of the vehicle itself.

The warranties, of course, carry over as well. There is a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, roadside assistance up to 100,000 miles or 60 months, and a 60-month/100,000-mile rust-through warranty.

Which Trim to Choose?

When you are in the market for a cargo van, what you get is really going to depend on the type of work you need for it to help you perform. Since there is such a wide variety of options available, you can customize the 2020 Ram ProMaster just about any way you need to. It comes with a respectable amount of standard features for being a cargo van, and a lot of the competition does not offer as many optional features as what you get on the ProMaster.

The new Ram ProMaster cargo van is easy to maneuver around town or on the highway, but you should be making your purchasing decision based on what kind of towing capacity and payload capacity you will need. If you're buying based on towing, then buy a configuration that exceeds the capacity you know you will need. You will not want to load the ProMaster to the absolute maximum capacity but instead go higher than what you need towing-wise and load up with some capacity left over. This will keep the ProMaster from losing out on its driving performance capabilities.

As far as roofs go, the choice will be obvious for most buyers. The high roof is really the way to go here, especially since many companies have workers who will need to stand up in the back of a cargo van. The high roof configurations offer plenty of space. Even taller folks will be able to stand up in the cargo area without knocking their heads on the roof. And the cargo areas themselves feel pretty spacious. You can store plenty of things back there and still have room to move around.

There are a lot of other choices out there in this segment, but the ProMaster gives you a lot of configuration options. If you can put up with a less-than-smooth ride quality, then the 2020 Ram ProMaster cargo van might be the right addition to your fleet.