Ram Commercial is taking direct aim at commercial customers with the introduction of its new 2023 Ram ProMaster full-size van, revealed today at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. Targeted to vocational and delivery use – the largest commercial customer categories – the van is intended specifically for businesses, construction jobsites and commercial fleets.
According to Ram, the latest version of the ProMaster delivers class-leading features and comfort packaged with a fresh new exterior appearance.
“Ram ProMaster continues to evolve as we listen and respond to commercial customer input, and the 2023 model is a culmination of that effort,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Now available in three roof heights and featuring a broad array of safety, advanced technology and connectivity features, Ram ProMaster delivers confidence for hardworking people every day, no matter their line of work.”
Customized for Commercial Use
The 2023 ProMaster features the next-generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with the TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces 276 hp and 250 lbs.-ft. of torque. This provides the power to tow up to 6,910 lbs. and carry 4,680 lbs. of payload
To enable customization to virtually any commercial application, the ProMaster includes a standard upfitter electrical connector, integrated cab configuration, unique front-drive system and body-integral construction – all of which allow for enhanced upffiter/conversion solutions. In addition, virtually all primary vehicle systems are packaged forward of the cargo area for even further adaptability.
Cargo handling is the bedrock of any van and the ProMaster doesn’t skimp on that front. It is available in 19 different configurations, including three roof heights, three wheelbases and four vehicle lengths that enable multiple cargo lengths. Ram also cites best-in-class features such as:
cargo volume
turning radius
standard interior cargo height
load-floor height
cargo width between wheel wells
maximum cargo width
The most vertically oriented sidewalls in the cargo van category (nearly 90° in relation to the cargo compartment floor) combined with a cargo width of 75.6 in. deliver more than 500 cu. ft. of cargo space.
Two distinct packages are offered. The Crew Van package comes in six different high-roof cargo van models and can carry up to three passengers in the second row. The Cargo Van configuration comes in cargo lengths of 8, 10, 12 and 13.5 ft. and features up to 12 foldaway tie-down rings with a 1,000-lb. rating to maintain a flat floor and five sidewall tie-down rings with a 550-lb. rating, easing loading and unloading operations. Available partitions protect passengers against the possibility of load shift in the cabin.
Industrial-strength Exterior
The ProMaster’s updated exterior is designed to accommodate daily commercial use. The front end includes standard halogen or available LED headlights and fog lights with improved designs and durability. The three-piece front fascia was constructed with the headlights positioned out of the low-speed collision zone. A modular bumper with integrated step to assist in changing wiper blades and cleaning the windshield is standard.
For 2023, an available super high roof configuration on the 13-ft. cargo van adds 10 in. of headroom vs. the next configuration plus enhanced cargo volume and cargo height. Other exterior enhancements include an optional Black Appearance Package with black grille, badges and alloy wheels. A new black machined face or a silver wheel are also available. Ceramic Gray and Spitfire Orange exterior colors join the lineup, as well.
All-new for 2023 is a rear roll-up door for enhanced accessibility into the cargo space. It features anodized aluminum construction that allows for both weight optimization and durability to meet high duty cycles.
Focus on Safety and Technology
The 2023 ProMaster sees an expansion of the list of safety features. Standard features include:
Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning
Crosswind Assist
rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines
post collision braking
Drowsiness Detection
Traffic Sign Recognition
push-button starter
keyless entry (all doors)
electric parking brake
Among the numerous optional safety features is now Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver in and out of parking spaces.
According to Ram, the most requested improvement requested by its large van customers is better visibility around the vehicle. To accommodate this, the new ProMaster features a standard high-resolution backup camera with dynamic grid lines or an available digital rearview mirror that displays video in real time in all driving modes from a rear-facing camera. Also available is a 360° Surround View camera, offering 360° bird’s-eye views of the vehicle and its surroundings, enhanced by dynamic grid lines displayed on the digital touchscreen.
Available Active Driving Assist provides Level 2 (L2) automated driving capability. It allows for hands-on-wheel and eyes-on-road automated driving using lane centering with adaptive cruise control. The system uses multiple sensors, including radars and cameras, to dictate appropriate roads for the technology.
The latest generation Uconnect 5 system brings added connected services. It offers 7- or 10-in. reconfigurable touchscreen displays featuring split-screen capability for dual application operation, as well as Wi-Fi capability, up to five individual user profiles and more.
Other technology-friendly features include a standard 12V power outlet, fully functional USB outlet and USB Type C port that allow devices to charge up to four times faster. Available features include a front-row wireless charging pad and connectivity ports and a 115-volt/150-watt outlet.
In addition, the standard Ram Telematics module enables nearly 50 service functions, including Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) updates, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa & Google Home-to-Vehicle Assistant and Apps Over the Air (AOTA).
The 2023 Ram ProMaster will be available on dealer lots in the third quarter of 2022. Ram Commercial also plans to offer a battery-electric ProMaster in 2023, with more information to be available at a later date.