Transit Connect vs. ProMaster City: The Ultimate Compact Work Van

In this video, we compare a 2016 RAM ProMaster City to a 2016 Ford Transit Connect LWB. Which one makes the ultimate compact work van?

#upfitsupply #cargovan #transitconnect #promastercity

[NapoleonsRevenge]

I don't understand how they're being discontinued. Theyre so desirable right now for work in the cities.

[americanrambler]

I own a 2015 Ram Promaster City SLT Wagon. There are two big downsides I am not happy with. The delayed throttle and transmission response when you step on the gas on the highway and the road noise. But those are out weighed by the things I like about the van.

You were noting the lack of storage space in the Promaster. But it has a ton of storage space on board. You have a decent sized glove box and the t open tray in the passenger dash. Bit what you missed are the huge storage bin above the sun visors that is deep, runs the whole width of the interior and has a tall height. It’s one of my favorite features. It’s so big, I put all kinds of stuff up there. My computer tablets, papers, even my hats, jackets, towels lunch bags and all kinds of other stuff. It’s literally a black hole thing just go into. The other thing you missed were the humongous storage bins in each of the doors. You have three pockets for drink bottles in each door and a large bin for all kinds of stuff. It’s easy to miss just how much room that van has in the cab to put stuff.

My van has power mirrors, the windows in the sliding doors are power and they roll all the way down. I like those a whole lot. I also have rear window door glass and I have a rear windshield wiper and a rear defrosters. My van also came equipped with the factory tow package with the receiver hitch and a 4/7 pin pigtail connector. Plus the transmission has a built in tow haul mode which senses when a trailer is hooked up or the van is heavily loaded and remaps the engine and transmission accordingly. It also comes with a delay headlight feature and a speed minder alarm that will go off when you exceed it’s set speed threshold. That one surprised me the first time it went off. This van will blow through 85 mph on the highway with no problem. That 9 speed automatic gives this van long legs to stretch and run! It also has 4 wheel independent suspension that actually helps on bumpy roads.

I don’t know about the Ford Transit Connect because I have never spent time driving one. For a while, you could get one with a turbo eco boost 4 cylinder and those were pretty hot little vans if you got ahold of one of those.

[TheDeltaBombers]

I don't need either of these vehicles but this is a masterful comparison vid.

[charlesboettger]

The Ram Promaster City has button controls on the back of the steering wheel for the radio, mp3 player, synced up phone or what have you. Also lots of storage in the bin above the windshield. I am on my second one (first was totaled when it encountered an elk in North Dakota ) and both got around 30 mpg on the highway. Fantastic vehicle, I wish they would continue making and importing them.

[radley]

Thnx for the comparison- I just ordered a Promaster City and should get it soon. It took my forever to figure out which of the two I should get.

[DonnaDiane]

Very good presentation. Here in New Jersey, the Connect is $1, 000s cheaper than the Pro, and much easier to find, so that's my choice for my starter delivery van business. Thanks for the great info.

[lynnemarie]

such a shame, here in Europe you can get both vans (the Ram is actually a Fiat Doblo) and the Doblo (and I think the transit connect too, but I am not sure) is still be produced and is widely available. It's an awesome little van!

[courtneyjones]

Do you think I can sit in the back and work I’m a mobile locksmith

[davidreese]

Great video Ryan. Discontinuing these vans is a huge problem because a lot of people use them as small camper vans that can fit in your garage and get great gas mileage. Personally I don’t care about the small stuff like arm rests etc. But not having a small camper van option is a big deal. Are you aware of ways to import these small cargo vans from Spain and Turkey into the US?

[elsuperpollo]

I'm looking to get a work van with shelfs, pass through, a spot to add a rv toilet and convert the left hand drive to right hand drive to use it for rural mail delivery.

[topgun]

The Ram Promaster City does have a larger cargo area and space than the Transit. You can tell just looking at the rear of both vans in the video, also in the measurements. This is a big difference maker for logistic/courier drivers

[juliaj]

Great comparison video, but honestly my Chrysler Town & Country will hold 4x8 sheets of whatever very easily with the seats stowed. SO much more room and fantastic ergonomics, 26 mpg on the highway. I'm honestly shocked and you have convinced me to keep the darn T&C with this video!

[francisunderwood]

this is the best comprasion I ever watched. Thanks for making this video.

[Chubbydippin]

Thankyou. Great comparison. Not a fan of the projected engine life on either of these vans. Similarly, I would never want a Mercedes engine, but I do like the slightly larger cargo capacity of the Metris. It would be nice of other small vans the size of the Metris were available. Truly unfortunate that in the states we can't buy a new Proace or Hiace. Even a cargo version(no rear seating or windows) of a Sienna would be better than the Ram or Ford. Thanks again for the segment.

[elohimsown]

Thank you, Ryan. Promaster city for me.

[srdamman]

Just what I was looking for, appreciate what/how you explained and nice to see you are close by (GR over here) as a neighbor resource. Related to mechanical with these at 7-8 yrs old, do you feel the same that these two are very similair (quality, maintenance cost, ...)?

I did have a '21 Promaster City to use for business trade shows/demo van and sold it after 12 months / 16K miles (wasn't using as expected). I drove it across the country, through a significant South Dakota blizzard (with Blizzacks it tracked!) and found it to be very comfortable, ala daily driver quality, and a great fit for my frame of 6'4". Now, shopping for a mid to upper-ish $$teens option for personal use & utility.

[PhilHenDrums]

Can anyone here comment on the frequent reports of battery draining issues with the Ford Transit connect? I see it mentioned often, and I see battery problems a lot on Carfax reports for these vans. Any firsthand experience to report?

[AdarylFoodReviews]

I’m glad I came across this video, but unfortunately I need the wagon version of these with the second row seating due to me being a rideshare driver. Hopefully I can find a comparison video of those models

[franciswhite]

I'm hanging on to my Chev Astro van

[alexamerica]

How about engines? Witch one is the best cvt?