With all the attention that’s focused on luxury laden trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles. It can be easy to forget that the humble commercial van still plays a role in sales especially in the commercial vehicle segment where businesses (and the occasional frugal consumer buyer) are all looking for a cost effective solution for their needs.

For the moment, only three vans rule the roost (four if you believe GM’s assertion that the 30 year old Chevrolet Express is still a viable pick) the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and the Ram ProMaster. These full-size vans command plenty of sales but the common thing with all three of these brands (don’t worry GM we still see you raising your hand in the back) is that they no longer offer smaller mid-size offerings with the Transit Connect, Metris, and the original ProMaster City all being discontinued in recent years. Ram Professional is ready to try again though with the 2027 ProMaster City.

ProMaster City attempts to fill a void

The outgoing ProMaster City was based on the Fiat Doblo and the Doblo origins were refelcted in its compact size and odd dimensions. This second-generation ProMaster City uses Stellantis’s new global mid-size commercial van platform and while it’s the sixth global model to use this underpinning, the ProMaster City will be the first to come to the U.S.

This new van is bigger and more conventional looking as a result with smoother lines and a more defined rectangular shape. Style is never much of a priority in a segment where durability and cheap maintenance are key buying points but we’ll give designers a nod for giving it a sleek pair of headlights and a tidy looking front bumper.

Performance for the Ram version will be provided by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 166 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine shares some of its DNA with the Jeep Cherokee’s engine but is built in Hungary and benefits from revisions designed to please commercial buyers.

An eight-speed automatic is standard but the goal of keeping the price down meant keeping all-wheel drive out with FWD being the lone drive layout. Despite this, Ram says the van can tow up to 2,000 lbs and have a payload rating that’s a bit higher than the outgoing model.

ProMaster City is compact for the urban jungle

Despite its bigger dimensions, Ram says the PMC has the same turning radius as its predecessor and is also 77-inches tall. That latter figure means the ProMaster City is the only class 2 commercial van in the segment to be able to fit inside most parking garages which have a height cutoff of 80-inches.

Thankfully, Ram didn’t forget about cargo room with the squared off interior boasting 167 cubic feet of space and a nine foot long loading floor. That’s enough room for two industrial spec pallets or a wide assortment of building materials. The space can be accessed through a sliding door but buyers can choose from two different rear door options (a liftgate or barn style swing doors.) The van can also haul eight passengers when outfitted as a passenger van.

No skimping on comfort here

A 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster is standard and a matching touchscreen infotainment system is available too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard along with heated front seats and onboard navigation. This is all on the base Tradesman but if buyers want more of the comforts many take for granted, the SLT version adds a wireless phone charging pad and parking sensors.

The SLT also gets body colored trim with the Tradesman having unpainted pieces in areas most likely to be dented or dinged. Regardless of which flavor you choose, it’s obvious Ram is attempting to inject more comfort into the van which might please some buyers looking for better long-haul comfort.

When can I buy one?

Ram says the 2027 Ram ProMaster City will be coming to the U.S. and Canada later this year with production scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter. Ram is keenly aware of fluctuating tariffs and is targeting a starting price of $40,000.