The Ram ProMaster has been a reliable workhorse for commercial buyers ever since it made its debut back in 2009. However, it was no secret that the Fiat-based van was rapidly aging and it was also getting schooled in sales by the hot-selling Ford Transit. Ram is out to change these fortunes and has unveiled the all-new 2023 ProMaster.
Beauty Still In The Eye Of The Beholder
The exterior styling of the ProMaster was always a love it or hate it affair but Ram stylists went to work trying to add more polish to the van’s lines for 2o23. The front fascia has been reworked and is now a more thoughtful effort this time around. The front headlights for example were right in the middle of the collision zone for most front-end accidents have now been moved to help reduce the risk of them getting damaged. The front bumper also incorporated an all-new step that allows owners to swap wiper blades quicker or even clean the windshield after a busy day of work.
Halogen headlights are still standing but they are now 15 percent brighter than before while the optional LED headlights are 50 percent brighter for nighttime driving. The ProMaster also debuts an all-new blackout package while two new colors (Spitfire Orange and Ceramic Grey) add an artistic touch to the van. The ProMaster now gets an all-new Super High roof option that adds an additional 10-inches of room when compared to the outgoing high roof model. The rear of the van can also be equipped with an aluminum roll-up door which is clearly targeted towards select industries especially those that use forklifts to load and unload cargo and don’t need the traditional rear door getting in the way.
Familiar Performance Options Motivate Highly Configurable ProMaster
Ram claims that the 2023 ProMaster has nineteen different configurations, but all of them will share the same performance hardware with all models being powered by the familiar 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 that makes 276 hp and sends its motivation to the front wheels with no all-wheel-drive being offered. That configuration may hinder it in the snow slightly, but it’s also about cutting weight, especially with an all-electric version currently in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, the interior still retains its functional-focused mission but now benefits from some much-needed upgrades. The instrument cluster can now be equipped with a fully digital unit, while the standard 7-inch display screen can now be upgraded to a newly optional 10-inch infotainment system that comes packed with Uconnect 5 software and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability while wireless charging and several USB ports also enhance the van’s digital game.
A full suite of safety gear is also available and a highlight that stuck out to us is the all-new digital rearview mirror. It uses the same basic setup that we have seen in other mirrors of its type with drivers flipping a switch to get a fully digital view that isn;t obstructed by the van’s size. The Transit beat the ProMaster to the punch here, but it’s good to see that the Ram is finally embracing the handy piece of tech.
When Can I Buy One?
With all the information that Ram released today, the brand didn’t reveal too much about the full launch timeline for the van but did confirm that it will be available later this year. Pricing was also not announced, but look for the 2023 model to be a slight bump up over the outgoing model especially when you factor in its larger pool of standard and optional equipment.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.