Both the ProMaster Cargo Van and the E-Transit have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.
Compare the2023 Ram ProMaster Cargo VanVS 2023 Ford E-Transit
Safety
Reliability
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Ram vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ram 15 places higher in reliability than Ford.
Engine
The ProMaster Cargo Van’s 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 10 more horsepower (276 vs. 266) than the E-Transit’s electric motor.
Suspension and Handling
The ProMaster Cargo Van has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The E-Transit doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ProMaster 2500 LWB’s wheelbase is 11 inches longer than on the E-Transit T350 Extended (159 inches vs. 148 inches).
For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the ProMaster Cargo Van is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than on the E-Transit.
For better maneuverability, the ProMaster Cargo Van’s turning circle is tighter than the E-Transit’s:
|
ProMaster Cargo Van |
E-Transit |
LWB Van |
40.7 feet |
47.8 feet |
Extended Van |
46.8 feet |
47.8 feet |
Chassis
The Ram ProMaster Cargo Van may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1100 to 1150 pounds less than the Ford E-Transit.
The ProMaster Cargo Van is shorter than the E-Transit, making the ProMaster Cargo Van easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces:
|
ProMaster Cargo Van |
E-Transit |
SWB Van |
195.4 inches |
217.8 inches |
LWB Van |
213.2 inches |
237.6 inches |
Extended Van |
236.2 inches |
263.9 inches |
Passenger Space
The ProMaster Cargo Van offers optional seating for 3 passengers; the E-Transit can only carry 2.
The ProMaster 1500 SWB has 24.6 inches more front headroom, 5.2 inches more front hip room and 6.9 inches more front shoulder room than the E-Transit T350 Regular.
The ProMaster 1500 MWB has 13.4 inches more front headroom, 5.2 inches more front hip room and 6.9 inches more front shoulder room than the E-Transit T350 Long.
The ProMaster 2500 LWB High Roof has 5.2 inches more front hip room and 6.9 inches more front shoulder room than the E-Transit T350 Extended.
Cargo Capacity
The ProMaster 1500 SWB has a much larger cargo volume than the E-Transit T350 Regular (259 vs. 246.7 cubic feet).
The ProMaster 1500 MWB has a much larger cargo volume than the E-Transit T350 Long (304 vs. 277.7 cubic feet).
The ProMaster Cargo Van’s cargo area is larger than the E-Transit’s in almost every dimension:
|
ProMaster 1500 SWB |
ProMaster 3500 Ext. LWB |
E-Transit T350 Regular |
Length |
105.1” |
160” |
126” |
Max Width |
75.6” |
75.6” |
70.2” |
Min Width |
55.8” |
55.8” |
54.8” |
Height |
65.4” |
76” |
56.9” |
Payload and Towing
The ProMaster Cargo Van has a 6910 lbs. towing capacity. The E-Transit has no towing capacity.
Standard Trailer Sway Control on the ProMaster Cargo Van uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The E-Transit doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.
The ProMaster 3500 Ext. LWB has a much higher standard payload capacity than the E-Transit T350 Extended (4330 vs. 3330 lbs.).
The ProMaster 3500 MWB has a much higher optional payload capacity than the E-Transit T350 Regular (4680 vs. 3880 lbs.).
Ergonomics
The ProMaster Cargo Van offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The E-Transit doesn’t offer a remote starting system.
The ProMaster Cargo Van’s front power windows lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The E-Transit’s passenger windows don’t open automatically.
The ProMaster Cargo Van’s optional LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the E-Transit’s optional xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.
To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the ProMaster Cargo Van offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The E-Transit doesn’t offer cornering lights.
The ProMaster Cargo Van’s optional power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The E-Transit’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.
The ProMaster Cargo Van offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the E-Transit.
To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ram ProMaster Cargo Van offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The E-Transit doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.
Economic Advantages
Insurance will cost less for the ProMaster Cargo Van owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the ProMaster Cargo Van will cost $135 to $2395 less than the E-Transit over a five-year period.
The ProMaster Cargo Van will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the ProMaster Cargo Van will retain 51.31% to 52.38% of its original price after five years, while the E-Transit only retains 45.31% to 46.3%.