Transit Connect vs. ProMaster City: The Ultimate Compact Work Van
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- 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?
Upfit Supply: upfitsupply.com
#upfitsupply #cargovan #transitconnect #promastercity
I don't understand how they're being discontinued. Theyre so desirable right now for work in the cities.
Yes! A bummer! Rumor is they will come back as EVs.
@@upfitsupply I'm hoping one day we can speed charge the batteries to a sorry similar of going to the gas station. Until that's possible, EV vans will be difficult for many service trade workers
@@NapoleonsRevenge215 Agreed. I drive a Transit Connect for work, and I'm glad it's not an EV. Where I work, EV charging is virtually non-existent except for Tesla charging stations. Not to mention, it's not uncommon to drive 200 miles in a single day. I can't do my job if I have to spend so much time charging a vehicle!
Its the government forcing EV on people
@@StevenLastnameI’m sure as battery technology improves you’ll see batteries with longer range and quicker charging times maybe even lighter in weight remember when gasoline powered cars first came out people complained about them being smelly, loud, broke down a lot and GASOLINE WAS HARD TO FIND. That last one made me laugh, talk about history repeating itself ( kind of )
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.
Wow, that’s great feedback on the ProMaster City! I also noticed the delayed throttle/transmission in the PMC, but it had around 60k miles on it, so wasn’t sure if it was age or something else. To be fair, the Transit Connect has its fair share of transmission response issues. I believe both the RPC and the TC have similar “attic” space above the cab. Again, very similar vans.
I don't need either of these vehicles but this is a masterful comparison vid.
Thank you!
So why waste your time watching? 😂😂
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.
Thank you for the feedback! It's a great van!
GREAT VIDEO N GREAT COMPARISON I THINK I GONNA BUY PROMASTER LOOKS A LITTLE BETTER TO ME
The engine is the most important factor.
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.
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.
A contractor would probably be using more city miles. The Transit connect is 3 better city, 2 better combined mpg.
@@obulay213 The 2023 model will be the last year for the Ford Transit Connect.
Did the elk fit in the cargo area?
@@tl9819 No, it tried to enter through the windshield.
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.
Do you think I can sit in the back and work I’m a mobile locksmith
We have many locksmith customers who utilize compact vans. Here's an example of a locksmith package we currently offer for the Transit Connect: upfitsupply.com/product/locksmith-shelving-package-transit-connect-lwb/
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?
Agreed! I am hearing rumors that the compact vans will be coming back to the US in the form of EVs.
@@upfitsupplyIf Ford would bring the Connect back as a hybrid, I'm all in! My 2010 Fusion Hybrid sedan is still on the road, running at 35 mpg with a range of nearly 500 miles. EV's not so much. Maybe o.k. for urban setting, deal breaker for open road. C'mon, Ford, if a popular small truck like the Maverick can offer a hybrid version, why not a popular microvan like the Connect??
I’m not sold on the solutions re oil consumption
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!
Not only as Fiat, the have also been sold as Opel and Vauxhall Combo over here.
I have had a 2011 Transit Connect and now have a 2019 doing HVAC/R. Both required transmission replacement with the latest costing $6900.!
Yikes!
this is the best comprasion I ever watched. Thanks for making this video.
Thank you!
How about engines? Witch one is the best cvt?
I own the Ford and it doesn't have a CVT transmission.
Thank you, Ryan. Promaster city for me.
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
How about like use after a couple years how has these two differ in maintenance and use
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?
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.
Howdy neighbor! I think these two are similar from a maintenance standpoint. If you found a good deal on either, I'd go for it. Personally, I prefer the Ford from an engine and chassis perspective, but my view is tainted from bad luck with Chrysler/Stellantis products in the past. When I sold the Transit Connect, it had 214,000 miles on it and still going strong.
I'm hanging on to my Chev Astro van
Right on!
Which one is more affordable to be worked on in a shop?
not gonna compare the nissan also???
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
Both of these would be alive and well if USPS had decided to use these instead of the goofy Oshkosh mobile. All the shipping companies use these in some delivery capacity. My job has one come by every day for large envelopes/small parcel service.
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!
FORD TRANSIT
Great video and review!
Thanks!
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.
I guess it's a good thing that used ones will hold their value since new ones will no longer be available. :/
The main difference is in the engines. The Dodge has a Fiat engine while the Ford has a modified Focus engine. Fiats have the worst engine, thanks to Chrysler. I have the Transit Connect 2012 and it’s huge compared to either of these. I’m over 200,000 miles and it runs great.
Looking for a Van that Max 82 in height and 80 in Width. Is this over it? Any other suggestions for Vans at that range of Specs? Thanks!
If your looking at new, these two are it. And they are gone for 2024. The Mercedes metrics was a bit bigger van and it’s very popular in Europe and elsewhere, but it to has been discontinued in the US. On the smaller end was the Nissan NV200 and the Chevy sold version called the express. No that these are going away, you would probably be looking at the passenger minivans like the Pacifica, Honda, odyssey, mom, and the Toyota sienna and the Kia minivans. Used dodge grand caravans with the seats removed make for great work vans. The Ram Promaster 1500 low roof 118 inch wheel base model might be an option because it’s short length and short wheel base give it great City tight quarters maneuverability, but is too tall to fit into a standard garage.
Both out of production?
Al fin y al cabo, la marca Ford es más confiable que Dodge en vehículos de carga. Gracias y saludos! 😅
Thanks so much for showing ❤❤❤
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Same to you!
I have a 2019 Transit Connect. I don't think Ford makes this sweet little van anymore. The dealer has been trying to buy it back from me.
Wont be able to pry it from my cold dead hands.
Haha yes! Hang on to it as long as you can!
What size pallets and how many can fit inside the ram in your opinion?
In the ProMaster City you can fit one pallet, maximum 48" wide and 6' long.
Very good review
Thanks you!
@@upfitsupply do think that it will be Dodge.
Damn should have got one to live in
Great video, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
I think it’s a little short sighted to say that the focus of buying a van is not the cab area?!?! I have a transit connect and it’s basically my office so I made sure it had all that I needed when I spend a third of my day in it. You also failed to mention the storage especially for things like paperwork and suppliers catalogues etc. The Connect has loads including a full width shelf above the windscreen and a compartment above the steering wheel depending on the spec. Mine is the 1.6 Tdci and I get 47-53 mpg regularly. Ford originally built the connect from the ground up but this Mk 2 uses the Focus platform and they got it spot on. Here in the UK the equivalent to the Dodge is the Vauxhall/GM Combo and it’s rubbish!!!,
47-53 mpg? Are you driving a hybrid?
@@shaggymcdaniel3216 Nope! 1.6 Duratorque Diesel (113 bhp) 😎
@@RATTLER238 Us Americans get the short end of the stick when it comes to cars. Just a bunch of Huge, stupid looking, wasteful vehicles. And Teslas.
I drive a 2014 Transit Connect 2.5L that was a prior service vehicle for LG... They really suck but they are the best of the bunch of the available smaller cargo vans... Most things are specialized, not standardized, so getting parts is both expensive and time consuming. The design drives me crazy 24/7. Aside from maybe the fuel economy and the fact it's a compact van, that's about where the benefits end. I hate the 2.5L engine, I wish I had the option for the European 1.6 Diesel, the transmission is very jerky on changing sometimes. It feels like I really have to floor it to get it going and I'm not even loaded up anywhere close to GVW. Braking feels funny, I really have to press it sometimes to make it work. The radio in the console sucks, the spacing was barely enough to be able to put an aftermaket radio in there for the features I wanted. Had to install my own rear-view camera so I could see out the back. The arrangement of the battery in the bay is crazy, you can barely see the positive terminal and good luck getting a booster clamp on there. The grounding post is far recessed into the engine bay and frankly so small you would hardly know you were on it or getting good connection. The fuse panel for the engine bay is directly in front of that Grounding Post, tons of water is allowed to fall on top of the battery and fuse panel whenever it rains. I absolutely despise their mirrors, worst idea ever. The visibility is poor at best, the convex mirror hardly works to give any proper visibility. There are different aftermarket mirrors you can pick up if you want to but it's hard to know if they would work better. Oh, and none of my mirrors have heating elements in them, if they fog up, good luck, reach out and wipe it yourself. I'm sure there's other issues I'm missing not to mention that any kind of mechanical work needing done causes a ton of labour to be expunged. There's no way in my knowledge to add access locks on other doors of the vehicle, for example, you have a dead battery and your booster pack is in the cargo area, you got no way to get back and access it. I'm sure there's other issues I have missed but these were the big ones.
Is the engine and transmission reliable on the Ford? That's all I care about.
@ilc-nl3yy The 2.5L Gas Naturally Aspirated is what I have. I bought it used. It's been decent for usage without major failures but at 250,000 KM it definitely needs some service. The fact that the transmission is sealed without draining/filling ports is confusing for sure
@@bioweaponsystem154 I'm looking for a 10 year old small cargo van that's reliable. I drive about 64 miles round trip 5 days a week.
Just bought a nice used 2017 model literally making the deal 3 other callers were looking to buy 1 not to mention they sold 3 just yesterday 😂 I’m team ram myself with the ram 1500 and charger but I actually went with ford I like the front end over the ram🫣🤫🤫
I bought my 2016 ford transit new , I've used it for delivery service, has not gave me no engine problems. The most major work done , was just recent replacing shocks and struts on it. Has been a great car . Proudly can say it has 260000 miles . Love my transit 😊
This video could have been good but I could not tolerate the music. Piping in distracting stupid music is not a good thing.
You know the transite offers double door in the back right
Sorry, the background music was so distracting that I had to stop watching.
they are both discontinued
Want a cookie?
Its important to know both vans can be ordered without windows. And transit with barn doors. Kinda dumb to review 2 vans based on the different options ordered. Do an apple to apple comparison!
that doesn’t change the capacity or dimensions.
I have good experiance with both
Promaster is crap
Ford it will be better
Music? No!
they have one big thing in common.. They Gone.
Hopefully they'll come back some day!