RAM PROMASTER CITY combines the versatility of the Fiat Scudo with American strength. Space for 8 people and a turbo engine. Check out the model details!
While traditional minivans seem to have forgotten that families need practicality, and commercial vans have grown so much that they no longer fit in residential garages, the RAM ProMaster City 2027 arrives as a surgical solution. Based on the European Fiat Scudo, it promises the space of a van with the convenience of a passenger car. But does the formula work in the American market?
The European Secret Behind the New ProMaster City
The new RAM ProMaster City 2027 is not just a discreet facelift. It is a complete restructuring that brings the American brand closer to the European engineering of Stellantis. Unlike its predecessor, which already showed signs of aging, this version directly imports the platform from the Fiat Scudo — a model renowned in markets such as Europe and Latin America.
This strategy is not new to RAM. The full-size ProMaster has already followed the same path, rebadging the Fiat Ducato for the United States. The difference this time is that the bet is on a more compact segment, where competition has practically disappeared.
“The 2027 ProMaster City represents a rare combination of European versatility with American ruggedness. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you wonder why no one else builds something like this.”
The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque (approximately 300 Nm). Manufactured in Hungary, at the Szentgotthárd plant, this powertrain shares DNA with the new Jeep Cherokee, although without the hybrid components. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
For those looking for alternatives in the compact van segment, it is worth comparing with the MERCEDES VLE, which offers a more premium profile, although at a significantly higher price.
Why the 8-Passenger Version Changes the Game
RAM offers two main configurations: cargo (van) and passenger. While the first serves professionals who need to transport tools and goods, it is the second that really catches attention.
Available in versions for five or eight occupants, the ProMaster City passenger has a rare trump card: both rear rows are removable. This means that, in minutes, you can transform a family minivan into a cargo vehicle with 167 cubic feet of space (about 4,730 liters).
The interior dimensions are generous: 2.82 meters long in the cargo floor, 1.22 meters between the wheel arches, and 1.63 meters total width between the walls. Enough to carry two standard American pallets or sheets of building materials.
The height of 1.95 meters (77 inches) is perhaps the most relevant figure for family use. Unlike larger vans that require outdoor parking, the ProMaster City fits comfortably in most residential garages — a security advantage when carrying expensive tools or vacation equipment.
In terms of capacity, preliminary numbers indicate 907 kg of payload and 907 kg of towing. For comparison, the KIA CARNIVAL 2027 tows up to 1,633 kg but does not offer the internal configuration versatility of the RAM.
Technology and Comfort: What You Gain (And What You Give Up)
The interior of the 2027 ProMaster City follows a European aesthetic: functional, without excess, but well designed. The 10-inch multimedia center features Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, as well as inductive charging in the SLT version.
Comfort features include:
- Heated front seats as standard
- Steering wheel with height and depth adjustment
- Power windows with automatic operation
- Rear climate control (passenger version)
- Reading lights for rear passengers
The basic sound system includes four speakers, with controls on the steering wheel. Don’t expect leather upholstery or premium finishes — this is a work vehicle that accommodates passengers, not the other way around.
In terms of safety, the list is comprehensive for the segment: front collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention alert. The notable absence is adaptive cruise control, unavailable even as an option.
For those considering family alternatives with more technological features, the 2027 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER electric offers a range of 320 miles, although in a completely different SUV format.
The pricing structure is straightforward: US$ 40,000 for the cargo versions and US$ 43,000 for the passenger versions. Two trim configurations — Tradesman and SLT — are available in both formats. The cargo version offers five body variations, related to the presence of side windows and choice between rear barn doors or liftgate.
Who Should Consider the 2027 ProMaster City?
This is not a vehicle for those seeking status or an exciting driving experience. The 2027 RAM ProMaster City is a work tool disguised as a minivan, or a minivan without the compromises of a Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica.
The target audience is specific: small business owners who need cargo space during the week and take the family on weekends; large families who don’t want to give up the garage; independent couriers who value urban maneuverability.
The reduced height, contained width, and tight turning radius turn maneuvers that would be stressful in a large van into something almost trivial. And when work is over, you don’t have to park on the street.
For those needing more towing capacity, the 2026 SUBARU ASCENT offers all-wheel drive and superior capacity, although without the van’s cargo versatility.
The ProMaster City 2027 also represents an interesting option for company fleets operating in dense urban areas, where larger vehicles simply don’t work. The fuel economy promised by the small-displacement turbo engine, combined with the proven durability of the European platform, can result in lower operating costs over the lifecycle.
The choice between barn doors and liftgate deserves attention. The double doors make access easier in tight parking spaces, while the liftgate offers protection from rain during loading and unloading. The entry height of 58 cm (23 inches) is low enough for manual loading without excessive effort.
In a market where options have polarized between huge SUVs and dying minivans, the RAM ProMaster City 2027 occupies an almost empty niche. It’s not for everyone. But for those who need exactly what it offers — space, versatility, and convenience in civilized dimensions — it may be the only logical choice available.
