24 MPG combined might not sound like much, but for the 2022 Ram Promaster City 2.4L 4-cyl, it balances utility and fuel efficiency. This isn’t a vehicle for weekend joyrides. It is a workhorse, built for small businesses and urban delivery services that need a compact, maneuverable cargo van capable of hauling significant payloads. Its efficiency impacts the bottom line.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway for the 2022 Ram Promaster City. These figures reflect the driving conditions this vehicle will encounter. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent loading and unloading, and relatively short trips are staples of its daily use. The 2.4L four-cylinder engine, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, is tuned for low-end torque, prioritizing pulling power over outright speed or fuel sipping. While highway MPG appears reasonable, a loaded Promaster City fighting headwinds will see a drop in efficiency compared to the unladen figure used for EPA testing. The nine-speed transmission helps keep the engine in its sweet spot at higher speeds, but physics dictate that moving a tall, heavy box through the air requires energy.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ram Promaster City is $1,800. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway use, and uses the national average fuel prices for regular unleaded gasoline. For small business owners tracking expenses, this figure offers a baseline for projecting fuel costs. It’s a useful tool for budget planning, but individual driving habits, cargo weight, and local fuel prices can influence the amount spent at the pump.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing framework, real-world fuel economy can vary. Expect to see figures slightly below the official numbers, especially if you carry heavy loads or spend most of your time in rush-hour traffic. Owners report city MPG closer to 18-20, and highway MPG in the low to mid-20s when the vehicle is heavily laden. The 2022 Ram Promaster City isn’t about breaking fuel economy records; it’s about getting the job done. Its fuel economy is adequate, but its value lies in its cargo capacity and maneuverability within an urban environment. Drivers may prioritize getting to the next job over achieving the theoretical maximum MPG.

How it compares

The compact cargo van segment doesn’t have many high-MPG options. The Ford Transit Connect, for example, with its 2.0L engine, achieves a combined EPA rating of 26 MPG, giving it a slight edge over the Promaster City. Consider also that the Nissan NV200, and Chevrolet City Express before it was discontinued, offered roughly the same MPG, but with less power, making the Promaster City’s performance more attractive considering its higher overall output. These differences matter to a business owner analyzing total cost of ownership, especially if their fleet consists of multiple vehicles. Comparing all Ram fuel economy data shows that the Promaster City is significantly more efficient than its larger sibling, and checking PROMASTER MPG across all years confirms that its fuel economy has remained consistent. The Ford Transit Connect’s recent discontinuation from the market is a sign of the changing landscape of light commercial vehicles and their focus on electric powertrains moving forward.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.4L engine responds best to smooth inputs. Rapid acceleration burns more fuel, and hard braking wastes energy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, found on the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Every extra pound of cargo requires more energy to move. Remove any tools or equipment that aren’t essential for the job. A lighter vehicle is a more efficient vehicle.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long stretches of open road. However, be mindful of hills; it’s often more efficient to allow the vehicle to lose a small amount of speed on an incline rather than forcing the transmission to downshift.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure that the engine is running at peak efficiency. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and produces fewer emissions.