The 2018 Ram ProMaster City with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine gets 24 MPG combined, which won’t set any fuel economy records, but consider its purpose. This is a compact cargo van designed for small business owners, tradespeople, and delivery services. Fuel efficiency is important, but so is maximizing cargo space and minimizing upfront cost. ProMaster City buyers are making a calculated trade-off: practicality for a reasonable MPG figure.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2018 Ram ProMaster City at 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects how the van is typically used. City driving, with frequent stops, reduces fuel economy. Think of couriers navigating city streets or contractors going from job site to job site. The highway MPG is better and suitable for longer delivery routes or occasional personal trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ram ProMaster City at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and where you live. The $1,800 provides a benchmark for comparing the ProMaster City to other vehicles and helps potential buyers quickly assess its impact on their budget.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s 28 MPG highway figure, especially with a full cargo load. Payload weight impacts fuel consumption. A heavily loaded ProMaster City will likely see highway MPG closer to the combined figure, and city MPG could fall even further depending on traffic. For a realistic understanding of your vehicle’s real-world MPG, keep detailed records of your mileage and fuel purchases for the first few months.

How it compares

The ProMaster City’s closest competitor, the Ford Transit Connect, achieves similar fuel economy. A 2018 Ford Transit Connect with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine is rated at 24 MPG combined, 20 MPG city, and 27 MPG highway. Some years of the Nissan NV200, a smaller and less powerful cargo van, achieve 25 MPG combined. This small difference may not matter to commercial operations concerned about cargo space or passenger use. For those wanting to see all Ram fuel economy data, it provides a broader context. It’s also worth cross-shopping PROMASTER MPG across all years to see if a different model year or configuration is a better fit.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The ProMaster City’s 9-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range. Let the transmission do its job, avoid accelerating too fast, and brake smoothly. Anticipate traffic flow to reduce braking and acceleration, and avoid flooring the accelerator unnecessarily.

Proper tire inflation is critical for maximizing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Plan your routes efficiently to minimize mileage. Combine multiple errands into a single trip and use a GPS navigation system to find the most direct route. Avoiding congested areas can significantly improve fuel economy, particularly during peak hours.

Excess weight reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the van’s cargo area. Extra weight requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Regularly decluttering the van can make a difference in fuel consumption.

Schedule regular maintenance for your ProMaster City to have the engine run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. Keeping your engine in top condition will optimize its fuel economy and extend its lifespan.