24 MPG combined won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but it’s an acceptable figure for the 2020 Ram ProMaster City, a compact cargo van designed for small businesses and urban delivery services. These buyers prioritize payload, maneuverability, and overall practicality above all else. Fuel economy is a consideration, certainly, but it’s further down the list than the ability to haul tools, equipment, or products through congested city streets.

City and highway performance

The EPA figures for the ProMaster City break down to 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This split reflects the van’s intended use. Stop-and-go city driving, with its frequent accelerations and idles, inherently drags down fuel economy. The 2.4L four-cylinder works harder to get the van moving from a standstill, especially when loaded. On the open highway, the ProMaster City can stretch its legs a bit.

The nine-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine at a lower, more efficient RPM when cruising at higher speeds. The highway figure becomes especially relevant for businesses that use the ProMaster City for regional deliveries or service calls extending beyond the immediate urban core. If most of your driving is on the highway, it’s reasonable to expect numbers closer to the EPA’s 28 MPG estimate. For those spending most of their time battling city traffic, 21 MPG is a realistic benchmark.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ram ProMaster City at exactly $1,800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful baseline for comparing the ProMaster City’s running costs against other vehicles, but it’s crucial to remember that your actual fuel expenses will vary.

Factors like your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local fuel prices all play a significant role. Aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads consistently, and living in an area with higher-than-average fuel costs will all increase your annual fuel bill. Conversely, gentle driving, lighter loads, and lower fuel prices could reduce it. The $1,800 figure provides a standardized point of comparison, but it’s essential to tailor your expectations to your specific circumstances. Compare the PROMASTER MPG across all years to see if different models have more desirable annual costs based on your driving habits. You can also view all Ram fuel economy data elsewhere on this site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, real-world fuel economy almost always differs, sometimes significantly. With the ProMaster City, several factors influence your actual MPG. Load weight is a major one. The more weight you carry, the harder the engine has to work, and the more fuel it consumes. Driving style also matters. Frequent hard accelerations and braking will decrease fuel economy. Idling for extended periods, a common occurrence in delivery scenarios, also wastes fuel.

Weather conditions can also play a role; cold weather, in particular, can reduce MPG. Finally, tire pressure and vehicle maintenance can impact efficiency; underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, while a poorly maintained engine may not run as efficiently. All of these variables make it vital to approach the EPA estimates as guidelines, but to monitor your own fuel consumption to get a more accurate picture of your ProMaster City’s real-world MPG.

How it compares

The compact cargo van segment is not known for its fuel efficiency, but the 2020 ProMaster City stacks up reasonably well against its competition. The Ford Transit Connect, for example, with its 2.0L engine, achieves a similar EPA combined rating of 24 MPG. The Nissan NV200, another competitor, offers a slightly lower combined rating. These differences might seem small on paper, but they can add up over the course of a year, especially for businesses that put a lot of miles on their vehicles.

For buyers focused purely on fuel economy, hybrid or electric options may be tempting, but those often come with compromises in payload capacity and cargo volume, two areas where the ProMaster City excels. The right van depends on the specific needs of the business. Fuel efficiency is only one piece of the puzzle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for optimizing fuel economy in the ProMaster City. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires to the recommended level, which is typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Prolonged idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary wear and tear on the engine. If you are making deliveries, plan your route efficiently to minimize backtracking and idling.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Hard acceleration and abrupt braking waste fuel. A smooth, controlled driving style will significantly improve your MPG.

Keep your ProMaster City properly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups will ensure that the engine is running efficiently. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and performs better overall.

Minimize cargo weight. The more weight you carry, the harder the engine has to work. Only carry what you need and avoid hauling unnecessary items. Reducing cargo weight will improve your fuel economy, especially in city driving.