Ram promaster city vs ford transit connect: the ultimate reliability showdown
What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a compact cargo van for your business, the Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect are two of the top contenders.
- The Ford Transit Connect, on the other hand, offers a rear-wheel drive system with a twin-I-beam front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension.
- However, the Transit Connect has a slight edge in terms of safety ratings, having received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA compared to the Promaster City’s 4-star rating.
When it comes to choosing a compact cargo van for your business, the Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect are two of the top contenders. Both vehicles offer a spacious cargo area, fuel-efficient engines, and advanced safety features. But when it comes to reliability, which van has the edge? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reliability records of the Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Engine Performance and Reliability
The Ram Promaster City offers a 2.4-liter Tigershark gasoline engine, while the Ford Transit Connect comes with a 2.5-liter Duratec gasoline engine or a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engine. Both engines are known for their reliability, with the Tigershark having a slightly better track record in terms of longevity. However, the EcoBoost engine offers better fuel efficiency and performance.
Transmission Reliability
The Ram Promaster City is available with a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Ford Transit Connect comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions are generally reliable, but the 9-speed automatic in the Ram Promaster City has been known to experience some issues with shifting smoothness and durability.
Suspension and Handling
The Ram Promaster City features a front-wheel drive system with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension. The Ford Transit Connect, on the other hand, offers a rear-wheel drive system with a twin-I-beam front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension. Both vehicles handle well for their size, but the rear-wheel drive system of the Transit Connect provides better stability and towing capacity.
Safety Features and Reliability
Both the Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect come equipped with a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. However, the Transit Connect has a slight edge in terms of safety ratings, having received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA compared to the Promaster City’s 4-star rating.
Customer Satisfaction and Reliability
Customer satisfaction is an important indicator of reliability. According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Ford Transit Connect ranks higher than the Ram Promaster City in terms of overall dependability. This suggests that Transit Connect owners experience fewer problems and are more satisfied with their vehicles.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Maintenance and repair costs are a significant factor to consider when choosing a reliable vehicle. Both the Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect have similar maintenance schedules, but the Transit Connect has a slightly lower average repair cost according to RepairPal. This means that you can expect to spend less on repairs over the long run with the Transit Connect.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
The Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect are both reliable compact cargo vans with their own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize engine performance and longevity, the Ram Promaster City is a solid choice. However, if you value safety, customer satisfaction, and lower maintenance costs, the Ford Transit Connect is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which van has a better towing capacity?
A: The Ford Transit Connect has a higher towing capacity than the Ram Promaster City.
Q: Which van offers more fuel-efficient engines?
A: The Ford Transit Connect offers more fuel-efficient engines, especially with the EcoBoost turbocharged engine.
Q: Which van has a more spacious cargo area?
A: The Ram Promaster City has a slightly larger cargo area than the Ford Transit Connect.
Q: Which van has a better warranty?
A: The Ram Promaster City and Ford Transit Connect both offer comparable warranties, with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which van is more affordable?
A: The Ram Promaster City is generally more affordable than the Ford Transit Connect.