2016 Ram ProMaster EcoDiesel Towing First Drive [Video]

2016 ram promaster ecodiesel towing trailer
2016 Ram ProMaster EcoDiesel

The commercial van market has ever more options and the 2016 Ram ProMaster EcoDiesel is another example. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, but it has nothing in common with the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel in the Ram pickup truck.

The ProMaster EcoDiesel is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that is meant for long hours of work and long service intervals. It makes 174 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm. Once fired up, the torquey diesel makes itself known with characteristic clatter. An automated manual transmission does the shifting. It is a unique experience as the gear changes take some time to complete, as if a little robot was shifting the gears for you. When you come to a stop, put the gear lever into neutral “N” and the van will remind you to set the parking brake with a loud beep if you try to walk out without it.

This test took place at the FCA proving grounds in Chelsea Michigan. We had a four-mile test track loop for driving a full lineup of Ram trucks and vans. All were towing and/or carrying heavy loads. You can also check out the 2016 Ram 3500 dually with nearly 30,000 lbs in tow, as well as the 2016 Ram 5500 dump truck with over 4,000 lbs of dirt in the back.

Here is Nathan Adlen taking the 2016 ProMaster around the FCA Proving Ground test track with 2,500 lbs in tow and 500 lbs of cargo in the back.