The vast selection of SUVs and minivans can be overwhelming. However, one compact van could be a capable family hauler. Though the Ram ProMaster City retired after the 2022 model year, this passenger wagon presents an alternative to another vehicle in the Stellantis stable, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

Overview of the 2022 Ram ProMaster City passenger wagon

The 2022 ProMaster City is a compact van that Ram calls a passenger wagon. It offers adequate creature comforts, such as Bluetooth phone pairing, streaming audio, and cruise control. Cargo space is decent, with a maximum capacity of 131.7 cubic feet. And its fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 21/28 mpg city/highway.

But the 2022 Ram ProMaster City has several drawbacks. It lacks advanced driver-assistance technology beyond a backup camera and rear parking sensors. In addition, the seats are not power-adjustable, so the driver must use levers to adjust the height and lumbar support manually. Furthermore, this passenger van seats only five, which could be a dealbreaker for large families.

Still, it’s hard to dislike the $36,000 starting price. And who could hate one of the best cars for dog lovers?

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica is the pinnacle of minivans

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica is arguably the best minivan on the market. This sleek, functional family hauler seats up to eight passengers and boasts a maximum cargo volume of 140.5 cubic feet.

In addition, the 2023 model has front-wheel or all-wheel drive and is the only vehicle in the segment offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain. EPA-estimated gas mileage is 19/28 mpg city/highway, but the Limited trim that Car and Driver tested got 31 mpg on its 75-mph highway fuel-economy route.

This minivan also abounds with upscale amenities. They include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, and perforated leather upholstery. And the Pacifica’s lauded Stow ‘n Go seats provide numerous storage solutions. Other family-friendly features include a built-in vacuum cleaner and Chrysler’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Unlike the Ram ProMaster City, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica has hardly any flaws. The lower trims have some cheap-looking plastic pieces in the interior. Still, they’re mixed with higher-end materials like the quilted-leather upholstery in the Pinnacle trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica starting MSRP is about $37,000. Prices increase for each of the four trim levels, with the range-topping Pinnacle AWD starting at $57,275. 

The winner is clear

The 2022 Ram ProMaster City and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica have a few similarities and many differences.

Both have good fuel economy and reasonable starting prices, although the Pacifica’s higher trims have eye-popping prices.

However, the Pacifica touts more comfort and convenience features. It boasts a more updated infotainment system and plenty of advanced driver-assistance systems. Conversely, the ProMaster City is comparatively bare-bones and suffers from considerable road and wind noise.

And as previously mentioned, the ProMaster City seats only five, while Pacifica models with a second-row bench accommodate eight. The seven-seat configuration boasts sumptuous second-row captain’s chairs.

Regarding interior finishes, the Pacifica is more refined and sleeker than the ProMaster City.

Overall, the 2022 Ram ProMaster City is merely mediocre, while the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica is practically perfect.