Buyers who are looking for a comfortable passenger van have a lot of options in 2023. With a slew of new makes and models from various manufacturers on the market, it might seem overwhelming to pick the vehicle that is right for your family. However, new isn’t the only option. The 2022 Ram ProMaster City is a reliable passenger van that can compete with many other new models.

While Ram killed the Ram ProMaster City after the 2022 model year, this is a vehicle that offers comfort, solid fuel economy, and a decent set of standard features. For some buyers, it could be a better option than the 2023 Kia Carnival. 

The 2022 Ram ProMaster City passenger wagon

The Ram ProMaster City comes in two models, the Tradesman cargo van and the Wagon passenger van. While Car and Driver notes that the Tradesman is a great option for those who need a spacious work van, the Wagon passenger van is a top pick for those with families to transport. It offers seating for up to five passengers and an available cargo volume of 64.3/131.7 cu-ft.

It has EPA city/highway of 21/29 mpg and some standard features such as rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, cruise control, manual adjustments for height and lumbar for the driver, and body-colored front bumpers.

The Promaster City does have some limited driver assistance features, including a standard backup camera, along with a limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles. The ProMaster City is also relatively affordable, with a starting price of around $36,570.

The Kia Carnival is another great van-ish option

A comparable rival the ProMaster City Wagon is the all-new 2024 Kia Carnival. A handsome, practical vehicle, the Kia Carnival features an SUV-inspired look that should appeal to those who don’t love the styling of a traditional minivan. The Carnival comes in four trim levels and offers fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.

The Carnival features a spacious interior and dashboard area, with expansive third-row seating and room for up to seven passengers. There’s cargo volume of up to 40 feet and excellent driver assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, and blind-spot monitoring.

It comes with a standard 8-inch infotainment screen, with the option of dual 12.3-inch displays that stretch across two-thirds of the dashboard. There are also optional upgrades, including a rear-seat entertainment system that could prove very appealing to drivers transporting a lot of busy, loud children.

With four available trims, there are pricing options for everyone, but the base LX trim has a starting MSRP of $34,565. Opting for the SX Prestige will bump up the starting MSRP to $47,665.

Should buyers get the 2022 Ram ProMaster City or the 2023 Kia Carnival?

There are some very good reasons to opt for the Ram ProMaster City, including the affordable price and the comfortable seating. Still, drivers who want more in the way of interior upgrades and luxury add-ons might prefer the Kia Carnival. Price is comparable between the two models, with both starting prices around the same number, although the Carnival has three upgrades from the base trim that are all more expensive.

Finally, while the Ram ProMaster City has some solid driver assistance features, there are more with the Carnival, which might make all the difference for discerning shoppers who want to keep their passengers as safe as possible. Ultimately, both the Ram ProMaster City and the Kia Carnival are solid choices for any driver who needs to transport a lot of people.