Ram->ke4211 has never been an automaker that prided itself on being the fanciest looking in the garage. As its name suggests, the automaker has preferred function over form since its split from Dodge.

And as such, its parent company, Chrysler->ke21, has used the 2013 Chicago Auto Show->ke225 to introduce the newest Ram, the 2014 ProMaster.

With some help from Italian tag-team partner Fiat->ke30, Chrysler has come up with a full-sized cargo van that just about boasts of every class-leading category in the market. Or at least that's what Chrysler claims.

Whether there's validity to that really depends on what you're looking for in a cargo van. Fortunately, we found enough things about the ProMaster that we actually like. So much so that we're not going to brush aside Chrysler's incessant promotion of it. Maybe they do make a point. Or maybe they're just drumming up the hype machine.

Either way, the 2014 ProMaster is here and by the looks of things, it's here to stay.

Find out more about the 2014 Ram ProMaster after the jump

Exterior

If you're looking for a groundbreaking visual design on the Ram ProMaster, prepare to be disappointed. See, a cargo van like the ProMaster will never be appreciated for its design. Having said that, the look of the ProMaster is a welcome departure from the boxy old vans. That, in itself, is a design victory. The most noticeable thing about the van is the enormous wraparound bumper with the Ram logo prominently -- if not looking out-of-place -- displayed in the middle of the grille crosshairs.

Equally important is the construction of that front bumper, which comes in a three-piece styled modular design that cuts down repair costs should you get in a little fender bender.

The front-wheel arches are styled with the bumper, creating an illusion that makes the latter extend all the way past the wheels. Notice also the relative absence of windows on the cargo. That's an intentional design that can be taken advantage of by businesses who'd want to post whatever signage, advertising, or graphics they'd like to promote.

Variety is also important to how the ProMaster can distinguish itself from its competitors. With a multitude of options and features available, including two roof heights, three wheelbases, and four body lengths, customers can choose from a wide range of configurations for the ProMaster, all 13 of which you can see below:

-ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van 118- inch wheelbase low roof

-ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van 136-inch wheelbase low roof

-ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van 136-inch wheelbase high roof

-ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van 136-inch wheelbase high roof

-ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof

-ProMaster 3500 Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof

-ProMaster 3500 Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof extended body

-ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab 136-inch wheelbase

-ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab 159-inch wheelbase

-ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab 159-inch wheelbase extended body

-ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway 136-inch wheelbase

-ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway 159-inch wheelbase

-ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway 159-inch wheelbase extended frame

With what it claims as best-in-class payload capacity of up to 5,145 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,100 pounds, matched with a gross combined weight of 11,500 pounds for the 3.6-liter V6 and 12,500 pounds for the 3.0-liter four-cylinder EcoDiesel, the Ram ProMaster has high hopes of becoming what the rest of the competition can only claim to being: the best in its class.

Interior

As a commercial vehicle whose primary purpose is to transport a huge amount of goods from one place to another, the cabin of the ProMaster is devoid of anything that can be deemed a luxurious amenity. As well it should, because very few people will drive something like this with a joyride in mind.

The functional and innovative features of the ProMaster owe themselves to its European doppelgänger, the Fiat Ducato. Ram did make some alterations to ensure that overall function is put under premium importance. That was no more evident than the rear cabin, which has been fitted with up to 17 tie-down rings with 1,000-pound rating that fold away, ensuring that the floor remains flat so loading and unloading is easier and that all the cargo you're bringing remains held down on the floor without risk of toppling over and making a big mess of your cargo.

Roof height is another source of pride for the ProMaster, which Ram claims as having the best in its class. The choice is 90" (229 cm) or 101" (257 cm), allowing for even a tall driver to be able to stand up inside the van without bumping his head.

Drivetrain

One gas and one diesel; those are the choices you have if you're fixing to get grimy with the Ram ProMaster.

The standard powertrain on the ProMaster is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, rated at an impressive 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be described as a coup for the ProMaster after having been named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in the past three years.

Should you opt though for the diesel variant, Ram is offering the 3.0-liter in-line four-cylinder EcoDiesel engine - the first time this powertrain hits North America - that produces 174 horsepower, almost 100 less ponies than the V6 version, and a peak torque of 295 pound-feet. Despite possessing less power, the EcoDiesel variant does come with refinements of its own in the form of new internal engine components, turbo and emission controls. And besides, oil-change for the diesel is won't be needed until around 18,500 miles as opposed to 10,000 miles for the V6. That's a win for the EcoDiesel.

Transmission is also a matter of choice between the smooth-shifting 62TE automatic transmission that has been upgraded to accommodate the ProMaster’s weight ratings and the new M40 automated manual transmission that functions like an automatic, thanks in large part to an electro-hydraulic actuation system that handles the gear shifts and clutch functions. This transmission is also exclusive to the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and a big component of why the ProMaster it stands alone in the Ram ProMaster’s competitive set.

As a carrier of heavy things, the ProMaster is capable of hauling up to 2,333 kg (5,145 lbs) with a maximum towing capacity of 2,313 kg (5,100 lbs) and a maximum roof load of 182 kg (400 lbs).

Pricing

RAM has yet to announce pricing for the 2014 ProMaster, but you can be sure that it's going to be around the range of the prices of some of its competitors, including the Ford E-Series and the Chevrolet Express (somewhere between $26,000 - $30,000). Whatever the case may be, we'll be sure to give you the numbers the soonest they become available.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has all the necessary tools and features that can supplant the ProMaster in its own game, including that ever important cargo volume with the Sprinter boasting of 547 cubic feet of space compared to the ProMaster's 530 cubic feet.

Power though goes to the ProMaster, particularly if you opt for the 3.6-liter V6. The EcoDiesel is right around the Sprinter's 3.0-liter V6 engine, which only nets 188 horsepower, compared to the ProMaster's 174-horsepower 3.0-liter in-line-four EcoDiesel.

Ultimately, the choice between these two can be attributed as a toss-up. If you want one that offers more premium luxury to go with a higher price tag (around $36,000 - $45,000), then the choice is the German van. But if you want to spare a dime or two, then it's the ProMaster.

Chevrolet Express

Arguably the most powerful of all cargo vans, the Chevrolet Express is a double-edged sword of power and efficiency. Sure, it boasts an optional 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 310 horsepower but it also gets thirsty faster than most of its competitors with a fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway compared to the 20 mpg combined for the ProMaster. It's cheaper than the Sprinter by a significant margin at $28,940, so you can take the good with the not-so with the Express.

Conclusion

Ram sure has a way of promoting the ProMaster. Not one to be shy about what it thinks of its products, the American automaker listed down some of the highlights of their new cargo van, including best-in-class standings in fuel economy, cargo capacity, payload, total cost of ownership, powertrain warranty (5 years/100,000 miles), turning radius, interior ceiling height and step-in height.

Given that they do have some backing to those claims, the ProMaster offer plenty of what you're looking for in a cargo van. Whether you need cargo capacity, power, or fuel efficiency, the ProMaster has them in spades. And it certainly doesn't hurt that relative to its segment, it's got a pretty modern styling design to it, too.