2027 Ram ProMaster vs Chevrolet Express: Cargo Van Comparison for Fontana Fleets
The 2027 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van gives Inland Empire businesses more cargo volume, a far lower load floor, and standing room the Chevrolet Express cannot match. The Express answers with a real advantage in towing. Here is how the two work vans compare for Fontana contractors, delivery operators, and fleet managers.
Which Cargo Van Works Harder for a Fontana Small Business?
The Ram ProMaster and the Chevrolet Express solve the same problem from opposite engineering directions. The difference shows up the moment you load one.
The ProMaster is a front-wheel-drive unibody van. No driveshaft runs its length, so Ram drops the load floor to 21 inches, which Ram calls the lowest in the class. The Express is a body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive design that launched in 1996 and last saw a significant update in 2003. Its load floor sits roughly 30 inches up. On a route with forty stops, that nine-inch difference is the whole workday.
The ProMaster also offers three roof heights. The Express offers none. There is no high-roof Express, and that is the single clearest reason a trade that works inside the van tends to land on the Ram.
Where the Express wins is raw pulling power. With its available 6.6L V8, it tows meaningfully more than any ProMaster. If your business hauls heavy trailers, that matters, and we would rather tell you so up front.
Fontana sits in the nation’s busiest industrial market, minutes from I-10 and I-15. Both vans earn their keep here. Which one earns yours depends on whether you move volume or weight.
2026 or 2027 Express? What Changed for the New Model Year
Chevrolet builds a 2027 Express. Production was scheduled to begin on August 31, 2026, and the van carries over essentially unchanged apart from one cabin update: Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 with a 7-inch HD color touchscreen and Bluetooth.
Chevrolet has not published 2027 Express pricing. Every Express figure here is therefore drawn from the 2026 model year, where published MSRP and full specifications exist. Mechanically, the two model years are the same van.
Price and Trim Value: 2027 Ram ProMaster vs 2026 Chevrolet Express
The Express starts cheaper. That is the honest headline, and it stays true even after both vans are priced the same way.
Ram builds the 2027 ProMaster in three trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, and SLT+. Those run across 1500, 2500, and 3500 series, with three wheelbases and three roof heights producing eleven total configurations. Chevrolet builds the Express Cargo in a single Work Van trim across 2500 and 3500 series, in regular and extended wheelbase, with a choice of two engines.
2027 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van Pricing
| Configuration | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Tradesman 1500 Low Roof, 118″ WB | $49,660 MSRP |
| Tradesman 1500 High Roof, 136″ WB | $52,950 MSRP |
| SLT 1500 High Roof, 136″ WB | $55,945 MSRP |
| SLT+ 1500 High Roof, 136″ WB | $59,945 MSRP |
| SLT+ 3500 High Roof, 136″ WB | $62,715 MSRP |
2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Pricing
| Configuration | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Work Van 2500 Regular WB, 4.3L V6 | $44,595 MSRP |
| Work Van 2500 Regular WB, 6.6L V8 | $46,565 MSRP |
| Work Van 2500 Extended WB, 4.3L V6 | $46,495 MSRP |
| Work Van 3500 Regular WB, 4.3L V6 | $48,545 MSRP |
| Work Van 3500 Extended WB, 4.3L V6 | $49,345 MSRP |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
The gap between the two entry points is just over $5,000, MSRP to MSRP. What that buys on the Ram side is a van you can stand up in, load without lifting to waist height, and spec with current driver-assistance hardware. Ram is also running commercial incentives on 2027 ProMaster gas models, including a bonus cash allowance and an on-the-job allowance for qualified commercial customers. Our commercial sales department can confirm what you qualify for.
If you are weighing the ProMaster against Ram’s other work vehicles, our Ram work truck lineup guide covers the full commercial range.
Entry price: Chevrolet Express
Cargo Space and Standing Room for Fontana’s Industrial Corridors
This is where the comparison stops being close.
The ProMaster tops out at 524 cubic feet of cargo space in the 3500 Super High Roof Extended 159″ wheelbase, with up to 13 feet of cargo length. The Express maxes out at 283.6 cubic feet in its extended wheelbase. That is a 240-cubic-foot difference. It is not a trim-level nuance but a different category of van.
Roof Heights and Cargo Length
Height is the more practical gap. Ram offers three cargo heights:
| ProMaster roof | Cargo area height | Cargo lengths available |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Roof | 5 ft 6 in | 8 ft, 10 ft |
| High Roof | 6 ft 5 in | 10 ft, 12 ft, 13 ft |
| Super High Roof | 7 ft 2 in | 13 ft |
The Express cargo area measures 55.1 inches tall in both wheelbases, under four feet eight inches. No adult stands upright in it. Every shelf installation and every loading cycle happens stooped.
The ProMaster cargo bay is 75 inches wide at its widest point, with 4 feet 8 inches between the wheel wells. Rear doors swing to 260 degrees for a 60-inch opening, and the sliding side door opens 49 inches for pallet loading.
Payload and Seating
On payload the ProMaster carries up to 4,750 pounds on the 3500 Standard Roof 136″ wheelbase, against 4,280 for the Express 3500. The Ram wins, but by less than its cargo advantage suggests. If your loads are dense rather than bulky, the two vans are closer than the cubic-foot numbers imply.
Seating differs too. The ProMaster seats two or three up front, and the available Crew Van Package seats up to six on High Roof models. The Express Cargo seats two standard, with five available.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Cargo volume, standing room, and payload: Ram ProMaster
Performance and Driving Experience
Engine and Transmission
Every 2027 ProMaster runs the same powertrain, and Ram pairs it with electric power steering. The front-wheel-drive layout puts engine weight over the driven axle, which helps on a wet morning in an unloaded van. The Express offers a choice of two engines, including an available V8 the ProMaster has no answer for.
| Specification | 2027 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van | 2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 |
| Standard horsepower | 276 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 276 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Standard torque | 250 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 298 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm |
| Available engine | None — V6 across the lineup | 6.6L V8, 401 hp / 464 lb-ft |
| Transmission | TorqueFlite 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
Towing and Maneuvering
Towing is the Express advantage, and a real one: up to 9,600 pounds with the V8, against 6,910 pounds for the ProMaster 1500 Standard Roof 118″ wheelbase. A business that tows equipment trailers should take that seriously.
Maneuvering is the Ram advantage, and it is just as real. The ProMaster turns curb-to-curb in 36.3 feet on the 118-inch wheelbase and 40.7 feet on the 136-inch. The Express needs 54.5 feet. In an alley behind a Fontana storefront or on a crowded dock apron, that is the difference between one pass and a three-point turn.
Capacity and Dimensions at a Glance
| Specification | 2027 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van | 2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum cargo volume | 524 cu ft | 283.6 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo area height | 7 ft 2 in | 55.1 in |
| Load floor height | 21 in | 29.8–30 in |
| Maximum payload | 4,750 lb | 4,280 lb |
| Maximum towing | 6,910 lb | 9,600 lb (6.6L V8) |
| Curb weight range | 4,470–5,092 lb | 5,261–5,757 lb |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb | 36.3–40.7 ft | 54.5 ft |
| Fuel tank | 24 gal | 31 gal |
| Front seating | 2–3 (up to 6 w/ Crew Van Package) | 2 (5 available) |
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Maximum towing: Chevrolet Express | Maneuverability: Ram ProMaster
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Neither van carries an EPA fuel economy rating, and neither one is waiting for one. Cargo vans with a gross vehicle weight rating above 8,500 pounds are exempt from federal fuel economy testing. The ProMaster 1500 is rated at 8,550 pounds GVWR and the Express 3500 at 9,600 pounds. No window-sticker mpg figure exists for either van. Any number you see quoted is an estimate, not a government rating.
What you can compare is mass, and the capacity table above has it: the ProMaster is several hundred pounds lighter at the curb. Ram also specifies 10,000-mile oil change intervals, with an oil level sensor feeding the cluster display. Across a fleet, that means fewer shop visits per year.
Technology Inside the Cab
Inside the Ram ProMaster
The ProMaster cab is the more modern workspace. It is worth being precise about what comes standard and what does not.
Standard instrumentation is a 3.5-inch analog cluster display, with a 7-inch full-color digital cluster available. The available Uconnect 5 NAV system carries the rest, and the table below breaks it out. Ram also offers an available digital rearview mirror, genuinely useful in a van with no rear glass, plus a wireless charging shelf and push-button start.
Inside the Chevrolet Express
The 2026 Express cabin is deliberately plain, and the table below shows how plain. The 2027 Express narrows the gap slightly with a 7-inch HD color touchscreen and Bluetooth, though Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB connectivity remain unconfirmed for that model year.
| Cabin technology | 2027 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van | 2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment display | 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen, available | No touchscreen on the standard configuration |
| Audio | Uconnect audio with SiriusXM 360L, available | AM/FM stereo with two speakers, standard |
| Smartphone integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available | No wireless smartphone mirroring on the standard configuration |
| Navigation | Integrated with Uconnect 5 NAV, available | No integrated navigation on the standard configuration |
| Telematics | 10-year Safety and Security Package | OnStar hardware standard, with trial period |
| Power and inputs | Type-A and Type-C USB ports; 115-volt outlet available | Auxiliary input, standard |
Cab technology: Ram ProMaster
Driver Assistance and Safety on the Job Site
Standard on Every ProMaster
Ram builds the 2027 ProMaster with Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Emergency Braking as standard equipment. Drowsy Driver Detection, Crosswind Assist, and a ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines are also standard.
Available Driver-Assist Features
The available list is where the ProMaster separates itself:
Active Driving Assist
Intelligent Speed Assist
Traffic Sign Recognition
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist
Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist
What the Express Offers
On the Express, active collision avoidance technology is not part of the standard build. Features of this kind require optional equipment or are unavailable on the cargo configuration.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Driver assistance: Ram ProMaster
Warranty Coverage and Local Ram Support in Fontana
Coverage Side by Side
Coverage is effectively a draw, and anyone telling you otherwise is selling.
| Coverage | 2027 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van | 2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van |
|---|---|---|
| Basic limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion perforation | 3 years / unlimited miles all panel; 5 years / unlimited miles outer panel | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
The two vans match on every headline term, as Ram’s published 2027 ProMaster coverage confirms. Ram Roadside Assistance is reachable at 1-800-521-2779.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Local Support in Fontana
The difference lands on who you buy from. Fontana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is at 16263 S Highland Ave, and our commercial team works with fleets across San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, West Covina, and Riverside.
Warranty coverage: even match
Work-Ready Cargo Vans: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2027 Ram ProMaster worth the higher starting price over the Chevrolet Express?
For most businesses that work out of the van, yes. The ProMaster lineup starts at $49,660 MSRP against $44,595 MSRP for the 2026 Express Cargo 2500, a gap of just over $5,000, MSRP to MSRP. What the ProMaster adds is 524 cubic feet of maximum cargo space against 283.6, a 21-inch load floor against roughly 30 inches, up to 7 feet 2 inches of standing height where the Express offers 55.1 inches, and standard forward collision warning with active braking. If your work is hauling heavy trailers rather than carrying volume, the Express case is stronger.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Which commercial van offers more cargo volume for tools and equipment?
The 2027 Ram ProMaster, by a wide margin. It offers up to 524 cubic feet of cargo volume and up to 13 feet of cargo length in the 3500 Super High Roof Extended 159-inch wheelbase, with a maximum cargo area height of 7 feet 2 inches. The 2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo provides up to 283.6 cubic feet in its extended wheelbase. Its cargo area height is 55.1 inches in both wheelbases, and no high-roof Express is offered.
How do towing and payload compare between the Ram ProMaster and Chevy Express?
The Express wins on towing and the ProMaster wins on payload. The 2026 Express Cargo tows up to 9,600 pounds with the available 6.6L V8. The 2027 ProMaster tows up to 6,910 pounds on the 1500 Standard Roof 118-inch wheelbase. On payload, the ProMaster carries up to 4,750 pounds on the 3500 Standard Roof 136-inch wheelbase, against up to 4,280 pounds for the Express 3500.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Which van is easier to drive and park in tight commercial areas?
The 2027 Ram ProMaster. Its front-wheel-drive layout, electric power steering, and tighter turning circle make it the easier van in confined spaces. It turns curb-to-curb in 36.3 feet on the 118-inch wheelbase and 40.7 feet on the 136-inch, against 54.5 feet for the 2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo. In alleys, loading docks, and crowded lots, the Ram needs noticeably less room to come about.
Is there a 2027 Chevrolet Express?
Yes. Production of the 2027 Chevrolet Express was scheduled to begin on August 31, 2026, and the van carries over essentially unchanged from 2026. The one reported cabin update is a 7-inch HD color touchscreen with Bluetooth, replacing the basic audio system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB connectivity have not been confirmed. Chevrolet has not published 2027 Express pricing, so the figures on this page use the 2026 model year.
Final Verdict: Matching the Van to the Work
The 2027 Ram ProMaster is the better van for businesses that move volume: more cargo space, a dramatically lower load floor, three roof heights topping out at a cab you can stand in, a turning circle fourteen feet tighter, and a current-generation driver-assistance suite.
The Chevrolet Express remains the better van for businesses that tow heavy. Its available V8 and 9,600-pound rating outpull anything in the ProMaster lineup, and its lower entry price is real.
For most Fontana contractors, delivery operators, and service fleets loading all day in the Inland Empire’s industrial corridors, the ProMaster is the van that gives back time every shift.
Come see one. Our commercial team can walk you through configurations, roof heights, and upfit options. You can also compare our Ram 1500 against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if a pickup suits your business better. If your routes are short and predictable, look at the Ram ProMaster EV.
Disclaimers
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.