It may look like a no-nonsense version of a Chrysler Grand Caravan, but Ram’s 2015 C/V (cargo van) returns offering the urban-dwelling small business owner a value-laden quasi-heavy-hauler while providing the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan’s NV200 a little healthy competition. The 5-door midsize C/V remains a competent 2-seat commercial workhorse that neatly fits the niche between the bulky full-size cargo van and the underpowered compact delivery wagon, while offering driver (and helper) far more than the usual bare-bones cabin atmosphere.

Essentially unchanged from 2014, the upcoming year’s C/V is once again offered in a single Tradesman trim and is available only with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. Though reviewers note that legroom is a tad challenging for long-limbed drivers, the 144.4 cubic feet of cargo area, along with a wealth of available cargo-management tools and load-floor configurations not to mention the standard heavy-duty suspension, allow this capable if occasionally cramped donkey a most uncommon efficiency at a comfortably affordable price.

Power-wise, the 2015 C/V remains delivered with a peppy 3.6-liter V6 engine that mates with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission to throw down 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Look for 17 mpg city/25 highway from the capable V6, with towing capability again sitting at a respectable 3,600 pounds with the available Trailer Tow Group installed. Oh, and auxiliary transmission-fluid cooling is also a standard mechanical feature.

Appearance goodies, meantime, include 16-inch steel wheels and, uncommon in your ordinary cargo van, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors. Inside, expect even more unusually comforting perks, like cloth upholstery, power windows and door locks, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and dual-zone manual air conditioning. Entertainment, meantime, consists of an AM/FM stereo boasting a pair of speakers and an auxiliary audio input.

Available basic Uconnect 130 infotainment is among a manageable list of options for the 2015 C/V that goes on to include 3-zone manual air conditioning, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded cargo-management tools, sliding rear doors and various rear window options. Should you want some further upgraded techno-bling, check out the available, if a little tongue-tiring Uconnect 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV package, sporting a single-CD player, satellite radio, rear-view camera and GPS navigation with 6.5-inch touchscreen. Additionally, the improved Uconnect system can be further bolstered with MOPAR Apps for mobile WiFi capability.

Finally, the 2015 C/V returns offering such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted and head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection, dusk-sensing headlights and a post-collision safety system. An optional remote antitheft alarm can also be tacked on to address vehicle security concerns.