Key Highlights of the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van
The Nissan NV200 is a compact cargo hauler with city-friendly dimensions. You will find it being operated by many businesses and individuals alike for hauling goods around town. Thanks to its low-entry price, it is an attractive option for those on a budget. The van has a four-cylinder powertrain that assures good mileage. Nissan offers the least cargo space and payload capacity, but it makes up with easy maneuverability and comfort.
Engine and performance
Both trims of the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo (S and SV) are powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine that guarantees 139 pound-feet of torque and 131 horsepower, which is not very high for a vehicle of this class. But, it is perhaps the only cargo van with a continuously variable automatic transmission that favors fuel economy and smoothness over response and acceleration.
Given its measly 131 horsepower and size, it is no wonder that the Nissan NV200 has a maximum payload capacity of only 1,480 pounds. Almost all its opponents can tow a lot more. Going by the EPA yardstick, the vehicle can achieve 26 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city, which is pretty average for the class. Many competitor brands have vans that are relatively more fuel efficient on the highway than Nissan.
Interiors
You will not have many complaints about the Nissan NV200’s interiors. It has cloth-covered seats, vinyl-wear patches on bolsters, and a basic cabin. Folding the back of the passenger seats forward reveals a 15×13-inch tray in-built that can seat a laptop and function as a small work area. The vehicle also has a center console and space for accommodating file folders and a laptop.
The cargo area has 20 reinforced mounting points, so upfitters can install shelves or racks without drilling into the panels. The SV model has six hooks mounted into the cargo area floor. The loadspace floor is about 21.1 inches high, somewhat lower than competitors. Its interior is 82.8 inches long, 54.8 inches wide, and 53 inches tall. The vehicle has a standard pallet size of 40×48 inches between its wheel arches.
Exterior styling
Since cargo vans are mainly operated by commercial businesses, Nissan NV200 keeps the frills to a minimum. Its higher SV trim has side mirror housings, a rear bumper in body color, and plastic covers for the 15-inch steel wheels. Both variants have six roof rack mounting points. You get dual sliding doors with optional windows for the rear and side passenger doors. The back doors asymmetrically split and open up to 180 degrees. The van measures 15.5 in length overall. While competitors have extended-length versions, they cannot replace the NV200!
Technology
You get a 7.0-inch infotainment system with a satellite radio trial subscription, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The CD player is a holdout from dated times, but the single USB port makes up for the lost contemporary appeal. Music plays via the two-speaker audio system, and the van has pre-wiring for telematics to support upfitting applications.
Safety
Beyond the standard airbags, the Nissan NV200 has driver-aid features like a hill-start assist, a backup camera, and cruise control. The higher-end SV trim has rear parking sensors.
No-frills, unsightly, and slow vehicles rarely win our favor, but the Nissan NV200 is an exception. It may lack refinement, but it makes up for it with its superior utility. The van is also pretty affordable. Besides the said features, you can opt for add-on packages to improve the vehicle’s productivity. We recommend visiting a nearby dealership to learn about the availability of the NV200 and the other benefits it may offer.