Overview
No one is buying a Nissan NV200 for its head-turning looks and tire-smoking performance. This is a budget-minded cargo van aimed at small businesses that need a nimble and inexpensive means of getting from Point A to Point B. While it doesn’t have the towing and hauling grunt of larger rivals, such as the Mercedes-Benz Metris, its 131-hp four-cylinder engine is easy on a fuel budget and can cope with a payload of approximately 1500 pounds. For anyone in a New York state of mind, you can always spec your NV200 for duty as a taxicab, too.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The NV200 putters down the road courtesy of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. That isn’t much grunt, even for this class. But coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the powertrain returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s good for the segment, though rivals like the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City have a considerable horsepower advantage. The small size of the NV200 makes it easy to navigate crowded city streets or slot into tiny parking spots. This Nissan also copes reasonably well when those same city streets are cratered with potholes.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The NV200’s two cloth-covered front seats are functional and afford a good view of the road ahead. One clever touch is the front passenger seat that, when folded forward, can double as a mobile desktop. There is a total of 122.7 cubic feet of cargo volume, dual sliding side doors, and 60/40 split rear doors. Because its low to the ground, lugging heavy objects in or out of the NV200 doesn’t risk your spine like a taller, bulkier van might. It’s not fancy inside, though all climate controls and radio inputs are within easy reach. For better visibility, you can order windows on the rear tailgate, as well as the passenger-side sliding door.
Infotainment and Connectivity
As you expect, the base NV200 S trim doesn’t come with much in the way of tech, just an AM/FM radio with CD player and two speakers. Moving up to the SV model allows you to upgrade to a 5.8-inch infotainment screen that includes a USB port and voice recognition. Nissan Connect navigation is also available on the more upmarket SV.
Get a Nissan NV200 on Garisea here
