Used 2018 Nissan NV200

Built for small businesses that don’t need a massive fleet, the 2018 Nissan NV200 van provides affordable transportation that’s easy to drive and economical to operate. Although not as large or sophisticated as the Ford Transit Connect or Ram ProMaster City, the NV200 can still haul 122 cubic feet of goods. The versatile cargo area can also be configured by upfitters to better serve the needs of its owner. The NV200’s small size makes it easy to park and maneuver in city traffic, and when the day is done, it can easily be stored in a residential-size garage. At just under $23,000, the NV200 bests its competition by few hundred to a few thousand dollars, as does its 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Beyond its low price, the Nissan NV200’s most appealing attribute is how easy it is to drive. The small size, car-like suspension and tight 36.7-foot turning radius permit the NV200 access to spaces larger vans and pickups wouldn’t dare attempt. Single-lane U-turns are no problem for this little van, and parallel parking is a snap thanks to the standard rearview monitor. The NV200’s large windshield offers excellent visibility and big side mirrors somewhat compensate for the large blind spots created by the solid side panels (side windows are optional). While the NV200 is easy to drive, it’s no powerhouse. The little 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine’s 131 horsepower is fine for low-speed cruising, and the CVT automatic makes the most of the engine’s power and fuel economy, but a loaded NV200 will definitely strain at speeds over 60 mph.

The NV200’s interior places function over style. Though tidy on the outside, the NV200 hides 122.7 cubic feet of volume in its cargo bay and boasts a low, flat floor that makes loading a breeze. The cargo bay can hold standard 40 x 48-inch pallets. Payload maxes out at 1,480 pounds, below that of the Ford and Ram. Up front are two bucket seats, with the driver’s seat offering a right armrest for added comfort. The passenger seat folds flat to create a desk or workbench, or more room for longer items. Audio and climate controls are simple but easy to use.

As a box on wheels, the NV200’s styling — or lack thereof — isn’t its biggest priority. Function again trumps form. Accessibility is easy thanks to dual sliding side doors and 60/40-split rear French doors that open 180 degrees. At just over 21 inches, the cargo load floor is about two inches lower than that of the Transit Connect and slightly lower than that of the ProMaster City. At 186.3 inches, the NV200 is just a few inches longer than a Nissan Sentra sedan. Unlike the Transit Connect, however, the NV200 does not offer a choice of lengths.

LONG WARRANTY
Nissan’s NV200 offers a best-in-class 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty besting its rivals from Ford, Ram and Mercedes. It’s the kind of added peace of mind fleet managers rarely enjoy.

60/40-SPLIT REAR CARGO DOORS
The NV200’s 60/40-split rear doors are a clever design. More functional than a traditional 50/50 setup, the offset allows a larger opening closer to the curb and a smaller door on the driver’s side that, when open, is less likely to impede traffic or bicyclists.

The 2018 Nissan NV200 remains available in two trims: S and SV. The base S model comes with air conditioning, cargo-bay floor protector, cargo-area work light, manually adjustable front seats with vinyl wear patches, power windows, power door locks, Bluetooth, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with a USB and rearview monitor. As it’s only about $950 more, we recommend the higher-trim SV model. It adds cruise control, a 12-volt power outlet in the rear, six D-rings mounted to the cargo floor, power heated exterior mirrors, satellite radio and wheel covers. All new NV200 models come with a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Both trims of the Nissan NV200 can be had with rear-door windows, something we recommend for better visibility and overall safety. A window is also available on the passenger-side sliding door. Rear sonar sensors are optional to make backing up easier and safer, and a rearview camera is available on the NV200 SV. Cruise control can be had on base models, and both trims offer Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. SV trims can be further upgraded with the NissanConnect navigation and mobile app system that includes a 5.8-inch touch screen, voice recognition and USB input.

The 2018 Nissan NV200 makes do with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) sends that power to the front wheels. With its latest CVT, the Nissan NV200 returns impressive fuel economy of up to 26 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined. The Nissan’s powertrain is thrifty and runs on regular unleaded gasoline, but it’s also weaker than the engines found in the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City. If you require even more grunt — and up to 5,000-pound towing capacity — check out the larger Mercedes-Benz Metris.

2.0-liter inline-4
131 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/26 mpg