2018 Nissan NV200 Review
When your small business needs an equally small vehicle for moving goods, an urban-friendly compact commercial van like the 2018 Nissan NV200 is the perfect fit. Comfortable, fuel-efficient and affordable, the Nissan NV200 has a deceptively large cargo that can be configured to suit just about any need.
Built from the same platform as Nissan's compact cars, the NV200 provides nimble handling and a smooth ride, along with a tight turning diameter and diminutive dimensions that allow it to park in the smallest spaces. Like the Ford Transit Connect (with which it competes), the NV200 offers excellent fuel economy, a roomy 122.7-cu ft. cargo hold (slightly smaller than the Ford) and a host of innovative features designed around the needs of the small-business owner. The design is so good that GM uses it in its own van fleet, rebadged as the Chevrolet City Express.
What's New for 2018?
For 2018, the NV200 gains as standard a rearview monitor and a 5-inch color audio display monitor featuring a USB port, Bluetooth for phone and music streaming plus Nissan's hands-free text message assistant.
What We Like
Serious cargo capacity; low base price; good fuel economy; manageable size; carlike driving dynamics
Fuel Economy
The NV200 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT).
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the NV200 achieves a fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. That's pretty good for a beast of burden.
Standard Features & Options
The 2018 Nissan NV200 is offered in two trim levels: S and SV.
The S trim comes standard with 15-in steel wheels, cloth upholstery with vinyl wear patches, adjustable driver lumbar support, power windows, power door locks, Hill Start Assist, a 12-volt power point in the center console, a trip computer, a fold-down passenger seat with a seat back tray table, Nissan's mobile-office center console (including laptop and hanging file-folder storage, a pen/pencil tray, a CD holder and dual cup holders), 60/40-split rear cargo doors that open up to 180 degrees, 20 interior cargo mounting points, six exterior roof-rack mounting points, rearview monitor and a 2-speaker CD audio system with auxiliary and USB ports, 5-in color display and Bluetooth.
The SV adds power-heated mirrors, six floor-mounted D-rings in the cargo area, power locks, keyless entry, cruise control and an additional 12-volt power point.
NV200 options include satellite radio, NissanConnect with navigation, which features a 5.8-in touchscreen display, a navigation system and voice-command functionality. Rear sonar parking assist, cruise control and glass windows for the rear and side doors are also available.
The NV200's standard dual-sliding side doors make the cargo area accessible from either side of the vehicle. The French-style rear doors split 60/40, with the wider door on the curbside to ease loading and unloading. Both doors open up to 180 degrees so they won't get in the way. A 90-degree detent is also provided.
Nissan's compact van owes its cargo capacity of 122.7 cu ft. to the unique extended body for North American models. Elsewhere in the world, the NV200 is 7.9 inches shorter. By comparison, the Ford Transit Connect long wheelbase model offers 149 cu ft., and the RAM ProMaster City offers 131.7 cu ft. of cargo space.
Safety
The NV200 comes standard with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control and six airbags (front, side and side-curtain).
Behind the Wheel
The NV200's cabin features no-nonsense materials and controls. There's nothing that looks or feels luxurious, but we suspect the durability factor will prove to be high. Hardworking drivers will appreciate the standard adjustable lumbar support, and the vinyl wear patches should extend the cloth upholstery's shelf life. The no-frills knobs and buttons feel sturdy and are intuitively laid out.
On the road, the NV200's carlike unibody construction is apparent. You'll never forget that you have a massive cargo box behind you. Otherwise, though, the NV200 essentially drives like a car. The steering is light yet precise, and the suspension swallows bumps with none of the harshness and clatter you get in larger, trucklike work vans. Plus, if you need to make deliveries, the NV200's compact footprint means you can park it just about anywhere; indeed, this van is smaller than many crossover SUVs.
If the NV200 has a weakness, it's the mandatory 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, which delivers adequate punch but nothing more. European buyers can specify a turbo diesel 4-cylinder, and we think utility-minded Americans would appreciate the diesel's superior torque off the line. However, Nissan reps tell us that it was too expensive to get the diesel certified in this country, so the gas-powered 4-cylinder is all we get. Fortunately, its 139 lb-ft of torque manages to scoot the little NV along with reasonable authority, and the gearless CVT delivers eerily smooth acceleration. The 10.2 km per liter city fuel economy is a nice perk, too.
Give your business the edge you want it to have with Nissan NV200 - available to test drive at any Group 1 Nissan dealership.
