Used 2021 Nissan NV200

The 2021 Nissan NV200 is the most affordable brand-new compact cargo van. Its starting price is lower than the Ford Transit Connect, and it achieves the best fuel economy of the class.

For businesses wanting to keep initial outlay and running costs to a minimum, the NV200 could be just the thing. As long as their requirements don’t exceed 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space or a payload beyond 1,480 pounds. And if they wanted driver assistance features like forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, they’re going to have to look elsewhere. Nor does the NV200 offer a passenger version.

It can, however, be upfitted — installed with specialized features according to each buyer’s requirements. And its compact dimensions are well-suited to squeezing down tight city streets or maneuvering into a small parking space.

The NV200 will also fit into a typical domestic garage, adding another layer of security for whatever tools and/or cargo might be left in the van overnight. Reassurance goes up another gear with the best-in-class bumper-to-bumper warranty of five years/100,000 miles.

The Nissan NV200 debuted in 2013, but drives like it might have originated in the 20th century. For example, the rear suspension uses leaf springs with a solid axle. But there’s a good reason — it keeps the cargo floor low. And the rear brakes have drums. The hardest braking work is done by the front wheels, though, which have discs.

Everything is kept simple with basic controls and a compact footprint. Forward vision is excellent, thanks to a large windshield. Keeping an eye on the sides is aided by large mirrors. The rearview camera helps with reversing (the SV’s new rear parking sensors are also a welcome addition), and the small 36.7-foot curb-to-curb turning circle makes U-turns and general maneuvering easy enough.

The only thing that might be working harder than it should is the engine. It only makes 139 lb-ft of torque (torque is felt as thrust), and even that maximum figure requires revving the engine up to 4,800 rpm. It’s not so much of an issue around town, but getting up to freeway speeds and/or when the van is loaded up, drivers may wish for something gutsier.

The automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) doesn’t allow the driver to stay in one gear for longer like a manual transmission would, but at least contributes to the NV200’s fuel economy.

Utility takes a front seat in the 2021 NV200, speaking metaphorically. The cabin is basic, housing two cloth-covered seats with vinyl wear patches on the bolsters. The back of the passenger seat folds forward to reveal a 15×13-inch tray built into it that can take a laptop or otherwise act as some kind of work area. So utility also takes a front seat in a real sense. There are several stowage places, and the center console can hold that laptop or a few file folders.

In the cargo area are 20 reinforced cargo mounting points, so upfitters can install racks or shelves without drilling into the panels. In the SV model, there are six hooks mounted to the cargo area floor.

At 21.1 inches high, the loadspace floor (which also has a plastic covering) is lower than its rivals. The interior measures 53 inches high, 54.8 inches wide, and 82.8 inches long. The NV200 can take a standard pallet size of 40×48 inches between the wheel arches.

Commercial vehicles are by nature businesslike, and the 2021 NV200 certainly keeps frills to an absolute minimum. It’s only the higher SV trim that has a rear bumper and side mirror housings in body color, plus plastic covers for the 15-inch steel wheels. Both trims have six roof rack mounting points, however.

Dual sliding side doors are standard. Nissan offers optional windows for the passenger-side door and the rear doors. As mentioned above, the back doors split asymmetrically and can open out up to 180 degrees.

Overall length is 15.5 feet. The Transit Connect and Metris offer extended-length versions, but the NV200 does not.

LONG WARRANTY
Nissan provides a class-leading bumper-to-bumper warranty of five years/100,000 miles for the 2021 NV200. And that covers the powertrain as well.

CLEVER REAR DOORS
They’re asymmetrical, splitting 60:40 with the larger aperture on the curb-ward side. And the smaller door doesn’t open out into the road quite so much. They both open up to 180 degrees.

Being the least expensive brand new compact van naturally means a less-than-lavish amount of standard equipment. The 2021 NV200 in S trim comes with manually adjustable side mirrors, vinyl cabin flooring, and a 2-speaker sound system. But at least there are power windows and locks, body-colored front bumper, cargo area lighting, and (new for 2021) cruise control.

And the infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone/audio, auxiliary audio input, USB port, AM/FM/satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

SV trim adds rear parking sensors, plastic covers for the steel wheels, remote keyless entry, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, lumbar adjustment, and an armrest for the driver’s seat, and a rear 12-volt outlet.

Other than the option of spending an extra $1,050 on the SV trim, the main options (for both trims) are the back door glass package or the passenger-side sliding door glass package, which includes the rear glass and a rearview mirror.

As we mentioned earlier, buyers can also choose a rear bumper protector that protects the top of the bumper from scrapes when loading/unloading and the Nissan Vehicle Tracking and Recovery System with real-time GPS tracking and police notification. All-season rubber mats are also available. And some buyers might want an upfitting service.

The Nissan NV200 uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The drive goes to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Every competitor has more muscle. They can also handle some towing duties — towing is not recommended with NV200. But the other side of that coin is better fuel economy. The 2021 NV200 averages 25 miles per gallon.

2.0-liter inline-4
131 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/26 mpg