Used 2014 Nissan NV200

The 2014 Nissan NV200 may be the smallest member of Nissan’s expanding commercial lineup, but it’s big on versatility, utility and capability. Pitted against the Ford Transit Connect, the little NV200 stacks up well in the areas of cargo room, drivability and upgrades. The NV200 is priced lower than the Transit Connect, and it gets better fuel economy, at least in town. And, while it can’t compete with a full-size van, the NV200 can swallow far more than a compact crossover SUV. A tall roof, squared-edged cargo openings and low floor allow easy loading, while the roomy cockpit is loaded with clever features for storing workplace items, and even features a fold-flat passenger seat that can double as a desk.

Because it employs the same unibody construction as Nissan’s small cars, the NV200 rides and drives very much like a compact SUV rather than a top-heavy van. Aided by its electric-assisted power steering, the NV200’s extremely tight 36.7-foot turning radius allows it to execute U-turns in the narrowest of confines. The NV200’s tall, narrow body allows it to fit into parking spots overlooked by larger vans, and the huge windshield provides excellent forward visibility. We found the ride taut and the handling quite nimble. Nissan’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is no powerhouse, but the CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) makes the most of the little engine’s 131 horsepower, allowing it to scoot through intersections and merge with traffic without drama. Load the NV200 with cargo, however, and acceleration becomes noticeably sluggish. Nissan claims and the EPA estimated 25 mpg on the highway, but we saw figures closer to 27.1 mpg while averaging close to 65 mph.

The NV200’s interior is built for functionality, not fashion. Nifty storage options abound, including a clipboard holder in the upper dash, a small drawer beneath the passenger seat and a center console equipped to handle a laptop and hanging file folders. In terms of cargo capacity, the NV200 offers a palatable 122.7 cubic feet of space, with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds. The Ford Transit Connect offers 130.7 cubic feet of cargo room and a 1,710-pound payload, while the V6-powered Ram C/V Tradesman ups those numbers to 155.5 and 1,800, respectively.

Given the target market, the NV200’s styling – or lack thereof – shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Accessibility comes in the form of minivan-like 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 undercuts the Ram C/V Tradesman by over three inches. Unlike the Transit Connect, however, the NV200 does not offer pre-cut templates for custom graphics or a choice of wheelbase lengths.

INTEGRATED CARGO MOUNTING POINTS
Nissan makes it easy to install shelving, racks or partitions thanks to the numerous (20 in all) reinforced mounting points strategically placed throughout the NV200’s cargo area. No need to drill or weld parts into place, just get some sheet-metal screws and a Phillips-head screwdriver and you’re in business.

60/40 SPLIT REAR CARGO DOORS
The 60/40-split rear doors are more useful than a 50/50 setup. When open, the design provides a larger opening curbside while creating a smaller driver’s side door less likely to get dinged by passing traffic.

The 2014 Nissan NV200 is available in two trim levels: S and SV. Base “S” models include air conditioning, a cargo bay floor protector, 15-inch steel wheels, manually-adjustable front seats with vinyl wear patches to guard against excessive wear on the upholstery, and a 2-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input for portable music players. Stepping up to the SV model lands you cruise control, remote keyless entry, and two 12V DC power outlets. Safety equipment on all NV200s consists of traction and stability control, six airbags, and a slide-away brake pedal assembly that moves the brake pedal away from the driver in certain frontal impacts to help reduce lower leg injuries.

For reasons of safety, we strongly recommend opting for the Rear Door Glass Package. If your tastes run more towards in-vehicle connectivity, the Technology Package includes a navigation system with a 5.8-inch display, Bluetooth, a backup camera, Pandora radio compatibility, and Google Send to Car, which allows the transfer of an address or business listing to the vehicle from virtually anywhere. Finally, an Exterior Appearance Package is also available for SV grades, which adds wheel covers and body-color bumpers, mirrors, and door handles.

The 2014 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. This thrifty powertrain combination nets the NV200 a 24 mpg combined rating from the EPA. The 2014 Nissan NV200 runs on regular unleaded gasoline.

2.0-liter inline-4
131 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/25 mpg