2021 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Review

Trims

2021 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo trim comparison

NV200 Compact Cargo S

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NV200 Compact Cargo SV

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Starting MSRP

$24,805

$25,855

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Seating Capacity

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

24 city/26 hwy

2.0L I4

FWD

2 passenger

5 yr / 100k mi

131 hp

OEM Engine Code

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

MR20DE

Gas

Regular Unleaded

131 hp

5600 rpm

139 lb-ft

4800 rpm

2.0 L

Inline

4 cylinder

Double Overhead

16 valve

24 MPG

26 MPG

25 MPG

Reviewed by Matt DiGiulio

Overview

One of the smallest and least-expensive cargo vans on the market, the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo, is a cost-effective solution for businesses and amateur craftspeople. Its small size allows the NV200 to skillfully maneuver in and out of city traffic and tight parking areas, though driver-assistance tech like automatic emergency braking is absent. Meanwhile, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give users great media choices on long highway travels. The engine is not as powerful as rivals, but the fuel economy is competitive. Although some modern features are missing, the NV200 sets itself apart from the compact cargo segment with its great price and efficient design.

Positives

Less expensive than rivals; Excellent cargo capacity; Small size for city driving; Standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

Considerations

Underpowered engine; All-wheel drive is not available; No driver-assistance features

Verdict

For maximum storage space that is secure from the outside elements, nothing can compete with a cargo van, and the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo brings that utility in a small package. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that do a lot of deliveries and home calls in cities. Its slim frame holds up to 1,480 pounds of cargo; a sliding door provides quick access. Some rivals have more power and strength, but few can beat the NV200's value.

What's New for 2021

Cruise control is standard across the lineup. Upper-level SV trim adds parking sensors

Trims and Pricing

Nissan keeps things simple, providing the NV200 in two trims: S and SV.

Pricing for the S starts at around $24,000. It comes with a rearview camera, variable intermittent wipers, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

For about $25,000, the SV adds reverse parking sensors, power heated mirrors, color-coded mirrors, and remote keyless entry.

Along with a handful of exterior paint colors, Nissan offers glass windows for the sliding door and rear swing-out doors.

Engine and Performance

Those who want a small and fuel-efficient van are in luck. Nissan's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder provides 131 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque, giving it among the best fuel economy in its segment. The EPA estimates it should achieve a class-leading 24 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in mixed driving.

Unfortunately, this engine is not very powerful, with all of its rivals providing more oomph from their powertrains. This gives the Nissan lackluster acceleration, plus a low payload capacity of just 1,480 lbs. Still, the accounting departments of many businesses will appreciate its excellent gas mileage.

Interior

The NV200 has a simple and straightforward interior making it great for a range of jobs. Its user-friendly cockpit features seating for a driver and passenger, with a clean dashboard design, and quite likely the best standard infotainment system in its class. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, allowing users to connect their smartphones to access navigation and music easily. Some competitors offer larger optional touchscreens. Comfortable seats are a Nissan trademark, and the NV200 is no exception. When no passenger is riding along, the driver can flip down the seat for use as a mobile workstation. The 122.7-cubic-foot cargo area is about average in size, but a flat loading floor provides the versatility for hauling wood pallets or bulky furniture.

Owner Reviews

Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Owner Ratings & Reviews

1st Generation Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo

2013 - 2021

Overall Rating

3.8

Based on

Performance

3.6

Comfort

3.5

Fuel Efficiency

3.6

Safety Technology

3.3

Features

3.5

23%

41%

32%

3%

1%

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All reviews

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5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

Flat loading area, wide right and narrow left rear doors, many of the must-have electronics and safety features, and fuel economy that none of the other vans of this size have. It's got a more flattering shape than the smaller Ford vans yet is just as compact beating out the Dodge and Mercedes 8 foot models in terms of clearance and parking without sacrificing much cargo space.

cons

Steering wheel lacks telescope or tilt. The mirrors are pretty good but can be larger, especially with the wide-angle mirror on the passenger side.

Submitted by Brian B on --- --- ----|2021 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo SV|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

3.7

Comfort

4.2

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

4.6

Owner Review

Its underpowered, but worth it for the great mileage. Has all the features needed for camping.

Submitted by Anonymous Author on --- --- ----|2019 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo S

3.7

Performance

3.0

Comfort

3.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

3.1

Features

3.1

Owner Review

This compact cargo van is only 11 inches longer than my old 2001 Honda Civic and actually has 159 pounds less curb weight but can carry 652 pounds more cargo more conveniently. I should've had a compact cargo van all along instead of a passenger car. I trust Nissan more than I trust Ford. Honda and Toyota don't make compact cargo vans or I would've consider those manufacturers ahead of Nissan. I owned a Nissan Sentra once. The Honda Civic was a much better car. We need to convert to all electric vehicles ASAP. Perhaps we could swap in an electric engine some day along with a battery.

Submitted by Anonymous Author on --- --- ----|2019 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo S