2021 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Performance

Despite the NV200 being relatively lightweight, its 2.0-liter inline-4 engine still feels noticeably underpowered and incapable for its purpose, and its peak outputs of 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque are below average for the class. With the Compact Cargo Van unladen, independent tests have shown 0-60 mph taking somewhere near ten seconds. Loading up the NV200 only adds on to that time exponentially. While the weak engine may initially seem appealing from an efficiency point of view, comparing it to rivals reveals just how weak it is. Both the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster City are quicker vans, without sacrificing much in the way of economy. Both those competitors top the NV200 in maximum payload capacity ratings and in maximum towing capability as well; while the Nissan can support a max payload of 1,480 lbs, the Ford can handle around 1,500 lbs, and the Ram up to 1,890 lbs. Those competitors are rated for towing as well with a 2,000-pound max capacity, while the NV200 isn't rated for towing at all.

With only 131 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque at hand, the NV200's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is painfully underpowered. Moreover, the CVT automatic gearbox it comes coupled with feels unrefined and incapable of managing the subpar power outputs in a decent manner. Unfortunately, this is the only powertrain option available for the NV200, paired to a front-wheel-drive system with no alternative available. It's great from a packaging and efficiency perspective, but when laden, the lack of a rear-wheel drivetrain means hauling becomes tedious, and even when the cargo area is empty, the engine doesn't do a great job.

Off-the-line acceleration in the NV200 is gradual and listless, so don't expect quick launches from the loading bay or from traffic lights. This does, however, ensure that anything not properly tied down won't go violently flying through the air at least. From there, acceleration remains gradual and linear, getting up to speed can be laborious and if the opportunity actually presents itself for an overtake on the highway, it's probably going to take a while.

The NV200 is equipped with a powertrain optimized for fuel efficiency, another of its unique advantages. With the Compact Cargo Van unladen, the EPA records impressive gas mileage figures of 24/26/25 mpg city/highway/combined from both trims. That's more fuel-efficient than the Ram ProMaster City with its gas mileage figures of 21/28/24 mpg returned on those same cycles. The Ford Transit Connect, with its available 2.0-liter engine, is a little more efficient with returns of 24/29/26 mpg when running on regular gas. With a relatively small 14.5-gallon gas tank, the NV200's efficiency-minded powertrain is still economical enough to power the van for around 362 miles between refills.