Nissan NV200
vs.
Ford Transit Connect
by Scott M. Foy
Vacaville Nissan
The NV200 sales cycle is in full swing and after 9 months I can say sales have been great here in the Northern California Bay Area. Our only true competitor, the Ford Transit Connect has been doing well also as we both share a compact, manuverable, and fuel efficient compact cargo van. While from the outside they may look similar, I can assure you there are a few key differences that give the NV200 the heads up.
Molded Adrian Steel Partition
The longer cargo floor and molded Adrian Steel Bulkhead/Partitions allow the driver seat to travel backwards to the maximum stopping point, allowing longer leg drivers much more comfort. I'm 6'6" and actually feel comfortable in the NV200.Longer Cargo Floor
I've heard from several Ford Transit Connect owners that getting even a 6-foot ladder in their van is difficult, most of the time it's impossible depending on the configuration. With the specially designed cargo partition/bulkhead in the NV200, and 6-foot ladder fits with room to spare.City Fuel Economy
With an estimated 24 MPG city, the NV200 has a 3 mile-per-gallon edge over the Transit Connect. While the transit connect has a 2 mile-per-gallon advantage on the highway, I've heard from many customers that the NV200 Highwayt Estimated MPG is much lower than what customers are actually getting.All in all each vehicle has its own attributes and features that some buyers find attractive. Some buyers have an issue with the Transit Connect being built in Turkey (yes, the country) and some buyers prefer having a "long-lasting Japanese product.
There are a few other items which give the NV200 and edge over the Transit, which are listed below.
For more information on the Nissan Commercial Vehicle Lineup in Northern California click here
NV200
|
Ford Transit Connect
|
|
Engine Torque
|
139 ft. lbs.
|
128 ft. lbs.
|
Rear Doors
|
40/60 Split
|
50/50 Split
|
Power Windows
|
Standard
|
Optional
|
CD Player
|
Standard
|
Optional
|
Side Curtain Airbags
|
Standard
|
Not Available
|
Turning Radius
|
36.7'
|
39'
|
Leg Room
|
42.6"
|
40.5"
|
City MPG
|
24 MPG
|
21 MPG
|
Combined MPG
|
24 MPG
|
23 MPG
|
