Nissan NV200 Cargo Van vs. Ford Transit Connect

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