The 2017 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van gets 25 MPG combined, which says a lot about what it’s for. It’s not made for fast acceleration or amazing aerodynamics; it’s designed to be a cost-effective work vehicle, a mobile workspace for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want practicality more than exciting driving.

City and highway performance

That 25 miles per gallon is broken down into 24 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers aren’t especially exciting compared to modern passenger cars, but they are perfectly acceptable, even respectable, when you think about what the NV200 is. It’s basically a box on wheels, made to maximize cargo space in a small size. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are tuned for efficiency in stop-and-go traffic and steady highway driving, not for racing. The city MPG is close to the highway MPG, because this van spends a lot of time making deliveries or service calls in cities. The CVT keeps the engine in its most efficient range across different speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van at $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, which change. For businesses watching expenses, that annual fuel bill is a key thing to consider. The NV200’s affordability is a big selling point, and this fuel cost estimate shows its low operating expenses. Fleet managers and independent contractors will like knowing this number when budgeting for transportation costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy changes depending on driving habits, load weight, and terrain. A heavily loaded NV200, driven aggressively, will probably get MPG numbers below the EPA estimates. On the other hand, a driver with a light load, using gentle acceleration and watching traffic, might even beat the EPA’s highway rating. Remember that the NV200 is not a sports car, and driving it like one will hurt its fuel efficiency. The cargo also matters, with heavy loads needing more energy to move than lighter loads.

How it compares

The NV200 competes with other small cargo vans. The Ford Transit Connect, for example, has different fuel economy depending on the engine. The older versions with the 2.5L engine get around 24 MPG combined, while newer EcoBoost versions can get similar or slightly better numbers. One of its main competitors, the Ram ProMaster City, usually gets around 24 MPG combined. The NV200’s fuel efficiency is in the same range as its competitors, making it a responsible choice. Understanding all Nissan fuel economy data lets fleet managers carefully figure out the operating costs of different vehicles when making purchasing decisions. Reviewing NV200 MPG across all years gives a wider view of the van’s consistent efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important. The NV200’s CVT works best with smooth throttle. Only accelerate quickly if you need to, as this wastes fuel. Keep a consistent speed and watch traffic to reduce braking and acceleration.

Tire inflation is important. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to what the manufacturer recommends. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, hurting fuel economy. This is important for cargo vans that carry heavy loads.

Don’t carry extra weight. The heavier the van, the more fuel it uses. Remove any tools, equipment, or materials that you don’t need for the day. Every pound you save helps fuel economy.

Regular maintenance is important. Make sure the engine is tuned, the air filter is clean, and the oil is changed according to the manufacturer’s advice. A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently and gets better fuel economy.