Nissan NV300 (2016 – 2021) Review

Nissan NV300 (2016 – 2021) At A Glance

4/5

+All versions will carry three Euro pallets, powered by Renault's 1.6 or 2.0 dCi diesel engines, backed by Nissan's comprehensive five-year warranty.

-More expensive to buy new than the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro, Ford Transit Custom is better to drive.

The Nissan NV300 is the sister van to the impressive Renault Trafic. Like its French counterpart, it majors on everyday comfort and practicality. However, unlike Renault, Nissan backs its medium-sized panel van with a comprehensive five-year 100,000 mile warranty as standard.

Available in two load lengths and two heights, the NV300 will easily carry three Euro pallets or up to 10 plasterboard sheets of 2.5 metres, while a bulkhead hatch - standard on Acenta and Tekna trims - will extend the load length to accommodate a couple of ladders or large planks of wood.

With maximum payloads ranging from 1073g to 1310kg and gross vehicle weights spanning from 2.7 to 2.9 tonnes, the NV300 is hugely capable when it comes to moving considerable loads.

The single sliding door provides a wide loading space that measures almost a metre in width, while the rear doors open to 180 degrees and lock for simple loading and unloading. The NV300 can also be fitted with a tow bar and pull up to 2.0 tonnes, when hooked to a braked trailer. 

The NV300 is powered by a Renault-sourced 1.6-litre dCi engine, available with 95PS, 120PS, 125PS and 145PS - the two former are single turbo, while the latter pair use a twin-turbocharger. All are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox (there's no auto option) and all of the engines use AdBlue. Claimed economy ranges from 43 to 47mpg.  

In 2020 a 2.0 dCi engine was added to the NV300 line-up, with 120PS, 145PS or 170PS. A dual clutch automatic gearbox was also added, while the 1.6 dCi was scaled back to a sole 95PS version. 

All versions of the NV300 are easy to drive, with nicely weighted steering and a comfortable, car-like, driving position. The ride is excellent and this, combined with the low levels of exterior noise, makes it easy to drive the NV300 for long periods without feeling tired.

Like many modern vans, the interior has a number of features that allow the driver to transform the cab into a mobile office. There's an optional laptop table, clipboard and mounting points for a smartphone and tablet computer. All NV300s get three seats up front, although legroom in the middle seat is a little restricted due to the position of the gearbox, which might make it a tight fit for a trio of large adults.

If the truth be told, the NV300 is not very much different to the Trafic and older Vauxhall Vivaro in the metal. It uses the same body and engines. The interior is almost identical too, bar some slight changes in trim. However, the Nissan is backed by a longer warranty, which makes it much more appealing when it comes to long term running costs.

What does a Nissan NV300 (2016 – 2021) cost?