The Nissan NV200 is Nissan's main offering of light commercial vehicles (LCV). It is designed and used primarily as a work van with only two seats and the entire back of the vehicle for cargo. But can you add seats to the NV200 and make it a passenger car? You'll find out in this post as we have researched this topic. Here's what you need to know.
Yes, you can definitely add seats to a Nissan NV200 to make it a passenger or a commuter van. The size of the NV200 allows you to put as many as five extra seats to make the van a seven-seater, all while still having ample cargo to carry luggage and other loads that you want.
This is a very interesting topic, so continue reading as we will answer additional questions like: is it even ideal to convert your NV200 to a passenger van? Is Nissan discontinuing the NV200? And others. We will also be suggesting some very interesting and informative topics at the end of this post. Let's get started!
How many seats can you add to a Nissan NV200?
Although primarily designed to be a work van with the entire back space allotted for cargo, you can customize the Nissan NV200 to be a passenger van. As many as seven-seat capacity (this includes the driver) can be placed in your NV200, still having cargo space at the back for luggage.
This makes the NV200 a very versatile vehicle as it can be used as a work-specific vehicle with all the readily available space and also a commuter vehicle where you can carry passengers at the back.
Because of the design of the van, it also allows you to put in diagonal seats. This makes the van even more versatile as this type of seat fold up, freeing up space for cargo. Now you can use the van as a passenger and cargo work van.
Although this configuration would be ideal for trade work instead of a family van. You might opt to put three seats in the second row and leave all the back for cargo space.
Nonetheless, the NV200's cargo van and commuter vehicle capabilities are one of its appeals to the market. Its design has two sliding side doors, plus back door access, and a payload rating of over 1,700 lbs; without a doubt, the NV200 is one capable vehicle.
Is the NV200 a Taxi?
Yes, it is! In fact, Nissan USA unveiled a taxi version of the NV200 in 2011 that they primarily released in New York City. It was dubbed "the taxi of the future." The Nissan NV200 was the official cab model of New York City's cab fleet from 2013-2018.
If you are thinking of transforming an NV200 into a family minivan, this can totally be done. The design of the NV200 allows it to be a comfortable enough vehicle and an overall efficient vehicle as the maintenance and gas cost is relatively cheap.
Can I convert Nissan NV200 into a family van?
The NV200 taxi version only had the four-seat capability, including the driver, with massive cargo space. If you are planning it for family use, mainly if you are a big family, adding at least five extra seats would be recommended to make it to a seven-seater capacity.
But one catch would be the lack of features readily available inside the vehicle. The NV200 was initially designed more to be a work van. With this, features like climate control at the back seats, USB charging in the back seats, built-in monitors for entertainment purposes, speakers, cup holders, etc., would be absent.
You could still add those, but it would cost you more as provisions for the mentioned amenities would have to be placed. An example is adding an extra blower for the AC and charging ports for the USB charging.
It is not the best option for such use as there are minivans available on the market designed to be family haulers.
Can I turn my Nissan NV200 into a camper van?
You can absolutely turn the NV200 into a camper van. Since the van only retails for a little over $20,000, it is relatively cheap compared to a sprinter van from Mercedes.
For best results, you can always consult professional converters specializing in converting vans into RVs or camper vans. You will have to make do with space, though, as NV200 is not the biggest van out there.
It would be ideal to design the camper van in a compact style where you can still sleep inside and have other essential camping stuff like cooking set up outside the vehicle if you decide to boondock. The trick with projects like this is to be creative and get the most out of the van's limited space.
NV200 Dimensions
Below are some details regarding the Nissan NV200 dimensions. You can use these measurements in planning the customization of your van.
- 173.2 inches (440 centimeters) long
- 66.7 inches (169.5 centimeters) wide not including side mirrors; 201.1 centimeters (79.2 inches) with side mirrors
- 73.2 inches (186 centimeters) tall from ground to roof
- sliding doors closed are 38.8 inches (98.5 centimeters) at their widest and 57.1 inches (145 centimeters) tall
- sliding doors opened are 28.7 inches (73 centimeters) wide and 46.9 inches (119 centimeters) tall
- closed rear doors are 55.1 inches (40 centimeters) tall and 57.5 inches 146 centimeters wide
- open rear doors are 50.8 inches (129 centimeters) tall and 49.6 inches (126 centimeters) wide
- wheelbase is 107.3 inches (272.5 centimeters)
- floor height or distance from van floor to ground is 18.1 inches (46 centimeters)
- interior height is 53.5 inches (135.8 centimeters) from floor to van ceiling
- interior width between wheel arches is 59 inches (150 centimeters) and 48 inches (122 centimeters)
- wheel arches are 9.8 inches (25 centimeters)
- space between the front seats to the rear door is 80.3 inches (204 centimeters)
Some builds would allow you to add a mini closet for storage at the side of your van and use the other side for sleeping, but this is not ideal if two of you are sleeping inside the van.
As we said, be creative and consult with a professional to help you design and build the camper van of your dreams. You can always use DIY kits, but we advise that you seek expert help, especially if you lack experience and knowledge in installing it.
How reliable are NV200?
The Nissan NV200 is reliable. Out of 21 vehicles tested, Repairpal has ranked it first on its reliability with a score of 4 out of 5. With its estimated miles per gallon of 24 in the city and 26 on the highway, you can expect at least only $2,000 of fuel cost annually!
The NV200 can serve you for up to 300,000 miles and average only $645 in annual repair cost. This makes the Nissa NV200 cheap to maintain and a bang for the buck if you use it for business purposes.
Does NV200 hold its value?
The Nissan NV200 has a depreciation of roughly 25% in value after five years of it being bought as brand new. This would give a resale price of $22,580 if you bought the vehicle for $30,276.
But you can expect an even higher depreciation value for real-world results as these vehicles are usually beaten up and used daily, hauling all sorts of stuff—the more wear and tear, the lesser the value for a resale.
Other factors to be considered are repair history, cosmetic issues, and mileage. Some common problems for NV200 vans include malfunctioning sliding doors, premature balding of tires, airbag problems, and a clogged EVAP system.
Is Nissan discontinuing the NV200?
Sadly, Nissan has decided to discontinue the NV200 in the USA and Canada, sighting the failure of the vehicle to reach the expected market-shared goals for the model. The last model year of the NV200 in the states is the 2021 model. Production of the model continues to run in other parts of the world, including Europe, which even has an electric version, the e-NV200.
For the United States, Nissan announced that there will still be limited stocks available in local dealerships that allow customers to order the remaining unsold NV200 units. If you are looking for one, your best bet would be in the preowned market.
We advise you to be careful when buying used cars, especially in work vehicles like this. Make sure to have a mechanic do a check-up on the vehicle to make sure that there is no hidden damage.
Here is a quick recap of what we've learned
It is possible to add seats to the NV200 as some of their models were built to be used as a taxi fleet in New York City. The NV200 is one of the most versatile vehicles that Nissan has ever had in its line-up. Although it has stopped production, it is undeniable that the NV200 was one of the most recognizable and iconic light commercial vehicles ever made.
We hope that we have answered your question thoroughly. Do you have any more Nissan-related concerns? Check out some of our previously written articles below!
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