2020 Nissan NV350 Caravan 2WD 2.0

The 2020 Nissan NV350 Caravan 2WD Refrigerated Van offers reliable commercial utility with its 2.0L petrol engine and moderate 42,000 km mileage, ideal for Kenya's perishable goods transport like produce or fish in urban-rural routes.

Overview

This medium-duty refrigerated panel van from Nissan serves the commercial segment, competing with Toyota HiAce or Mitsubishi Delica in African markets. The 2WD petrol variant prioritises affordability and simplicity for city deliveries, with a cooled cargo area suited to Kenya's hot climate and unpaved roads. Target buyers: Small logistics firms or traders needing cost-effective refrigeration without diesel complexity.

Engine and Performance

Equipped with a 2.0L (1998cc) inline-4 petrol engine producing 130 PS at 5,600 rpm and around 200 Nm torque, paired to a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission. It achieves 0-100 km/h in about 15 seconds with adequate low-end pull for loaded urban hauls, though not sporty.

This silver NV350 Caravan showcases the practical van design with sliding doors, perfect for loading refrigerated cargo.

Dimensions, Tow and Weight

Length: ~4.69-5.23m (long body), width: 1.69-1.88m, height: 1.99-2.285m (standard/high roof), wheelbase: ~3.11m, payload: ~1,200-1,500 kg, GVW: ~3,000-3,500 kg. Cargo volume: 6-10 m³ with refrigeration unit; towing capacity ~1,500 kg braked—solid for Kenyan market trailers.

Wheels and Chassis

15-16 inch steel wheels with commercial tires for durability; ladder-frame chassis with leaf-spring rear suspension handles heavy loads stably on potholed African roads. Low floor aids easy cargo access.

Offroad Capability

2WD limits it to paved or light gravel roads like Nairobi-Nakuru highways; 150-180 mm ground clearance suffices for urban delivery but avoid deep mud or steep inclines—add all-terrain tires for marginal improvement.

Fuel Economy

Real-world combined: 10-13 L/100km (8-10 km/L), urban ~12-14 L/100km, highway ~9-11 L/100km; CO2 ~250 g/km. Petrol thirstier than diesels but reliable for short-haul refrigeration runs.

Interior Features

Basic driver-focused cab with vinyl seats for 3, manual AC, power steering; cargo area fully insulated with refrigeration compressor (0-10°C capable), easy-clean floors.

The functional cab interior emphasises durability for daily commercial use in demanding conditions.

Exterior Features

Sliding side doors, rear barn doors, roof rails optional; refrigerated box with vents and insulation panels for efficiency.

Technology and Safety

ABS, airbags (driver/passenger), basic radio; aftermarket GPS common in Kenya. Refrigeration powered by engine or standby—reliable but monitor compressor maintenance.

Price Comparison (Kenya, SA, Dubai)

Used 2020 low-mileage refrigerated: Kenya ~KES 3.5-4.8M (import-ready); South Africa ~ZAR 450K-650K (~KES 3.5-5M); Dubai ~AED 45K-65K (~KES 1.8-2.6M). Affordable entry for commercials.

Maintenance and Costing

Nissan reliability keeps annual costs ~KES 80K-120K (services every 10K km); petrol parts widely available in Kenya, refrigeration unit adds ~KES 50K/year. 10-year total ownership moderate for class.

Insurance Estimates in Kenya

Annual comprehensive ~KES 80K-120K (commercial use, Nairobi base, clean record), higher for refrigeration coverage—quotes from Jubilee or CIC Insurance.

Summary

The 2020 NV350 Refrigerated Van delivers practical payload and cooling for Kenyan traders, with petrol simplicity offsetting economy trade-offs; best for urban routes over long hauls.

Rating Overall

4.0/5 – Dependable workhorse for perishables, though fuel and 2WD limit versatility.