Nissan NV Cargo Review

Introduced in 2012, the Nissan NV Cargo Van features a design that pushes the engine out front for improved legroom and easier maintenance. Designers also integrated a number of clever details, such as additional wear-resistant upholstery on the outside edges of the seats where it's needed most.

For maximum versatility, there's a choice of two engines, three payload capacities (1500, 2500 and 3500) and a pair of roof heights, including a high-roof version that features more than 6 feet of stand-up headroom. There's even an NV Passenger van version, which is reviewed separately.

Put it all together and the Nissan NV Cargo Van is a strong choice for buyers looking for a commercial vehicle with maximum flexibility.

Current Nissan NV
The current Nissan NV Cargo Van is offered in three trim levels (S, SV and SL), ranging from a relatively bare-bones work truck to a more fully featured top-of-the-line model.

The entry-level S 1500 model comes fitted with a V6 engine, 17-inch steel wheels, 50/50-split rear cargo doors, air-conditioning, cloth and vinyl upholstery, four-way manually adjustable front seats, a fold-flat passenger seat, a tilt steering wheel, six reinforced D-ring anchors in the cargo area, and a two-speaker CD player with an auxiliary audio input. The 2500 model also adds power-adjustable mirrors, two household power outlets, additional cargo lights, and storage bins under the driver's seat and in the rear door.

Stepping up to the SV 1500 gets you power-adjustable mirrors, rear parking sensors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, power windows, a cargo mat, trim panels on the cargo walls, and a four-speaker stereo with redundant steering-wheel controls. The SV 2500 adds a lockable, laptop-size center console, cupholders and additional 12-volt power outlets. Finally, the top SL model (offered on 2500 and 3500 versions) bundles chrome exterior trim, heated mirrors, a security system and an eight-way power driver seat.

When ordered with the optional V8 engine, the NV comes with front tow hooks, extendable towing mirrors, a prewired Class IV receiver hitch and a trailer brake controller. High-roof models add an overhead console and integrated roof rack mounting points. Other examples include a Back Door Glass package (rear windows with defrosters and a rearview mirror) and a Technology package (SV and SL trims only) with a 5.8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, a navigation system with real-time traffic, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, a hands-free texting assistant, NissanConnect apps, voice control and a USB port.

The standard engine is a 4.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels. A 5.6-liter V8 that's rated at 375 hp and 387 lb-ft and paired with a seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive is available as an option on 1500 and 2500 models and standard on 3500 models. Properly equipped, V6-powered 1500 models can tow trailers up to 6,900 pounds, while the 3500's towing capacity is rated at a healthy 9,500 pounds.

Which Nissan NV model you choose will be based on what best fits the way you work and the job at hand. Inside, standard-roof models offer 323 cubic feet of space, while the high-roof models offers 487 cubic feet of cargo room with more than 6.5 feet of stand-up height. To put those numbers in perspective, both will fit 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood between the wheelwells, swallow 10-foot pipes with the rear doors closed, and even carry two 40-by-48-inch pallets. More than 50 reinforced attachment points for rack shelves and workbenches/upfitter prewiring are also built in.

On the road, the NV rides similarly to Nissan's Titan truck; they share the same frame and suspension. Get a little weight in the back and things smooth out, as you'd expect. For light-duty work, the 4.0-liter V6 should suffice, but if you're going to be hauling heavy payloads or towing sizable trailers, you'll want the 5.6-liter V8.

Used Nissan NV Models
The Nissan NV hasn't changed significantly over the past few years, but a couple of upgrades are worth knowing about. First, the addition of standard (formerly optional) side-impact and side curtain airbags in 2016 is a worthwhile safety feature to seek out. The second is 2017's upgraded 5.6-liter V8, which is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient.

Read the most recent 2018 Nissan NV Cargo review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Nissan NV Cargo page.

Our expert team of auto researchers have reviewed the Nissan NV Cargo and compiled a list of inventory for you to shop local listings, and lease a Nissan NV Cargo .