2013 Nissan NV Review
2013 Nissan NV Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Available high top
- simple model and option structure
- strong value proposition.
Cons
- No diesel option
- hard plastic in armrest areas.
What’s new
After debuting just last year, the Nissan NV gets only minor tweaks for 2013.
Edmunds says
A tall roof option, a pair of capable engines, relatively pleasant driving dynamics and attractive pricing make the 2013 Nissan NV a solid choice in the commercial van market.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Nissan NV 1500 S 3dr Van (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for NV 1500 S
NV 1500 S
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
When it comes to commercial vans, the same two manufacturers have dominated the segment for decades, which helps explain why the cargo van category hasn't exactly been a hotbed of innovation. But the 2013 Nissan NV is a somewhat radical reimagining of the lowly work van, and it stands ready to beat those traditional best-sellers at their own game.
While this is admittedly no small feat, the folks at Nissan gave themselves a leg up by talking to and incorporating feedback from a large number of owners of the Ford E-Series and Chevrolet Express. The result of that input is a classic case of form following function.
As far as that form is concerned, the NV's profile is admittedly a bit odd, especially the high-roof version, but that shape serves a very definite purpose. By pushing the engine forward under an elongated pickup-style hood, designers created much roomier front seats free from the intrusion of the engine cowling found in old-school vans. This design also makes regular maintenance much easier, an important advantage when you're talking about commercial vehicles that rack up several times the annual mileage of the average passenger car.
On the function front, the availability of a high-roof version with more than 6 feet of headroom and a low step-in height represent significant improvements over the Ford and GM designs. Then there are the countless clever details like the laptop-size center console designed to accommodate hanging file folders and a flat-folding front passenger seat that makes a dandy desktop. Finally there are inspired practical touches like the wear patches on the rip-prone outside edges of the front seats designed to hold up to the rough treatment that comes with commercial use.
Aside from the Ford and GM entries, the NV's only other competitor is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which offers more cargo room but significantly less towing capacity than the V8-powered NV's impressive 9,500-pound rating. While it's true the Sprinter offers a somewhat more fuel-efficient diesel engine, that advantage is offset by a much higher sticker price.
All said, the 2013 Nissan NV is a solid choice for van shoppers looking for an innovative alternative to the status quo.
Performance & mpg
Depending on model choice, the 2013 Nissan NV is available with either a 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 317-hp 5.6-liter V8. The 1500 model is only offered with the V6, the 3500 can only be had with the V8 and the 2500 offers buyers a choice of either engine. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and all NVs are rear-wheel drive. Properly equipped, an NV 3500 has a payload capacity of 3,925 pounds and a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds. V6-powered models can tow trailers up to 7,000 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2013 Nissan NV include antilock brakes, stability control and traction control. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are optional. Also optional is a rearview camera with a small display integrated into the rearview mirror.
Driving
Even though the 2013 Nissan NV is a full-size van, it doesn't necessarily feel like it. Visibility is good out the front and is enhanced by large side mirrors. The ride quality is decent whether the van is unloaded or full, and the noise levels are surprisingly low at freeway speeds, at least by large-metal-box-on-wheels standards.
The V6 engine produces satisfying performance even with a full load, and the V8 is even better. No matter which engine you choose, you'll find the automatic transmission delivers seamless and well-timed shifts.
Interior
The 2013 Nissan NV sports a functional interior notable for its supportive front seats and the additional legroom offered by pushing the engine out under the elongated hood. The available center console is another nice touch, offering a generous amount of storage. There are plenty of places to stash small items as well, including a handy pull-out drawer under the driver seat of 2500/3500 models.
Gauges and controls are designed and laid out in a straightforward way that makes them easy to use. As you'd expect, there's a lot of hard plastic here, but the only place that becomes a negative is on the armrests and center console lid, both of which could use a little padding.
The business end of the interior is enhanced by nearly vertical walls and built-in attachment points that make it easier to fit equipment racks, workbenches and the like. Large doors, including rear ones that open quite wide and stay that way thanks to magnetic catches, plus 6 foot, 3 inches of headroom and a low step-in height make getting people and cargo in and out a snap. Speaking of cargo, the low-roof version offers a healthy 234 cubic feet of space, while the high-roof model boasts 323 cubic feet. A half-dozen floor-mounted D-rings make it easier to secure the load.
2013 Nissan NV models
The 2013 Nissan NV is a full-size cargo van available in three models: 1500, 2500 and 3500. The 1500 comes only with a standard roof, while the 2500 and 3500 offer a choice between a standard or high roof. They all have the same wheelbase and length, but as you move up in the model range, payload and towing capacities increase.
There are two trim levels. The base S comes with the bare necessities including 17-inch steel wheels, variable-intermittent wipers, water-repellent cloth upholstery (with vinyl reinforcements in high-wear areas), air-conditioning and a two-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary audio input jack. The SV trim adds 17-inch styled steel wheels, chrome exterior accents, rear park assist, keyless entry, a power driver seat, a lockable center console (2500/3500 models only), cruise control, full power accessories and an upgraded audio system with four speakers. Available options (depending on trim level) include rear door windows, a glass breakage sensor, a rearview camera and a Technology package that includes satellite radio, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and the rearview camera.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#2 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan NV from 2008-2022.$769/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.31x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).17.1%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Nissan NV.
5 star(40%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(20%)
1 star(0%)
5 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Truck Not Perfect But Close
zonhonker, 07/08/2012
2012 Nissan NV 3500 SV 3dr Van w/High Roof (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
I was driving to a chevy dealer to order a one ton cargo van. I have owned Chevys and been happy with them. I had a Ford Econoline and was not happy.
On the way to the Chevy dealer I passed a Nissan dealer and decided to try the NV for the heck of it. I drive it one mile and it was all over. I bought it.
I'm going to buy the passenger version pretty soon for my wife.
Randomly, here … are my thoughts...Great backup camera....much better than the ones on other cars I've had. The screen appears right on your rear view mirror so you don't have to look down at a dashboard screen....continued below...
4.25 out of 5 stars
2012 Nissan NV, 2500 SV, V6 Review
mikeprs, 11/01/2011
2012 Nissan NV 2500 SV 3dr Van (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Purchased 9/26/11 . No technology option. Got rear window package, floor mats package and side air bag package. Gas mileage is based on your driving habits. I drive speed limit and do not accelerate quickly. Get about 16.5 to 17 mpg in city and on flat highway, no wind, going 65 mph I get 21 mpg. This is with no shelving or cargo in back.
The inovations are great. See the ads .
Van is … more quite on hwy and city roads compared to Ford E250. Stereo is so so. Cab area is good. Lots of room to stow your stuff out of sight.
Drives like a truck not like a van. After installing shelves and cargo van drives smoother and you don't feel the bumps as much. Don't know how reliable it is yet.
2 out of 5 stars
Stay Away!!
harley4life, 06/29/2016
2012 Nissan NV 2500 S 3dr Van w/High Roof (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Worst experience ever. I wish we had listened to the reviews and stayed away from this truck. the electronic problems continue to be a problem from the first week. The bright side our dealer has worked with us (Nissan was bad) and found us a used Sprinter high top which already is better.
5 out of 5 stars
The ideal cargo van
chris_columbia, 12/18/2020
2013 Nissan NV 2500 SV 3dr Van w/High Roof (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I looked at the Promaster, Transit, and Sprinter both new and used before deciding on a used 2013 NV2500 high roof v6 SV with 73K, now 109K. My most important criteria, is reliability. I could buy a used NV and still have a more reliable van the than buying any of the other 3 new. Go look at the "real" consumer reviews of the other 3, not the professional car journalist who tests them … for a day, but the real people who live with them for years. The Promaster and Transit have a lot of significant issues. The Sprinter costs more and you get less. Anytime I see a fellow cargo van owner in a parking lot, I ask them what they think of whatever they are driving. You learn a lot.
In my ownership, I replaced a belt idler pulley because it sounded noisy($10). Accessory belt($24). The differential housing has developed a slight leak requiring a few ounces of oil every 10k miles($9). Air filter($20). Oil change every 6K($30each). That's it! And most of those are maintenance items. Everytime I start it it works exactly the same: perfect. It has great heat in winter, great a/c in summer. I can stand up in the rear. In fact, it's so convenient for just about everything that I use it as my work vehicle and my everyday car. I've towed as much as 6K pounds and I can barely tell I'm towing. My usual cargo is about 1500 pounds. The 20mpg highway is the same with or without that cargo. Cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel were a nice upgrade on the SV version. Power seat controls never get used as I never move the seat, but it sure is comfortable for long trips. My range is a little more than 400 miles, so that's 6 hours of sitting. I've never had a vehicle I could drive for 6 hours without pain.
I made the following improvements to suit my tastes: bought a factory leather steering wheel and installed, removed center consul and passenger seat and installed a "double" seat from the rear of a Transit(now I have 3 across seating in the front), made the overhead front shelf extend further back about 2ft(adds a ton of storage and that space above the front seats is completely wasted otherwise).
I get 20mpg on the highway, 15 if I'm doing a lot of short city trips. Huge engine bay and hood make checking fluids, changing oil, belt, etc very easy. Downside is that it make the van very long and weird looking, but I'll take that trade off. The oil filter isn't in a great location as it's right above a crossmember, so there's more cleanup when changing it.
I would buy again if I need another one. Unfortunately it looks like 2021 will be the last year for the NV1500/2500/3500.
Update: Jun21,2021 120K miles. No issues or changes since last review. I still have a slow leak in differential that I haven't resolved. It took 8oz at last 10K mile top off. Average highway mpg seems a little lower at 19mpg, though I think post-covid traffic congestion may be to blame.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Nissan NV, so we've included reviews for other years of the NV since its last redesign.
2013 NV Highlights
1500 S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,420 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 234.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the NV include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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