In recent years, the full-size van market has blossomed with new choices including a new-generation of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, plus the Fiat-based Ram Promaster and Ford Transit. But not all buyers favour the cab-forward approach these models take. For shoppers who prefer a more conventional van, but still wish for one with a modern design, there's Nissan's line of NV vans.
Built on a full-size truck platform with a fully boxed frame, the NV is available in two forms, NV Cargo and NV Passenger.
For 2015, the NV Cargo van receives a standard rear defroster on models with rear windows. Also new is an updated version of the 5.8-inch NissanConnect navigation system which is now apps-enabled. All NVs also feature a five-year, 160,000-km bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is better than the three-year, 60,000-km warranty on standard Nissan cars and trucks.
The NV Cargo has a simple but comprehensive range. The 1500 is available exclusively with the standard height roof, while the 2500 and 3500 can be had in standard and high-roof forms. The latter offers the ability to stand and walk inside the vehicle without ducking or crouching. All Cargo vans feature protective interior paneling and reinforced attachment points for upfitting on the floor, walls, and roof, and can accommodate 4x8 sheets of plywood or a pair of standard cargo pallets. 120-volt power outlets are a convenient touch.
The NV Passenger is available exclusively in 3500 form with a standard-height roof, in S, SV, and SL trims. 12 seats are standard, and thanks to six removable seats, the cabin can be configured easily to accommodate loads of people or cargo, such as carrying eight folks and items 10 feet long simultaneously. The fourth row is split 50/50, with the second and third utilizing a 35/65 split; all rows have retractable cupholders, overhead vents, and plenty of storage and 12-volt power outlets. Nissan claims a total of 324 different seating configurations with the NV Passenger. A low step-in height and large sliding side door with a 40-inch aperture provide easy access to the second and third row of seats.
While the S trim of the NV Passenger is very basic, excluding keyless entry, power door locks, power windows, and cruise control, SV and SL trims are better equipped. A reverse camera and the new navigation system are available on the SV, while the SL gets heated leather-upholstered seats.
NVs are available with two different powertrains. The 1500 Cargo, 2500 Cargo, and 3500 Passenger come standard with a 4.0-litre DOHC V6 engine shared with the Frontier compact pickup. It produces 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the 3500 HD Cargo, optional on the 2500 HD, and optional on the 3500 Passenger is Nissan’s Endurance V8 engine, which displaces 5.6 litres and produces 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use a five-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear wheels. V6s can tow up to 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs), while V8s are rated to tow up to 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs).
Pricing for the NV Cargo starts at $32,298 for the 1500 V6 S and caps out at the 3500 HD V8 SV High Roof, which sells for $40,948. The 3500 SV Passenger starts at $43,348 and caps out at $47,348 for the SL V8.
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