Used 2021 Nissan NV3500 HD

The 2021 Nissan NV range of full-size cargo and passenger vans isn’t as comprehensive as some rivals, but it’s a solid and financially savvy choice. The NV is built using body-on-frame construction, like pickup trucks, so it’s tough enough to handle a hard day’s work every day.

Engine choices are a strong V6 or an even stouter V8. Nissan offers a higher roof than standard for the Cargo van. At 76.9 inches, it’s 21.1 inches taller and allows operatives to stand up straight.

Other vans have greater choices of permutations, however, such as different lengths, dual rear wheels, and diesel power. Can the Nissan NV come with all-wheel drive? Sadly not. But the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can. 

How many people can the NV Passenger version take? It’s a 12-seater, whereas the Sprinter can transport up to 15.

Then again, the NV is the most affordable brand-new full-size van in the United States. And because of its construction, it’s pretty good at towing — up to 9,400 pounds. Only the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana sister vans can do better at 10,000 pounds.

Is the Nissan NV reliable? We did a little internet sleuthing, like checking the RepairPal site, and found that it does a little better than the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. What might seal the deal, however, is that the 2021 NV has the best commercial van warranty of five years or 100,000 miles, whichever happens first.

For duties ranging between light and medium, the NV’s standard V6 with its 281 lb-ft of torque is going to be fine. The V8 can tackle tougher stuff where the payloads or seat count are expected to be higher.

A truck-like foundation does translate to a similar driving experience, however. The NV employs a solid rear axle and rear leaf springs, so it’s hardly sophisticated. Such concerns are probably not uppermost in the minds of potential customers looking for a low-priced new full-size van. Although the toughness and tow ratings (made possible by this construction method) might well be.

The NV is rear-drive only. Things like automatic emergency braking or blind-spot monitoring aren’t even on the options list. Apart from parking sensors, the main safety features are the usual mandatory items like airbags, anti-lock brakes (discs at each wheel), and traction/stability control.

For many buyers, all they might need is space and propulsion, supplied at a reasonable cost. The NV can do that.

With the standard roof, the NV Cargo has 234.1 cubic feet of space behind the two front seats. The high roof raises that to 323.1 cubic feet. Payloads in the Cargo model run from 2,630 pounds to 3,720 pounds. Maximum width between the rear wheel housings is 54.3 inches — easily wide enough for a standard pallet. The Passenger version seats 12 and has 28.9 cubic feet of luggage area behind the rearmost row.

The dash and steering wheel are pleasantly plasticky. The SL Passenger model even comes with leather seating surfaces. Oddly, the nicer infotainment system has a smaller display than the base version, but it is a touchscreen. The NV doesn’t have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, although the mobile apps feature performs a similar function.

“Make it big, make it boxy” might well have been the instructions from Nissan’s management to the design studio. If that was the case, they were followed to the letter. Work vans don’t have to be pretty, they just have to work.

Practicality points are awarded to the rear doors, which open out up to 243 degrees to make loading/unloading as easy as possible. The passenger side also has a manually operated sliding door.

Rear windows are optional in the Cargo models. Naturally, Passenger variants come with side windows. Nissan makes the NV in just one length: 20.05 feet.

CLASS-LEADING WARRANTY
The metaphorical wheels of commerce are often turned by the actual wheels of work vans like the Nissan NV. And it’s work that never really stops. So a 5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is definitely a business asset.

INTERIOR POSSIBILITIES
Essentially, the 2021 Nissan NV Cargo van is a large metal container with wheels and an engine. So it can be filled with goods or upfitted to meet specific requirements. And according to Nissan, the Passenger van offers 324 seating configurations. The three rearmost rows can slide or be removed to create space.

Trim levels for the 2021 NV are S, SV, and SL. Along with 1500, 2500, and 3500 designations according to payload capacity. But it’s not quite straightforward. For example, the Cargo 1500 and 2500 versions with the standard roof only come in S and SV trims. And acquiring a Cargo in SL trim requires the high roof in 3500 form.

The Passenger versions are simpler. They all seat 12, come solely in 3500 form with a standard roof, and are available in all three trims.

At its most basic, the NV in S trim comes with 4-way manually adjustable front seats, fold-flat front-passenger seat air conditioning, a steering wheel that adjusts only for height, 17-inch steel wheels, and a rearview camera. The infotainment system consists of a 7-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, hands-free text-messaging assistant, USB port, auxiliary audio input, AM/FM radio, and a 4-speaker audio setup.

The high roof for the Cargo van becomes available at the 2500 level, and the V8 is optional in SV versions of the 2021 NV. SV trim also brings cruise control, rear parking sensors, power-adjustable side mirrors, plus a center console with a sliding table and lockable storage.

In SV trim, passenger variants gain an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, navigation, mobile apps, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio system. Cargo versions are eligible for rear glass and navigation.

SL models have the V8 engine, chrome-finished wheels and grille, heated side mirrors, and an immobilizer/security system. Again, the Passenger 3500 NV adds a little more equipment such as fog lights, heated front seats, and leather seating surfaces.

A 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine propels the S and SV versions of the 2021 NV with 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque — which is a decent amount of muscle. This engine connects to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

SV models are eligible for a 5.6-liter gasoline V8 that’s standard in the top SL versions. The GM twins are the only other full-size vans to offer a V8, and theirs is more powerful. Even so, this Nissan unit develops a robust 375 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission completes this drivetrain.

All NV vans employ rear-wheel drive. Cargo versions with the V6 can tow up to 6,900 pounds; Passenger versions are rated for 6,200 pounds. A V8-powered Cargo pulls 9,400 pounds; the Passenger counterpart can handle 8,700 pounds.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not provide fuel economy estimates for full-size vans with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds, like the NV.

4.0-liter V6
261 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
281 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
5.6-liter V8
375 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
387 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A