Used 2015 Nissan NV3500 HD

The 2015 Nissan NV is a full-size van available in cargo or passenger form. In the former setup, it offers a choice of two roof heights and cavernous interior space. The latter can comfortably seat up to 12 passengers across four rows and can be used in shuttle service or by large families. The Nissan NV is among a wave of fresh, full-size vans such as the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that are replacing the phased-out Ford E-Series and GM’s aging Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana models. As either a commercial or passenger van, the big Nissan offers an affordable and versatile way to haul cargo or people. When fitted with the optional V8, this rear-drive van can also tow 9,500 pounds.

The standard powerplant in the Nissan NV1500, NV2500 HD cargo and NV3500 HD passenger van is Nissan’s trusty 4.0-liter V6. Considering this same engine is used in the midsize Frontier pickup, it proves surprisingly capable in this full-size van. With 261 horsepower, it is more powerful than the V6 in GM’s cargo vans and on par with the base gasoline V6 engines in the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit. Even with a full crew aboard, the V6 pulls strongly, though it tends to labor once up to speed. Those needing more power to easily haul or tow heavier loads should choose the bigger 5.6-liter V8, standard in the NV3500 HD cargo and the top NV passenger model, and optional on other models. The Nissan NV’s ride and handling are about what you’d expect from a big box on wheels. That said, we do laud its suspension, which does a good job stabilizing this rig.

Space is the Nissan NV’s selling point, and there’s plenty of it. Cargo models have seats for the driver and front passenger, with the rest of the bay ready to haul goods or get customized for business needs. For those needing the most space, models with the high-roof option expand cargo volume to 323.1 cubic feet, a nearly 90-cubic-foot addition vs. the 234.1 cubic feet in standard-roof models. Passenger models of Nissan’s full-size van can accommodate up to 12 people. Seats in the three back rows can be removed or slid to create space for people and gear.

Form follows function in the Nissan NV, with the big van’s slab-sided nature and overall large girth the keys to its ability to hold lots of stuff. Standard-roof models look like a rectangle on wheels, while those with the high-roof appear more like a high-top sneaker. The high-roof option is reserved for NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD cargo models. Both cargo and passenger models have a sliding door on the passenger side for loading cargo and people, while the back doors have a 243-degree opening range for easier loading. Unlike some rivals, the NV comes in only one length: 240.6 inches.

HIGH-ROOF OPTION
Sure, it may look ungainly, but the high-roof option on Nissan NV Cargo vans pays off in interior space with over 323 cubic feet of storage space. Moreover, that high roof enables a 6-foot-3-inch person to stand upright, something their back will thank them for every day on the job.

INTERIOR FLEXIBILITY
The NV offers not just a lot of interior space – it presents that room in a smart way. The front passenger seat in cargo versions of the van, for example, folds forward to create a work station, while passenger models boast 324 configurations thanks to moveable and removable seats.

A base version of the NV1500 cargo van includes air conditioning, dozens of cargo mounts, pre-wiring for electrical upfitting, a tilt (but not telescoping) steering wheel, a 2-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input, and electronic traction control. Base passenger models include seating for 12 with a dozen rear heating and cooling vents, eight cup holders/three bottle holders, and four speakers for the audio system. The lowest trims of both passenger and cargo models still use manual windows and doorlocks. For $650 extra, we recommend the Power Basic Package that rectifies this and adds cruise control and keyless entry.

Upgrades for the 2015 Nissan NV cargo and passenger vans include navigation, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, front and side-curtain airbags, dual-zone air conditioning (passenger models), remote keyless entry, and a rearview monitor. The new SL top-line trim for cargo models includes an 8-way power driver’s seat, chrome bumpers, grille and door handles, a vehicle security system and roof-mounted side-impact airbags. In addition to the high-roof option, cargo models can also be equipped with a rear glass door and side windows. Higher-trim versions include a rear sonar system to aid reversing the big van, while top-line passenger models come with leather-appointed seats that are heated in front.

The 2015 Nissan NV comes with a 261-horsepower V6 engine that is adequate for most duties. Optional on other models and standard in top trims is Nissan’s 5.6-liter V8 good for 317 horsepower that offers satisfying thrust. Both engines run on regular unleaded gasoline and are connected to 5-speed automatic transmissions. All Nissan NV vans are rear-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity for the V6 is 7,000 pounds (6,200 for passenger models), while the V8 tops out at 9,500 pounds (8,700 for passenger models). The EPA has yet to supply fuel economy ratings for the NV. If you’re trying to keep a tight rein on your fuel budget, the diesel offerings in the Sprinter and Ram rivals are more efficient, while smaller cargo vans like the Nissan NV200 use less-thirsty 4-cylinder engines.

4.0-liter V6
261 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
281 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

5.6-liter V8
317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA