Not to be outdone in the lucrative full-size cargo van market, Nissan introduced the surprisingly capable NV Cargo some 4 years ago. For 2016, this 2-seat workhorse is again offered with two roof height options: the standard roof (4 feet 7 inches of standing room) and the high roof (6 feet 3 inches), which is available only on the 2500 HD and 3500 HD editions.

The NV Cargo comes in 3 trims: the half-ton NV 1500, the three-quarter-ton NV 2500 HD, and the 1-ton 3500 HD. All 3 are available in either the base S or the midlevel SV trim levels, while the 2500 HD and 3500 HD also come in an upscale SL trim level.

For 2016, the entire NV Cargo lineup gets side-mounted airbags and roof-mounted head-protection airbags with rollover sensors, along with a new exterior color choice, Cayenne Red.

There are also two engine choices. The base engine, standard on the 1500 and optional with the 2500HD, is a 4.0-liter V6 that puts out 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque when mated with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard power for the NV 3500 HD comes from a V8 that also uses the 5-speed automatic for 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is available on the 2500 HD trim and has a max towing capacity of 9,500 pounds. Because of its large size, the NV Cargo has no EPA mileage ratings, and all trims are offered in the traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration only.

Considering the no-frills nature of the breed, the entry-level 2016 NV Cargo S is, not surprisingly, rather Spartan, boasting 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, a fold-flat passenger seat, and a tilt-only steering wheel. The S also offers standard manual air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo with 2 speakers and an auxiliary audio input.

Moving up to the SV trim level, look for full power accessories, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and 4 stereo speakers to come standard. The SL adds standard 17-inch chrome steel wheels, enhanced chrome exterior accents, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and front parking sensors.

Both the NV Cargo SV and SL trim levels return eligible for an available Technology Package that includes a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth-integrated NissanConnect smartphone apps for internet radio and Facebook access, a rear-view camera, and satellite radio. All trims can also be outfitted with a number of optional window configurations.

Standard safety equipment aboard the 2016 NV Cargo--now supplemented by the standard side-mounted and head-protection airbags--includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), and a remote antitheft alarm in the SL trim.

Look for the 2016 NV Cargo to challenge such traditional rivals as GM’s Chevy Express and GMC Savana, Ram’s ProMaster, Ford’s Transit, and Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter.