2016 Nissan NV Passenger Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The full-size commercial passenger van has suddenly become popular, and Nissan’s 12-seat 2016 NV Passenger is trying to take advantage....

The full-size commercial passenger van has suddenly become popular, and Nissan’s 12-seat 2016 NV Passenger is trying to take advantage. Unlike its NV Cargo sibling, the NV Passenger is offered in only the 1-ton 3500 variation and with a single roof height, which puts it at a significant disadvantage against the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter and Ford’s Transit Wagon, each of which are available in high-roof versions that will comfortably accommodate a 6-foot tall passenger. The Sprinter also boasts standard turbodiesel power (as does Ram’s ProMaster Window Van), but the NV Passenger offers no such alternative.

In any case the rear-wheel-drive-only (RWD) 2016 NV Passenger is again delivered in 3 trim levels: the base S, the midlevel SV and the flagship SL. There are also some 324 seating configurations and 218.9 total cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats removed. Cargo space drops to a little over 28 cubic feet with the rear seats in place.

For the upcoming model year, the NV Passenger SL features the popular SL Technology package (with navigation, a rear-view camera, and NissanConnect smartphone apps) and a 5.8-inch touchscreen. Also debuting for 2016 are a pair of new exterior color choices: Pearl White and Cayenne Red.

The 2016 NV Passenger S and SV trim levels are powered by a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine that mates with a 5-speed automatic transmission for 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. According to Nissan, you’ll be able to tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 and the optional Class IV towing package installed. Mileage figures are unavailable due to the van's size.

The NV Passenger SL features a 5.6-liter V8 powerplant that’s managed by the 5-speed automatic to the tune of 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity jumps to 8,700 pounds with the V8 and the proper equipment. The V8 is also optional on the S and SV trims.

Standard features in the base NV Passenger S include 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, a tilt-only steering wheel, manual air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo radio with 4 speakers. The up-featured SV adds 17-inch chrome-clad wheels and enhanced exterior chrome, along with rear parking sensors, full power accessories, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers.

The flagship Nissan Passenger SL boasts the standard Bluetooth-interfaced Technology package, as well as the Class IV towing package, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, a USB connection, and satellite radio. Lower trims remain eligible for many of the options that come standard on the upper trims. Further options include vehicle-tracking technology, upgraded floor mats, and various available cargo management tools.

Standard safety equipment aboard the 2016 NV Passenger includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 4-row head-protection airbags, and daytime running lights. The SV and SL trim levels also feature a standard remote antitheft alarm, while the SL also adds standard front fog/driving lights.

Owners of current NV Passenger models continue to wonder when the van will be offered with a high-roof option and/or turbodiesel power. But owners also continue to laud this Nissan people-hauler’s multitude of seating arrangements, easy-to-use controls, and simplified options structure.