2017 Nissan NV Cargo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

A relative newcomer to the commercial-van arena, the 2017 Nissan NV Cargo delivers some serious bang for its buck. This 2-passenger...

A relative newcomer to the commercial-van arena, the 2017 Nissan NV Cargo delivers some serious bang for its buck. This 2-passenger full-size cargo van, which debuted in the U.S. for the 2012 model year, offers a no-nonsense exterior, a high-roof option, 2 engines, and a base MSRP of less than $26,800 that ought to help the small-business owner’s bottom line.

The NV Cargo remains unchanged for 2017 and comes in three weight classes: the half-ton 1500, three-quarter-ton 2500, and 1-ton 3500. All three are offered in S and SV trim levels, while the premium SL trim is an option for the 2500 and 3500. Two roof heights, standard and high, are available, although the high roof is offered only on the 2500 and 3500 versions. The standard-roof vans boast 234.1 cubic feet of cargo area, and the high-roof vans have 323.1 cubic feet. The NV Cargo is available only in rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Standard aboard the NV Cargo 1500 and 2500 vans is a 4.0-liter V6 powerplant that combines with a 5-speed automatic transmission to put out 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Look for a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds for vans equipped with a V6 and the available tow hitch. A 5.6-liter V8 is an option for the 2500 and comes standard on the 3500. This potent mill also mates with a 5-speed automatic to put out 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity with the V8 is an impressive 9,500 pounds, and payload maxes out at 3,937 pounds.

As a work van riding on Nissan’s Titan pickup frame, the NV Cargo offers a stiff ride, especially when empty, and the cabin will get quite noisy with the V8. As you’d expect, steering is a bit cumbersome, with some distracting body lean while cornering. Acceleration with the V6 is adequate for most situations, but the more powerful V8 gives drivers a lot more confidence in merging and passing maneuvers.

The protruding hood aboard the NV Cargo, in contrast to the usual cab-over-engine style, allows a bit more driver and passenger legroom and better accessibility to the engine compartment. On the interior, this workhorse offers little in the way of luxury appointments, especially with the entry-level S trim. Still, the cloth seats are comfortable enough, and a built-in clipboard above the center console makes for a convenient mobile desk. Air conditioning and a 2-speaker stereo complete the S trim’s list of creature comforts. The SV trim level adds steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and rear parking sensors, and the SL trim features added exterior chrome, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a remote antitheft alarm. Notable options include the Bluetooth-interfaced Technology package featuring a 5.8-inch touchscreen, GPS navigation, satellite radio, smartphone apps, streaming audio, and a reversing camera. Vinyl upholstery is also optional on all trim levels, as are multiple side- and rear-window configurations.

In addition to mandated 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and front-seat airbags, the NV Cargo comes with side-mounted airbags, head-curtain airbags, and daytime running lights. Due to this van’s considerable bulk (which ranges from 5,797 to 6,275 pounds depending on the weight class, trim, and roof height), no safety-test data is currently available.