Nissan NV Cargo 2021 Review

The 2021 Nissan NV Cargo is one of the more rugged models you'll find when shopping for a commercial cargo van. Related to Nissan's previous generation Titan pickup, the NV with the standard V6 engine can haul a bit more than 3,100 pounds and tow up to 6,900 pounds. Get the optional V8 engine and you can pull up to 9,400 pounds and carry up to 3,720 pounds worth of stuff. While not class-leading, the NV's specs are certainly competitive; it can handle whatever you plan to haul or pull.

You can also get the NV in one of two roof heights: standard and high. The latter treats you to a maximum of 323 cubic feet of cargo capacity and enough clearance for a 6-foot-3 person to stand up straight while moving about the cargo area. However, the cabin hasn't been appreciably updated since the NV's debut in 2012, and it lacks some of the advanced tech and conveniences of some rival cargo vans. This van feels dated, with few updates for 2021.

The slow pace of updates isn't necessarily a bad thing. For buyers seeking a hearty, no-nonsense van, the NV checks the boxes. But know that you can get more in the way of features and content — including the option for all-wheel drive or more fuel-efficient engines — by going with a rival van such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Which NV Cargo does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Nissan NV Cargo van is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive van with seating for two passengers. (The multi-passenger NV Passenger van is reviewed separately on MatoCar.) It's available in three models: NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD. Each offers increasing levels of hauling and towing capabilities. The 1500 and 2500 models are available in S and SV trim levels, while the 3500 is available in SV and SL trims.

The 1500 model comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine (261 horsepower, 281 lb-ft of torque) paired to a five-speed automatic transmission; its roof is standard height. The 2500 has the same engine, but can be fitted with a 5.6-liter V8 engine (375 hp, 387 lb-ft) joined to a seven-speed automatic transmission. A high-roof configuration is also optional. The 3500, available with a standard or high roof, comes only with the V8.

The base NV1500 S trim is indeed basic, but comes with features such as:

• 17-inch steel wheels
• Power windows/door locks
• Keyless entry
• Floor-mounted cargo tie-down rings
• Air conditioning
• Cloth seats
• Rearview camera
• 7-inch touchscreen display
• USB and AUX audio inputs
• Two-speaker stereo

The SV trim adds more meaningful features such as:

• 17-inch styled wheels
• Cruise control
• Power-adjustable side mirrors
• Trim panels on interior cargo walls
• Four-speaker stereo
• Rear parking sensors

The NV2500 HD S mirrors the features of the 1500 S, but adds:

• Driver under-seat storage area
• Additional cargo area work lights
• Overhead center console (high-roof model only)

The NV2500 SV trim mirrors the NV1500 SV and adds:

• Lockable center console with 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets
• 120-volt outlet in cargo area
• Tow hitch (V8 only)

The NV3500 SV turns up the comfort and conveniences with all the features of the NV2500 SV, plus:

• Heated extendable mirrors
• Tow hitch
• 5.8-inch touchscreen display
• Navigation system
• NissanConnect mobile apps
• Satellite radio

Finally, the NV3500 SL tops out with nearly all available goodies, including:

• 17-inch chrome wheels
• Chrome exterior trim
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support
• Security system

Nissan offers a variety of custom upfit packages, with shelves, organizers and dividers all tailored to specific job functions. But the NV Cargo does offer a handful of basic options for all buyers, including:

• Back Door Glass package (SV and SL models)
• rear windows with privacy glass and defrosters
• rearview mirror
• Navigation package (SV and SL models)
• Vinyl Seat package (S trims only)