Nissan NV Passenger

With the dawn of minivans in the early 1980s, the full-size passenger van, based on boxed-ladder truck frames, seemed doomed. And, mostly, it was. Large passenger vans remained fringe vehicles relegated to work crews, church groups, and buyers who wanted pint-size RVs. But with advances in fuel economy, comfort and tech, and the advent of a wandering subculture of digital nomads, the big passenger van is back in a big way.

The 2021 Nissan NV Passenger remains a favorite in the rekindled van market thanks to its strong engines, robust towing capability and smart, value-oriented pricing. With a choice of V6 or V8 engine, the NV Passenger can tow between 6,200 and 8,700 pounds. Inside, the seats that make up its three rear rows can be removed or configured in multiple ways, adjusting for cargo, carrying long items, or easiest entry and exit. Even the front passenger seat can fold flat for added versatility. And while its dash and cabin materials feel dated, the controls are large and easy to access and operate.

The NV's limitations may dissuade some buyers, however. While its Ford, Ram and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rivals can seat up to 15 passengers, the NV offers room for just 12. The NV also comes with a bare minimum of driver assistance features (front and rear parking sensors are about as good as it gets here) and a rudimentary infotainment system and only offers rear-wheel drive. Ford and Mercedes both offer optional all-wheel drive.

But the NV fits the bill as an all-around van adept at carrying passengers and cargo and pulling a trailer or boat, and does it at an attractive price. If you can live with some of its old tech and no-frills cabin quality, the NV Passenger makes a compelling option.

Which NV Passenger does MatoCar recommend?

Unless you need to stick to a strict bottom-line budget, we say skip the base S trim and opt for the SV. While the S comes with a decent list of standard features, the SV offers more tech, comfort and convenience, and a splash of style. For about $2,500 more, you get a power-adjustable driver's seat, center console, rear overhead lighting, navigation system, additional power outlets, more speakers, rear parking sensors, and chrome-finished wheels, bumpers and other exterior trim. If you need the V8 engine, however, your only choice is the top-trim SL.

The 2021 Nissan NV Passenger van is a rear-wheel-drive full-size van with seating for up to 12 passengers. (The two-passenger NV Cargo van is reviewed separately.) It comes in one payload designation, NV3500 HD, and three trim levels — S, SV and SL — with a choice of two engines.

The S and SV use a 4.0-liter V6 (261 horsepower, 281 lb-ft of torque) paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The SL comes standard with a 5.6-liter V8 (375 hp, 387 lb-ft) joined to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The base S trim comes with three rows of configurable bench seats and essential features that include:

• 17-inch steel wheels
• Power windows and door locks
• Keyless entry
• Power-adjustable side mirrors
• Cruise control
• Cloth upholstery
• Rearview camera
• 7-inch touchscreen display
• Four-speaker stereo

The SV trim adds more meaningful features such as:

• 17-inch chrome-finished steel wheels
• Chrome exterior trim
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Center console
• Passenger-row overhead lighting
• 5.8-inch touchscreen display
• Navigation system
• NissanConnect mobile apps
• Satellite radio
• Two additional 12-volt power outlets
• Two 120-volt outlets
• Six-speaker stereo
• Security system
• Rear parking sensors

The SL rounds out the lineup with:

• Foglights
• Heated, extendable side mirrors
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (front passengers)
• Front parking sensors
• Tow hitch (Class IV)
• Trailer harness
• Front tow hooks