The NV Passenger van is offered in three different models: NV3500 S, NV3500 SV and NV3500 HD SL. On S and SV models, a 4.0L V6 is standard, while a 5.6L V8 engine is optional on those models and standard on the SL. Both engines are hooked up to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The V6 makes 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, and it should be just fine for most passenger duty. Meanwhile the V8, which makes 375 horsepower and a much higher 387 pound-feet of torque, is definitely the pick to haul the heaviest payloads or for regular towing duties. Rated payload for the NV ranges up to 2,700 pounds, when properly equipped; the V6 is good to tow up to 6,200 pounds and the V8 for 8,700 pounds.
With an independent double-wishbone suspension and twin-tube coil-over shocks in front, plus a solid rear axle and leaf springs in back, the rear-wheel-drive NV Passenger van is configured for those heavy loads and durability, while allowing as much responsiveness and control as possible through engine speed-sensitive power recirculating-ball steering. All models get heavy-duty 4-wheel vented disc brakes with anti-lock and electronic brake-force distribution.
While the NV looks a bit more like a pickup from the front (allowing easier serviceability, Nissan says), inside it's the space-maximizing, box-like interior of a traditional van, brought upscale in many respects. The Passenger van comes with a single sliding side door on the right side, plus dual 50/50-split French rear doors that open 243 degrees.
Leather upholstery is available for all four rows of seating, and the standard setup includes four rows of seating, with the second and third rows fully removable and adjustable. The fourth row can also be removed, in part or in full. As for the area around the front row, the front passenger seat folds forward flat to create a work surface, while there's a large center console that leaves space for a laptop, and even binders or hanging files. 120-volt AC outlets are available for the front console as well as the rear cargo area.
Even the base S includes a rear heating and air conditioning system with adjustable/rotating vents, plus map lamps for the rear rows as well as a rear cargo lamp, third-row 12-volt DC outlet and cupholders and storage cubbies throughout. SV models add cruise control, an 8-way-adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, rear map lights, 12-volt power outlets, rear parking sensors and an improved 6-speaker sound system, plus chrome for the bumpers, grille, door handles and other details. The SL includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front parking sensors NissanConnect with navigation and mobile apps, a 5.8-inch color display, enhanced voice recognition, hands-free text assist and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming.
Two option packages add carlike conveniences and tech items that both the driver and passengers might find useful. A Power Basic Package adds to the S model power windows, power door locks, central locking, remote keyless entry, and cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls. On the SV you can step up to a Technology Package that brings the 5.8-inch touch screen with rearview camera system and navigation, a USB port, an aux-in port, SiriusXM satellite radio, XM NavTraffic and Bluetooth.
Seating For Up To 12
Vast Degree Of Configurations
Modern Interior Appointments
Impressive Passenger Space And Comfort
Airbags For All Four Rows
SL Trim Features The Comforts Of A Passenger Vehicle
The Nissan NV passenger van gets a couple of important drivetrain improvements for 2017. While the V6 remains unchanged, the transmission it's attached to has been upgraded to a 7-speed unit, providing better acceleration and fuel economy than the 5-speed automatic it replaces. Also sharing the new 7-speed automatic is the new optional V8 engine. While last year's V8 made 317 horsepower, the 2017 model makes a whopping 375 horsepower.
The Nissan NV Passenger takes on traditional full-size van entries from Chevrolet, GMC and Ford with a vehicle that's built with the toughness of those vans, only packaged a little smarter, for more interior space. With four rows of seating, the NV Passenger can accommodate up to twelve. Its step-in height and loading are also lower than that of most other vans its size.
The NV also has a class-leading six independently adjusting (or removing) rear seats, and with that Nissan claims to have up to 324 possible seating configurations in the NV. Each of the rows is proportioned for adults, and seatbelts are integrated into the seats.
Furthermore, Nissan boasts that the NV Passenger van includes standard curtain side-impact air bags with rollover sensing for outboard occupants in all four rows -- an exclusive among vans this size. Versus other large vans, the NV Passenger also has an advantage in that its engine compartment doesn't infringe upping the van's interior space.
