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2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan NV1500 Cargo

Overview

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2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Review

By Joe Tralongo, Contributing Editor

For 2012, Nissan is jumping into the commercial van market with its full-size "made in America" NV cargo and passenger vans. Until now, customers looking for a full-size work or passenger van could only turn to Ford, Chevy, or Mercedes-Benz. Nissan sensed an opening for an all-new, affordable van designed to accommodate the special needs of customers in a way no previous domestic van can match. Available in cargo van form as the NV1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD – the latter two offering a towering extended roof option – the NV poses a serious threat to the outdated Ford E-Series and Chevy Express. There is also an NV3500 HD passenger van offering a number of unique features regarding passenger comfort and safety.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2012 Nissan NV holds wide appeal to anyone that needs to move a lot of cargo or people, but must also mind the budget. V6 models are priced right, and the vast capability of the cargo van's configurable cargo bay is staggering.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Nissan NV van for 2012 isn't quite as handsome as its Ford and Chevy rivals (if a van can be considered handsome), and it doesn't have their long repair and reliability history either. If you're looking for diesel power or all-wheel drive, you'll have to look elsewhere.

How It Ranks

#4

out of 10

Horsepower

#2

out of 9

Consumer Ratings

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.5 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

New for 2012 is the NV3500 HD passenger van series. Built from the same platform as the NV cargo van, the passenger version offers configurable seating for 12 with integrated seatbelts, and side-curtain airbag protection for all rows.

Driving the NV1500 Cargo

2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Standard on the 2012 Nissan NV1500, NV2500 HD cargo and the NV3500 HD passenger is a 4.0-liter V6 engine that is surprisingly capable. Even with a full crew on board,...

the engine pulls strongly, although it does labor a bit once up to speed. The big 5.6-liter V8 is probably preferable for those who care more about utilizing the NV's 3,925-pound maximum payload or its 9,500-pound tow rating, and less about fuel economy. Ride and handling are about what one might expect from a massive rolling brick, but we must say the NV's suspension does a good job stabilizing the big van in the turns, and its 45.2-foot turning diameter, while not tiny, is a few feet better than the Ford E-Series or Chevy Express. As for acceleration, the NV can easily keep up with its rivals from Ford and Chevy, but it will just as easily outrun (and overtake) the slower, but more fuel efficient, turbodiesel Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Favorite Features

INTEGRATED SEAT BELTS
For anyone who's had to fight past the web of ceiling-mounted seat belts to reach your shuttle's rear most seats, the NV's clever solution of integrating the belts into each seat will be a welcome sight.

PRE-DRILLED ANCHORING POSITIONS
Available on the cargo vans, numerous pre-drilled and reinforced anchoring positions allow customizers to add all manner of shelving, tool racks and accessories without damaging the cargo bay's steel walls.

2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Details

2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Both the cargo and passenger variants of the 2012 Nissan NV go out of their way to please the customer. On the NV3500 HD passenger vans, there are numerous storage and cup holders, as well as overhead lighting, heating ducts in the floor, and 65/35 split/removable rear seats. The 65/35 divide allows for more flexible cargo and seating space. In the cargo van, Nissan created a cargo bay with an available 120-volt 3-prong outlet, a level load floor and flat-top wheel-well housing to aid stacking, and multiple pre-drilled anchoring points in the floor, walls and roof.

Exterior

The most noticeable exterior feature on the Nissan's 2012 NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD van is the available extended roof. This option increases interior ceiling height by 21 inches, allowing a 6-foot person to stand upright in the cargo hold. Access via the sliding side door is easy, thanks to its 40-inch-wide opening, while the split rear doors can swing open to the standard 90 degrees, or be moved back a full 243 degrees, held in place by a magnetic stopper. Nissan specifically made the NV's lower rear opening wide and flat enough to accommodate a forklift loading pallets.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment for the 2012 Nissan NV includes 17-inch wheels, tilt steering wheel, folding outside mirrors, rear step bumper, water-repellant seat fabric, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio input jack, and air conditioning. The passenger van adds power outside mirrors, privacy glass, 12-passenger seating, and an under-seat pull out storage tray. Standard 2012 NV safety equipment: electronic traction and stability control, front airbags and, on the passenger van, front side-impact and ceiling mounted full-length side curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Options for the NV cargo van include front side and side-curtain airbags, power windows, power driver's seat, cruise control, remote keyless entry, two 120-volt outlets, 8-way power driver's seat, rear door glass, in-dash navigation radio with USB port, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, XM satellite radio, rear sonar system, in-mirror rearview monitor, and Nissan's Fleet Telematics tracking and recovery system. The NV3500 HD passenger offers such premium items as chrome clad wheels, power heated extendable tow mirrors, front and rear sonar system, dual-zone front air conditioning, heated front seats, leather appointed seating, 6-speaker audio, and Nissan's Vehicle Immobilizer system.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Nissan NV van comes standard with a 261-horsepower V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine easily out-powers the V6 options from Ford and Chevy, and nearly matches those vans' small V8 engines. Still, for the really big jobs you'll want the 5.6-liter V8, which is standard on the NV3500 HD cargo and available on all but the NV1500 series. Although not as torque-laden as the diesel engines from Ford and Chevy, this V8 is impressive in abilities to tow and haul, and its operation is free from harsh noise and unwanted vibration.

4.0-liter V6
261 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
281 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

5.6-liter V8
317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

Pricing Notes

Knowing that the 2012 Nissan NV vans would have to be priced to compete, Nissan has done a good job matching the vans from Ford and Chevy at each level. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the entry-level NV1500 S starts around $25,000 and moves up to around $30,000 for the NV2500 HD with the high roof. A nicely equipped NV3500 HD SV runs about $35,000. The NV3500 HD S passenger van starts around $32,000 and can reach as high as $42,000 with most options added. Be sure to check out KBB's Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their NV vans. As far as resale goes, we expect the Nissan vans to hold their value as well or better than the vans from Ford and Chevy.

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2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.5

Out of 10

Based on 6 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.7/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

8.0/10

Performance

9.7/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.3/10

Very comfortable and very good work van.

By reacherman (GA) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,796

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Ride and room"

Cons: "gas mileage...loaded need v8"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I brought my V6 hightop used with 36,000 miles. Empty I got about 18 mpg. Since I have loaded the van with my tools and equipment. I am now getting 13 mpg. This van is the best work van I have owned. The ride is smoothe and firm. I have a lot of leg room and head room in my van. The V6 is strong and qiuet. The only thing I wish for was a v8."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very very nicely done Nissan. This is a hit

By BarsaDave (Canada) on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "work friendly,smart, comfortable"

Cons: "transmission shifts a lot around 50 kph"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this 2 weeks ago used and drove it 1500kms home and just love it.It has 25000km and works like a charm. For work I haul around 1500pounds of stuff and the V6 works very well and is ample power. On the highway I got 18mpg and my combined now is showing about 16. Nissan have done a great job making sure of a convenient, comfortable and smart work truck with their amazing back doors and side sliding door. Inside everything is nicely done with grab handles to power outlets to tye downs and lots of compartments which I find great.I have a 2007 Chevy Express 2500 which is going for sale and good bye. If Chevy and Ford don't wake up the NV is going to kick their butt. There is no comparison in the boxes and comfort of the Nissan to the Chevy. I did not rate the reliability as I just purchased it but the previous owner said there were no issues whatsoever with it."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Best 12 passenger van available hands down.

By Family of 10 (TX) on Sunday, January 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Quiet, comfortable, safer. Tows very well."

Cons: "dash board set up poor."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just returned from a Tx to FL trip with 9 us in the van and towing a 30 ft. travel trailer. This van blows away my previous vans; a 2002 Dodge 3500 and the 2007 Ford E350XLT 6.0 Turbo-diesel that I traded in on this. The handling , comfort, stability and power of this van are all impressive. The transmission is amazing in how it handles towing a large load, I never once had to floor it. The three 12 volt and two 120volt outlets were very handy. Without a trailer the backup camera makes parking this beast absolutely easy. Biggest drawbacks; not offered with running boards or any type of video options. This van is the only one to have for large families like ours"

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Hands down best work van ever made!

By Big fan (SC) on Friday, March 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Ride, looks, power, gas milage,etc"

Cons: "Ladder rack placement"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned the van for four months now and have now complaints at all! I that time I have put over 15000 miles on the NV1500 and it is alot smoother then the ford or chevy that I have driven owned in the past. If they can build enough of them this will take the place of the Ford and Chevy models now offered. They have not left anything out on this Van. Now with eveything there are good and bad points. The good is ride, gas milage, power, space, looks(everyone wants to know what it is?), and the rear doors make loading and unloading much easier. Now the only bad thing I have found so far is the ladder rack mounting points. They offer alot of different options put the rear one is not back far enough. It is hard to put large ladders on the van without scratching the roof. Besides that I would recomends this to anyone loking at buying a new work van."

23 people out of 23 found this review helpful

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Far more comfortable than any other cargo van...

By TinyTim (CA) on Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I don't own this car

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, functionality, storage, cargo area"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"So I have driven the NV on a few test drives and would have to say the lack of the engine inside the vehicle like the Chevrolet and Ford makes it by far the most comfortable van I've ever driven. Very comfortable seats and a ton of foot and legroom. I set the cruise control on the 2500 Low Roof V6 and the computer stated 18.6 MPG's which was great as fuel eceonomy is a concern for me. I have driven many Chevrolet and Ford Cargo Vans over the years and the NV is by far a superior product. The walls of the van are straight and with the shelves I saw at the dealer looks like a lot less wasted space. It will be nice to finally have a center console, cup holders and storage for my laptop and the under seat storage drawers are a nice touch. As far as there being too much plastic, I guess there is a lot of it but it seems well put together... I was interested more in the V6 when I heard it had more HP than the Ford V8 engine and still got better fuel economy. All in all a great van, especially for someone in their van ALL day"

43 people out of 43 found this review helpful

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I like my NV2500 SV V6 so far, some reservations

By DoubleD on Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "More comfortable than the competition, reasonable price"

Cons: "Questionable exterior fit and finish, lack of OEM parts and accessories"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"With under 1,000 miles on the odometer the NV is almost everthing promised. Since Nissan doesn't post MPG on commercial vehicles I thought it might be helpful to oters to know that my NV2500 SV with the 4.0 V6 gets between 16- 17 mpg (better than my 5.4 F150 Supercrew) with a mix of local and highway miles. The interior is very nice compared to the E150, although, if you're alergic to plastic you're in trouble. The reason my "Value", "Quality," and "Overall" ratings are 3's and 4's relate to exterior fit and finish. If you are considering buying one of these vans be sure to check the finish on the roof. While watertight, spotwelds are visible on the roof (through the paint), seams in the various sections of roof look a little "forced", and locations where the roof rack brackets attach to the roof (on my van) are down-right sloppy. There are large amounts of what appears to be the sealant "goop" spread throughout the channel containing the roof brackets, and this entire mess is painted over. While functionally the roof does it's job, and because of it's out-of-sight it may not be a big deal to some buyers, but it just seems sloppy for a new vehicle. Hopefully Nissan will address these quality issues. The final issue relates to any new vehicle I suppose, but, be sure that any options that you want on the vehicle are installed at the factory not by the dealer (if possible). In my case, I wanted the rear door glass package and shock-sensors on the van, and was told that they could be added later (they would arrive in "about 2 weeks"). Well, after 3 weeks they are still not available, and it is unclear when they will become available, at what price, and whether they will be as good as the factory installed options (i.e.,whether or not the windows will have defrosters, etc.). All in all I like my NV. Once the options I want are installed it should serve it's purpose for the next 8- 10 years. We'll see..."

77 people out of 78 found this review helpful

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