2020 Nissan NV Cargo

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Rating7.9

Ranked #1 in 

Fullsize Van
Write Review
$30,140 - $38,560
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Potent Engine and Acceleration

Limited configurations

No major change for 2020

Decent cargo volume

Comfortable seats

Specs & Features

$30,140

price

261 hp @ 5600 rpm

horsepower

281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

5-Speed Automatic

transmission

4.0L 6cyl RWD 5A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

With design extracted from Nissan Titan, the NV cargo still operates on its previous design from 2012. It was launched to cut the market of GMC and Ford by delivering a decent cargo bay and a potent engine. You wont get a lot of features or interior quality as a typical cargo van doesn't require it. Though Mercedes has pushed the envelope and revamped the boxy van image with more glitter and glamor, but Nissan still lives in the past with no significant change.

Buying Advice

The base trim offers all the necessary features and is a good cargo van for commercial use.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Right from the base price of $29,340 the Nissan NV Cargo harbors a 4.0L V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. There is an option for extended length but no high roof option for the cargo variant. The engine can muster up to 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Nissan NV might have affected Ford and GMC’s sales but the impact is not that hard.

Features
5.0/10

The Nissan NV is not the most good looking van in the segment but that doesn't mean its not great. Vans are beautiful in their own way and when is that? The moment they get the job done. The NV Cargo is offered in two trim levels, the S and SV. A 4.0L V6 engine is the only powertrain option on the NV, though the 2500 and 35000 feature their own unique powertrain. There is no high roof option on the NV Cargo. The 1500S a basic van at its core with minimal features at its bay. The 1500SV further add some sugar and spice to the S's basic feature list with convenience and driver assist features.

Trim

NV Cargo S

NV Cargo SV

MSRP

$29,349

$30,330

Key

Features

17-inch steel wheels

Standard power-adjustable mirrors

 

Power windows and door locks

Rear parking sensors

 

Tilt-only steering wheel

Cargo mat

 

Rearview camera

Trim panels on the cargo walls

 

Two-speaker stereo with a CD player

Four-speaker stereo with redundant steering wheel controls

 

USB port

 
 

Bluetooth

 
 

5-inch color display

 
 

Air conditioning, remote keyless entry

 
 

Cruise control

 

We recommend

The base S' trim offers all the necessary features and is a good cargo van for commercial use.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

Model

Nissan NV Cargo S

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van

Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van

GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van

MPG (city)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

MPG (highway)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

MPG (combined)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Range (miles) (city/highway)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Tank Capacity (gal)

28.0

22

25.0

31.0

Interior
9.3/10

Seating and Comfort

Utility over performance and substance over style, the Nissan NV Cargo delivers just the minimum. The two people boarding the Nissan will have a fair van level comfort. The interior design is no work of art and even if it were not much emphasis would have been given. The controls are easy to use and clearly visible. Though the germ of hard plastic still plagues the 2020 NV cargo.

Model

Nissan NV Cargo S

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van

Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van

GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van

Passenger capacity

2

2

2

2

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

42.8/65.7/42.0

N/A

40.8/67.9/41.3

39.8/68.8/41.3

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

-

-

-

-

The interior is spacious and feature two options for interior, a standard Gray cloth seats and Gray Vinyl seats. The big dimension at least happen to deliver a spacious cabin. The headroom is rated at 42.8 inches and the legroom at 42 inches. You will also enjoy ample of shoulder and elbow room with 65.7 inches of shoulder room.

Cargo volume

Despite of the big dimensions the Nissan NV Cargo is not the biggest cargo van. You get a 235 cubic feet of cargo volume. Its decent and customizable to you needs, You get options to add racks, shelves and other equipment. The cargo van lacks the option for extended roof so the 234 cubic feet is all you get on the NV cargo. The cabin utility is decent too with large door pockets.

Model

Nissan NV Cargo S cargo van

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van

Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van

GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

234.1

319

246.7

239.7

The Nissan NV Cargo has a spacious and customizable cargo bay but that doesn't make it the biggest utilitarian. The Sprinter features the biggest cargo volume followed by the Transit and the GMC Savana. Nissan might be impressive but not capable enough to challenger the leaders.

Infotainment

You get an 5-inch infotainment system on the base 1500 S, but going for the SV and further adding the Tech pack will give you a 5.6 inch infotainment touchscreen. You get Bluetooth, a USB port, 2 speaker and NissanConnect mobile apps, and voice recognition.

Exterior
9.3/10

Design and Styling

Nissan NV is like any other cargo van, a boxy on wheels. There is no aesthetic value to the NV cargo and its not particularly good looking either. The normal height option looks like any other boxy van. The 1500 cargo has got a side sling door for and a tailgate of 243-dree opening. Loading and unloading the cargo. The one thing which keeps discourages the van buyer is the lack of extended wheelbase option.

Model

Nissan NV Cargo S cargo van

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van

Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van

GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van

Curb weight (lbs.)

5819

4696

2788

5158

Length(in)

240.6

233.5

219.9

224.1

Width(in)

99.5

92.3

81.3

79.2

Height(in)

83.9

96.3

83.6

84.6

Ground clearance (in)

N/A

N/A

N/A

7.1

Wheelbase (in)

146.1

144

129.9

135.0

Track width (in) F/R

68.7/68.9

N/A

N/A

N/A

Dimensions and Weight

The Nissan NV might not be the most good looking van in the class but it's the biggest. Out of all the boxes in the van segment it delivers the largest with its 240.6 inches of length, 99.5 inches of width, and 83.9 inches of height. The 146 inches wheelbase is rather long giving it a wider turning radius and may create a problem on the city's packed roads. The fact that it weighs a little less than 6000 pounds makes it the heaviest van. The 1500 cargo strictly means business as it offers only two color options.

Safety
8.0/10

The cargo van is yet to undergo any third party crash testing, so making a statement on safety is not the right thing. However, as a buyer you would need something to play with, well it turn out safety is not the most important thing in the NV Cargo. You just get the basic safety suit which adds features like Anti-locks, alarm and system immobilizer and more.
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System

  • Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
  • 2 Front Headrests
  • 4-Wheel ABS
  • Daytime Running Lights
  • Front Head Airbags
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring
  • Traction Control
  • Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
  • Stability Control
  • Emergency Braking Assist

Competition
8.0/10

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

The Sprinter is all set to take the American van markets by the storm. This year the Sprinter is completely redesigned with new infotainment, engine, and interior styling elements. Even without the changes Sprinter was a great choice. With its above average interior, bigger cargo bay, and a number configurations the Sprinter is a lucrative choice. Though it's still hounded by low powered engine and a higher price tag. NV cargo on the other hand has better acceleration and price.

If you consider value for money than the Sprinter is what you get the deal at.

Ford Transit Cargo

Ford is the master magician when it comes to commercial vehicles and its biggest spell is the Transit Cargo. The Transit's threshold on the Full-fledged vans market is what Nissan or any other brand wishes to achieve. Ford delivers a bigger cargo bay and a high powered engine, plus Ford's reliability is where its true USP lies. Nissan on the other hand, stays just a tad behind in every aspect and compensates it with the price.

The Nissan is a decent van which delivers average specs for everything. If you are running tight on budget then Nissan is a life savior, otherwise Ford is a far better option.

GMC Savana 1500 Cargo

GMC Savana is a strong offering from the house of boxy vans. It has power better than the Nissan NV and a similar cargo bay but GMC is a better option. You know why? Because of its class leading towing capacity. Nissan is nowhere near to the GMC. Other aspects like the acceleration and configuration are similar so the thing boils down to the price.

The GMC Savana's price is competitive to that of the Sprinter and Savana, Nissan compromises price. So if you are low on budget then the Nissan is probably the right van for you. However, if you are in constant need to trailer heavy things the GMC would be the better.

Final Verdict
7.9/10

The Nissan NV cargo is what you call an average boxy van in the segment. Its above average cargo volume and low price makes is its biggest selling price. The ride quality is decent form minivan standards but the hard steering may create some problems in city driving. The V8 engine on the 2500 NV might feel more desirable but this one works just fine.

When we say cargo vans we think boxy design, big cargo compartment, and affordable price and the Nissan delivers everything but lesser than its rivals.

Trims

    1500 S
    $30,140 onwards
    • Engine: 4.0L 6cyl RWD 5A
    • Horsepower: 261 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    2500 S
    $31,040 onwards
    • Engine: 4.0L 6cyl RWD 5A
    • Horsepower: 261 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    1500 SV
    $31,130 onwards
    • Engine: 4.0L 6cyl RWD 5A
    • Horsepower: 261 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    2500 SV
    $32,030 onwards
    • Driver memory functions
    • Led daytime running lights
    • Two Power outlets
    2500 SL
    $32,800 onwards
    • Engine: 4.0L 6cyl RWD 5A
    • Horsepower: 261 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    3500 S
    $34,340 onwards
    • Engine: 5.6L 8cyl RWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 387 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 116 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    3500 SV
    $35,330 onwards
    • Engine: 5.6L 8cyl RWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 387 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 116 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    3500 SL
    $36,410 onwards
    • Engine: 5.6L 8cyl RWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 387 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 116 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$30,140- $38,560

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.94

Horsepower

375 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque

387 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

3

Read Review

$32,900- $54,340

Gasoline

6.86

275 hp @ 6500 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

3

Read Review

$34,900- $39,700

Gasoline

6.85

276 hp @ 5200 rpm

298 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

12

Read Review

$27,180- $33,580

Gasoline

7.36

208 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

2

Read Review

$24,275- $32,250

Gasoline

7.72

162 hp @ 6500 rpm

144 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

-

Read Review

$31,245- $41,095

Gasoline

6.96

280 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

2

Read Review

$32,000- $35,900

Gasoline

6.87

276 hp @ 5200 rpm

298 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$36,360- $43,110

Gasoline

7.74

261 hp @ 5600 rpm

281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

12

Read Review

$34,495- $62,820

Gasoline

8.27

188 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

3

Read Review

2020 Nissan NV Cargo vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.9 sec19.5 sec110 mph
    7.1 sec--
    7.8 sec--
    8.1 sec--
    10 sec17.2 sec-
    11.1 sec18.4 sec108 mph

    2020 Nissan NV Cargo vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      ---28 gal.-
      24 mpg27 mpg25 mpg15.8 gal.- -
      19 mpg25 mpg22 mpg24 gal.-
      21 mpg24 mpg22 mpg18.5 gal.388.5/444 mi.
      14 mpg18 mpg16 mpg25 gal.-
      11 mpg16 mpg14 mpg31 gal.-

      2020 Nissan NV Cargo vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        240.6 in.79.9 in.83.9 in.8.1 in.146.1 in.
        240.6 in.79.9 in.84 in.8.1 in.146.1 in.
        233.5 in.92.3 in.96.5 in.8.1 in.144.3 in.
        224.1 in.79.3 in.84.8 in.8.6 in.135.2 in.
        224 in.79.3 in.84.5 in.8.6 in.135.2 in.
        219.9 in.81.3 in.82.3 in.-129.9 in.

        2020 Nissan NV Cargo vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          234.1 cu.ft.101.7 cu.ft.234.1 cu.ft.
          56.3 cu.ft.167.1 cu.ft.123.2 cu.ft.
          246.7 cu.ft.162.5 cu.ft.280.9 cu.ft.
          28.9 cu.ft.89 cu.ft.238.1 cu.ft.
          239.4 cu.ft.101.4 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.
          319 cu.ft.-35.5 cu.ft.

          2020 Nissan NV Cargo vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            16.7 cu.ft.234.1 cu.ft.234.1 cu.ft.-
            8.8 cu.ft.92.1 cu.ft.218.5 cu.ft.-
            20.2 cu.ft.183 cu.ft.183 cu.ft.-
            -259 cu.ft.--
            83.1 cu.ft.56.3 cu.ft.123.2 cu.ft.79 ft.
            51.9 cu.ft.28.9 cu.ft.238.1 cu.ft.-

            2020 Nissan NV Cargo vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.2730 lbs.5806 lbs.
              10000 lbs.3280 lbs.5093 lbs.
              9600 lbs.2550 lbs.5830 lbs.
              7500 lbs.4030 lbs.5410 lbs.
              6910 lbs.4000 lbs.4554 lbs.
              5000 lbs.3920 lbs.4696 lbs.

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