2017 Nissan NV Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The 2017 Nissan NV receives a new direct-injected 5.6-liter V-8 engine option that has more power and comes paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Vehicle Summary
The 2017 Nissan NV is a large commercial van available in three sizes and in low- or high-roof variants. The vehicle slots above the smaller Nissan NV200, which is a smaller, more compact commercial van geared towards urban businesses. In addition to the cargo van, there's also a passenger van that can seat up to 12 passengers and has 324 seating configurations; however, this version is exclusive to the NV3500HD.
Overview
The 2017 Nissan NV offers two engines including a 4.0-liter V-6 with 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque paired to a five-speed automatic or a new 5.6-liter V-8 rated at 375 hp and 387 lb-ft that's coupled to a seven-speed automatic. Only the NV1500 and NV2500HD are available with the V-6, and the NV3500HD comes exclusively with the V-8. The most capable NV model can carry up to 3,860 pounds of payload while V-8-powered cargo vans can tow up to 9,400 pounds when equipped with a tow hitch receiver. Low roof variants of the Nissan NV have 234.1 cubic feet of storage while high roof models have a capacity for up to 323.1 cubic feet.
Standard features on the base S trim include air conditioning, a storage tray under the driver's seat, cloth seats, a two-speaker audio system, and 17-inch steel wheels. The SV and SL trims can be had with Bluetooth connectivity, seats with multiple adjustments, the NissanConnect infotainment system with a 5.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 17-inch chrome wheels, keyless entry, cruise control and a USB port. Passenger variants feature more creature comforts including heated front seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, and dual-zone climate control.
Safety
The NHTSA and IIHS haven't crash tested the 2017 Nissan NV and there are no active or passive driver assistance features available on any trim.
What We Think
We've yet to drive the Nissan NV with the upgraded V-8 engine, but in a 2012 First Drive, we noted that even with the previous V-8 engine, the van accelerates with authority whether it is loaded or empty. Occupants up front will also have a lot of room thanks to the long nose similar to a truck. The lack of sound insulation means the NV's cabin is loud and, as we noted in a 2012 Verdict of a long-term NV2500, the ride is bouncy when the cargo area is empty.
Cool Fact
The Nissan NV commercial van family rides on the same platform as the first-generation Titan truck.
