2013 Nissan NV3500 details

2013 Nissan NV3500

Nissan has released the new model pricing for its full-size NV vans, equipped with either a V-6 or V-8 gas engine. The functional and boxy some say quirky-looking rear-wheel-drive van comes in cargo and passenger configurations with half, three-quarter and one-ton chassis levels. Cargo vans come in either S or SV trims, and the passenger van, which is only available in 3500 HD, is offered in S, SV and SL trims.

The Nissan NV's exterior profile comes in two different forms depending on which roof you choose: standard or high. With the standard roof, which is the only option on passenger models, the NV looks like one massive rectangle on wheels. The high-roof option is available on NV2500 HD and NV3500 cargo versions and extends the NV's slab higher, albeit with a sharply angled front that extends from the windshield. With the high roof option, a 6-foot-tall person can stand upright in the cargo hold. Windows can be added to the sides and rear of the NV to open up the space and increase visibility. A sliding door on the passenger side allows entry to the NV's rear, while the back doors have a 243-degree maximum opening range for easier loading.

The front seats and most of the switchgear are borrowed from the Titan, complete with adjustable head rests and driver’s lumbar support. Instead of a full-vinyl seat on the S and SV (like Ford and GM) Nissan uses a tough, car-like fabric for the seat and vinyl side bolsters for improved durability. The rear seats are far more comfortable than the competition but not overly comfortable in general thanks to moderately firm padding and an upright seating position.

The 5.6-liter V8 makes 317 horsepower and 385 foot-pounds of torque at 3400 rpm. The 5-speed automatic transmission shifts sharply and in all the right places. Its 3.54 final drive ratio balances good torque on freeway hills with good fuel mileage (the V6 has a 3.36 ratio).

Even though the 2013 Nissan NV Passenger is a full-size van, it doesn't necessarily feel like it. Visibility is good out the front and is enhanced by large side mirrors. The ride quality is decent whether it's unloaded or full, and the noise levels are surprisingly low at freeway speeds, at least by large-metal-box-on-wheels standards.

The NV’s dashboard is formed from hard plastic, just like GM and Ford’s passenger vans. Hard plastics in general put up to hard abuse better than trendy minivan squishy bits. The NV’s interior showed no early wear despite our tester’s gig as a Nissan shuttle for drunk journalists for most of its 6,500 mile life. Although Nissan felt the need to dress parts of the dash in matte black ala GM/Ford, the color choices seem more modern than the competition.

The 2013 Nissan NV Cargo Van is equipped with dual front air bags, 4-wheel ventilated disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control system, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Additionally, the NV 3500HD Passenger Van is equipped with 8 standard air bags, including side-impact air bags for the front-seat occupants and side curtain air bags for all outboard passengers. Optional safety features include a reversing camera, and front and rear park-assist sensors.

The Nissan NV Passenger NV3500 HD SL starts at $31,990, normal pricing for a 2013 passenger van, which costs $31,990 on average.