Long the exclusive realm of American’s automakers, the full-size van segment now names the rear-wheel drive Nissan Passenger NV 3500HD among the models available. Also sold in a cargo configuration for commercial accounts, the NV3500 as a passenger van seats 12 people.
What's New for 2017
For 2017, Nissan increased the 5.6-liter V8's output by 22 percent, to 375 horsepower, and paired the brawnier engine with a new seven-speed automatic transmission.
Choosing Your Nissan Passenger NV3500 HD
The rear-wheel drive Nissan Passenger NV 3500HD is available in three trims: S, SV, and SL. Nissan claims as many as 324 possible seating configurations for this van offering room for up to 12.
A 4.0-liter, V6 with 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque is standard on the S and SV trims. The V6 still uses a five-speed automatic transmission.
A 5.6-liter, V8 engine with 375 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque is optional on the two lower trims and is standard on the SL. A seven-speed automatic is the only available transmission.
Nissan isn't required to supply fuel economy numbers for the NV, since its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds the 8,500 pounds. Cargo space behind the fourth row measures 28.9 cubic feet. Models equipped with the V8 engine are rated to pull up 8,690 pounds, but a tow rating isn't available for the V6.
All models offer four rows of seating, with bucket seats in front, a 65-35 split-bench in the second and third row, and a 50-50 split in the fourth row. The rear three rows are removable. There's a single sliding door on the passenger's side, and 50-50 French doors in back.
Nissan prices the 2017 Passenger NV 3500HD from $33,800 to $41,200. Add $1,195 for the destination charge.
Steer clear of the V6 if you intend to maximize payload or towing. The updated V8 is the best choice, and we think the top-of-the-line SL edition offers everything most customers want. The SL is also the only model with a standard rearview camera, although one is available as part of a tech package on the SV trim.