The Nissan Cargo NV3500 HD is a large commercial van designed to offer an abundance of cargo space, plus the ability to do a lot with it. Nissan maximizes flexibility by offering a choice of two roof heights and three trim levels, allowing commercial operators to choose the NV3500 HD that best suits their needs. The result is a compellingly priced workhorse that provides an alternative to the vans marketed by domestic automakers. Of the three NV Cargo versions, the NV3500 HD is the heaviest-duty. Nissan also offers the NV1500 and NV2500 HD.
What's New for 2017
A new direct-injected 5.6-liter V8 engine and heavy-duty seven-speed automatic transmission are standard. Developing 375 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque, the new V8 replaces a 317-horsepower version that worked with a five-speed automatic. Nissan claims an 8 percent boost in fuel economy.
Choosing Your Nissan Cargo NV3500 HD
When selecting an NV3500 HD, decisions essentially boil down to trim level and roof height. All three trim levels come with the same new 5.6-liter V8 engine, mated to a new seven-speed-speed automatic transmission. Nissan’s midlevel NV2500 HD van can have either a V6 or V8 engine, but the NV3500 HD is V8-only.
All NV Cargo models have rear-wheel drive. The NV3500 HD is available with either a Standard Roof or High Roof configuration.
Cargo-carrying flexibility is enhanced by the van’s 57 reinforced cargo mounting points, 10 reinforced in-ceiling mounting points, and 6 floor mounting points. NV Cargo vans use traditional body-on-frame construction. The cargo area can hold two 48x48-inch pallets, or 4x8-foot drywall sheets.
In our estimation, midlevel SV trim level represents the best balance of necessities and comfort features. It's a solid value overall, and should meet the needs of most commercial vehicle users. The High Roof version lets most users walk and work in the cargo area.