The 2021 Nissan NV1500 cargo van is equipped with a 4.0L DOHC V6 engine producing about 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that works just as intended with no surprises whatsoever. All the power is transferred to the rear wheels only via the automatic transmission. The power output is just enough for light to medium-duty commercial tasks and won’t disappoint you. However, if you need more power you need to opt for the 2500 and 3500 series of NV vans that are equipped with bigger V-8 engines.
Overall we can’t complain about the drivetrain much but expected that Nissan would have given more gear ratios at least as an option for better usage scenarios, fuel economy, and a higher top speed as well. The NV1500 cargo van does a 0-60 mph sprint in about 9.6 seconds and a quarter-mile drag is done under 17.4 seconds. The claimed top speed of the NV1500 is about 100mph which is just about okay for a commercial cargo van. It can carry about 2000 pounds of cargo which is good for a cargo van of its segment.
Model
|
2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Van
|
2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van
|
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van
|
2021 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van
|
Base MSRP
|
$31,285
|
$49,220
|
$36,355
|
$31,540
|
Engine
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4.0L V6
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3.5L V6
|
2.0L turbocharged I4
|
3.6-liter V6
|
Drivetrain
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RWD
|
AWD
|
RWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
5-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic
|
9-Speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
Horsepower
|
261hp @ 5600 rpm
|
275hp @ 6500 rpm
|
188hp @ 5000rpm
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280hp @ 6400 rpm
|
Torque
|
281lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
|
262lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
|
258lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
|
260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
|
0-60 MPH
|
9.6
|
7.6
|
11.3
|
8.1
|
Quarter Mile
|
17.4
|
16
|
18.3
|
16.5
|
Top Speed
|
100
|
97
|
NA
|
NA
|
The Nissan NV1500 is equipped with the largest engine of the lot but is not the most powerful. The RAM ProMaster cargo van is the most powerful in comparison and performs much better than the NV1500. However, it can’t beat the Ford Transit in outright acceleration. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van is the slowest and is equipped with the smallest engine of the lot. Overall, the Ford Transit is a better cargo van in terms of performance.
How does the 2021 Nissan NV1500 cargo van handle?
Usually, commercial cargo vans are not expected to be corner carvers and the Nissan NV1500 cargo van surely isn’t. It is a taller cargo van and comes with a boxy profile which leads to a higher center of gravity. A center of gravity often leads to body roll in aggressive driving conditions and it's sensible to not drive this cargo van aggressively.
The front independent double-wishbone suspension offers good comfort for its passengers and the multi-leaf rear suspension system helps with higher payload capacity. The engine speed-sensitive hydraulic recirculating ball steering offers a lighter steering feel and makes the van easily maneuverable in the city.
2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Van Braking Performance
The Nissan NV1500 cargo van is a bulky van in its segment and with higher weight comes higher momentum. However, it is equipped with much larger 14.2-inch rotors at the front end and 14.4-inch rotors at the rear end. Also, all four wheels come with an anti-lock braking system to prevent skidding of tires under heavy loads and harsh braking conditions. With additional braking assistance features like brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, we expect the Nissan NV1500 cargo van to provide safe and good braking performance.
Model
|
2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo Van
|
2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van
|
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van
|
2021 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van
|
Brake Front (inches)
|
14.2
|
12.1
|
11.8
|
N/A
|
Brake Rear (inches)
|
14.4
|
12.1
|
11
|
N/A
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
5,817
|
4,985
|
4,554
|
4,696
|
60 – 0 mph (ft.)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van is the lightest van in the segment, thanks to its smaller engine. It is equipped with much smaller rotors at both ends but it seems okay owing to less curb weight of just 4554 pounds. It is followed by the RAM ProMaster with 4696 pounds of curb weight, the Ford Transit cargo van with 4985 pounds of curb weight, and larger brake rotors at both ends. The NV1500 gets the largest rotors at both ends, thanks to its higher curb weight of 5817 pounds.