Unlike the lower models, the NV3500HD features the more powerful 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine instead of the V6, which produces a healthy 375 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission instead of the five-speed offered with the lower 1500 and 2500 variants. Rear-wheel drive is the only available drivetrain option as there is no all-wheel drive available even as an option.
Performance from the V8 is pretty good as it takes just around 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph from standstill while needing around 16 seconds to cover the quarter-mile ramp. The V6 does feel strained when loaded on the lower trims but the V8 seems to do the job rather well. It manages to tow up to 9,400 lbs and can haul roughly 3,700 lbs worth of cargo at the rear end of the van, both of which are one of the highest for a van of this segment.
Model
|
Nissan NV3500HD Cargo Std Roof SV
|
Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Std WB
|
Ford Transit T-350 Cargo 130” WB Low Roof
|
RAM ProMaster 3500 Cargo 136” WB Low Roof
|
MSRP
|
$37,825
|
$37,395
|
$39,165
|
$39,280
|
Engine
|
5.6L, Naturally Aspirated V8
|
4.3L, Naturally Aspirated V6
|
3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6
|
3.6L, Naturally Aspirated V6
|
Drivetrain
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
7-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
Power
|
375 hp @ 5,800 rpm
|
276 hp @ 5,200 rpm
|
275 hp @ 6,500 rpm
|
280 hp @ 6,400 rpm
|
Torque
|
387 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
|
298 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
|
262 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm
|
260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
|
0-60 mph (sec)
|
7.5
|
8.7
|
7.7
|
8.1
|
Quarter Mile (sec)
|
15.9
|
17.2
|
15.9
|
16.5
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
102
|
104
|
102
|
99
|
Payload Capacity (lbs)
|
3,728
|
4,503
|
4,460
|
4,681
|
Towing Capacity (lbs)
|
9,400
|
10,000
|
6,400
|
6,700
|
The Nissan NV3500 is the only cargo van here to offer a V8 engine as standard under its hood while all the others feature a V6 mill. The aging Chevrolet Express 3500 is a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Nissan and though has a poor acceleration performance, it does offer class-leading towing prowess. The Ford Transit T-350 is much quicker than the Chevy but has a very limited towing capacity. The RAM on the other hand has the best payload capacity but underperforms in both the acceleration and towing aspects and yet is the priciest of the lot.
How does the 2021 Nissan NV3500 Cargo Van handle?
The large vans are never really built to be driven swiftly around corners, especially the ones with tall roofs. The Nissan NV3500 is no exception here as it manages to be calm and composed even with an empty ride but still isn’t meant to be chucked around at high speeds.
The ride tends to feel more composed once there is some cargo in the bed at the rear, but the overall ride and handling are above average for a van this size. The steering is not as light as we would have liked to aid easy maneuvering in the city and there is no feedback at all to offer as well.
2021 Nissan NV3500 Cargo Van Braking Performance
To reiterate our point, since the NV3500 isn’t meant to go at high speeds, it also isn’t meant to stop on a dime. Yet, the large 14.2-inch front and 14.4-inch rear brakes do a great job of stopping the almost 6,200 lbs cargo van in a braking distance of just 147 feet in the 60-0 mph panic braking test. The brake pedal offers no feedback though but is linear in response and feels a bit spongy as well.
Model
|
Nissan NV3500 Cargo
|
Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo
|
Ford Transit T-350 Cargo
|
RAM ProMaster 3500 Cargo
|
Brake Rotors - Front (in)
|
14.2
|
12.8
|
12.1
|
11.8
|
Brake Rotors - Rear (in)
|
14.4
|
13.0
|
12.1
|
11.0
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
6,172
|
5,097
|
4,985
|
4,669
|
60-0 mph (ft)
|
147
|
142
|
138
|
139
|
The Chevy still uses larger brakes in spite of its lower weight but it still needs a few feet more before coming to a complete halt as compared to its rivals. The Ford Transit T-350 is the one that has the shortest stopping distance in the panic braking test which is probably due to its low curb weight. Though the RAM ProMaster is the lightest one of the lot, its smaller brakes become the limiting factor.