2013 Nissan NV Cargo NV1500

f you're in the market for a no-frills, reliable full-size work van, the Nissan NV1500 with the 4.0L V6 is worth a serious look. Introduced as a fresh alternative to the Ford Econoline and Chevy Express, the NV1500 blends the front-end ruggedness of a truck with the cargo space of a traditional van, creating a versatile hauler that's especially well-suited for small businesses, contractors, and delivery work. Performance & Engine Under the hood is Nissan's tried-and-true 4.0-liter V6 , also used in models like the Frontier and Xterra. It delivers a solid 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque , paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission . Power delivery is smooth, and the V6 is surprisingly strong, especially for lighter-duty applications. Towing capacity : Up to 6,200 lbs Payload capacity : Around 2,590 lbs Fuel economy : ~ 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway (real-world average tends to be 15-17 mpg) While not as powerful as the NV2500 or NV3500 with the 5.6L V8, the V6 handles city driving, light towing, and local deliveries with ease - and it's easier on fuel and maintenance costs. Interior & Comfort The NV1500 stands out for its truck-like front cabin - if you've ever driven a Nissan Titan or Frontier, it'll feel familiar. The upright seating position gives excellent visibility, and the cabin is well laid out, with plenty of cupholders, storage bins, and optional tech like Bluetooth and navigation. Standard features include: Cloth or vinyl seating Air conditioning Basic stereo with AUX input Manual windows (on base models), power options in higher trims The cargo area is 234 cubic feet , with tall walls and straight sides that make it easy to upfit with shelves or racks. The low step-in height and wide-opening rear and side doors are a huge plus for frequent loading/unloading. Ride & Handling For a full-size van, the NV1500 rides comfortably. The suspension is tuned more like a truck, so it's firm when empty but stable with a load in the back. The rear-wheel drive setup gives it a solid, predictable feel on the road, and its turning radius is surprisingly tight for a vehicle of this size. Noise insulation is decent - better than older work vans - though it's still a big cargo box on wheels, so expect some wind and road noise at highway speeds. Reliability & Maintenance The 4.0L V6 is one of Nissan's most proven engines , and it tends to run reliably well beyond 200k miles with basic upkeep. Maintenance costs are generally low compared to V8 vans, and parts are widely available. Common issues are few, but owners have occasionally reported: Some transmission hesitation in early models Brake wear with heavy use or constant city driving Minor electrical quirks , like faulty sensors Still, overall reliability is strong, especially when the van is used as intended. Verdict The Nissan NV1500 with the 4.0L V6 is a smart choice for contractors, electricians, plumbers, or anyone who needs a dependable cargo van that doesn't break the bank. It's not fancy, and it's not built for towing trailers across the country, but for local jobs, deliveries, or mobile businesses, it offers great space, solid power, and excellent long-term value. ? Rating: 4.2/5