For many businesses, a reliable work van is one of their best assets. Whether you’re a florist, run a rental service, or own a landscaping company, you need a quality work van to deliver your goods and services or get the job done. One of the most affordable options from a respectable automaker is the Nissan NV.

But does it have everything you need to get the job done? Let’s take a look.

The 2021 Nissan NV at a glance

The 2021 Nissan NV is a full-size van that’s highly versatile to handle a wide array of jobs, Car and Driver reports. It’s available as both a cargo and a passenger van. The latter version seats up to 12 passengers. With the high-roof model, you’ll find loading a snap if you need a work van for cargo.

The Nissan NV also has impressive hauling and towing chops with rugged body-on-frame construction like that used in the Chevy Express and GMC Savana. The ride is more like that of a truck, so you won’t get the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit’s smoother ride. 

You’re stuck with a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a seven-speed automatic transmission, but it’s a smooth shifter. You do get a choice of engines. The base model is a 261-hp, 4.0-liter V6 that’s more than enough for light-duty work. The V6 can haul 2,730 pounds and tow 6,900 pounds.

The Nissan NV also has a 5.6-liter V8 that’s used in Titan and Titan XD pickup trucks. The V8 gets 375 hp and has a payload capacity of 3,500 pounds. It can tow up to 9,400 pounds. 

However, 2021 will be the Nissan NV’s last model year in North America. So now is your last chance to buy this van new.

The Nissan NV’s great starting price

The 2021 Nissan NV starts at only $32,035. The folks at Car and Driver consider it a great value because it has the flexibility to handle almost any job. Other vans may have better fuel economy or more modern features, but the NV is a great van for the price.

Car and Driver recommends the NV2500 SV models with the optional 5.6-liter V8 engine, which bumps the price to $37,575. This model offers great value for a cargo van. If you need a passenger van, you can get the V8 engine only with the top-trim 3500 SL. Car and Driver still favors the V8 for the passenger version.  

The good and the bad

This full-size commercial van debuted in 2012, and there’s been only one generation. 

The Nissan NV’s cargo version is a two-seater. It offers 234 cubic feet of space with a standard roof height. With a higher roof that’s about 76.9 inches tall and lets most people stand upright, the NV offers 323 cubic feet of space. Acceleration is good in either configuration, particularly with the V8.

The passenger version has conveniently removable second- and third-row seating that you can also reposition. The fourth row in the back is split down the middle, so you can remove either side or both. There are a few options to make it a bit more upscale. They include heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather seats.

Though the 2021 Nissan NV’s basic warranty is generous five years or 100,000 miles, it doesn’t offer any scheduled maintenance. Still, it’s a much better warranty than competitors’ offerings. 

On the downside, the NV is basic. It doesn’t offer driver-assist features, and it drives like a truck. Its rivals also do better on gas mileage. 

But for the price, you can’t beat the Nissan NV.