2020 Nissan NV Cargo

The NV1500 and NV2500 models come equipped with a tried-and-trusted 4.0-liter gasoline V6 engine producing 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is the standard means of power delivery, with a 5-speed automatic gearbox handling shiftwork. The 6-cylinder engine carries the NV Cargo van with confidence but can feel slightly strained when fully loaded. V6 trims have a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, but adding a tow-hitch receiver increases that figure to 6,900 lbs. The more powerful 5.6-liter V8 motor produces 375 hp and 387 lb-ft. Here power is sent to the rear via a 7-speed automatic. The V8-engined van can tow up to 9,400 lbs, significantly more than its rivals.

The 2020 NV Cargo is all about getting down to business, and it does so very effectively, while its relative age bodes well for reliability. This cargo van might not be the prettiest thing on the road, but under the skin, it shines: both its V6 and V8 engine options deliver impressive performance and allow the NV, in V8 configuration, to hail a class-leading 9,400 lbs. This does, however, come with a hefty fuel bill. On the inside, Nissan offers the bare essentials, and we feel that this doesn't cut it in a market where competitors are delivering car-like interiors in their cargo van offerings, and vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter make the NV's insides look like a cave painting. This won't matter to the shrewd business person, as you're getting a full-size van for the price of a smaller model. The Ford Transit offers much more cargo space thanks to its extended-wheelbase offering, but in standard form, the NV is a hard bargain to beat.

As you may have gathered from this review of the 2020 Nissan NV Cargo, because of the nature of this vehicle, the choice will depend purely on your business needs. If you're simply after something to carry a bit of stock or equipment but not have to trailer a lot, the base-model NV1500 S will be perfect. For heavy-duty jobs, the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD models with the more powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine are the way to go. The V8 models can also tow a hefty amount, which makes the increase in the price of the 2020 Nissan NV cargo van well worthwhile for the upgrade.