2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo was an all-new model and Nissan’s first full-size commercial van for the U.S. market. It debuted on a body-on-frame platform designed from the start for work use.
About the 2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo
1st-generation U.S. full-size Nissan NV, first year.
Nissan positioned the NV as a work van built around how American contractors, fleets, and delivery operators actually use their vehicles. The core appeal was a truck-like cab with more legroom and easier engine access than traditional snub-nose vans, plus a cargo area designed for shelving, tie-downs, and electrical upfits. For most buyers, the NV1500 Cargo is a simple two-seat cargo hauler for trade work that blends familiar truck hardware with full-size van utility.
The 2012 NV1500 Cargo is a standard-roof, two-seat work van offered in straightforward S and better-equipped SV forms. The S focuses on durability and cargo conversion needs with six floor tie-down rings, 57 reinforced mounting points, and electrical upfit pre-wiring. The SV adds everyday conveniences such as power accessories, a power driver’s seat, steering-wheel controls, cargo-area panels, and rear parking sensors.
What changed, by category
2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 261 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7000 lb | 7000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 234.1 cu-ft | 234.1 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Power Mirrors | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Power Locks | ||
| Power Windows | ||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2012 the first year for the Nissan NV1500 Cargo?
Yes. The 2012 NV1500 Cargo marked Nissan’s first model year in the U.S. full-size commercial-van market and was part of an all-new NV lineup.
Was the 2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo a redesign or a minor update?
It was an all-new vehicle, not a minor update. Nissan introduced a new body-on-frame van platform with a truck-like front end and a cargo area designed for commercial conversions.
What trims did the 2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo have?
The 2012 NV1500 Cargo came in S and SV trims. The S emphasized simple, durable work equipment, while the SV added power accessories, a power driver’s seat, upgraded audio controls, cargo-area panels, and rear parking sensors.
Did the 2012 Nissan NV1500 Cargo have a high roof?
No. The 2012 NV1500 Cargo used the standard-roof body; high-roof versions were offered elsewhere in the larger Nissan NV lineup.
How does the 2012 NV1500 Cargo compare with a 2011 model?
There was no 2011 U.S. NV1500 Cargo to compare with directly. The 2012 model launched Nissan’s full-size NV commercial-van line in the United States.